Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today's episode is hosted by Harvey Anderson and they are joined on the podcast by Jingna Zhu, Producer at Sharkmob, Thijs Schipper, Game Design Director at Total Mayhem Games, George Leonard Heim, Project Lead at Amber Studio and Aleksandar Filipov, Studio Lead Game Designer at Beast Burst.
The conversation explores how modern studios navigate shifting expectations around game as a service, touching on the evolving nature of player communities and the demands of continual content delivery. The guests outline how development teams balance creative ambition with long-term support while maintaining agility in an increasingly competitive market.
The exchange highlights trends shaping contemporary production workflows, including cross-disciplinary collaboration, live balancing and sustainable design strategies. As the discussion broadens, it offers insight into how studios manage scalability, integrate feedback loops and refine operational processes to keep games thriving post-launch. By considering both technical and creative perspectives, the episode sheds light on how service-driven models continue to influence the wider gaming landscape.
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Today's episode is hosted by William Thompson and they are joined on the podcast by Om Tandon, Senior Manager UX at Nordeus, Marco Furtado, Art Director at Wildlife Studios and Roman Herasymenko, Producer at Burny Games.
The conversation explores what enables strong teams to deliver exceptional games, focusing on the structures and behaviours that support creative collaboration. The guests reflect on how shared purpose, open communication and aligned values help teams navigate complex development cycles while maintaining a high standard of craft. This wider look at team culture is grounded in practical considerations relevant to studios of all sizes.
The exchange highlights approaches that foster mutual trust, collective problem solving and adaptive thinking. It also examines how leadership, workflow clarity and cross-disciplinary understanding contribute to long-term performance. With the topic of great teams running throughout, the episode offers a balanced perspective on building supportive environments where talent can thrive and ambitious game projects can succeed.
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Today's episode is hosted by William Thompson and they are joined on the podcast by Cenildon Muradi, Lead UX/UI Artist at Metamoki, Elvira Kucherenko, Art Manager and May Villani, UI/UX Director at Tiny Wizard Games, Thiago Parizi, Lead UX Designer.
The conversation explores how game teams can strengthen their creative processes to anticipate challenges early and avoid production fires. By reflecting on communication patterns, workflow alignment and the importance of clear design intent, the guests unpack how strong UX and UI foundations contribute to smoother development cycles and a more reliable delivery environment.
The exchange highlights approaches that help teams stay adaptable while managing competing demands in fast-moving production settings. It also considers how consistent player experience principles, proactive planning and structured collaboration can prevent issues before they escalate. Throughout the discussion, the emphasis on reducing development fires sits within a broader look at sustainable game design and effective creative leadership.
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Today's episode is hosted by Aaron Reeves and they are joined on the podcast by Luigi Fusco, Game Director at DR Studios, Vladimir Krasilnikov, Creative Director at MY.GAMES and Ben Morag, Director of Monetization at Whalo.
The conversation explores how teams approach designing with limitations, focusing on the balance between creativity, technical constraints and production realities. It highlights how working within boundaries can inspire sharper design thinking and more intentional decision-making, ultimately strengthening the development process. The theme of designing with limitations appears throughout as the guests discuss how constraints can refine priorities and improve player experience.
Later, the exchange highlights how resource management, cross-team collaboration and streamlined workflows shape more efficient and resilient projects. As the discussion develops, the idea of doing more with less surfaces again, showing how thoughtful planning and adaptable design strategies help teams deliver meaningful, engaging and sustainable gameplay in competitive industry environments.
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Today's episode is hosted by Nina Fallows and they are joined on the podcast by Dana Dorian, Freelance Creative Director at Narrative Worlds, Katie Reid, Production Director at Big Farmer and Nicholas Chambers, Chief Executive Officer and VFX Director at FX Chamber.
The conversation explores how leaders in the games industry cultivate resilient creative teams capable of adapting to shifting demands, increasing complexity and evolving production pipelines. It highlights approaches to leadership that focus on communication, trust and structured support, all essential for sustainable creative output. By grounding the discussion in practical experience, the guests reflect on how effective leadership strengthens team culture and long-term performance.
Later, the exchange highlights the habits and processes that underpin successful production environments, from prioritising clarity to nurturing problem-solving mindsets. As the discussion develops, the theme of leadership development reappears, emphasising how thoughtful management enables teams to grow, collaborate and deliver high-quality work in competitive studio landscapes.
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Today's episode is hosted by Harvey Anderson and they are joined on the podcast by Gabriel Chauri, Lead Game Designer at Dovetail Games, Kelvin Moore, Senior Design Director at Sumo Digital and Emil Esov, Game Director at Mad Head Games.
