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Episode Description: In this episode, we dive into the world of game development with Thaddeus Sasser, Game Director of Marvel Rivals at NetEase. Thad shares his journey from working on major franchises like Call of Duty and Battlefield to leading the development of Marvel Rivals. We discuss the challenges of balancing creative vision with stakeholder expectations, bringing iconic Marvel characters to life in a hero shooter, and the final push towards the game’s highly anticipated launch. Whether you’re a game developer, a Marvel fan, or someone interested in the behind-the-scenes of game design, this episode offers invaluable insights.
Timestamps & Key Takeaways:
[02:15] Announcing Marvel Rivals at Gamescom Thad talks about the excitement and relief of announcing Marvel Rivals' release date and the addition of Captain America and Winter Soldier. He shares how this announcement has energized the team as they enter the final stages of development. [08:40] What Does a Game Director Do? Thad explains the role of a game director, detailing how it involves holding the creative vision, managing the team, and making crucial decisions that keep the project aligned and moving forward. He emphasizes the importance of leadership and inspiring the team. [15:30] Balancing Marvel’s Vision with Creative Freedom We explore the challenges of working with a huge IP like Marvel. Thad discusses how his team collaborates with Marvel to ensure characters stay true to their origins while still pushing gameplay boundaries to surprise and delight players. [21:50] Designing Characters and Team Synergy in Marvel Rivals Thad dives into the process of designing diverse heroes with unique abilities and how they ensure balanced and engaging gameplay. He shares how characters like Spider-Man are adapted to maintain their iconic traits while offering a fresh gameplay experience. [28:10] Lessons Learned from Past Franchises Reflecting on his work on games like Call of Duty and Battlefield, Thad shares the importance of iteration, feedback, and making tough cuts in the development process. He explains how these experiences have shaped his approach to Marvel Rivals. [35:00] The Next Steps for a Game Director Thad discusses potential career paths for game directors, from moving into studio-level design roles to starting their own studios. He reflects on his passion for staying hands-on with the creative process and being the vision holder for projects.Key Quotes:
“You have to push the boundaries of the franchise to surprise and delight players while staying true to the core IP.” “There’s a moment when you find the fun, and that’s what keeps you hooked.” “I love being the vision holder and part of the creative process.” -
Episode Description:In this episode, we sit down with Yaroslav Rudnitskiy, ASO expert and Head of ASO at AppFollow, to explore the power of App Store Optimization (ASO) and the importance of feedback management in app development. Yaroslav shares strategies for boosting your app’s visibility, engaging with users, and maintaining a positive reputation in the competitive app marketplace. Whether you’re a developer, marketer, or just curious about how apps gain traction, this episode offers valuable insights into the tools and tactics that drive success.
Timestamps & Key Takeaways:
[04:00] What is ASO and Why It Matters
Yaroslav breaks down App Store Optimization (ASO), comparing it to SEO for apps. He explains how ASO boosts organic downloads through strategic keyword placement and optimized metadata. [11:45] App Store vs. Google Play: Key Differences
Yaroslav highlights the key differences between the App Store and Google Play algorithms, including how each platform evaluates app visibility and performance. [19:30] The Importance of Regular Metadata Updates
Yaroslav emphasizes the need for frequent updates to your app’s metadata to keep up with changing algorithms and market trends, suggesting updates every 6 weeks. [27:20] Managing Feedback and Reputation with AppFollow
Managing app reviews is crucial for building trust. Yaroslav discusses how AppFollow’s tools help developers manage user feedback, automate responses, and engage more effectively with their community. [35:00] Leveraging Competitor Analysis to Enhance ASO
Yaroslav advises developers to analyze competitors to find opportunities for improvement. By understanding what others are doing well—or poorly—you can refine your own ASO strategy. [42:10] Success Stories: Feedback Automation in Action
Yaroslav shares a success story from Maitona, a game publisher that used AppFollow’s automation tools to manage feedback efficiently, enhancing user satisfaction and retention.Key Quotes:
“ASO is about making your app visible and converting those views into downloads.” “Regular updates to your metadata can significantly impact your app’s search ranking.” “Feedback is gold. Engaging with your users and addressing their concerns builds trust and keeps your app relevant.” -
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Episode Summary:
In this episode, we’re joined by James Zinn, Partnership Manager at Shockbyte, to dive deep into the world of server hosting, multiplayer game experiences, and player-owned game servers. James shares his insights on the balance between cost and control in multiplayer game development, and how developers can utilize player-owned servers to foster community, enable user-generated content (UGC), and manage their server hosting costs.We also explore James' journey into gaming, his role at Shockbyte, and how Shockbyte is providing solutions for game developers and players alike. Whether you’re a developer looking for alternatives to AWS or Microsoft Azure, or a gamer curious about how multiplayer servers operate behind the scenes, this episode has something for you.
