Episodes
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Join host Lizzie Mintus in this episode of the Here's Waldo Podcast as she sits down with Perrin Kaplan, a global strategic marketing and communications C-level executive known for her award-winning work in tech, entertainment, consumer products, gaming, mixed reality, AI, and more. Noted in several books, documentaries, and publications, Perrin co-founded female-owned Zebra Partners, a global communications and integrated marketing firm following her role as Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Affairs for Nintendo.
Perrin shares her remarkable journey, from her early career in government to becoming a pivotal force in video game marketing. Tune in to gain valuable insights into branding, differentiation, strategic partnerships, crisis management, and the evolution of the gaming industry, along with a glimpse into Perrin's impactful nonprofit work through Saving Great Animals, a large active nonprofit rescuing and having homed more than 9000 dogs.
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Join host Lizzie Mintus as she interviews inventor and entrepreneur Jeri Ellsworth, co-founder of Tilt Five, the world's first augmented reality tabletop gaming system. 🏁 From building race cars and owning a computer store chain to creating toys for millions, her early achievements set the stage for a groundbreaking career. She then moved on to creating an entire Commodore 64 into one of its iconic joysticks 🕹️, played a pivotal role in creating components found in most VR headsets today, and even convinced the legendary, Gabe Newell at Valve to sell her the technology that is now Tilt Five.
Driven by grit and a passion for tech innovation, Jeri continues to enhance gaming experiences worldwide by pushing boundaries in AR. Listen in to this week's episode of the Here's Waldo Podcast to explore Jeri's early adventures to breaking into Silicon Valley and her take on the future of AR in games.
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Join host Lizzie Mintus as she sits down with Charles 'Chuck' Tolman, a seasoned CTO/CIO with a rich history in the video game industry. Chuck's career began at Atari in 1993, and he has since made significant contributions to over 30 games, including major franchises such as titles like Spider-Man, Call of Duty, and The Walking Dead. In this episode, Chuck shares his journey beginning with his unexpected start in game development to becoming CTO at studios like The Workshop, acquired by Skydance. Discover Chuck's insights on how his leadership propelled Skydance's success in VR gaming, and explore valuable tips for VR game development, including navigating technical challenges, creating immersive experiences, and balancing gameplay mechanics.
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Jen Donahoe is a publishing, marketing, and growth leader with over 20 years of experience in the game, toy, and entertainment industries. She started her career in the toy industry at Hasbro, Disney, and Mattel before moving to the game industry, where she led marketing and growth teams at EA, Zynga, Scopely, and Riot. Today, she is a strategic marketing consultant at Beta Hat and Jade Inferno Consulting.
Tune in for insights on the importance of integrating marketing strategies early in the game development process, highlighting the impact on consumer insights and overall success. We also discuss the significance of company culture, employee treatment, and the role of diversity and allyship in creating a thriving workplace. -
Join host Lizzie Mintus, and guest Scott Hartsman, as they dive deep into the secrets to creating successful live games, streamlining hiring processes, and making tough decisions as a leader. Scott's extensive track record speaks for itself, with a portfolio of successes dating back to the early days of online gaming. From EverQuest 1 and 2 to Rift, Trove, ArcheAge, Gemstone, Scepter, and even online Warcraft, his contributions have generated billions in revenue and engaged hundreds of millions of players. Currently, he serves as an advisor at Brain Jar Games and is an active investor in various companies.
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🎮💡 Unpopular Opinion: #DEI isn't just one person's job! Hiring a DEI specialist or expecting marginalized employees to carry the burden of change isn't going to magically transform your culture. So how can we truly promote positive DEI change? Join us as we sit down with Trinidad Hermida-Black, the Executive Director of Black in Gaming Foundation and CEO of The Hermida Company, focusing on "Building Equity through Empathy." Her work includes shaping inclusive strategies at billion-dollar corporations, launching Niantic's Black Developers Initiative, and so much more. Listen now for insights on hiring for potential, fostering genuine internal communities, overcoming imposter syndrome, navigating board positions, and Trinidad's personal cheat codes for success.
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Join us as we sit down with Russell Ovans, Board Member at East Side Games (ESG). Russell is a free-to-play games executive with a Ph.D. in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence). His diverse career includes founding Backstage Technologies, teaching college, holding executive roles in a tech incubator, and owning a brewery. In 2018, he returned to ESG, where he played a pivotal role in quadrupling the company's revenue and leading it through its IPO. Russell is also the author of "Game Analytics, Retention and Monetization in Free to Play Mobile Games. Tune in to explore key topics such as the importance of having a growth mindset, understanding data literacy across gaming roles, and navigating career paths both within and outside the gaming industry.
