Playmakers - The Game Industry Podcast

The Mindset of Personal Success in the Game Industry, with Tommy Tallarico

Jordan Blackman — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 03:45:00 -0400

In this episode:

Jordan sits down with legendary video game composer, producer, and entrepreneur Tommy Tallarico, whose career spans over 30 years in the gaming industry. Known for his work on iconic titles like Prince of Persia, Earthworm Jim, and MDK, Tommy shares his inspiring journey from homelessness to launching major projects such as Video Games Live and the new Intellivision Amico console. This episode dives deep into Tommy’s mindset for success, offering advice on goal-setting, perseverance, and the importance of networking. Tommy also discusses his approach to creating successful video games and his passion for bringing back family-friendly gaming experiences.

Topics covered:

How Tommy broke into the video game industry
His journey working on iconic games like Prince of Persia and Earthworm Jim
Tommy’s vision for the Intellivision Amico and how it aims to bring back family gaming
Insights into building successful development teams and working with indie developers
The future of video games post-pandemic and the impact of remote work on creativity

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Episode Timestamps:

[01:43] Tommy's early career journey: from game tester to game audio

[06:30] First big break with Prince of Persia and redefining sound design in games

[10:15] Tommy’s mindset on success

[13:10] Goal-setting and climbing metaphorical mountains in your career

[17:10] Networking and why selling yourself is key to success

[20:00] The importance of passion and genuine connection with others

[24:10] Intellivision Amico and the return of couch co-op gaming

[32:15] How Amico offers a unique digital board game experience

[36:00] Working with indie developers and offering personalized development support

[40:50] The impact of COVID-19 on game development and team collaboration

[44:20] Tommy’s final thoughts on on success and his future projects

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Tommy on LinkedIn
Check out more of Tommy’s work
Meet Amico!
Connect with Tommy on Instagram
Watch "The Secret" Documentary
The Secret (Book byRhonda Byrne)
How to Win Friends & Influence People (Book by Dale Carnegie)
How to Make Anyone Fall in Love with You (Book by Leil Lowndes)
Explore the teachings of Eckhart Tolle

How to Create Breakthrough Worldwide Hits, with Amy Jo Kim

Jordan Blackman — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 12:40:00 -0400

In this episode:

Jordan sits down with Amy Jo Kim, a game designer, community architect, and innovation coach, named by Fortune as one of the “Top 10 Influential Women in Games.” Amy Jo has contributed to hit games like The Sims, Rock Band, Ultima Online, and Covet Fashion, and has worked on non-gaming products such as eBay, Netflix, and NYTimes.com. She is also the author of “Community Building on the Web” (2000) and “Game Thinking” (2018).

Amy Jo dives deep into her concept of “Superfans” and explains why they are critical to achieving market success. She discusses her approach to creating innovative products, how to find superfans early, and how this methodology can scale projects to achieve global success.

Topics covered:

What are “Super Fans” and why they are critical to getting a “beachhead” in the market
Why the “Fast Follow” method limits growth potential
How to quickly find and engage with Superfans to grow your product
How to create innovative projects that scale in a BIG way
Amy Jo’s Superfan Challenge: A free challenge designed to help teams identify their superfans

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Episode Timestamps:

02:58 Introduction to Amy Jo Kim and her journey in the gaming industry

06:26 Combining game design with innovation across industries

07:44 The power of Superfans: engaging early adopters to drive product success

12:12 Avoiding the “Fast Follow” strategy: learning from copycat games

16:14 Testing your core game loop with superfans and early adopters

20:07 The role of Superfans in evolving game design

22:06 Why tuning the core loop is essential for success

25:38 The connection between the core loop and player journey

28:22 Using Superfan techniques to build a community

34:43 Identifying superfans in casual games

38:31 Join Amy Jo Kim’s Superfan Challenge

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Amy Jo Kim:

Amy Jo on LinkedIn
Amy Jo on Twitter
Take Amy Jo’s FREE challenge: Superfan Challenge
Check out Game Thinking: GameThinking.io
Amy Jo's Podcast: Getting2Alpha
Books by Amy Jo Kim:
Game Thinking: Innovate Smarter & Drive Deep Engagement with Design Techniques from Hit Games
Community Building on the Web: Secret Strategies for Successful Online Communities

Games & companies mentioned:

Rock Band (Harmonix)
The Sims (Maxis)
Ultima Online (Origin Systems)
Covet Fashion (Crowdstar)
Zynga
Guitar Hero (Harmonix)
Left 4 Dead (Valve)
Minecraft (Mojang)
SimCity (Maxis)
Fortnite (Epic Games)
Roblox (Roblox Corporation)
Dance Dance Revolution (Konami)

Shots On Goal, with Jon Radoff

Jordan Blackman — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 04:52:00 -0400

In this episode:

Jordan sits down with Jon Radoff, the founder of Beamable,the creator-centric platform for building live games in Unity. Jon's career spans across multiple areas of the game industry, from building one of the first commercial internet games to leading the development of popular mobile games like Game of Thrones Ascent and Star Trek Timelines. Jon shares his insights on building successful games by taking multiple "shots on goal," balancing creativity with data, and understanding when to pivot or push forward with a project. He also dives into the future of the metaverse and how it could impact game development.

Topics covered:

Jon’s entrepreneurial journey and how Beamable evolved into what it is today
Key tips and techniques for getting your game off the ground
The balance between iterating on a game and deciding when to move on to a new project
Why you should get user feedback before you even have a playable version of your game
How to know when it’s time to throw in the towel on a project
The future of the metaverse and how creators will shape it

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Episode Timestamps:

[03:16] Jon’s start in games: creating one of the first commercial games on the internet

[08:26] Moving into mobile games and the creation of Game of Thrones Ascent

[10:15] How to balance creativity and data in game development

[13:00] The importance of taking "shots on goal" in game design and business strategy

[17:53] When to start testing and gathering feedback on game ideas

[20:05] Building an audience and gathering feedback before having a playable game

[25:22] Lessons learned from Star Trek Timelines and using real-time data from players

[28:30] Managing risk and deciding when to stop working on a game

[31:45] Balancing iteration time versus moving on to a new project

[35:03] Creativity in game development versus pure data-driven design

[38:25] The future of game creation and Beamable’s vision

[44:43] Jon’s thoughts on the metaverse

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Jon:

Jon on LinkedIn
Jon on Twitter
Jon’s Blog

Check out Beamable:

Learn more
Follow Beamable on Instagram
Connect with Beamable on Facebook

Games mentioned:

Game of Thrones Ascent (Disruptor Beam)
Star Trek Timelines (Tilting Point)
Archer: Danger Phone (East Side Games)
Rocket League (Psyonix)
Among Us (InnerSloth)
Candy Crush (King)

How to Win as a Mobile Game Entrepreneur, With Joakim Achrén

Jordan Blackman — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 11:06:00 -0400

In this episode:

Jordan interviews Joakim Achrén, a gaming entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience. Joakim shares his journey from co-founding two venture-backed gaming startups, including Next Games (which IPOed in 2017), to his current role at Elite Game Developers. Joakim helps aspiring game entrepreneurs launch their own studios and is also an angel investor in companies like Skunkworks Games, Lightheart Entertainment, and Savage Game Studios. He also provides deep insights into how mobile game entrepreneurs can navigate the challenges of game development, from early validation to scaling successful games.