The conversation explores how studios approach designing for the player, focusing on clarity of intent, meaningful interaction and the craft behind shaping enjoyable experiences. It highlights how player-first thinking influences mechanics, pacing and usability, all of which contribute to stronger engagement and a more rewarding sense of play. The theme of designing for the player is woven throughout as the guests reflect on how teams adapt to shifting expectations.
Later, the exchange highlights the importance of iteration, communication and collaborative design as foundations for effective development. By examining evolving creative methods and the role of design leadership, the discussion returns to how understanding the player enables studios to deliver thoughtful, compelling and accessible gameplay experiences.
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Today's episode is hosted by Harvey Anderson and they are joined on the podcast by Lino Claudius, Game Design Lead at Paradox Interactive, Marta Fijak, Lead Game Designer at Techland, Sergi Subirats, Lead Game Designer at DECA Games and Eugen Nicolae Ionica, Lead Level Designer at Gunzilla Games.
The conversation explores how teams approach designing for the player by aligning creative vision, gameplay systems and user-centred thinking. It highlights the importance of understanding player expectations and motivations, showing how thoughtful decision-making can elevate engagement and long-term enjoyment. By grounding the discussion in broad principles, the guests reflect on the influence of design philosophy on development workflows.
Later, the exchange highlights how iteration, collaboration and level design practice contribute to clearer communication and more meaningful player experience. As the discussion develops, the theme of designing for the player appears again, demonstrating how balanced mechanics, intuitive interactions and well-considered structure support accessible and rewarding gameplay.
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Today's episode is hosted by Harvey Anderson and they are joined on the podcast by Niamh Loughran, Producer at Hyper Luminal Games, Ryan Butler, Producer at Jagex Games Studio, Kimberli Kuvaja, Development Coordinator at Remedy Entertainment Plc and Emanuele Ardolino, Producer at Bohemia Interactive.
The conversation explores what makes gaming fun by examining how studios craft meaningful play experiences through thoughtful mechanics, intuitive design and emotional connection. It highlights the balance between creativity and structure, showing how teams shape engagement by refining ideas, testing concepts and understanding the needs of diverse audiences. The theme of fun in games naturally anchors the discussion as the guests reflect on what keeps players invested.
Later, the exchange highlights how evolving technology, shifting expectations and collaborative development approaches influence the way fun is designed and delivered. As the industry grows more complex, the conversation returns to the central idea of crafting enjoyable experiences, emphasising how innovation, iteration and strong communication help teams create memorable and lasting moments for players.
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Today's episode is hosted by Aaron Reeves and they are joined on the podcast by Jose Antonio Sanchez Kornfeld, Producer at Redcatpig Studios, Veera Wikström, Producer at Metacore and Veronika Guk, Producer at Tripledot Studios.
The conversation explores the varied routes that people take when entering the gaming industry, offering a broad look at how individuals navigate education, early experience and shifting professional expectations. It highlights how career pathways evolve with changing technology, studio demands and the growing need for diverse production skills. The theme of industry barriers appears naturally throughout the discussion, emphasising how applicants adapt and how studios respond to an increasingly competitive landscape.
Later, the exchange highlights the importance of visibility, opportunity and clear progression for those seeking meaningful roles. The guests reflect on how teams benefit from widening access, improving awareness of available roles and supporting people from different backgrounds. As the discussion unfolds, the focus returns to the idea of routes into the industry, showing how thoughtful structures, mentorship and evolving hiring practices contribute to a more inclusive future for game development.
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Today's episode is hosted by Aaron Reeves and they are joined on the podcast by Sven Schetzke, Product Director at Gunzilla Games, Stanislav Stankovic, Senior Game Design Director at Electronic Arts (EA), Barbara Leal, Game Designer for LiveOps at Futureplay Games and Ivan Voranau, Lead Game Designer at Strikerz Inc.
The conversation explores how strong creative teams shape long-term success in the gaming industry, with a focus on collaboration, communication and production leadership. It highlights the importance of building teams that last by fostering supportive environments, encouraging experimentation and aligning diverse skills around shared goals. The discussion places particular emphasis on sustainable development practices, showing how they contribute to consistent quality and studio resilience.
Later, the exchange highlights how team building continues to evolve as the industry grows more competitive and technologically complex. The theme resurfaces as the guests consider how thoughtful structures, empowered designers and adaptive workflows help studios navigate emerging challenges and maintain creative momentum.
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Today's episode is hosted by William Thompson and they are joined on the podcast by Nadia Karroue, Art Director at Soba Studios, Jens Peter Kurup, Principal Product Designer at Raw Power Games, and Juan Pardo, Founder at Croqworks.
The conversation explores leadership in live operations and the strategies used to drive player engagement across games. The exchange highlights how effective management and creative decision making can enhance retention, optimise player experiences, and maintain high-quality content updates. Listeners will gain insights into balancing operational demands with innovation, while fostering strong teams capable of responding to dynamic player needs.