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Join us as we sit down with Don McGowan, former General Counsel at Bungie. If you're in the game industry, you've likely heard about Bungie's groundbreaking lawsuit protecting employees from online threats, aka the "Pizza Attack." Don orchestrated the whole process and is here to share the behind-the-scenes details in full. Don's career in the entertainment industry also included stops at The Pokémon Company International and Xbox Game Studios Publishing, where he launched some of the biggest IPs in gaming. Tune in as we dive into the legal side of the gaming industry, discussing topics like employee safety and employer obligations, brand IP and M&A strategies, AI and copyright Issues, the Epic Games vs Apple antitrust lawsuit, and more.
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Join us as we sit down with Mitch Gitelman, a 30-year veteran of the game industry and former CEO of Harebrained Schemes, known for hits like the Shadowrun Returns and Battletech. He also played key roles as a founding member and studio head for Microsoft Games, leading the Xbox Live Arcade business during its heyday. In this episode, Mitch shares wisdom on navigating layoffs with compassion, fostering meaningful industry connections, offering tips on maintaining culture through acquisitions and starting a game company, and discussing his exciting plans for the future as he enters his "act three."
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Jon Radoff is the co-founder and CEO of Beamable, an extensible server platform that enables developers to create online games and virtual worlds in minutes. His journey began at NovaLink, where he developed Legends of Future Past, one of the first MMORPGs. Jon went on to found Eprise Corporation, GamerDNA, and Disruptor Beam, reaching over 20 million players with games like Game of Thrones Ascent and Star Trek Timelines.
Join us as Jon shares his insights on the future of gaming, exploring the transformative potential of generative AI and immersive technologies, and how they intersect with social networking, content creation, and online communities to shape the next generation of the game industry.
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Joshua Howard is the COO of OtherSide Entertainment, a company focused on providing players with innovative gameplay, immersive worlds, and engaging narrative. His focus extends beyond creating great games; he fosters positive team cultures, cultivates future leaders, and prioritizes employee well-being as the foundation for exceptional player experiences. Joshua's experience spans leadership roles in companies like Microsoft, Crytek, and Big Fish. He actively consults, coaches, and writes on leadership and management within the video game industry. A passionate board gamer himself, Joshua believes the principles of game design can be effectively applied to real-world management challenges.
In this episode…Effective leadership is the cornerstone of employee growth. While some leadership styles prioritize control and hierarchy, fostering a culture of empowerment is demonstrably more effective. This approach transforms employees from passive followers into active contributors. However, it begs the question: How can leaders cultivate an environment that ignites employee potential?
Gaming enthusiast Joshua Howard advocates for a leadership style that prioritizes employee growth and empowerment. This entails creating a work environment where employees feel trusted to take ownership of their tasks, contribute their unique ideas, and continuously develop their skills. Joshua also emphasizes open communication, valuing diverse perspectives, and fostering a culture of learning over micromanagement. Ultimately, his leadership approach focuses on building a strong, collaborative team focused on shared goals and mutual well-being. To develop a more empowered and thriving team, it’s crucial to invest in employee development opportunities.
Join Lizzie Mintus on today’s episode of the Here’s Waldo podcast as she interviews Joshua Howard, the COO of OtherSide Entertainment, to talk about fostering employee growth through effective leadership. Joshua discusses the relationship between management and game design, how to be an effective leader, and the value of having a diverse team.
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Valerie Massey is a gaming veteran and community management expert. With more than two decades developing and fostering multiplayer online games, Valerie Massey has worked extensively in public relations, community building, and customer care. She has experience with businesses such as Consortium9, ArtCraft Entertainment, CCP Games, and Leap Motion.
Valerie helped build and establish the Eve Online community from pre-beta through its launch and managed community relations for Crowfall. Her competencies include stellar written and verbal communication skills, crisis strategy, talent management, social media, technical writing, and community building.
In this episode…Creating a great game with an engaged fanbase is the goal of any developer. However, that is only the beginning. With multiplayer online games, fostering a community can be just as difficult. The constant fluctuation of players and attitudes creates a volatile environment, potentially leading to a starving game.
This is why community management is a vital element of any online game. Valerie Massey is one of the most renowned figures in this field, working with games such as Crowfall and EVE Online. Reflecting on her experiences in building gaming communities, Valerie emphasizes the importance of prioritizing members’ needs and desires in game development. Her approach to community management is still worth studying today with valuable insights for anyone in the games industry.
