In this episode, Greg sits down with Jim Welch, a composer turned developer turned studio founder whose creative journey spans Dragon Ball Z trailers to launching a party game in the spirit of Jackbox. We explore Jim's path from audio to entrepreneurship, the founding of The Devhouse Agency, and why his team is now investing in original IP. From creative leadership to WebGL distribution strategy, this episode is packed with insights for anyone building in games, immersive tech, or creative services. 🧠 Key Takeaways: * 01:22 – Starting with Sound: Jim shares his journey from composing for anime at Funimation to learning code through game jams. * 07:27 – Founding Devhouse: Why starting a co-dev studio wasn't a single moment, but a gradual realization built from side projects and passion. * 09:32 – Hiring to Solve Pain: Early hires were engineers just like Jim, generalists who could help him scale his overloaded client work. * 14:18 – Specialist vs. Generalist: How Devhouse learned to brand and position its skills clearly as the business matured. * 20:30 – First Clients Came from Network: Jim leveraged relationships with former collaborators and positioned himself affordably as a solo founder. * 26:29 – Why Build Original IP Now: Diversification and creative satisfaction. Jim didn't want Devhouse to only live or die by service contracts. * 29:02 – Trash Heist — Devhouse's New Game: A phone-based party game with competitive chaos and second-screen play. Inspired by Jackbox, built to bring people together. * 32:54 – Distribution Strategy: WebGL makes cross-platform play possible. Steam is the starting point, but smart TVs and casting are in the conversation. * 35:33 – Balancing Client Work and Passion Projects: Dedicated internal teams and careful scoping allow for parallel development of games and service work. * 37:16 – Founder Lessons: Sales and people management were the biggest curveballs. Learning to lead and let go is a continuous process. * 40:10 – Where Gaming is Headed: Shrinking AAA budgets, a rise in small studio bets, and the growing importance of authentic community building. * 45:19 – Call to Action: Trash Heist is dropping soon — Jim encourages listeners to check it out and support indie innovation. 🙌 Thanks for Listening! Check out our Discord by Clicking Here [https://discord.gg/BrEVCRDE]

This episode features host Greg and Lewis Ward discussing the true nature of virtual worlds with Wagner James Au, author of Making a Metaverse That Matters, exploring the core design, economic, and community philosophies of successful platforms. Summary The discussion defines the metaverse as a vast, immersive virtual world with five core features, including highly customizable avatars and a link to the real-world economy . Au argues that to succeed, a platform must be fun immediately in a multiplayer context, operating as a "third space" where socialization is easy . He contends that Mark Zuckerberg's approach damaged the ideal of the metaverse by focusing too much on hardware and ignoring crucial lessons on community and regulation . The history of Second Life (SL) serves as a critical case study, showing that while strong community allows a platform to survive economic crises and bad onboarding, financial stability requires tightly regulated markets, learned through scandals like the implosion of virtual banks and the ban on unregulated gambling . Ultimately, the key to a thriving metaverse is prioritizing community, fostering diversity, and making creation easy . Key Points Core Metaverse Definition * A true metaverse is defined by Immersiveness, Customization (avatars/tools), Scale (millions of people), a Real-World Economy Link, and Off-World Tech Integration (for accessibility) . Identity and Design * Avatars and Identity (05:51): Highly customizable avatars are critical for users to experiment with identity and personality . The Proteus Effect shows that an appealing avatar can boost real-world confidence. * The "Fun First" Rule (15:40): Metaverse experiences must be fun immediately in a multiplayer setting (the Third Space concept) . This is why Roblox and Fortnite succeed. * Meta's Misstep (10:26): Mark Zuckerberg caused "tremendous damage" to the concept by defining it around the Quest headset and ignoring lessons on managing toxic behavior, like the initial sexual harassment incidents on Horizon Worlds . Economics and Stability * Community Precedes Commerce (29:44): Platforms must succeed as communities first. Focusing only on profit (the "Cryptoverse" issue) causes virtual worlds to fail . * Second Life's Stability (22:31): SL's active user base is stable at 600,000. The paradox is that if a user survives the long onboarding, they "never leave" due to the community. * Regulation is Necessary (40:53): SL's banking and gambling scandals forced Linden Lab to impose tight regulation . This proves that a tightly regulated economy is essential for user trust and stability. Timestamps * 03:30 The Five Core Features of the Metaverse * 05:51 Avatars and the "Proteus Effect" * 10:26 Why Meta Damaged the Metaverse Concept * 15:40 The Critical Rule: Why Metaverse Must Be Fun First * 22:31 Second Life's Paradox: Why users never leave References Making a Metaverse That Matters [https://www.amazon.com/Making-Metaverse-That-Matters-Fighting/dp/1394155816] Wagner James Au [https://www.linkedin.com/in/wjamesau/] Lewis Ward [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewis-ward-77b7696/] Greg Posner [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregposner/] Check out Player Driven [https://www.playerdriven.io]