Topics covered:

How Joakim caught “the bug” for helping other founders
What comes between the early validation phase and obtaining data from user behavior within a playable version of your game
The most common trap mobile developers fall into
The biggest takeaways you should be gaining from your metrics
The key to building mobile games that make players want to come back
The balance between “stealing like an artist” and innovating
What the gaming industry can learn from Pixar’s creative process

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Episode Timestamps:

[03:31] Joakim's early career and his journey into game development

[06:52] Starting Next Games and working with AMC on The Walking Dead

[09:48] The "bug" that inspired Joakim to help game founders

[12:11] Biggest mistakes mobile game developers make

[14:56] Joakim's view on Game Pass and the evolution of free-to-play models on PC and console

[17:35] Understanding the gap between early validation and real user data

[22:06] The common pitfalls in mobile game concepting and iteration

[27:57] The balance between innovation and "stealing like an artist"

[31:45] Building an audience-first approach in game development

[36:15] Pixar’s "Brain Trust" model and how it applies to game studios

[40:36] The impact of COVID-19 on the game industry and the rise of social gaming

[44:20] Joakim’s thoughts on the future of mobile gaming and game development

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Joakim Achrén:

Learn more about Elite Game Developers:

Elite Game Developers Website

Books mentioned:

Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull

Games mentioned:

The Walking Dead (Next Games)
Pokemon Go (Niantic)
Jurassic World Alive (Ludia)
Genshin Impact (Hoyoverse)

What Games Truly Are, with Tadhg Kelly

Jordan Blackman — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 03:14:00 -0400

In this episode:

Jordan sits down with Tadhg Kelly, an experienced consultant specializing in augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and video games, with a rich background in game design and production. Tadhg has held significant roles at notable companies like BSkyB, Lionhead Studios, Climax Studios, and Mobile Game Doctor. His work spans a variety of game projects, from board games and live-action role-playing games to large-scale PC games and innovative AR/VR technologies. In this episode, Tadhg shares his journey from game designer to consultant, offering invaluable insights into the industry's evolution and the lessons he has learned along the way.

Topics covered:

Tadhg’s transition from game designer to consultant and the lessons he learned along the way
Understanding the "Sexy/Worthy Trap" and how to use it to your advantage in game design
Balancing speed-to-market against feature development in game projects
The benefit of having diverse skill sets in the gaming industry
Common mistakes made in the early stages of game development
The value of letting your game developer do their job

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Timestamps:

[03:04] Tadhg’s journey from game designer to consultant

[06:15] Lessons learned from working on various game projects

[09:47] Examples of “cliff projects” and challenges in game development

[13:00] Consulting and transitioning from traditional game development

[17:19] The “Sexy / Worthy Trap” and how it influences successful games

[22:27] Simple mistakes in the early stages of game development

[24:06] Why assumptions about gameplay and player psychology can lead to failure

[26:57] The importance of being “sexy” rather than “worthy” in game development

[30:09] Writing game design documentation and focusing on the user experience

[36:30] Lessons from working on platforms like OUYA and Magic Leap

[44:43] Tadhg’s thoughts on consulting and what’s next in the game industry

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Tadhg:

Games & companies mentioned:

Lionhead Studios
Climax Studios
Sky Games
OUYA
Magic Leap
EverQuest (Daybreak Games)
Among Us (Innersloth)
Minecraft (Mojang)
Farmville (Zynga)
World of Warcraft (Blizzard Entertainment)

How to Start a Mobile Studio, with Travis Boatman

Jordan Blackman — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 15:09:00 -0400

In this episode:

Jordan interviews Travis Boatman, CEO and co-founder of Carbonated, a mobile game studio based in LA. Travis is a 25-year veteran of the game industry, with over 20 years of experience in mobile games. He has previously served as SVP of Mobile at Zynga and Electronic Arts (EA), where he led global studios and mobile game strategy. Travis discusses his entrepreneurial journey, the pillars of a successful studio, and his approach to building games in a rapidly evolving market.

Topics covered:

Travis’s journey from producer to Senior VP and eventually founding his own studio
The three essential pillars of the game industry
How to follow customer feedback toward success
How the game industry is similar to stand up comedy
The importance of embracing new technologies continuously
What sets successful LiveOps games apart from others

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Timestamps:

[03:02] Travis’ journey from game producer to running Carbonated

[06:15] The three pillars of the game industry

[10:42] How technology drives game mechanics and innovation

[13:38] Why staying updated on technology trends is crucial for long-term success

[15:18] Starting Carbonated and the role of a strong technical co-founder

[24:39] The impact of mobile on high-quality games like Call of Duty and Fortnite

[27:27] Strategies for building a two-product studio and managing team morale

[33:38] Understanding player feedback through platforms like Reddit and Discord

[37:00] Why trying to appeal to everyone in game design often leads to failure

[38:35] Travis’ thoughts on keeping focus in game development

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Travis Boatman:

Learn more about Carbonated:

Games & companies mentioned:

Zynga
Electronic Arts (EA)
Unity
Unreal Engine
Call of Duty Mobile (Activision)
Fortnite (Epic Games)
Genshin Impact (HoYoverse)
PUBG Mobile (Krafton/Tencent)
Free Fire (Garena)
Candy Crush (King)

How to Create Innovative Game Designs, with Nick Fortugno

Jordan Blackman — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 15:23:00 -0400

In this episode:

Jordan sits down with Nick Fortugno, an entrepreneur, game designer, and interactive narrative expert. Nick is the co-founder and Chief Creative Officer at Playmatics, a company known for creating innovative digital and real-world experiences for top organizations like Pro Publica, Red Bull, AMC (including the CableFAX award-winning Breaking Bad: The Interrogation), Disney, the American Museum of Natural History, and more. Nick also teaches at Parsons School of Design, where he's helped shape their game design curriculum.

Topics covered:

Nick’s journey from intern to Founder and Chief Creative Officer at Playmatics
Key lessons on keeping a game studio afloat and competitive in a crowded market
The game-changing principles of game design he’s picked up over the course of his career
“Failing up” in game design: how mistakes fuel innovation
The MDA framework (Mechanics, Dynamics, Aesthetics) as an approach to game design and how he utilizes this technique
What Nick looks for when hiring game designers and producers: what’s taught in school vs. what needs to be cultivated
The role of artificial intelligence in the future of gaming technology

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Episode Timestamps:

[03:29] Nick’s early career and transition into game design

[06:35] The foundation and evolution of Playmatics

[08:02] The two key lessons that helped Playmatics survive and thrive

[11:36] Innovative game design approach at Playmatics

[16:09] How game genres evolve and how designers can think beyond genre constraints

[19:40] The value of early prototypes and using failure to innovate

[21:00] Using MDA as a approach to game design

[24:29] What Nick looks for when hiring game designers and producers

[28:56] The role of AI and machine learning in future game development

[34:25] How social gaming has grown during the pandemic

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Nick Fortugno:

Learn more about Playmatics:

Website
Check out the Come Out and Play Street Games Festival

Games & companies mentioned:

Playmatics
AreaCode
Rebel Monkey
GameLab (Diner Dash)
Pro Publica (The Waiting Game)
Breaking Bad: The Interrogation (AMC)
The Street Game Festival (Come Out and Play)
Revolutionary Choices (Educational history game)

Crypto Gaming 101, with Emma-Jane MacKinnon-Lee

Jordan Blackman — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode:

Jordan interviews Emma-Jane MacKinnon-Lee, a dynamic innovator at the intersection of gaming, web3, and digital fashion. Emma-Jane is the founder of DIGITALAX, the pioneer digital fashion NFT protocol and marketplace for gaming and esports. In this episode, she discusses how web3 technologies like NFTs, cryptocurrency, and decentralization are transforming the gaming industry. Emma-Jane dives deep into the metaverse and discusses how the game industry stands to be disrupted during the rise of ”web3” technologies that enable digital scarcity, decentralization, and interoperability.

Topics covered:

Emma-Jane’s journey from space engineering to founding DIGITALAX
The intersection of gaming, fashion, and NFTs in web3
The challenges of interoperability in digital fashion and gaming
How NFTs and cryptocurrency bring value to in-game assets
The potential of web3 to create sustainable careers for indie game developers
Advice for game developers looking to enter the NFT space

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Timestamps:

[03:15] Emma-Jane's journey from space engineering to gaming and NFTs

[06:28] What DIGITALAX is and how it relates to the game industry

[09:05] What Ethereum is and its relevance to gaming and NFTs

[11:50] Layer two solutions: Making Ethereum scalable and sustainable

[14:24] The rise of the metaverse and its impact on digital economies

[16:58] How NFTs create interoperability and value across different digital ecosystems

[22:04] Challenges of interoperability between different games and environments

[24:27] How decentralized value systems (NFTs and blockchain) empower game developers

[30:29] The importance of programmable incentives in building gaming ecosystems

[33:23] The role of mod culture in gaming and digital fashion

[44:04] Emma-Jane’s advice for developers entering the NFT space

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Emma-Jane MacKinnon-Lee:

Twitter

Learn more about DIGITALAX:

Games & companies mentioned:

DIGITALAX
ESPA (casual esports platform by DIGITALAX)
Digifizzy (Magazine for the Metaverse)
Ethereum, Matic (Polygon)

From Late-Night Game Hobbyist to Successful Studio Owner, with Colm Larkin

Jordan Blackman — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 14:39:00 -0400

In this episode:

Jordan sits down with Colm Larkin, a programmer, game designer, and board game enthusiast. He is the founder of Gambrinous and creator of indie hits Guild of Dungeoneering and Cardpocalypse. Colm has recently been appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at IMIRT, the Irish Game Makers Association. In this interview, Colm shares his inspiring journey from part-time game developer to full-time studio owner and discusses the lessons learned along the way.

