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In this episode I'm speaking to Dino Patti - Founder @ Coherence - a network engine, platform and a series of tools to help anyone create a multiplayer game and a Co-Founder of Playdead.
We talk about his journey in the gaming industry, the creation of Limbo. We also discuss Coherence, how the company powers the multiplayer gaming and the importance of creating experiences that last.
Lastly we touch on the topic of raising money in the industry, the role of publishers, and the keys to launching a successful game.
It was a great conversation, and I hope that you will all enjoy it, and take something away from it.
00:00 Introduction
04:17 Game Development
06:44 Starting Playdead and the Challenges Faced
09:27 Securing Funding and Hiring the First Employee
12:53 Pitching to Investors and Publishers
17:17 The Vision Behind Limbo and its Execution
19:49 Development Timeline
24:45 The Impact of Unity and the Changing Gaming Landscape
26:48 Raising Money for Game Development
40:46 The Keys to Success in the Gaming Industry
47:13 The Role of Publishers in Community Building
49:12 Emphasizing Uniqueness and Innovation in Game Design
52:24 Prioritizing Gameplay over Monetary Success
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This time I'm joined by Jesus Bosch.
Jesus is a General Manager @ Product Madness, and previously a Founder & CEO at Starloop Studios.
In the podcast we discuss Jesus experience of building a Starloop Studio from 0 to 70 people as well as his experience of growing Product Madness from 0 to 120 people, we also talk about today’s gamedev market, talk about the importance of choosing the right people for your company, and the definition of what makes a company successful.
It was great meeting Jesus, and learning from him and his experience. Hope you will enjoy listening to it!
00:00 Introduction & 2024 hiring market
02:22 What do you do at Product Madness?
05:20 How did you enter the industry?
06:54 Starloop Studios
14:58 What defines a successful company?
16:44 When should you consider adding HR to the team?
18:17 When should you pivot?
22:19 What games do you play currently?
23:25 Things you look for in people when hiring
27:22 The impact of wrong hires
30:45 Most challenging time in the career
33:09 Being let go in Europe vs ROW
34:31 How do you continue growing as a leader?
38:21 Investment vs Publishing deals
42:15 Finding work for hire gigs back in the day
45:33 Advice for younger generations
46:38 What the future holds for you?
Product Madness: https://www.productmadness.com/
Product Madness careers: https://aristocrat.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/AristocratExternalCareersSite?hiringCompany=410fe4438ac610086a9d308831790002
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This time I'm joined by Pasqual Batalla. Pasqual is a COO @ Sandsoft, and previously he held a similar position at Socialpoint studio.
In the podcast Pasqual talks about his experience with both studios, we also discuss Barcelona game development scene, scaling gaming studios and game publishing.
Hope you’ll enjoy this one, and can take something from it.
00:00 Introduction & a bit about football
05:06 Let’s talk about video games
07:45 Why this industry in particular?
08:32 Startup vs Scaleup
10:30 Beginnings of Socialpoint
14:00 Barcelona gamedev scene
15:45 Challenges @ Socialpoint
22:00 Mergers & Acquisitions
25:21 Working through Covid
29:30 Effective communication
32:00 Sandsoft
39:00 How to cut through the noise?
41:25 Choosing games to invest in
44:25 Being both: investor & publisher
47:00 What kind of leader are you?
54:30 Building successful teams
1:02:19 More about Barcelona gamedev scene
1:11:40 Advice for younger generation
Sandsoft: https://sandsoft.com/
Sandsoft careers: https://career.sandsoft.com/jobs
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This time I'm joined by Andrei Podoprigora. Originally from Lithuania, Andrei currently runs Forklift Interactive - a video games publisher specializing in smart, systemic titles for PC & consoles. He's also a Venture Partner @ The Games Fund, and he was one of the first employees of tinyBuild, helping it transform itself from an indie games publisher to a huge global operation with 10+ internal studios.
In the podcast Andrei discusses his experience with tinyBuild and Forklift Interactive, he also shares insights into the publishing and venture capital industries, including the changing landscape of project funding.
We discuss the life in Barcelona & Andrei's predictions for the future of the games industry.
00:00 Introduction
03:53 Living in Barcelona
14:39 Andrei's Journey in the Games Industry
20:37 Starting Forklift and the Importance of Original IPs
27:49 Balancing Work for Hire and Original IPs
33:49 Market Conditions for Work for Hire Studios
37:04 Building a Team of Producers
39:57 Success of Systemic Games
55:25 Rise of Project Funding
01:14:17 Importance of having a clear Creative Vision
01:21:25 Future of Forklift Interactive
Forklift Interactive: https://www.forklift.gg/
The Games Fund: https://www.gamesfund.vc/
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In this episode, I'm joined by Mathias Royer - Chief Studios Officer and a founding member of Tilting Point Barcelona.