Timestamps for Key Takeaways:
[03:30] Understanding Different Server Types: P2P vs. Dedicated Servers
James breaks down the different types of multiplayer servers, explaining the pros and cons of P2P (peer-to-peer) and dedicated servers. He also discusses why many game developers choose one over the other, using examples like Battlefield and League of Legends. [17:30] Player-Owned Game Servers: Benefits for Developers and Communities
James highlights the benefits of player-owned game servers (POGS), including how it lowers costs for developers and encourages community engagement. He emphasizes the importance of UGC in building strong gaming ecosystems and how this model allows players to take ownership of their gaming experiences. [24:30] Monetizing Player-Owned Servers
James shares real-world examples of how players can monetize their custom servers by selling in-game items or experiences. We discuss how games like GTA and Minecraft allow server owners to run their own in-game economies and the impact of this on gaming communities. [32:00] Conference Experiences and Networking in the Gaming Industry
James reflects on his experiences at major gaming conferences like Gamescom, GDC, and DICE, offering advice on networking in the gaming industry. He shares personal stories of meeting influential people in the gaming world and the importance of putting yourself out there to build meaningful connections. [36:30] Advice for Aspiring Game Developers
For listeners hoping to break into the gaming industry, James offers practical advice on how to get started. He emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience, whether through volunteering, joining game communities, or creating your own games using platforms like Unity or Unreal Engine. -
In this episode, we are joined by Nigel Franks and Kristie Dale from Snowed In Studios, a distinguished studio within the Keywords family. They dive into the nuances of crafting unforgettable player experiences, discussing the key challenges, cutting-edge technologies, trends, and best practices in the gaming industry.
Nigel Franks, serving as the studio production director at Snowed In Studios, offers his valuable expertise in game development project management. Kristie Dale, on the other hand, as a producer provides insights into the varied job opportunities in the gaming sector, covering roles from artists to customer support to digital media.
Additionally, we explore the impressive talent and brainpower within the Keywords Network. As we collectively work on some of the world's most prominent games, the passion and talent within our network of game creators and entrepreneurs are truly remarkable.
This episode is essential for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the gaming industry, acquiring insights from industry veterans, and discovering the exciting career opportunities available.
Be sure to listen to this episode on our podcast platform or visit our website for more information. And don't forget to subscribe to the Player Engage podcast for future episodes, including an intriguing conversation with Mike Gallagher from Untitled Ad Lab about the marketing dynamics in gaming.
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Episode Description: In this episode, we sit down with Jack Burrows, a talented level designer at NetEase Games, who has worked on some of the most iconic titles in the gaming industry, including Call of Duty and Marvel Rivals. Jack shares his journey from a QA Specialist to a lead level designer, offering insights into the complexities of creating immersive game environments. He also discusses the importance of feedback in the creative process and how he navigates the challenges of designing for a diverse range of characters in Marvel Rivals.
Key Takeaways:
The Journey from QA to Level Designer: Jack discusses his early career challenges and how his determination and passion for game design led him from QA roles to becoming a level designer at Treyarch and eventually at NetEase Games.
Flow and Immersion in Level Design: The importance of creating levels that maintain a seamless flow, keeping players fully immersed in the game. Jack explains the process of planning and playtesting to ensure that each element contributes to the overall gameplay experience.
Designing for Diverse Characters: Jack shares the unique challenges of designing levels for Marvel Rivals, where he must accommodate a wide range of characters with different movement abilities, ensuring that each level offers something engaging for all players.