Topics covered:

Colm’s transition from part-time to full-time game development
The importance of conquering perfectionism when building your game
What helped Colm the most in getting his first game off the ground
How to know when it’s time to start expanding your team as an indie developer
To animate or not to animate? The impacts of art on your creation process
How to set yourself up for success when it comes to seeking out a publisher

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Timestamps:

[04:51] Colm’s journey from part-time game dev to full-time studio owner

[06:18] The "One Game a Month" challenge and the early development of Guild of Dungeoneering

[10:41] Overcoming perfectionism and finishing projects

[17:15] How Colm knew it was time to expand the team

19:04 Managing time and being productive as an indie developer

20:47 Partnering with an artist and how it transformed Guild of Dungeoneering

[22:59] How unique art styles can help indie games stand out

[28:02] Early marketing strategies and pre-order success

[30:06] Advice on working with publishers and finding the right fit

[34:48] Colm’s thoughts on oversharing and working on a “secret” project

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Colm Larkin:

Learn more about Gambrinous:

Website
Check out the announcement of Colm’s Secret Project!
Watch Colm’s talk: “Share Your Games”

Games & companies mentioned:

Guild of Dungeoneering (Gambrinous)
Cardpocalypse (Gambrinous)
Spelunky (Derek Yu)
Papers, Please (Lucas Pope)
Minecraft (Mojang)
Limbo (Playdead)
Superhot (Superhot Team)
Cuphead (Studio MDHR)
The Banner Saga (Stoic Studio)
Versus Evil (Publisher)
Steam Greenlight (Valve)

Season 2 Trailer of Playmakers: The Game Industry Podcast!

Jordan Blackman — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 15:45:00 -0400

Playmakers is back with a brand new season by and for game industry professionals. We're bringing you actionable insights you can use to grow in your career, make better games, and improve your game industry business. The pandemic has been called "The Great Accelerator" and it's important to stay on top of where the industry is going. That's why we're bringing you an amazing variety of game industry leaders and legends to light the way. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast wherever you love to listen and head to www.playmakerspodcast.com to check out even more resources and episodes. We're really proud and excited to show you what we've been cooking up. Game on.

The Art of Transmedia Storytelling, with Chris Ferriter

Jordan Blackman — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 11:00:00 -0400

In this episode:

Jordan sits down with Chris Ferriter, an award-winning Producer and Designer. Chris’s career began in 1994, spanning both the motion picture and video game industries. He transitioned to the gaming industry in 1998 and has since produced over 50 games for top publishers like THQ, Midway, Ubisoft, and EA Sports. He is currently the President of Halon Entertainment, a visualization, virtual production, and game cinematics studio. Halon has collaborated with blockbuster films like Star Wars, Avatar, and The Mandalorian, as well as game cinematics for XCOM 2, God of War, Fortnite, and more. Listen in as Chris shares insights on how game engine technology is transforming storytelling and production across industries.

Topics covered:

Chris’s journey from film to games and back to virtual production
Breaking into the industry: getting a degree vs. getting your foot in the door
How to tell the best possible story with transmedia storytelling
The importance of previs (previsualization) in storytelling and production
Behind-the-scenes of game development and cinematics
The COVID-accelerated normalization of virtual production workflows

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Episode Timestamps:

[04:48] Chris’s start in the industry and how his background in film influenced his career in games

[06:50] Early experience with optical and digital visual effects

[08:06] Transition to games and joining THQ as a game tester

[10:27] Breaking into the industry: the role of a degree vs. getting your foot in the door

[14:09] Halon Entertainment's role in both game and film production

[16:06] Behind the scenes of big-budget cinematics

[22:42] How small developers can bring cinematic techniques into their games

[28:56] Virtual production workflow and its benefits

[34:24] Virtual production’s impact on the industry during COVID-19

[37:44] Virtual environments and LED stage technology in storytelling

44:58 Chris’s thoughts and advice on storytelling across mediums

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Chris Ferriter:

Learn more about Halon Entertainment:

Games, films, & companies mentioned:

THQ
Ubisoft
Midway
EA
Halon Entertainment
CSI
The Mandalorian
The Lion King
Red Dead Redemption
Fallout
Dead Space
No man’s Sky
Ghost of Tsushima
Assassin's Creed

How to Succeed in the Indie Games Business, with Jay Powell

Jordan Blackman — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 17:15:00 -0400

In this episode:

Jordan sits down with Jay Powell, the founder of The Powell Group, a video game consulting firm specializing in business development, publishing support, and licensing. Jay has over 20 years of experience in the games industry, working with companies like Other Ocean, Spill Games, and Deep Silver. He also leads the Indie Game Business Initiative, which produces a weekly podcast and virtual business conferences to help indie developers understand the business and marketing side of game development.

Jay shares his insights on how indie developers can strategize their approach to publishers, avoid common business mistakes, and navigate the publishing landscape in a post-pandemic world.

Topics covered:

How to strategize your approach to publishers as an indie developer
Avoiding common business mistakes made by small studios
Current opportunities in the game development market for indie devs
The impact of the pandemic on publishing for indie and small teams
The role of platforms like Microsoft Game Pass in today’s distribution landscape

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Timestamps:

[03:28] Jay’s career journey and how he started The Powell Group

[06:15] The biggest mistakes indie developers make when approaching publishers

[10:48] Understanding the publishing landscape and your options

[14:00] How to prioritize your pitch to publishers

[18:10] The role of playable demos in pitching your game

[22:36] The impact of COVID-19 on indie game development and publishing

[27:50] Opportunities in the market for indie developers

[32:06] The role of platforms like Microsoft Game Pass in indie game distribution

[35:40] Jay’s advice for indie developers

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Jay Powell:

Learn more about The Powell Group and Indie Games Business:

Games,platforms, & companies mentioned:

Microsoft Game Pass
Spill Games
Deep Silver
Other Ocean
Steam
Amazon Luna
Google Stadia

Rapid Prototyping Secrets for Better Games, with Bernard François

Jordan Blackman — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 11:15:00 -0400

In this episode:

Jordan interviews Bernard François, founder of Preview Labs, a company that specializes in rapid prototyping for video games. They have created prototypes for Amazon, Wargaming, Unity, Disney Imagineering, Google R&D, and more. Bernard shares expert insights into the world of prototyping, offering practical advice on how to build prototypes that are efficient, effective, and serve as a foundation for innovative game development.

Topics covered:

Bernard’s journey from programmer to founding Preview Labs
The key differences between prototypes, MVPs, vertical slices, and grey boxing
The difference between internal prototypes and prototypes for a pitch
How to set up an effective prototype and key variables to consider
Common prototyping mistakes and how to avoid them
The importance of functional graphics in prototypes
Knowing when to stop the prototyping process and move forward with production

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Timestamps:

[02:53] Bernard’s background and how Preview Labs began

[04:11] Bernard’s journey to becoming a prototyping expert

[06:53] The formation of Preview Labs and its early success

[09:44] Defining a prototype’s vision and key mechanics

[11:58] The importance of keeping prototypes simple

[13:21] Prototyping for pitches versus internal prototyping

[17:35] Feature creep and the importance of scope

[19:53] How to make use of variables and iterations in prototypes

[23:03] The value of functional graphics over grey boxing

[28:52] When to stop prototyping and move into production

[34:20] Common pitfalls in prototyping and how to avoid them

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Bernard François:

Learn more about Preview Labs:

Games & companies mentioned:

Amazon
Google R&D
Unity
Disney Imagineering
XCOM 2 (Firaxis Games)
God of War (Santa Monica Studio)
Fortnite (Epic Games)
Bejeweled (PopCap Games)
The Waiting Game (ProPublica)

Inside the Mind of a Game God, with Steve Meretzky

Jordan Blackman — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 16:30:00 -0400

In this episode:

Jordan interviews the legendary Steve Meretzky, a game designer and producer, best known for creating Infocom games. Steve was recognized as one of PC Gamer’s “Game Gods” and is renowned for his work on beloved text adventures like Zork, Planetfall, and Leather Goddesses of Phobos. He’s also held senior creative roles at companies such as King, GSN, and Disney/Playdom. Steve shares wisdom from his long career in the gaming industry, covering everything from IP development, narrative and character design, puzzle creation, and more.