We discuss the challenges of setting up a new studio, the importance of building a cohesive team and the significance of cultural fit in hiring. We also talk about the evolving landscape of mobile gaming, and how the industry looked like when Mathias was first starting out in games back in 2009.
Hope you’ll enjoy this!
0.00 - 4:00 What brought you to Barcelona?
4:00 - 8:00 Growing up in France
8:00 - 12:00 First job in the industry
12:00 - 14:00 Benefits of living abroad
14:00 - 17:00 Favourite project
17:00 - 20:00 Being a Producer vs being a GM
20:00 - 25:00 Culture fit in hiring
25:00 - 33.00 Building Tilting Point
33.00 - 38:00 Communication systems
38.00 - 40.00 Importance of long term vision
40.00 - 44.00 How do you handle stress?
44.00 - 48.00 If you were building a new game studio from scratch?
48.00 - 52.00 As a Publisher - what do you look for in games?
52.00 - 56.00 How different is the market now to how it was a few years ago?
56.00 - 59.00 Advice for younger generation -
In this episode, I'm speaking with Dima Pinchuk, the former VP of Marketing at SocialPoint studio in Barcelona and the ex-Global Marketing Director at Wargaming.Dima joined Wargaming when it was a small studio of just 60 people and experienced firsthand its remarkable transformation into the global gaming powerhouse it is today.We delve into the challenges of Marketing in games, the strategies behind successful game launches, and the importance of building trust within a team.Dima also shares his experiences at PokerStars and SocialPoint, and we explore the future of marketing in the video game industry.Hope you’ll enjoy this!0.00 - 3:00 Where did you grow up?3:00 - 5:00 Did you always know you’re going to work in video games?5:00 - 8:00 Witnessing the Wargaming transformation8:00 - 14:00 Wargaming’s marketing strategy14:00 - 16:00 Growth & struggles16:00 - 20:00 What do companies get wrong in marketing when launching a game?20:00 - 24:00 Monetization24:00 - 25.00 Do you need a lot of investment in order to launch the game successfully?25.00 - 26:00 Premium games26.00 - 28.00 PokerStars28.00 - 30.00 Moving to Barcelona30.00 - 33.00 Covid33.00 - 42.00 SocialPoint42.00 - 46.00 How to build a great team?46.00 - 48.00 Common denominator that all great companies have48.00 - 52.00 The future of video games52.00 - 54.00 - Your personal future
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In this episode, we dive into the inspiring story of a Barcelona-based game developer who transitioned from a childhood passion for drawing to founding successful video game companies.We discuss Elias's past of building, scaling and selling 2 game development studios and also his interest in Pixel Art - something he managed to turn into a successful social media venture. Whether you're a game developer or someone who is just interested in learning about the behind-the-scenes of game creation, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Hope you will enjoy it.0.00 - 7:00 Early beginnings and Java games7:00 - 13:00 Starting the first company13:00 - 20:00 The world before and after the App store20:00 - 28:00 Starting Omnidrone28:00 - 31:00 Managing people & building teams31:00 - 34:00 How do you develop an art style for a game?34:00 - 37:00 Pixel Art37:00 - 42.00 Becoming a successful content creator42.00 - 47:00 What are you working on now?47.00 - 51.00 Today’s game investment landscape51.00 - 56.00 Thoughts on AI56.00 - 1.00.00 Creating a team culture & sustainable work environment1.00.00 - 1.04.00 Advice you’d give for aspiring young artists
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In this episode I'm speaking to Rich Barham - an experienced Studio Lead, Executive and a GM. We talk about his journey from helping to launch a wildly successful World of Warcraft franchise to his experience with building Antimatter Games and his impact in building studios for Riot Games and Zenimax.
We also discuss the current state of the industry, the hoops that indie studios need to jump through in order to sign a publishing deal and the difficulties that the current generation of young developers is facing.
0.00 - 6:00 First encounters with video games
6:00 - 22:00 Blizzard days
22:00 - 29:00 What’s going on with the games industry today?
29:00 - 36:00 How different was the games industry 5-10 years ago?
36:00 - 26:00 What challenges are the young people in the games industry facing?
41:00 - 55:00 Building Antimatter Games
55:00 - 1:01:00 Building a successful studio from scratch nowadays. What would it take?