The Role of Feedback in Game Development: The significance of constructive criticism in the creative process. Jack emphasizes the need for open and honest feedback to foster growth and improvement in game design.
Advice for Aspiring Game Designers: Jack offers practical advice for those looking to break into the gaming industry, highlighting the importance of persistence, networking, and continuously honing one’s craft.
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Greg chats with Tomer Pascal, the co-founder and CEO of Own Play, about their innovative project, CityVerse Tycoon. This episode dives into the integration of Web3 technology in gaming, the challenges of using blockchain and NFTs, and how CityVerse Tycoon offers a seamless gaming experience for both Web3 enthusiasts and casual players alike. Tomer also shares insights into the use of Progressive Web Apps (PWA), real-world assets in gaming, and the importance of community engagement in game development.
Listen Here: Exploring Web3 Gaming with Tomer Pascal
Timestamps & Key Takeaways:
03:18.22 - 05:27.34: Simplifying Web3 for Players Tomer discusses how CityVerse Tycoon integrates blockchain and NFTs seamlessly into the gameplay, making it accessible even for players unfamiliar with Web3 technology. 08:34.56 - 10:15.29: The Power of Progressive Web Apps (PWA)A deep dive into why the team chose a PWA over a traditional mobile app, focusing on accessibility and avoiding app store limitations. 12:41.68 - 14:09.52: Real-World Assets in CityVerse Tycoon Tomer explains how players can buy, trade, and improve real-world assets like buildings in Manhattan, adding a financial strategy element to the game. 16:30.44 - 18:07.91: Community Engagement and Feedback Tomer highlights the importance of engaging with the player community through platforms like Discord and the role of player feedback in shaping the game’s development. 21:22.31 - 22:58.44: Balancing Web2 and Web3 Challenges A discussion on the complexities of integrating Web2 and Web3 elements, and the challenges of running two startups simultaneously. -
Greg sits down with Catherine Litvaitis, a seasoned community manager with experience at Mouldbreaker Interactive, Armor Games Studios, and Paradox Interactive. Catherine shares her journey from being a player on Neopets to managing communities for various gaming companies. She delves into the importance of community guidelines, the role of a community manager, and best practices for building and nurturing gaming communities.
Listen Here: Community Management and Guidelines with Catherine Litvaitis
Timestamps & Key Takeaways:
01:49.48 - 02:33.94: The Role of a Community Manager Catherine explains the role of a community manager as a liaison between players and developers, emphasizing the importance of translating feedback and fostering player engagement.
04:01.80 - 05:18.35: Neopets Influence Catherine discusses how her experience with Neopets shaped her interest in community management and her understanding of player-driven content and engagement.
11:05.35 - 12:37.01: Building a Community from Scratch Catherine shares strategies for starting a community from scratch, including understanding your audience and creating spaces for creativity and engagement.
24:52.62 - 26:21.20: Tools for Community Management Catherine talks about the tools she uses for community management, including Slack, Discord, ClickUp, and Notion, and how they help streamline communication and task management.Key Concepts:
The Role of a Community Manager: Community managers serve as the bridge between players and developers, translating feedback into actionable insights and ensuring that player voices are heard.
Influence of Early Online Communities: Early experiences on platforms like Neopets and Club Penguin can inspire and shape one's career in community management by highlighting the importance of player-driven content and engagement.
Starting a Community: Understanding your audience, creating spaces for fan art and discussions, and engaging with players are crucial steps in building a successful community from scratch.
Community Guidelines: Customized community guidelines are essential for each game and company, focusing on inclusivity and protection against scams and harmful behavior.
Tools for Effective Management: Utilizing tools like Slack, Discord, ClickUp, and Notion can help community managers streamline their tasks, communicate effectively, and maintain organized documentation.
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Episode Description: In this episode of Player: Engage, Greg chats with Dang-Stefan La Hong from Playa Games and Conor McGinley from Bytro. They dive into the transformation of customer support in the gaming industry, exploring the shift from external to in-app support systems, the integration of community platforms like Discord, and the balance between automation and human interaction. Learn how these leaders are enhancing player experiences and managing the challenges of implementing new technologies.