Topics covered:

Steve's career journey and early days at Infocom
How to identify if a game project is on track for greatness
Moderating creative ambition to manage team resources
The story behind the creation of Leather Goddesses of Phobos
What should come first, the story or the puzzles in an adventure game?
Choosing the right IP for a game project
Steve's thoughts on game writing and character development
A valuable story about the dangers of not leveraging successes when you have them

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Timestamps:

[03:16] Steve’s entry into the game industry and Infocom

[07:05] Writing and designing Planetfall

[10:23] How Planetfall made players cry

[12:30] Identifying a successful game in development

[15:25] Technology challenges and risks: The Unity and Facebook project

[17:14] Balancing creative ambition and resource management

[21:00] Game writing and storytelling: Challenges in nonlinear mediums

[23:12] Her Story and innovative game storytelling

[26:00] Puzzle design in text adventures

[28:44] IP development: The story behind Leather Goddesses of Phobos

[35:25] Leveraging IP and sequels: Mobsters and Gardens of Time

[40:28] Steve’s approach to working with existing IP

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Steve Meretzky:

Games & companies mentioned:

Infocom
Playdom
Disney Interactive
GSN
King
Planetfall (Infocom)
Leather Goddesses of Phobos (Infocom)
Zork series (Infocom)
Mobsters (Playdom)
Gardens of Time (Playdom)
Her Story (Sam Barlow)
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Infocom)
Blackwood & Bell Mysteries (Playdom)

From Table Tops to Live Ops, with Bruce Harlick

Jordan Blackman — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 17:00:00 -0400

In this episode:

Jordan sits down with Bruce Harlick, a seasoned game designer who primarily worked on role-playing games. Bruce has worked with some of the industry's biggest names, including Zynga, LucasArts, NCSoft, and Hangar 13, and is now Systems Design Director at Ripple Effect Studios. He shares deep insights into game design, live ops, and the creative challenges of balancing business demands with game development.

Topics covered:

How to determine the right amount of content to launch with
Designing games to avoid a never-ending content treadmill for your team
The benefits of live ops for creativity in comparison to launching new games
How to design effective content tools
The impact of tech and procedural debt on a game’s future
Balancing between retention and revenue in LiveOps games
How to put together a quarterly calendar of content releases in a way that balances the key KPI
How to balance out risky new features with reliable features
The importance of working closely with the game’s community to design content players love
Why passion and empathy are critical to successful game design

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Timestamps:

[03:04] Bruce’s journey from tabletop games to live ops

[06:15] Lessons from managing content on tabletop role-playing games like Champions

[10:12] Transition from physical to digital games, and joining Monolith to work on The Matrix Online

[13:00] Learning from The Matrix Online and the rise of live game operations

[17:14] The importance of designing for live operations early on

[21:00] How live games differ from launching a one-time game product

[25:32] Creating evergreen systems and scalable content for live games

[28:52] Managing tech debt and the challenges of balancing performance with content expansion

[32:33] The value of collaborating with your community for live content

[36:15] Designing a quarterly calendar for content updates

[40:52] Balancing creativity and risk in game updates

[44:43] Bruce’s thoughts on live ops and creating long-lasting games

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Bruce Harlick:

Games, movies, & companies mentioned:

The Matrix Online (Monolith)
City of Heroes (NCSoft)
FarmVille (Zynga)
CastleVille (Zynga)
Spiral Knights (Three Rings/Sega)
Puzzle Pirates (Three Rings)
Crimson Skies (Microsoft)
Champions RPG (Hero Games)

Product Management & Monetization 101 & 201, with Gordon Rowe

Jordan Blackman — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 08:45:00 -0400

In this episode:

Jordan interviews Gordon Rowe, a seasoned product manager with extensive experience in monetization strategies and product management within the gaming industry. Gordon has worked at Zynga, where he managed Mafia Wars and was the sole product manager on Zynga’s 3rd party publishing team. He later joined Daybreak Games and now works at Facebook. In this episode, Gordon shares his expertise on free-to-play (F2P) game economies, player retention, and balancing revenue generation with player satisfaction.

Topics covered:

The hypothesis, test, iterate framework for improving key performance indicators (KPI)
Using funnels to understand player behavior
Anti-cheat considerations in competitive mobile games
Zynga monetization tricks and managing in-game currency “hangovers”
Avoiding "pay-to-win" dynamics in free-to-play games and why League of Legends has elements of it
Balancing retention and revenue in game design
How to evaluate F2P games using Day 1 (D1) and Day 7 (D7) retention metrics
Building a balanced game economy and when to introduce monetization into the player journey
The maturation of the mobile and PC F2P markets

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Timestamps:

[03:16] Gordon’s journey from Mafia Wars to Daybreak Games and Facebook

[07:05] Product management and the hypothesis-test-iterate framework

[10:12] Anti-cheat measures and team structures at Zynga

[13:00] Monetization strategies and avoiding pay-to-win

[17:14] The importance of actionable analytics in game development

[21:00] Managing game economies to avoid “currency hangovers”

[26:00] Day 1 and Day 7 retention metrics: What they tell you about your game

[28:56] Monetization strategies in League of Legends and World of Tanks

[34:24] How to test and iterate for better monetization in F2P

[40:52] The role of Steam reviews and player feedback in PC game success

[44:43] Gordon’s thoughts on product management and monetization strategies

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Games & companies mentioned:

Mafia Wars (Zynga)
Daybreak Games
Facebook
Steam Spy (Analytics tool)
League of Legends (Riot Games)
Rocket League (Psyonix)
Clash Royale (Supercell)
World of Tanks (Wargaming)
H1Z1: King of the Kill (Daybreak Games)

How to Become (or work with) a AAA Game Composer, with Michael Bross

Jordan Blackman — Tue, 25 Aug 2020 13:45:00 -0400

In this episode:

Jordan interviews AAA audio composer and sound designer Michael Bross, known for his work on games like Ratchet & Clank, Counter Strike, Oddworld, XCOM 2, Simpsons: Tapped Out, World of Tanks, Arena of Valor, and more. Michael shares insights on breaking into the game industry as a composer, what he looks for when hiring new talent, and when audio teams should be brought into the game development process. He also shares the importance of early audio integration in game development, his unique approach to concept composition, and how to get the best out of working with audio teams.

Topics covered:

Michael’s journey into the game industry and breaking into audio for AAA games
What Michael looks for when hiring new composers and sound designers
How early in the process to involve audio in game development
The role of audio in live service games (LiveOps) and how it has changed
The value of concept composition and creating music early in the design process
Tips for producers and developers to get the most from their audio teams
How LiveOps have changed the way audio is integrated into games

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Timestamps:

[02:53] Michael’s early career: From songwriter to game composer at Paragon Software

[06:18] The transition from small studios to AAA titles like Ratchet and Clank

[09:44] What Michael looks for in new composers and sound designers

[12:12] Concept composition: Creating music early to set the tone for game development

[16:15] Working with non-musical teams: How to give emotional direction to composers

[19:53] Balancing cinematic scores with gameplay

[23:03] How live operations (LiveOps) have changed the audio development process

[28:52] Challenges in VR audio development, including Edge of Nowhere

[34:20] Michael’s thoughts on audio’s role in evolving game genres and technologies

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Learn more about Michael Bross:

Games & companies mentioned:

Ratchet & Clank (Insomniac Games)
Counter-Strike (Valve)
Oddworld series (Oddworld Inhabitants)
XCOM 2 (Firaxis Games)
Simpsons: Tapped Out (EA Mobile)
World of Tanks (Wargaming)
Arena of Valor (TiMi Studio Group)
Edge of Nowhere (Insomniac Games)
Lord of the Fallen (Deck13 Interactive)
World of Warcraft (Blizzard Entertainment)

Managing Your Game Industry Career, with Marc Mencher

Jordan Blackman — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 07:54:00 -0400

In this episode:

Jordan interviews Marc Mencher, a seasoned game industry recruiter and CEO of GameRecruiter. Marc’s career began as a software engineer on games like Falcon 1 and Vet. He later transitioned into recruiting, helping to staff companies such as 3DO and MicroProse, before founding GameRecruiter. He’s also the author of Get in the Game!, a guide to launching a career in the game industry. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Marc shares invaluable insights on how to break into the game industry, manage your career long-term, and navigate job hunting effectively, and more.