1:01:00 - 1:05:00 Who were your mentors during your journey? -
In this episode I'm speaking to Joe Currivan - an accomplished Producer within the gaming industry. We talk about the importance of building great teams, the future of the mobile games industry and his life and game development journey.The episode is full useful advices on hiring practices, team leadership, and cultivating a positive work environment.We also talk about nurturing innovation in teams, fostering risk-taking abilities, and staying consistent in your work. Lastly, we touch upon web3 technologies, and the effect of monetization protocols on player habits.0.00 - 8:00 Barcelona, Austin & Family8:00 - 16:00 How did you get started in the games industry?16:00 - 22:00 Becoming a Producer22:00 - 24:00 Why Production?24:00 - 26:00 ADHD26:00 - 30:00 Bioware days30:00 - 35:00 What’s happening with the industry nowadays?35:00 - 39:00 Do you have any regrets?39:00 - 45:00 What games are you playing currently?45:00 - 49:00 The future of Games49:00 - 52:00 The project you enjoyed working on the most52:00 - 56:00 What makes a good Producer?56:00 - 1:00:00 What frustrates you most?1:02:00 - 1:08:00 The art of interviewing and hiring1:08:00 - 1:11:00 Leading teams1:11:00 - 1:21:00 Difference between mobile and other platforms1:21:00 - 1:27:00 Web3 & Blockchain
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In this episode I am speaking to Antti Makkonen. We discuss the future of the mobile games, f2p market, how to build great teams and Antti's game development journey.We also talk about his time working at companies like Rovio & SocialPoint, he shares his takes on the F2P industry and the challenges of building successful teams and products.The episode concludes with a peek into in-car gaming's potential and how it can enhance gaming experiences. Hope you will enjoy this one :) 0.00 - 13:00 Skiing, Finland, Schools & Barcelona13:00 - 18:00 Career start, software engineering, and self awareness18:00 - 21:00 Why the games industry in particular?21:00 - 24:00 What are you playing right now?24:00 - 26:00 Rovio days26:00 - 32:00 Premium vs F2P model32:00 - 38:00 The future of mobile gaming38:00 - 39:00 Monument Valley39:00 - 42:00 App store vs Google play store42:00 - 44:00 Moving to Barcelona44:00 - 52:00 SocialPoint52:00 - 55:00 Smaller teams & projects is the way forward?55:00 - 1:00:00 Launch strategies1:00:00 - 1:02:00 The product you enjoyed working on the most1:02:00 - 1:08:00 What’s your leadership style?1:08:00 - 1:14:00 Building successful teams1:14:00 - 1:20:00 In-car games, what’s that?
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In this episode I'm speaking to Jamie Smith - Principal Game Designer at People Can Fly studio. We talk about the art and science behind the world of video game design and discuss the delicate balance game designers strike between historical accuracy and immersive gameplay as they transform regular game design into an extraordinary experience.
We also talk about the BAFTA academy, the selection process for the games, and the responsibility of being a jury member. Lastly Jamie offers practical advice for young game enthusiasts embarking on their journey in the games industry.
Hope you'll enjoy it!
0.00 - 5:00 How you got into Games?
5:00 - 8:00 How you entered the industry?
8:00 - 12:00 What do you look for in people when they apply for roles in your team?
12:00 - 15:00 Importance of historical context when designing a game
15:00 - 19:00 Combat Design
19:00 - 21:00 What games do you play?
21:00 - 25:00 What separates a good game designer from an average one?
25:00 - 27:00 Pick rate
27:00 - 30:00 Improving your knowledge library
30:00 - 34:00 BAFTA Games Awards
34:00 - 36:00 Experience of being a lecturer
36:00 - 41:00 Advice for younger generation
41:00 - 47:00 The current state of the games industry
47:00 - 51:00 Experience that shaped you -
In this week's episode of ByteAction Podcast I'm speaking to Vadym Syvolap - Game Director at Plarium. We talk about game design, f2p games, Ukraine, state of the games industry and Vadym's journey in game development. Learn about Vadim's unique journey into the gaming world, the major trends affecting the industry, how the war in Ukraine affected his life and work, and his future aspirations. We also talk a lot about leadership, the fast-paced world of mobile gaming, the importance of user experience, and the potential losses incurred by poor design.0.00 - 12:00 Growing up in Ukraine & how you got into Games12:00 - 17:00 Becoming a professional Game Designer17:00 - 25:00 Plarium25:00 - 30:00 How do you know if the game is going to succeed?30:00 - 34:00 The game changer moment34:00 - 38:00 Establishing game design department38:00 - 49:00 Covid & War in Ukraine49:00 - 55:00 Moving to Barcelona55:00 - 1:10:00 What are you playing currently?1:10:00 - 1:14:00 Console vs Mobile1:14:00 - 1:24:00 Leadership
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In this episode of Byte Action Podcast I am joined by María Fernanda Díez Huerta to talk about her journey in video games, her path, career in various production roles, as well as her take on Women in games and everything that's happening in the games industry today.We discuss the indispensable role of women in the gaming industry and the importance of fostering an effective work culture. We touch issues such as visibility, diversity, and the impact of ‘culture fit'. María also shares her inspiring journey - from her early days in the industry to becoming a Head of Production. She sheds light on the gender bias in hiring, and the misconceptions that adversely contribute to the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles. Tune in for a great discussion.0.00 - 12:00 Intro, Travels, Family & Barcelona12:00 - 18:00 Becoming a Game Producer18:00 - 24:00 Tutotoons24:00 - 33:00 Experience that made you a Producer (Omnidrone)33:00 - 42:00 How do you create and foster an environment where people can thrive? 42:00 - 44:00 Therapy44:00 - 46:00 Managing remote teams46:00 - 50:00 What does culture mean to you? 50:00 - 1:00:00 XR Games, VR & Leeds1:00:00 - 1:07:00 Women in games1:07:00 - 1:16:00 What’s going on with the games industry?