Timestamps & Key Takeaways:
02:46.01 - 03:48.53: Transition to In-App Support Dang and Conor discuss the motivations behind transitioning support systems from external methods like email to integrated in-app solutions, emphasizing the benefits for efficiency and player satisfaction. 07:35.62 - 08:53.39: Player Reactions to New Support Systems Dang shares insights on player reactions to the new support system, noting the mix of appreciation and initial overwhelm with automated responses. 09:52.28 - 10:58.61: Integrating Discord for Community Interaction Conor explains how integrating Discord has helped manage community support by enabling players to interact and assist each other through dedicated channels. 12:22.85 - 13:33.84: Managing Team Expectations and Automation Fears Both guests discuss the importance of managing their teams' concerns about automation and ensuring that human oversight remains a crucial part of customer support.Key Concepts:
Transition to In-App Support: Moving support systems in-app improves consistency, provides better context for issues, and enhances the player experience by allowing them to stay within the game environment. Player Reactions: Players' reactions to new support systems can be mixed. While automation can streamline processes, some players may prefer traditional methods and need time to adjust. Community Interaction: Utilizing platforms like Discord can help manage lower-level support queries through community interaction, allowing support agents to focus on more complex issues. Automation vs. Human Touch: Balancing automation with human oversight is crucial. Automation can handle repetitive tasks, but human agents are necessary for complex and nuanced issues. Managing Change: Implementing new systems requires clear communication and expectation management to address fears and ensure smooth transitions for both teams and players. -
Description: In this exciting episode of the Player: Engage, Greg is joined by Mike O'Connor, CEO of Mr. Kite and the visionary behind Today The Game. Mike shares his insights on integrating AI and Web3 technologies to create an innovative social sandbox game. With a rich background in filmmaking and game development, Mike offers a unique perspective on the future of immersive gaming experiences.
Key Topics Discussed:
Introduction to Mike O'Connor and Mr. Kite (00:00 - 01:14): Greg introduces Mike O'Connor and discusses his background in filmmaking and game development.
Overview of Today The Game and its unique approach to blending AI and Web3 technologies.
Integrating AI for Dynamic NPCs (01:14 - 01:37): Mike explains how AI is used to create dynamic, interactive NPCs that build genuine relationships with players.
The importance of creating immersive and engaging character interactions.
The Power of Storytelling in Gaming (06:46 - 07:34): Discussion on the significance of storytelling in Today The Game.
How Mike’s filmmaking background enhances the game's narrative experience.
Leveraging Web3 for Player Empowerment (21:21 - 22:46): Mike talks about the integration of Web3 technology to provide true ownership of in-game assets.
The benefits of a player-driven economy and fostering a sense of community.
Simplifying Onboarding and Player Experience (34:58 - 36:50): Addressing the challenges of onboarding players in Web3 games.
Today The Game’s approach to making the onboarding process seamless and enjoyable.
Future Innovations and Democratization of Game Development (40:46 - 42:55): How AI and generative technologies are democratizing game development.
Enabling smaller studios to compete with industry giants and innovate creatively.
Mike’s Journey and Career Insights (26:58 - 29:13): Mike shares his journey from a producer at Nintendo and Sega to becoming the CEO of Mr. Kite.
The importance of collaboration and having good processes in place in game development.
Upcoming Play Test and Community Engagement (37:29 - 40:08): Information about the upcoming closed play test for Today The Game.
How to get involved and provide feedback.Call to Action: Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation! Listen to the full episode to learn more about the future of gaming with AI and Web3, and how Today The Game is setting new standards in the industry.
Follow Us:
LinkedIn: Greg Posner Website: Player EngageConnect with Today The Game:
Twitter: @TodayTheGame Website: Today The Game -
Episode Description:
In this episode of Player: Engage, Greg hosts a panel with three distinguished guests from GDC's Community Clubhouse: Mike Pappas, CEO of Modulate; Kieran Donovan, CEO of KID; and Tess Lynch, a privacy and IP attorney at Premac Rogers. They discuss the delicate balance of trust and safety in gaming, addressing technical solutions, legal challenges, and best practices for creating safer gaming environments while respecting player privacy.