Topics covered:

Marc’s journey from game developer to industry recruiter
Key strategies for managing your game industry career over the long term
How to network effectively and unlock the unadvertised job market
Understanding the differences between retained vs. contingency recruiters
The importance of customizing resumes for different roles
Cleaning up your "internet life" to improve your chances in job applications
How to prepare for interviews and behavioral interview techniques
Identifying good company culture and avoiding common hiring pitfalls
Tips for researching companies before accepting job offers
The current hiring landscape for AAA game developers and beyond

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Timestamps:

[02:44] Marc’s entry into the game industry: from software engineer to game recruiter

[07:00] Working at MicroProse and staffing for The 3DO Company

[10:11] Understanding how recruiters work: Retained vs. Contingency recruiters

[13:35] Career management strategies: planning five to ten years ahead

[16:06] The importance of networking and the unadvertised job market

[19:50] Cleaning up your online presence and using LinkedIn effectively

[23:30] Evaluating company cultures and making career decisions

[27:00] Behavioral interviews and how to ace them

[30:40] How to manage job searches and why recruiters are not a magic bullet

[34:00] Marc’s advice for long-term career success and building relationships in the game industry

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Learn more and Connect with Marc Mencher:

Learn more about GameRecruiter:

Games & companies mentioned:

Falcon 1 (Spectrum Holobyte)
Vet (Spectrum Holobyte)
MicroProse
3DO
Nikopol: Secrets of the Immortals (White Birds Productions)
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (Infinity Ward/Activision)
Force 21 (Red Storm Entertainment)

Aligning Game Chi on Deadspace & Battlefield, with Ian Milham

Jordan Blackman — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 17:35:00 -0400

In this episode:

Jordan interviews Ian Milham, a veteran Art Director and Game Director, known for his work on Dead Space, Battlefield Hardline, and Tomb Raider. Ian shares deep insights into the creative process of art direction, the concept of game “chi” (the alignment of the game’s vision across all teams), and the challenges of managing large AAA projects. He also shares how his journey from Art Director to Game Director informed his approach to maintaining a consistent creative vision while balancing production and creativity.

Topics covered:

Ian’s journey from art direction to game direction
Understanding game “chi" and how to align it across large development teams
The importance of maintaining consistent communication within large teams
The role of the director in maintaining a unified vision
Balancing creative ambition and managing team resources
How to balance between realism and artistic expression in game environments
Using a Ripomatic to create game trailers and set the tone early in development
The power of a well-defined promise between developers and players

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Timestamps:

[03:03] Ian’s career journey: From LucasArts to EA Redwood Shores

[07:05] Managing Dead Space projects and aligning the game's chi

[10:30] The impact of large team structures on creative alignment

[13:25] Communication and maintaining a consistent game vision on AAA titles

[16:50] Dead Space development: Why "squinting" helps simplify and focus design

[21:20] How Battlefield Hardline redefined the tone of the Battlefield series

[25:52] Balancing innovation and expectations with limited team resources

[30:10] The role of "chi" in maintaining a unified experience for the player

[35:00] Collaborating with external studios and scaling production efforts

[40:05] [40:00] Ian’s thoughts on the future of game development

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Learn more and Connect with Marc Mencher:

Ripomatic Demo Reel - Chris Weakley Ripomatic Demo Reel - Chris Weakley

Games & companies mentioned:

Dead Space (EA Redwood Shores/Visceral Games)
Battlefield Hardline (Visceral Games/EA)
Titanfall 2 (Respawn Entertainment)
Grim Fandango (LucasArts)
The Matrix Online (Monolith Productions)
LucasArts
Naughty Dog
Ubisoft
Telltale Games
Bethesda

Inside a Game Design Consultancy, with Adrian Crook

Jordan Blackman — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 09:10:00 -0400

In this episode:

Jordan interviews Adrian Crook, an award-winning game design consultant with over two decades of experience across social, casual, and core game sectors. Adrian has worked on platforms ranging from early Nintendo consoles and Sega Genesis to PlayStation 1 & 2, Xbox, Wii, PC, mobile, and online games. He is the founder of Adrian Crook & Associates, the game industry’s leading freemium product management consultancy, and has worked with over 300 clients, including major companies like Microsoft, Zynga, and Capcom. Adrian shares valuable insights into running a game consultancy, working with third-party tools, common mistakes in free-to-play game design, and his views on the future of the game industry.

Topics covered:

Adrian’s journey from game developer to starting his consultancy in 2008
Key lessons learned from working with over 100 game studios worldwide
How to adapt game design strategies for different platforms (mobile, console, etc.)
How third-party tools can help game studios improve production and analytics
The importance of soft launches and live operations in free-to-play games
Effective strategies for mobile game monetization and acquisition
How to balance creativity and monetization in game design
The evolving role of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in the game industry

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Timestamps:

[02:44] Adrian’s background: From Relic Entertainment to founding his consultancy

[07:05] Early challenges in the free-to-play landscape

[10:22] Third-party tools and their role in game production

[13:30] Common mistakes studios make in live operations

[16:50] Soft launches: Why they are crucial to F2P success

[19:30] How to evaluate acquisition channels and user retention

[22:40] Adrian’s advice on balancing creative freedom with business goals

[28:02] The evolving game industry: Mobile, freemium, and the potential of VR

[34:25] Adrian’s insights on managing a game design consultancy

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Learn more and Connect with Adrian Crook:

Learn more about Adrian Crook & Associates:

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Klipfolio (dashboard tool)
YouCanBookMe (scheduling tool)
BidSketch, Qwilr (proposal tools)

Games & companies mentioned:

Microsoft
Zynga
Capcom
Relic Entertainment
Hempire (LBC Studios)
The Outfit (Relic Entertainment)
FrontierVille (Zynga)
iWin
Microsoft
Zynga (Frontierville)
Capcom
EA

How to Build a Great Reputation in the Game Industry, with Gordon Bellamy

Jordan Blackman — Fri, 14 Jul 2017 07:51:00 -0400

In this episode:

Jordan interviews Gordon Bellamy, a game industry veteran with over two decades of experience. Gordon is currently a Professor of the Practice of Cinematic Arts at USC and faculty advisor for USC Esports, where he leads DEI&B efforts and career development. He has worked at top companies like EA, Tencent, and THQ, and served as the Executive Director of the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) from August 2010 until July 2012. In this interview, he shares his journey from starting in QA to becoming a leader in business development, advising startups, and teaching at USC. He also offers key insights into networking, managing your reputation, and building a career in the gaming industry.

Topics covered:

The importance of building strong personal connections in the industry
How to effectively network and build your reputation in the game business
His transition from designer to business development
Why it's essential to maintain respect and trust in workplace relationships
Tips for startups on managing studio culture and navigating industry challenges
The "I Like, I Wish, What If" feedback framework for effective communication
How to engage with students and give back to the gaming community

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Episode Timestamps:

[02:44] Gordon’s early career: From Harvard to EA

[07:00] Transitioning from development to business development at MicroProse

[10:00] Shifting into executive roles at EA and THQ

[12:30] The "I Like, I Wish, What If" feedback framework

[15:20] The role of diversity and inclusion in shaping future game developers

[19:10] Navigating career changes and building long-term success

[23:40] Partnering with developers and maintaining trust

[28:10] Gordon’s mentorship efforts at IGDA and giving back to the industry

[34:20] Building a professional network and reputation in gaming

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Learn more and Connect with Gordon Bellamy:

Games & companies mentioned:

Electronic Arts (EA)
Tencent
THQ
IGDA (International Game Developers Association)
The Wave VR
Z-Axis Studios (Activision)
Madden NFL Series (EA)

Directing AAA Video Games, with Brian Allgeier

Jordan Blackman — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 15:00:00 -0400

In this episode:

Jordan interviews Brian Allgeier, a veteran game designer and creative director at Insomniac Games, renowned for his work on classic titles such as Ratchet & Clank, Spyro the Dragon, and the VR game Edge of Nowhere. Brian shares his journey in the AAA game industry, lessons on creative direction, working with large teams, and how to maintain a cohesive creative vision across complex projects. He also highlights some leadership tips from his book, Directing Video Games: 101 Tips for Creative Leaders, which offers practical guidance for both aspiring and seasoned game directors.