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In this episode we delve into the exciting world of game production, board games, and game industry market. I'm joined by Daniel Rosga - experienced Game Producer and Board Game Designer who turned his passion for playing board games into actually making one.
Listen to his journey of running a successful Kickstarter campaign as he recounts the challenges encountered and the steps one should take in order to successfully raise money on the platform.
We also discuss the role of a Game Producer, financial aspects of game development, the value of junior talent, and the evolving tastes of game audiences.
This episode is packed with practical insights, whether you're an aspiring game developer, a board game enthusiast, or just curious about the game creation process.
0:00 - 8:00 Nujum
8:00 - 18:00 Kickstarter
18:00 - 27:00 Story behind Nujum
27:00 - 31:00 Tabletop RPG as a board game
31:00 - 39:00 Becoming a Game Producer
39:00 - 42:00 I Am Fish
42:00 - 47:00 Market saturation
47:00 - 48:00 Hire for attitude not the experience
48:00 - 53:00 Production budgets
53:00 - 1:02:00 What makes a good Producer?
1:02:00 - 1:07:00 How do you resolve conflicts?
1:07:00 - 1:14:00 Crunch in game development
1:14:00 - 1:19:00 Paths to Game Production
Subscribe to Nujum: https://purpleplantgames.com/#nujum
Play I Am Fish: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1472560/I_Am_Fish/ -
In this episode, I explore the captivating world of video game sound design and music composition with Romain Gauthier. Tune in as Romain shares his journey from childhood passion to becoming the mastermind behind the soundtracks of globally renowned games.Focusing on the creation of emotional experiences within gaming, he talks about the real-life trials and triumphs of scoring for AAA titles, coping with market shifts, and maintaining resilience in a highly competitive environment. This episode is not just about music—it's about the art of blending passion, creativity, and commercial acumen to craft memorable gaming experiences.We also delve into the impacts diverse cultural experiences have on artistic growth, and the importance of doing what you love. An insightful episode for any aspiring musician or game audio designer seeking to understand the delicate balance between unique creativity and reverence for original works within a global franchise. 0:00-2:00 intro2:00 - 5:00 Where it all began5:00 - 6:00 Instruments you play6:00 - 8:00 How you compose music8:00 - 12:00 Who & what inspires you12:00 - 19:00 Content we consume19:00 - 24:00 Becoming a professional24:00 - 30:00 Gameloft days30:00 - 35:00 Running your own studio35:00 - 39:00 Stolen IP39:00 - 41:00 Freelancing41:00 - 45:00 Danghost45:00 - 49:00 Disney49:00 - 57:00 Travels & Learnings57:00 - 1:00:00 advice to young people Play Danghost: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1812170/Danghost/Check out Romain's work: http://romaingauthier.net/
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In this episode I'm joined by Hugo Bastien - experienced Audio Designer and Audio Director. Hugo is currently leading audio team on Crysis 4 project at Crytek. Previously he led audio teams on Talking Tom and Rainbow Six: Siege IPs. 0.00 - 1.00 - Intro1.00 - 3.00 - Why Barcelona? 3.00 - 7:00 - Outfit7 and Talking Tom7:00 - 12:00 - Ubisoft & Child of Light12:00 - 13:00 - Audio Designer role13:00 - 16:00 - Game engines & middleware16:00 - 18:00 - D-Box days18:00 - 22:00 - Early Ubisoft days22:00 - 28:00 - Giving back & advice to others28:00 - 30:00 - What are you playing now? 30:00 - 34:00 - Psychoacoustics34:00 - 38:00 - More about Child of Light38:00 - 41:00 - Libraries vs original assets41:00 - 44:00 - Composers & Voice Actors44:00 - 51:00 - Leadership 51:00 - 53:00 - AI