Timestamps & Key Takeaways:
06:08.65 - 07:50.70: Key Takeaways from Community Clubhouse at GDC: Kieran, Mike, and Tess share their reflections on the event, discussing player happiness, the importance of communication, and the need for more in-depth implementation discussions. 11:40.02 - 14:07.47: Balancing Player Safety and Privacy: Mike uses an analogy to explain the compromise between privacy and safety, stressing the need for clear communication of expectations to players. 20:04.53 - 22:59.70: Technology Solutions for Trust and Safety: Mike explains Modulate's ToxMod and its privacy-preserving approach to voice moderation, emphasizing the importance of proactive moderation. 30:32.37 - 32:28.44: Challenges and Strategies for Indie Developers: Tess advises indie developers to start by understanding their exposure points and implementing appropriate privacy and safety measures based on their game's features and target audience.Key Concepts:
Player Happiness Index: Kieran discusses the concept of a player happiness index, which focuses on understanding where players are happiest and aligning safety and empowerment with player engagement. Communication and Expectations: Mike highlights the importance of platforms clearly communicating their expectations and rules to players to prevent misunderstandings about acceptable behavior. Privacy and Safety Balance: The panelists discuss the need to find a balance between player safety and privacy, using analogies to illustrate how minimal data collection can still ensure a safe environment without being overly intrusive. Proactive Moderation: Mike explains how proactive moderation tools like ToxMod help identify and address harmful behavior in real-time, reducing the burden on players to report issues. Advice for Indie Developers: Tess and Mike emphasize the importance of hiring experts, collaborating with trust and safety professionals, and leveraging existing resources and tools to build a safe and compliant game environment. -
Episode Description: In this episode of Player: Engage, Greg interviews Sharon Fisher, the Head of Trust and Safety at Keywords Studios. Sharon shares her extensive experience in building and managing trust and safety teams, the challenges of moderating online communities, and the role of technology and AI in preventing harmful behavior. The conversation also covers strategies for creating safer gaming environments and the importance of well-being for trust and safety moderators.
Timestamps & Key Takeaways:
02:12.22 - 04:11.27: Moderation and PreventionSharon discusses the importance of preventive moderation and the tools needed to support moderators in identifying and addressing real-time threats.
07:02.04 - 09:54.65: Collaboration and Community SafetyEmphasizes the need for developers to collaborate with community teams early in the game development process to anticipate and mitigate potential risks.
Highlights the importance of preventive measures to create a safer gaming environment from the start.
11:33.78 - 14:37.91: AI and Human Interaction in Trust and SafetySharon talks about the integration of AI in trust and safety, stressing the necessity of human oversight to ensure accuracy and context in moderation.
Discusses the challenges of training AI models and the importance of balancing AI and human intervention.
18:37.93 - 20:33.75: Incentivizing Positive EngagementSharon proposes focusing on rewarding positive behaviors in communities rather than just punishing negative actions.
Suggests creating systems that encourage constructive interactions and reduce the appeal of trolling.Key Concepts:
Preventive Moderation:Sharon emphasizes the importance of having preventive measures in place to quickly identify and address harmful behavior in real-time. This involves using advanced tools and technologies to support moderators in their roles.
Collaboration Between Developers and Community Teams:Highlighting the necessity for developers to work closely with community teams from the early stages of game development. This collaboration helps in identifying potential risks and implementing safety features proactively.
Balancing AI and Human Oversight:The integration of AI in trust and safety is crucial, but it must be balanced with human oversight. Sharon discusses the challenges in training AI models and the importance of human moderators to ensure accurate and contextually appropriate decisions.
Incentivizing Positive Behavior:Instead of focusing solely on punitive measures, Sharon advocates for systems that reward positive community engagement. This approach can help in shaping a healthier community culture and reducing the impact of negative behavior.
Moderator Well-being:The well-being of trust and safety moderators is essential. Sharon shares how Keywords Studios has implemented programs to support the mental and emotional health of their moderators, leading to improved retention and overall job satisfaction.