Topics covered:

Brian's career journey: from Spyro to Ratchet & Clank and VR gaming
The role of a creative director in managing game design and storytelling
Best practices for getting the most out of a game’s mechanics and assets
How to maintain a cohesive creative vision across large development teams
Tips on working effectively with teams and leading without dictating
Lessons from Ratchet & Clank: balancing action, platforming, and storytelling
The importance of “economy of design”: stretching mechanics for maximum gameplay value
Key leadership tips from Brian’s book, Directing Video Games: 101 Tips for Creative Leaders

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Timestamps:

[02:44] Brian’s early career: From Spyro to Ratchet & Clank

[06:00] Maximizing game mechanics and designing with economy in mind

[10:23] Transitioning from artist to creative director at Insomniac Games

[12:30] Guiding players' attention and creating focus in level design

[16:50] Techniques for managing large teams of specialists

[21:00] Working with Mark Cerny and learning about production efficiency

[26:00] Balancing creativity and budget in AAA game development

[30:30] Directing video games: Lessons from Ratchet & Clank and Edge of Nowhere

[34:20] Brian’s advice for aspiring creative leaders in game design

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Learn more and Connect with Marc Mencher:

Games & companies mentioned:

Ratchet & Clank series (Insomniac Games)
Spyro the Dragon (Insomniac Games)
Edge of Nowhere (Insomniac Games)
Directing Video Games: 101 Tips for Creative Leaders by Brian Allgeier
Super Mario 64 (Nintendo)
Uncharted series (Naughty Dog)
The Last of Us series (Naughty Dog)
Diddy Kong Racing (Nintendo)
Zelda series (Nintendo)
Titanfall 2 (Respawn Entertainment)
Final Fantasy series (Square Enix)

Game Design Process Lessons from a Master, with Dave Rohrl

Jordan Blackman — Tue, 04 Jul 2017 15:58:00 -0400

In this episode:

Jordan interviews Dave Rohrl, a veteran game designer with 30 years of experience designing and producing online games. Dave has held senior positions at leading companies like Pogo, PopCap (he’s actually Crazy Dave in Plants vs. Zombies), Zynga, and Playdom, overseeing the design of more than 50 games and consulting on countless others. In 2014, Dave founded Mobile Game Doctor, a global network of dozens of experts that helps game developers worldwide improve their free-to-play games and game businesses. Dave shares his insights into the game design process, emphasizing how to achieve 'fun' early in development, the importance of rapid prototyping, and why using rough code and art early on helps reduce design risks.

Topics covered:

Dave’s journey from non-profits to leading game development at top companies
How to find fun early in the development process
The importance of fun and player engagement in game design
Why using rough code and art early on helps reduce design risk
How to balance creativity, technical implementation, and budget constraints
Dave's approach to evaluating game prototypes and reducing project risks early
Aligning game mechanics with user behavior
Best practices for mobile game development and free-to-play business models

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Timestamps:

[03:02] Dave’s background: From non-profits to game design

[07:00] Early career at The Learning Company and Pogo

[10:25] Lessons from PopCap and Zynga: The rise of free-to-play gaming

[12:12] Rapid prototyping and the "fail fast" approach

[16:50] Balancing creativity with risk management in game design

[21:20] Working with small, focused teams during pre-production

[22:55] The five fun factors: Building engaging game mechanics

[29:43] Balancing creativity and budget in mobile game development

[34:12] Dave’s advice for designers: Focus on gameplay, not flashy assets

[37:00] Prototype-driven development: Managing design risks and early testing

[41:00] The challenges of "polishing the turd" and when to abandon a game project

[47:40] The role of external feedback: Being the "emperor’s new clothes" guy

[51:50] Working with teams to improve games during different development phases

[54:30] Dave’s thoughts on the evolution of mobile and casual gaming

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Learn more and Connect with Dave Rohrl:

Games & companies mentioned:

Plants vs. Zombies (PopCap)
Peggle (PopCap)
The Learning Company
Pogo (Electronic Arts)
Zynga (FarmVille)
Playdom (Disney Interactive)
Sid Meier’s Pirates (MicroProse)
SimCity (Maxis)
Star Wars: Commander (Disney Interactive)
Reader Rabbit (The Learning Company)
ClueFinders (The Learning Company)
BoardGameGeek (Online platform)

How to Create UX that Drives Retention & Monetization, with Alfonzo Burton

Jordan Blackman — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 07:28:00 -0400

In this episode:

Jordan interviews Alfonzo Burton, a top-tier designer in UI/UX, and has worked as the Director of UI/UX at Glu and Pocket Gems. He is now the Chief Creative Director at UX Magicians Inc., a San Francisco-based user experience design agency. His expertise has been used in some of the top-grossing mobile games, with several hitting the 100-million-dollar mark. Alfonzo shares his insights on creating effective UX that drives retention and monetization, the importance of testing, why early UX planning can help avoid costly pivots later in development, and more.

Topics covered:

Alfonzo’s journey from web design to UI/UX for games
The role of UX in driving player retention and monetization
Key misconceptions about UX design in the gaming industry
The three pillars of creating a top-grossing game: fun, deep economy, and great UI/UX
How to balance creativity with proven best practices in UX
The importance of testing and iterating early in game development
Why early involvement of UX designers is critical to success
Differences between UX design in the Western and Asian markets

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Timestamps:

[03:04] Transitioning from web design to mobile and console game UX

[05:25] Misconceptions about UX and why it’s a process, not just about visuals

[07:56] The three pillars of a hit game: fun, deep economy, and great UI/UX

[10:27] Balancing creativity with risk management and best practices in UX

[12:08] The iterative process of designing a UI and why multiple prototypes matter

[15:23] The importance of involving UX early in the development process

[19:13] Why successful games often struggle to change UI after launch

[22:18] Scalable UX systems: Why some designs work long-term and others fail

[25:14] The importance of testing for UX: Best practices versus innovation

[30:05] Transitioning UX design from mobile to console games

[31:03] Alfonzo’s thoughts and advice on the future of UI/UX

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Learn more and Connect with Alfonzo Burton:

Games & companies mentioned:

Glu Mobile
Pocket Gems
UX Magicians Inc.
WWE 2K17 (console UX design by UX Magicians)
Deer Hunter and Dino Hunter (Glu Games)
Clash Royale (Supercell)
Game of War and Mobile Strike (Machine Zone)

Building Empathy & Emotion into Your Game, with Robin Hunicke

Jordan Blackman — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 14:51:00 -0400

In this episode:

Jordan interviews Robin Hunicke, an innovative video game artist. Robin was a professor of game design at UC Santa Cruz and also the co-founder of Funomena, a studio focused on creating emotionally engaging and experimental games. She is known for her contributions to games like The Sims and Journey, and is recognized in the industry for her support of independent game development, experimentation in game design, research in dynamic difficulty adjustment, and the advocacy of women within the games industry. Robin shares her unique takes on games as art, approach to game design, emphasizing how games can be used as a medium to evoke emotion, foster empathy, and more.