Join Lizzie Mintus on today’s episode of the Here’s Waldo Podcast as she interviews Valerie Massey, gaming veteran and community management expert, about fostering an incredible community. Valerie discusses building healthy relationships within video games, pre-launch strategy, dealing with problematic players, and knowing when to ban. They also draw directly from Valerie’s experience with EVE Online and Ultima Online.
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Moritz Baier-Lentz, is a Partner and Head of Gaming at Lightspeed Gaming, a company that partners with extraordinary founders in the gaming sector. In this position, Moritz has spearheaded investments in groundbreaking ventures, including Fortnite and League of Legends creators. With extensive experience at BITKRAFT and Goldman Sachs, he has advised on over $300 billion in transactions. As a former Diablo II global #1 player, Moritz holds an MBA and MA from Stanford. He is also recognized as a leader by Forbes and the World Economic Forum. Passionate about athletics and philanthropy, he raises funds for depression research through ultramarathons, having amassed over $250,000.
In this episode…Success in the gaming industry often hinges on a blend of innovation, market insight, and strategic decision-making. Staying attuned to emerging trends and fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning can position startups for long-term success and attract investments. How can aspiring entrepreneurs harness their creativity and industry knowledge to carve out their path to success in this dynamic landscape?
Gaming enthusiast Moritz Baier-Lentz exemplifies the power of forging a path through a blend of vision and adaptability. As Moritz explains Lightspeed and BITKRAFT’s approach to evaluating investment opportunities in the gaming industry, it becomes evident that staying ahead requires not just recognizing trends but also knowing how to leverage them effectively. Moritz dissects the elements of a winning pitch for gaming startups, how venture capitalists identify promising game studios, and how to structure your business for funding. This strategic foresight, coupled with an understanding of the advantages of companies becoming generational, presents a compelling narrative of sustained success. To thrive in the gaming industry, embrace innovation, stay adaptable, and continuously seek growth opportunities.
Join Lizzie Mintus on today’s episode of the Here’s Waldo podcast as she interviews Moritz Baier-Lentz, Partner and Head of Gaming at Lightspeed Gaming about attracting investors for your gaming studio. Moritz discusses how he got established in gaming, the advantages of generational companies, industry deals and exit strategies, and what it takes to create an effective pitch.
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Dawn Pinkney is a Career and Executive Coach and the Founder of Marjorie Dawn Coaching, where she provides life coaching services to professionals, empowering them to perform at their best. With over 25 years of experience in the games industry, Dawn has worked extensively in production with renowned teams, contributing to the creation and publication of successful video games for companies like 2K, Activision Blizzard, Capcom, and Wargaming. Her impressive portfolio includes collaborations on beloved franchises such as James Bond, Skylanders, World of Tanks, PGA Tour, and Lego. In addition to her coaching endeavors, Dawn hosts the Hero of Circumstance podcast, offering honest conversations about surviving layoffs and career transitions for those impacted.
In this episode…Navigating a layoff or career transition can be daunting. How can the guidance of a life and career coach make a difference?
Executive coach Dawn Pinkney emphasizes that life coaches offer personalized support and guidance to individuals seeking clarity and direction. These trained professionals help clients set and achieve personal and professional goals, overcome challenges, and navigate life transitions. Working with a life and career coach like Dawn provides individuals with the tools and strategies they need to overcome career challenges with confidence and resilience. Whether it's navigating a layoff, transitioning to a new career, or setting and achieving personal and professional goals, coaches empower individuals to succeed.
Tune in to the latest episode of the Here’s Waldo Podcast, where host Lizzie Mintus chats with Dawn Pinkney, Founder of Marjorie Dawn Coaching, about navigating layoffs and career transitions. Dawn highlights the advantages of life coaching, offers strategies for overcoming job challenges and workplace stress, and shares the inspiration behind her podcast, Hero of Circumstance.
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Dean Takahashi is the Lead Writer for GamesBeat at VentureBeat, a technology news website that provides news, analysis, features, interviews, and videos. He boasts over 28 years of experience as a tech journalist, with a dedicated focus on gaming. Joining VentureBeat in 2008, Dean previously contributed to esteemed publications such as The Mercury News, the Red Herring, the Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, and the Dallas Times-Herald. A prolific author, Dean has penned two acclaimed books, Opening the Xbox and The Xbox 360 Uncloaked. Additionally, he spearheads the organization of the annual GamesBeat and GamesBeat Summit conferences, cementing his role as a prominent figure in the gaming industry.