Brand Protection and Community Safety:Sharon discusses how proactive trust and safety measures can protect a brand’s reputation and create a safer environment for all players. She emphasizes that companies should invest in these measures not only for legal and ethical reasons but also for long-term community and business benefits. -
Episode Description: In this episode of Player: Engage, Greg talks with Dan Fox, a seasoned expert in cybersecurity and the leader of the cybersecurity team at ScalePad. Dan shares his career journey, insights into building successful startups, and the importance of staying curious and adaptable in the ever-evolving tech industry. They discuss the role of AI in cybersecurity, the importance of customer experience, and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Listen Here: Dan Fox - ScalePad
Timestamps & Key Takeaways:
00:01.25 - 01:25.08: Greg introduces Dan Fox, highlighting his impressive background in cybersecurity and his role in various successful companies, including Smarsh, Securecast, Carbonite, and Webroot.
09:15.91 - 09:45.14: Startup Challenges and Strategies - Dan shares his experiences in startup environments, discussing the importance of wearing multiple hats, staying adaptable, and learning from both successes and failures.
25:26.28 - 25:58.21: Delivering Value to Customers - Emphasizes the importance of listening to customers, solving their problems effectively, and being an advisory partner rather than just a salesperson.
30:48.71 - 31:37.05: Staying Curious and Lifelong Learning - Dan highlights the significance of continuous learning and curiosity, sharing examples of how he expanded his knowledge through formal courses and self-education.
38:02.03 - 39:37.54: Leveraging AI in Cybersecurity - Discusses the integration of AI in cybersecurity for automating tasks, improving threat detection, and enhancing customer support processes.Key Concepts:
Startup Environment: Dan emphasizes adaptability and versatility in startups, highlighting the need to wear multiple hats and learn from both successes and failures.
Customer Experience: Dan underscores the importance of understanding and solving customer problems effectively. He believes in being an advisory partner to build strong, lasting relationships and trust.
Continuous Learning: Staying curious and committed to lifelong learning is crucial. Dan shares his journey of continuous education, using formal courses and online resources to stay ahead in the tech industry.
AI Integration: The integration of AI in cybersecurity is transforming the industry. Dan explains how AI automates tasks, enhances threat detection, and improves customer support processes, leading to greater efficiency and accuracy.
Career Evolution: Dan’s career demonstrates the importance of being open to new opportunities and adapting to different roles. His journey from customer support to founding successful startups and leading cybersecurity teams showcases the diverse paths to success in tech.
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Episode Description: In this episode of Player: Engage, Greg interviews James Gallagher, the Head of Community Management at Keywords Studios. James shares his journey through various roles in the gaming industry, the evolution of community management, and strategies for building and maintaining strong player communities. They discuss the importance of community managers, the distinction between audiences and communities, and the role of different social media platforms in community building.
Listen Here: James Gallagher - Keywords Studios
Timestamps & Key Takeaways:
00:01.42 - 01:34.09: Introduction and Career Journey
James introduces himself and his extensive background in community management, including roles at Techland, eBay, Rockstar, and Sony. 02:25.18 - 04:31.60: Evolution of Community Management
James discusses the shift from early community management on forums to the rise of social media platforms like Facebook and Discord, and the importance of adapting to new tools and trends. 11:20.93 - 13:33.59: Building and Engaging Communities
Insights into the differences between building audiences on social media and fostering interactive communities on platforms like Discord and Reddit. 19:09.26 - 21:45.49: Strategic Community Building
Strategies for indie game developers to start building their communities, focusing on underserved niches and engaging players from the development phase. 38:40.44 - 41:02.42: Managing a Global Team
James talks about managing a team of over 100 community managers across 31 countries, emphasizing the importance of structure, internal community, and promoting from within.Key Concepts:
Evolution of Community Management: Transition from traditional forums to modern social media platforms and the need to adapt to new trends. Audience vs. Community: The distinction between building audiences and fostering interactive, engaging communities. Community Building Strategies: Practical advice for indie developers on identifying and engaging niche audiences. Managing Global Teams: Effective management of a large, geographically diverse team and the importance of internal community building. Adaptability and Curiosity: The importance of staying curious and adaptable in the ever-evolving field of community management. -
Description: In this episode, Greg Posner chats with Patrick Jesseman, founder of Alkemi Labz. They discuss the intricacies of indie game development, the importance of a small, dedicated team, and the innovative techniques used to create high-quality games. Patrick shares his journey from film to game development and highlights the tools and strategies that make Alkemi Labz' projects stand out.