Topics covered:

Robin's journey into the game industry and her work on The Sims and Journey
The role of empathy and emotion in game design
How games can explore complex human emotions such as love, grief, and recovery
The process of designing games that offer emotional connection between players
Robin’s approach to game mechanics, dynamics, and aesthetics (MDA) theory
Her experiences co-founding Funomena and creating games that focus on innovative gameplay
Robin’s insights into productivity, balancing creative work, and leadership in game design
The importance of representation and diversity in game development

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Timestamps:

[03:02] Robin’s early inspirations: from Legos to video games

[07:04] The first Game Jam and being a pioneer for experimental gameplay

[12:00] Early mentors and influences in the game industry

[16:40] Exploring emotion and empathy in game design: Journey and Luna

[20:50] Designing games from the feeling backward: Mechanics, Dynamics, and Aesthetics (MDA)

[25:00] Mistakes, learning, and transformation as central themes in game development

[30:40] Robin’s work on Luna and the emotional depth behind the game's concept

[35:10] The importance of relaxation in game mechanics

[39:00] Lessons from Journey: Creating trust and connection between players

[41:00] Designing games with a focus on community and empathy

[45:00] Robin’s thoughts on the future of games and the importance of diversity in the industry

[48:20] Robin’s productivity tips and how she balances multiple creative projects

[52:00] Final thoughts: Building a fulfilling career in game design and being a leader in the industry

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Learn more and Connect with Robin Hunicke:

Games & companies mentioned:

The Sims, My Sims, SimCity(Maxis)
Journey (Thatgamecompany)
Luna (Funomena)
Phenomena (Funomena's new game)
The Marriage (by Rod Humble)
Facade (Interactive Storytelling)
The Witness (Jonathan Blow)
Horizon Zero Dawn (Guerrilla Games)

Game Design as a Way of Being, with Eric Zimmerman

Jordan Blackman — Thu, 25 May 2017 07:04:00 -0400

In this episode:

Jordan interviews Eric Zimmerman, a veteran game designer, educator, and co-founder of Gamelab, the studio that created the iconic Diner Dash. Eric is currently a professor at the NYU Game Center and has written extensively on game design, including co-authoring the book “Rules of Play” (2004) with Katie Salen. Eric shares his unique perspective on game design as a way of life, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, the use of different frameworks, and the role of creativity in game creation.

Topics covered:

Eric’s journey from painter to game designer and co-founder of Gamelab
How to foster creativity in teams by designing a company culture that empowers authorship
The value of game design "frameworks" and the art of game design as a way of being in the world
The importance of experimentation, collaboration, and being open to different disciplines in design
Challenges faced by young designers and the role of experience in learning

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Timestamps:

[03:04] Eric’s background: From painter to game designer

[07:00] The origins of Gamelab and the early days of independent game development

[12:00] Teaching game design; Early days at NYU and working with Frank Lantz

[16:00] The value of frameworks in game design

[21:30] Creating a company culture at Gamelab that fosters ownership and creativity

[25:20] The importance of constraints in fostering creativity

[30:00] The role of experimentation and collaboration in game design

[34:00] Eric’s advice to young designers: Embracing mistakes and the learning process

[37:00] Eric’s thoughts on the future of game design

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Learn more and Connect with Eric Zimmerman:

Games & companies mentioned:

Diner Dash (Gamelab)
Gamelab
NYU Game Center
Gigantic Mechanic
Playmatics
AreaCode

The Secret Sauce of Video Game Story Design, with Ed Kuehnel

Jordan Blackman — Wed, 17 May 2017 12:05:00 -0400

In this episode:

Jordan interviews Ed Kuehnel, a screenwriter (Lumberjack Man) and game writer who has worked on over fifty video games for publishers such as Disney Interactive, Paramount Digital, Vivendi/Universal, Twisted Pixel Games, Uber Entertainment and Telltale Games, and Ubisoft. Ed shares his experience crafting stories for video games, including Valiant Hearts (which won Best Narrative at the 2014 Game Awards). Ed also shares the powerful frameworks that he finds consistently useful in crafting great in-game tales. He also dives into character development, the challenges of game writing, and lessons from the industry's top studios.

Topics covered:

How Valiant Hearts pushed Ed out of his comedic comfort zone and taught him valuable storytelling lessons
The “secret sauce” for crafting effective stories
The importance of character development and storytelling in action-adventure games
Common storytelling mistakes in games and how to avoid “mission-itis”
The importance of narrative design and integrating story with gameplay
Why studios like Telltale Games and Naughty Dog excel in storytelling

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Timestamps:

01:43 Ed’s journey into game writing

04:52 Ed's early challenges and breakthrough in game writing

07:36 Working on Hunter: The Reckoning and Leisure Suit Larry

11:17 Collaborating with Dave Grossman and learning the "secret sauce"

13:05 Games that influenced Ed's storytelling approach

16:14 The Last of Us and lessons in character development

20:22 Crafting Valiant Hearts and its episodic structure

28:20 Using the "seven easy steps" from Invisible Ink for storytelling

33:05 Narrative design and aligning gameplay with story

37:13 Pitfalls in game writing and character development.

44:44 Common mistakes like “mission-itis” in game stories.

48:40 Ed’s advice for game writers

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Learn more and Connect with Ed Kuehnel:

Invisible Ink: A Practical Guide to Building Stories that Resonate by Brian McDonald

Games & companies mentioned:

Twisted Pixel Games
Uber Entertainment
Telltale Games
Valiant Hearts (Ubisoft)
Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude
Lumberjack Man (Film by Ed Kuehnel)
Hunter: The Reckoning (High Voltage Software)
The Last of Us (Naughty Dog)
Lilo & Stitch (Disney Interactive)
Maniac Mansion (LucasArts)
Grim Fandango (LucasArts)
Day of the Tentacle (LucasArts)
Walking Dead (Telltale Games)
Fables (Telltale Games)
Psychonauts (Double Fine Productions)
Firewatch (Campo Santo)
Dying Light (Techland)

Hacking Kickstarter to Fund Your Game, with Lorne Lanning Part 2 of 2

Jordan Blackman — Wed, 10 May 2017 09:23:00 -0400

In this episode:

Jordan continues his insightful conversation with Lorne Lanning, co-founder of Oddworld Inhabitants and creator of the Oddworld series. Lorne dives deeper into Kickstarter campaigns and the realities of crowdfunding for games. He shares practical advice on gaining visibility, leveraging celebrity influence, and understanding the challenges of raising funds through platforms like Kickstarter. If you're an indie developer or considering crowdfunding for your game, this episode offers essential takeaways on strategy and execution.

Topics covered:

Strategies for Kickstarter success in game development
The importance of a unique pitch and understanding your audience
Lessons from successful and failed Kickstarter projects
Securing funding and marketing your game idea effectively
Lorne’s personal experiences and lessons from running crowdfunding campaigns
How to balance business goals with creative vision
The future of AR, VR, and other technologies in games

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Timestamps:

00:00 Lorne’s experience with Kickstarter successes and failures

04:12 How to stand out and gain visibility on Kickstarter

09:10 The importance of leveraging a social media following for Kickstarter campaigns

13:36 The Kickstarter success of Exploding Kittens

16:56 Advice for game developers building unique game mechanics

22:00 Lorne's thoughts on AR and VR's future in gaming

24:07 Challenges developers face with publishing platforms

30:46 Nintendo's historical publishing policies and their impact

35:04 Final thoughts on maintaining quality and building a long-term fanbase

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Kickstarter
Exploding Kittens
Ori and the Blind Forest
Cuphead
Limbo
Inside
No Man’s Sky
Pokémon Go
Stranger's Wrath
Abe’s Quintology:
Abe’s Oddysee
Munch’s Oddysee
Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty!
Oddworld: Soulstorm
Abe’s Exoddus
Farmville
Nudge (book by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein)
An Empire of Their Own: How the Jews Built Hollywood (book by Neal Gabler)
It’s a Wonderful Life (film)

Designing Games that Stand the Test of Time, with Lorne Lanning Part 1 of 2

Jordan Blackman — Tue, 09 May 2017 10:06:00 -0400

In this episode:

Jordan sits down with legendary game designer Lorne Lanning, co-founder of Oddworld Inhabitants and is best known for creating the Oddworld series, including Abe's Oddysee, Abe's Exoddus, Munch's Oddysee, Stranger's Wrath, and New 'n' Tasty!. In this first part of a two-part interview, Lorne discusses how he weaves artistic messages into his games. He also shares the secrets behind creating fan cultures that last for decades and dives into the philosophical and artistic influences driving his work.

Jordan reflects on how Lorne's approach has personally inspired him to reconnect with his passion for creating meaningful entertainment. This episode will challenge listeners to make great entertainment that is also great art!

Topics covered:

Lorne's journey from fine arts to game development.
How to embed deeper meaning in game design to create lasting impact.
The concept of "Trojan horse pop" and using entertainment as a tool for societal reflection.
How art can inspire societal change.
How fan culture around media properties like Star Trek and Star Wars can inspire game development.
Lorne’s views on balancing commercial success with creative integrity.