In this episode…Gaming writers play a vital role in driving discourse, fostering innovation, and shaping the cultural landscape of the gaming industry. Through their passion, expertise, and dedication, they continue to inspire and influence the trajectory of gaming for years to come.
Dean Takahashi is a pioneering gaming journalist who covers gaming industry developments, provides industry insights, and conducts investigative reporting. Beyond providing critical analysis, which helps consumers make informed purchasing decisions, he uncovers stories and reports on industry trends. Additionally, developers, studios, and publishers look to writers to unveil emerging trends in the gaming industry.
Tune in to the latest episode of the Here’s Waldo Podcast as Lizzie Mintus sits down with Dean Takahashi, Lead Writer for GamesBeat at VentureBeat, to delve into the diverse impact of gaming writers. Dean provides insights into VentureBeat and GamesBeat, offers a glimpse into the daily routine of a gaming industry writer, and explores the evolution of journalism alongside its convergence with generative AI. -
Renee Gittins is the Creative Director and CEO of Stumbling Cat, an indie studio based in Seattle. With a diverse skill set encompassing business operations, software engineering, and creative direction, Renee leads her team with a unique blend of expertise. Before her role at Stumbling Cat, she served as the General Manager of Phoenix Labs in Vancouver and held the position of Executive Director at the IGDA. Renee is a dedicated advocate for diversity in the gaming industry, actively promoting initiatives to foster inclusivity and empower developers from all backgrounds. She also serves as the Chair of the IGDA alum board and consults for numerous organizations, leveraging her experience to drive positive change within the industry.
In this episode…The journey of launching a video game studio is akin to brewing a magical potion — a delicate balance of ingredients, timing, and intuition. What is the alchemy behind successful game launches?
Seasoned gaming professional Renee Gittins emphasizes the role of marketing and community support in achieving company success. Building a strong community and fostering meaningful connections with players are crucial for sustaining momentum and cultivating brand loyalty. However, the entrepreneurial journey is marked by ebbs and flows, requiring resilience and adaptability. Renee shares that in the face of challenges, finding inspiration becomes paramount.
Tune in to the latest episode of the Here’s Waldo Podcast, where host Lizzie Mintus sits down with Renee Gittins, the Creative Director and CEO of Stumbling Cat, for an insightful discussion on her journey in launching an indie studio. Renee shares her career background, insights into Stumbling Cat’s Kickstarter process, her personal journey of overcoming social anxiety as a leader and entrepreneur, and the strategies she employed to refine her leadership skills.
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Eric Marcoullier is a Fractional Co-founder and Early-Stage Startup Coach at BPM140 Consulting, where he guides first and second-time founders in the pursuit of finding a successful product-market fit. His journey in the tech industry began with the co-founding of IGN in 1996, where he led product and engineering until its sale three years later. Following this, Eric contributed to game development as a producer at Cyberlore Studios from 2001 to 2005, working on titles for Xbox, PlayStation, and PC platforms. With a diverse entrepreneurial background, Eric has founded multiple companies, some of which were acquired, showcasing his expertise in navigating the startup landscape.
In this episode…Startups require resilience, resourcefulness, and a willingness to embrace challenges and learn from failures. Though drive, passion, and vision may fuel an entrepreneur, success isn’t solely dependent on hard work.
Serial entrepreneur Eric Marcoullier emphasizes that achieving success in the startup world is not solely dependent on hard work but also involves an element of luck. While diligence and perseverance are essential, external factors beyond one's control can significantly determine the outcome. Despite this, Eric remains committed to mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs, sharing his knowledge and experience to help guide them on their journey toward a successful startup.
Tune in to the latest episode of the Here’s Waldo Podcast, where Lizzie Mintus interviews Eric Marcoullier, Fractional Co-founder, and Early-Stage Startup Coach at BPM140 Consulting. He analyzes the interplay between luck and hard work in steering a startup's journey. Eric draws from his own entrepreneurial experiences to provide invaluable insights and actionable advice, including strategies for securing funding in the gaming industry.
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Laura Taranto is the Senior Director of Product Management at Big Fish Games, a developer and distributor of casual games for computers and mobile devices. With 14 years of experience, Laura has traversed various phases of game development, with a particular emphasis on nurturing and growing live titles. In June of 2021, she joined Big Fish Games, where she spearheads new game development and oversees the popular game EverMerge. Before that, Laura held positions at esteemed companies, including Scopely, King, and Wooga, where she contributed to the success of titles such as Tuscany Villa, Farm Heroes Saga, Pearl's Peril, and Diamond Dash. Beyond her work in product management, Laura also contributes actively as a writer and podcast host at Deconstructor of Fun, a leading source of insights into the game industry.