Main Topics and Timestamps:
01:00: Transition from film to game development 02:30: Innovative techniques in indie game development 11:00: Importance of a small, agile team 20:00: The impact of new tools and technologies 30:00: Overcoming industry challengesKey Topics:
Efficient Use of Small Teams: Leveraging a small, focused team for maximum impact
Balancing roles and responsibilities among team members
Utilizing Advanced Tools: Implementing tools like Unreal Engine, Nanite, and Lumen
Benefits of using high-quality assets and AI-driven tools
Story-Driven Game Development: Combining cinematic storytelling with interactive gameplay
Creating immersive narratives and engaging player experiences
Overcoming Industry Challenges: Navigating the complexities of indie game production
Strategies for maintaining creativity and innovation under constraints
Community and Collaboration: Building a supportive indie game development community
Collaborating with other developers and tech innovatorsGuest Bio: Patrick Jesseman is the founder of Alkemi Labz, a cutting-edge indie game studio known for its innovative use of technology and cinematic storytelling. With a background in film and extensive experience in game development, Patrick brings a unique perspective to the industry.
Resources and Links:
Alkemi Labz Visit our Player Engage website for more information. Follow Patrick Jesseman on LinkedIn. Subscribe to the Player Engage Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. -
In this episode of Player: Engage, Greg is joined by Dr. Ruth Diaz, a psychologist and conflict resilience expert. Ruth leads The Troll Project, a VR initiative designed to combat alienation and foster human connection. She shares insights from her Deepen Orient Transform model, explores the psychological aspects of trolling, and discusses how to build inclusive communities online.
Listen Here: Ruth Diaz - The Troll Project
Timestamps & Key Takeaways: 00:01 - 01:11: Introduction and Ruth’s Background
Ruth introduces herself and her work, highlighting her transition from veterinary medicine to psychology and her current focus on The Troll Project. 10:27 - 13:30: Understanding Trolling Behavior
Ruth explains the dynamics of trolling, how it often stems from social anxiety and a need for connection, and the importance of approaching trolls with curiosity. 20:11 - 22:45: The Evolution of Trolls
Discussion on how trolls evolve, the role of social anxiety, and how structured environments can mitigate harmful behavior. 32:21 - 34:50: Differentiating Trolling from Bullying
Ruth explores the differences between trolling and bullying, highlighting the impact of anonymity and the importance of setting boundaries and recognizing harmful behavior. 41:30 - 44:16: Addressing Crisis Situations in VR
Ruth shares a poignant example of a crisis situation in VR involving a suicide threat, discussing the importance of group intervention and support.Key Concepts: Trolling Behavior: Understanding the psychological roots of trolling and the need for curiosity in addressing it. Community Building: Strategies for creating inclusive and supportive online communities that address and mitigate harmful behavior. Conflict Resilience: The importance of teaching conflict resilience and building systems that support healthy community dynamics. Crisis Intervention: Effective ways to handle crisis situations in virtual environments through group support and intervention. Differentiating Trolling and Bullying: Recognizing the distinctions between trolling and bullying, and understanding when trolling crosses the line into harmful behavior. -
Key Takeaways Evolution of In-Game Economies:
The gaming industry has shifted from paid games to free-to-play and subscription models, significantly impacting game economies.
Smartphone gaming has popularized business models that perform well on mobile platforms. Role of Economists in Game Development:
Economists play a crucial role in balancing in-game economies to ensure fair and engaging player experiences.
Sophisticated economic systems in games like Fortnite and Roblox highlight the importance of economic expertise in game design. Single Player vs Multiplayer Games:
Narrative-driven single-player games continue to have a strong market presence despite the rise of multiplayer and live service games.
Companies like Sony are investing in narrative games, indicating ongoing demand for story-rich gaming experiences. Virtual Events and Cloud Gaming:
Virtual events, such as concerts in Fortnite, offer new ways to engage players and attract non-gamers.
Cloud gaming services are growing, providing more accessibility to high-quality gaming experiences across different devices. Importance of Customer Support:
Effective customer support, especially through in-app services, is crucial for player satisfaction.