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Timestamps:

04:03 How Lorne transitioned from visual effects supervisor to game creator

05:36 Lorne’s early experiences and intellectual influences

07:20 The importance of artistic messages in entertainment

10:38 Using pop culture as a "Trojan Horse" for deeper messages

17:16 Creating games that foster empathy and hope

22:36 Balancing art and business in the game industry

27:13 The challenge of ethical capitalism in the gaming industry

30:05 Why fan culture helps games stand the test of time

35:28 The role of morality plays in shaping enduring game worlds

39:02 Lorne’s thoughts on corporate power, individualism, and modern media

46:43 Entertainment as the campfire

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Oddworld Inhabitants: Learn more
Oddworld Inhabitants (Lorne Lanning’s company)
Abe’s Oddysee, Munch’s Oddysee, Stranger’s Wrath (Oddworld games)
Star Trek, Star Wars, The Twilight Zone (inspirational media properties)
2001: A Space Odyssey, Red Dawn (film)
Joseph Campbell’s Power of Myth (influence on Star Wars)
Black Mirror, Clockwork Orange, Firefly (TV series)
South Park, The Muppets, The Simpsons (examples of "Trojan horse pop")
Animal Farm by George Orwell, The Mission of Art by a guy named Alex Gray (books)

How to Use Hollywood Talent in your Game, with Lev Chapelsky

Jordan Blackman — Sat, 06 May 2017 23:12:00 -0400

In this episode:

Jordan interviews Lev Chapelsky, founding partner of Blindlight, a production company bridging the gap between Hollywood and the video game industry. Lev shares his insights into how game producers can collaborate with Hollywood talent, navigate complex industry differences, and avoid common mistakes in voice acting, writing, and production. Whether you’re a writer, voice actor, composer, or producer, this episode will give you a clear understanding of Hollywood's growing role in game development and how to best work with its talent.

Topics covered:

The benefits of using team writing for video games.
The role of voice directors in game production.
Common mistakes game producers make with voice actors.
How game producers can collaborate successfully with Hollywood.
Navigating the differences between the gaming and Hollywood industries.

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Timestamps:

02:07 How Lev started Blindlight

04:16 First Hollywood collaboration: writing for Hot Shots Golf

05:21 Team writing for video games

07:19 Difference between TV writers and Hollywood film writers in game writing

12:36 Common mistakes in game voice-over production

16:48 Differences between interactive and linear media in voice-over

18:58 Maximizing voice acting budget in games

20:06 Breakdown of the voice-over production pipeline

27:11 How Blindlight offers cost-effective writing solutions for games

28:35 How mobile games and working with celebrities have changed Blindlight

31:57 Lev’s work with GDC Narrative Summit

36:43 Tips for working with celebrities in video game production

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Blindlight
Pixar
Naughty Dog
Insomniac
Rockstar Games
Hot Shots Golf
Oddworld
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Facebook game
Frontierville
Castleville
Fallout 4
Grand Theft Auto (GTA)
Kardashian Mobile Games

One Million Downloads in One Week: The Power of Rapid Prototyping, with Mike Mika

Jordan Blackman — Sat, 06 May 2017 23:06:00 -0400

In this episode:

Jordan sits down with game development veteran Mike Mika, who has over 20 years of experience and has shipped more than 190 games. Mike has worked on iconic franchises like Street Fighter, Mega Man, and Tiger Woods Golf. He helped launch NGMoco, pioneering free-to-play games on the iPhone, and played a major role in the shift to digital distribution on Xbox Live and PSN.

Mike's passion and enthusiasm for game development offer inspiration to any game developer who wants to focus on fun and interactivity, spending less time on documentation and more time delivering fun to audiences.

Topics covered:

How improv skills apply to game design, and how it makes for better games, faster.
How he got over 1,000,000 downloads for his indie game in less than a week using social media.
Tales from the development of classic games like Street Fighter and Mega Man.
His viral appearance in the hit movie “Donkey Kong Dad” when he created his own modified version of Donkey Kong for his daughter.

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Episode Timestamps:

03:35 Mike’s journey into game development

06:30 Turning a passion project into Yars' Revenge

11:08 Transition from journalism to game development

12:04 Working on 190 games across platforms

13:06 The Donkey Kong Dad story

15:32 Mike’s approach to game design (Martin Garrix oops.pizza)

22:07 Staying creative over the long haul

23:32 The story behind #IDARB

26:43 Reviving Digital Eclipse for game preservation (Mega Man Legacy Collection)

29:48 Mike’s game production process

33:33 Building a game on the Commodore 64

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Mike Mika’s Twitter
#IDARB
Digital Eclipse
Martin Garrix oops.pizza tweet (game not available anymore)

Games mentioned:

Yars' Revenge
#IDARB
Street Fighter
Mega Man
Tiger Woods Golf
Martin Garrix oops.pizza
Donkey Kong
Doom
NFL Blitz
Flappy Bird
Downwell
Rayman
GTA
Spyro
Dr. Seuss
Puzzle Fighter
Dark Void
Death Jr.
Kim Possible
Spider-Man
X-Men

An Introduction from Your Host Jordan Blackman

Jordan Blackman — Sat, 06 May 2017 22:06:00 -0400

Learn More About Jordan & Bright Black

SUPPORT THE SHOW: WRITE A REVIEW

Listen to it on iTunes.

In this short intro, host Jordan Blackman explains the genesis of the podcast, discusses who will get the most out its programming, and briefly outlines his own game industry experience. This show is designed to be valuable to ambitious game industry professionals. We cover how to make better games, build better studios, and have better careers. The way we do that is by bringing on top industry experts and achievers and interviewing them for useful know-how and insights. This show is for you if: You want creative and business success in the game industry. You're an ambitious indie developer who wants to make a great game that's also received by a big audience. You care about great game design and game stories. You're a lead at a studio looking to learn from the industry's top creators. You work at a publishing company and want to understand what today's business leaders are doing to drive brand successes. You want to understand how Free to Play gaming works. This show is not for you if: You don't think the business aspect of making games is important. You are looking for the latest industry news. You're looking for subjective opinions about various game platforms. You're looking for "hacks" or quick fixes to make your game or company a success. About your host, Jordan Blackman: Jordan has been writing, producing, and designing games for over a decade. He is a mobile game design expert, an accomplished producer, and an instructor of Game Design. His work for Novalogic, Zynga, and Ubisoft has generated several hundred million dollars. Jordan has produced and designed for numerous million-selling franchises, including FrontierVille, Delta Force: Black Hawk Down, Joint Operations, CSI:, and CastleVille. Jordan is the industry leader who brought CSI to Facebook with the smash hit, CSI: Crime City. He went on to Zynga where he led the creative team on FrontierVille, one of the most popular and profitable games of all time. Jordan has collaborated with top studios worldwide including Telltale games, Area/Code, Other Ocean, Buzzmonkey, Ubisoft Shanghai, and Zynga SF. Partners Jordan has worked with include CBS, Ogilvy, Sony, American Express, and many more. He currently serves as a consulting designer and producer for leading organizations inside and outside the game industry. His clients include Nickelodeon, EA Sports, Beeline, AMC Networks, the Pokemon Company, and others.

Venture Funding for Game Studios, with Jason Della Rocca

Jordan Blackman — Fri, 05 May 2017 22:18:00 -0400

In this episode:

Jordan sits down with Jason Della Rocca, co-founder of Execution Labs, a hands-on early stage investor for independent game developers. Jason shares insights into venture funding for game studios. He discusses the phases of venture capital, common pitching mistakes, and essential factors investors look for in gaming startups. If you're a game designer or programmer considering creating a studio, this interview will help you get started on a path of success and sustainability.

Topics covered:

How to create a clear road map of your project plan for your funding investors
How to *not* do revenue share deals.
The mindset you need to succeed as an indie game developer.
Jason’s journey into venture funding in the gaming industry.
The mission of Execution Labs and its evolution over the years.

For more game industry tips:

Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Episode Timestamps:

03:14 Jason’s entry into the game industry

06:28 Running the International Game Developers Association (IGDA)

09:49 The birth of Execution Labs

12:12 Key lessons from early-stage investments

16:29 Balancing creative, business, and technical leadership

22:10 Incubators vs. accelerators

30:20 Understanding the early stages of game studio funding

37:40 Angel investors and venture capital

40:11 Stages of funding

46:16 Common mistakes in pitching for venture funding

52:17 The entrepreneurial mindset for indie developers

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Playmakers Trailer

Jordan Blackman — Fri, 05 May 2017 10:00:00 -0400

A quick intro to what this show is all about.