In this episode…Puzzle games have long captivated players with their addictive gameplay and brain-teasing challenges. Behind the scenes, game developers continuously strive to innovate and refine their creations to meet the evolving preferences of players. How can aspiring gaming professionals break into the intricate world of puzzle game development?
Seasoned game developer Laura Taranto highlights one key aspect: the importance of analyzing player feedback in shaping puzzle game development. By closely examining player comments, reviews, and suggestions, developers gain valuable insights into what aspects of the game resonate with players and identify areas for improvement. This feedback-driven approach allows developers to tailor puzzle games better to meet the expectations and preferences of their audience.
Join Lizzie Mintus on today’s episode of the Here’s Waldo Podcast as she interviews Laura Taranto, Senior Director of Product Management at Big Fish Games. Laura discusses her pivotal role at Big Fish, offering insights into the process of analyzing player feedback for game development. Additionally, she shares recent shifts in the gaming industry, providing listeners with valuable perspectives on emerging trends and innovations.
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Jon Wolheim is the Volunteer Vice President of People and Culture at Games For Love, a nonprofit providing video games in children's hospitals and helping medical professionals to meaningfully integrate games into therapies. Jon's education runs through Stanford, USC, and MIT, where he got his start in core Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, ahead of leading some of the largest global HR and hiring teams at Apple and Amazon. Beyond being a top voice on LinkedIn, Jon is a competitive keynote speaker, a highly vocal advocate within the LGBTQ community, and a passionate voice for games and the brilliant minds who make them.
In this episode…In the ever-evolving gaming industry, acquiring talent is paramount for success. What are some valuable insights into optimizing the talent acquisition process to cultivate a vibrant gaming community?
With extensive experience as a recruiter in the gaming industry, Jon Wolheim has witnessed firsthand its evolution. To foster a thriving community, he emphasizes the importance of streamlining hiring processes, promoting diversity and inclusion, and fostering positive workplace dynamics. By actively addressing biases in hiring practices and prioritizing supportive environments alongside retention strategies, gaming companies can establish inclusive workplaces that drive innovation within the industry.
Tune in to the latest episode of the Here’s Waldo Podcast, where Lizzie Mintus hosts Jon Wolheim, Volunteer Vice President of People and Culture at Games For Love, to explore recruiting practices in the gaming industry and the mission of Games For Love. Jon highlights volunteer opportunities within the organization, pathways to kickstart a career in gaming, methods for streamlining the hiring process, and approaches to fostering diversity and inclusion in recruitment.
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Anthony Castoro is the Owner of Protagonist Games, an independent games and technology company specializing in multiplayer and online games. He is also the Founder and CEO of Simulation Theory, a proprietary technologies platform yielding incredible high-performance results for video games, AR/VR, real-time AI applications, and industrial simulations. A gaming industry veteran, Anthony has led teams in developing cutting-edge technologies and immersive gaming environments. With a passion for pushing the boundaries of interactive entertainment, he continues to drive innovation and deliver unforgettable experiences to gamers worldwide.
In this episode…Entering the realm of gaming entrepreneurship demands a fusion of passion, tenacity, and strategic acumen. What insights can aspiring entrepreneurs glean from accomplished trailblazers as they navigate the intricacies of this vibrant industry?
Video game pioneer Anthony Castoro’s venture into the gaming industry began with a passion for creating immersive and engaging experiences for players. However, his entrepreneurial journey wasn't without challenges. Like many startup founders, Anthony faced obstacles along the way, from funding constraints to market competition. His resilience and determination guided him, teaching him invaluable lessons about perseverance and adaptability. One of his key takeaways is the importance of non-traditional paths in game development. Anthony encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to explore alternative avenues, such as self-teaching, online courses, or participating in game jams. These non-traditional paths not only offer valuable learning experiences but also provide opportunities to showcase creativity and talent.
In the latest episode of the Here’s Waldo Podcast, Lizzie Mintus sits down with Anthony Castoro, Owner of Protagonist Games, to delve into insights and guidance for budding gaming enthusiasts. Anthony reflects on his journey spanning Protagonist Games, Simulation Theory, MaxPlay, and Heat Wave, offering alternative avenues into game development and underscoring the pivotal role of mentorship.
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