The discussion also touches on designing meaningful experiences, analysing player behaviour, and implementing feedback-driven improvements. Professionals and enthusiasts will find actionable guidance on leading live ops, improving engagement metrics, and sustaining long-term success in the gaming industry. The episode provides a practical perspective on combining leadership, creativity, and strategic planning in live game environments.
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Today's episode is hosted by Harvey Anderson and they are joined on the podcast by Olga Marushchak, Head of Game / Executive Producer at Playrix, Maxim Garber, Studio and Design at Amber Studio, and Ben Fisher, Studio Design Director at Rebellion Ltd.
The conversation explores how artificial intelligence is set to shape the future of gaming, from design and production to player experiences. The exchange highlights how AI tools can enhance creativity, streamline workflows, and introduce innovative mechanics that redefine game development. Listeners gain insights into integrating AI into studio processes while balancing technological potential with creative vision.
The discussion also touches on challenges and opportunities that AI presents for teams, including decision making, prototyping, and optimising engagement. Professionals and enthusiasts will discover strategies for adopting AI in gaming projects, fostering innovation, and maintaining quality while exploring new possibilities. The episode provides a forward-looking perspective on the evolving landscape of game development and creative design.
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Today's episode is hosted by Aaron Reeves and they are joined on the podcast by Dmitry Kravchenko, Lead Game Designer at Volmi, Cartic P, Associate Vice President at Juego Studios, and Ricardo Carretero Vila, Game Design Director ABF at Rovio.
The conversation explores the creative mindset required for managing art and design in gaming, highlighting the importance of nurturing innovation, guiding teams, and aligning artistic vision with overall project goals. The exchange highlights how effective leadership shapes production outcomes, drives collaboration, and encourages experimentation while maintaining creative integrity.
Listeners will gain insights into managing the creative process, balancing innovation with practical constraints, and fostering team cohesion in dynamic environments. The discussion also touches on strategies for optimising workflows, inspiring designers, and ensuring that artistic direction translates into engaging gameplay experiences. Professionals and enthusiasts will find practical guidance for enhancing creative output and leading design teams effectively.
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Today's episode is hosted by Harvey Anderson and they are joined on the podcast by Tejas Oza, Lead Game Designer at Double Eleven, Hans Emil, Lead Game Designer at Dynasty Studios, and Erik Brandtman Christersson, Project Manager at ELK Studios.
The conversation explores the journey from concept to implementation, focusing on prototyping and pre-development validation. The exchange highlights how early testing and iterative design ensure ideas are viable, align with creative goals, and reduce development risks. Listeners will gain insights into structured validation processes, efficient project planning, and maintaining team alignment during early stages of game development.
The discussion also touches on balancing creative vision with practical constraints, refining mechanics through experimentation, and leveraging feedback to optimise outcomes. Professionals and enthusiasts will discover actionable strategies for transforming ideas into polished, playable experiences while streamlining workflows and mitigating potential challenges in the production pipeline.
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Today's episode is hosted by Aarronn Campbell and they are joined on the podcast by Elena Bazina, Associate Producer at King, Erkan Karakoyunlu, Lead Producer at Sharkmob, Martin Sjölin, Lead Producer at The Gang, and Diego Prates de Andrade, Senior Technology Producer at Avalanche Studios.
The conversation explores how data drives development in the gaming industry, highlighting the role of analytics in shaping design decisions, improving workflows, and optimising player experiences. The exchange highlights the integration of data into production pipelines and how insights inform both creative and technical choices.
Listeners will gain an understanding of leveraging metrics for strategic planning, balancing innovation with data-driven decisions, and enhancing team efficiency. The discussion also touches on using analytics to refine gameplay, improve engagement, and manage development challenges effectively. Professionals and enthusiasts can take away practical insights into combining data and creativity to deliver successful game projects.
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Today's episode is hosted by William Thompson and they are joined on the podcast by Mikita Fedarenka, Art Director and Founder at Moonlit Games Studio, and Emanuel Costan, Creative Director at Sandsoft Games. Together they share perspectives on nurturing creative environments that allow teams to operate independently while maintaining strong alignment with studio goals.
The conversation explores what it takes to build self sufficient teams capable of innovating without constant oversight. The guests discuss the delicate balance between creative freedom and structured direction, offering insights into how leadership styles evolve as studios scale and diversify.
The exchange highlights practical strategies for fostering autonomy, ownership and accountability within creative teams. From setting clear vision frameworks to empowering individuals, the discussion underscores how modern game studios are redefining leadership to enable sustainable, motivated and adaptable workforces that thrive in the ever-changing world of game development and creative collaboration.
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