AI tools are increasingly used to manage trust and safety, ensuring a positive gaming environment. -
In this episode of the Player Engage podcast, Greg welcomes Lesley Nagy, the founder of Mind Body Trivia, a unique mobile game that combines health, fitness, and wellness with engaging trivia gameplay. Lesley shares her journey from being a TV host to creating a women-led startup that is making waves in the gaming industry. She discusses the inspiration behind Mind Body Trivia, the challenges of developing a game without prior experience, and the importance of inclusive and diverse content. Lesley also highlights the role of community feedback in improving the game and her commitment to supporting other women in the gaming industry.
Key Takeaways: Innovative Trivia Gameplay: Learn how Mind Body Trivia uses image-based answers and modern pop culture references to make trivia fun and educational. Women in Gaming: Discover Lesley's experiences and insights on the importance of women supporting women in the gaming industry. Building a Game from Scratch: Hear about the challenges and solutions Lesley encountered while developing her game without a background in coding. Community Engagement: Understand the role of community feedback in shaping and improving Mind Body Trivia.To dive deeper into Lesley's inspiring journey and the unique features of Mind Body Trivia, listen to the full episode. You'll gain valuable insights into the intersection of gaming, health, and community building. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation!
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In this engaging episode of the Player Engage podcast, Greg sits down with Aislinn McDivitt, the Global Engagement Specialist at Hyper Hippo. Aislinn shares her intriguing journey from aspiring to be a teacher to diving into the gaming industry, highlighting her transition through various roles and how her background in media and cultural studies influenced her career path. The discussion delves into the nuances of global player engagement, exploring how Hyper Hippo tailors experiences for diverse player bases, especially focusing on non-English speaking markets.
Key takeaways from the episode include:
Insights into the role and challenges of a Global Engagement Specialist in the gaming industry. The impact of cultural and linguistic considerations in game development and player support. Aislinn's personal journey and the unexpected paths that led her to her current role in the gaming sector.For a deeper understanding of how cultural nuances influence game development and to hear more about Aislinn's unique career journey, tune into this episode of Player Engage. Discover the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into creating inclusive and engaging player experiences across global markets. Listen now to gain more insights!
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In this episode of the Player Engage podcast, host Greg Posner interviews Ivan Zaguirre from SocialPoint. Ivan shares his nine-year journey at SocialPoint, discussing his various roles and the recent release of their new game, Top Troops. Ivan emphasizes the importance of understanding the gaming audience and tailoring the product to their tastes and preferences. He also highlights the significance of metrics in measuring success and making data-driven decisions. Ivan touches on the challenges of product management in the gaming industry and the need for effective communication and alignment within teams. He concludes by encouraging aspiring product managers to embrace the role and prioritize early product-market fit and audience feedback.
Overall, this episode provides valuable insights into the product management process in the gaming industry, highlighting the importance of metrics, audience understanding, and effective communication. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and strategies involved in creating successful player experiences.
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In this engaging episode of the Player: Engage podcast, we delve deep into the world of community in gaming from multiple perspectives. Our host, Greg, is joined by three distinguished guests from the gaming industry: Ben Kvalo from Midwest Games, Anna Wright from Niantic, and Carlos Figueiredo from Minecraft. Each guest shares their unique insights on building and nurturing gaming communities, emphasizing player safety, community engagement, and the integration of community feedback into game development.
Key takeaways from this episode include:
Ben Kvalo's insights on the business end of gaming and the importance of market strategies for game launches. Anna Wright's experiences at Niantic, discussing the impact of real-world interactions in games like Pokémon Go and how these shape community dynamics. Carlos Figueiredo's perspective on player safety as a design discipline, highlighting the evolution of community safety features in games like Minecraft.For a deeper understanding of how these industry leaders are shaping the future of gaming communities and ensuring safe, engaging environments for players, tune into this episode of Player: Engage. Their stories and strategies are not just informative but also a testament to the dynamic and ever-evolving world of gaming. Listen now to explore the intricate balance between player engagement and safety and discover how top companies are leveraging community feedback to enhance gaming experiences.
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