Dive deep into the strategic mindset of level design, the shift from AAA development to indie studio entrepreneurship, and a radical new business model for creating innovative "Cocktail Games." Key Takeaways & Discussion Points The Reality of Level Design * Beyond Architecture: Willem, a former level designer at Velan (Knockout City) and Zynga (Star Wars Hunters) , defines level design not as architecture, but as the execution of the game's intent and vision. You are the "great implementers" who build the playground for the core mechanics. * Finding the Fun: Execution requires risk-taking. Good levels break the traditional norms—like the restrictive three-lane structure in some shooters —to find unexpected fun and keep the experience fresh. * Inspiration Outside the Engine: To avoid creative blocks, step outside your comfort zone. Willem found inspiration for a level in Knockout City (Rooftop Rumble) by listening to Pink Floyd and used JFK assassination podcasts to conceptualize Darth Vader's Castle. 🛠️ Essential Level Design Career Skills (Get Hired Now) * Be Proactive & Self-Taught: The number one required mentality is knowing that no one will hold your hand. You must be passionate and proactive in your job search and skill development. * Master the Editors: Don't just be proficient in Unity or Unreal Engine 5. Learn multiple, even difficult, editors like Hammer (Source SDK). Experience with proprietary tools (like those used for Knockout City) is invaluable. * Go Primal: Start creating content immediately. Use basic primitives and geometry (like brushes and gizmos) to block out your ideas. Don't get stuck in tutorials. 🚀 Odyssey Cocktail Interactive (OCI) & The Future of Gaming * Why Start a Studio Now? Willem felt the Western game industry was approaching development wrong, relying too much on "new coats of paint" over true R&D. He seeks to optimize costs and focus on brand new, innovative products. * The "Cocktail Game" Strategy: This is OCI's business model. Instead of reinventing a genre (e.g., Gin + Tonic), they take the components that made a genre successful and combine them with an entirely different, unexpected element. This approach is versatile and cost-effective. * The Ideal Team: OCI looks for people who are agile, passionate about making games more than playing them, and aren't scared of any new editor or software. * The AAA Reset: Willem is optimistic, predicting the era of the $700 million-dollar budgeted game is over. The power is shifting back to smaller, agile creative teams, like Respawn and Media Tonic, where passion and risk-taking lead to great games. * AI as a Tool: AI is exciting and should be embraced, but it will not replace the unique vision and creativity of a human mind (e.g., Kojima, Ken Levine, Todd Howard). Connect * Willem Kranendonk [https://www.linkedin.com/in/willem-kranendonk-ba6247104/] on Linkedin * Odyssey Cocktail Interactive (OCI): Check out their website at OdysseyCocktailInteractive.com [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://odysseycocktailinteractive.com/&authuser=1]. They will be present at GDC!

Episode Summary Forget the old ways of game development. The Roblox platform isn't a sandbox—it's a brutal, high-frequency, algorithmic battleground. In this deep dive, we break down why traditional "AAA" development strategies are being crushed by low-fidelity, quick-to-market viral hits. We analyze the metrics that Roblox's discovery algorithm actually cares about (it's not just downloads), the new pressure on developers, and the commercial gold rush driving this new age of digital product. If you're building software, an app, or a game, this is a masterclass in platform leverage and virality. Key Takeaways for the Tech Professional * The Algorithm as a Gatekeeper: Understand the core metrics that determine success on Roblox (Retention, Monetization, and Engagement) and how they reflect the priorities of any major platform (Apple App Store, Google Play, YouTube). * The Two-Tiered Development Strategy: Contrasting the high-budget, polished approach with the fast, data-driven methodology of viral developers—and why the latter often wins. * Minimal Viable Fun (MVF) > Minimum Viable Product (MVP): How the "low-poly, high-concept" trend proves that speed and novelty often beat engineering polish when facing a discovery-focused algorithm. * Monetization as a Discovery Signal: Why high-ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) games are disproportionately rewarded by the algorithm and what that means for your product's design. Chapter Markers (Jump to the insights you need) * 01:30 The 'Gold Rush' Archetype: Why Roblox is the Wild West of modern game dev. * 05:45 The Core Algorithm: What Roblox's discovery engine actually measures. (Hint: It's all about the money flow). * 12:10 Case Study: Viral Low-Fi vs. AAA Polish—The data behind the death of the polished demo. * 18:05 Designing for the Metrics: The blueprint for building a game that the algorithm will push. * 24:45 Takeaways for SaaS/App Developers: Applying the Roblox virality playbook to enterprise and consumer products. 🙏 Call to Action Did the Algorithm reward this episode? Hit Subscribe and leave us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast app!

📄 Episode Summary In this episode, Greg sits down with Julie Banta, Director of Engineering for Build & Release at Respawn, to break down what it actually takes to keep a massive live game like Apex Legends running day after day. Julie pulls back the curtain on the real machinery behind live service games: shipping updates across six platforms, reacting to hotfixes in real time, balancing player satisfaction with business realities, and what happens when millions of players discover a bug before telemetry even catches it. Whether you're building an indie title, supporting a AAA LiveOps team, or just curious how Apex stays online season after season—this is a masterclass. 🔑 Key Topics Covered 1. What Build & Release Really Does at Respawn * How content actually gets from dev environment to players * What happens during season launch week * Why shipping across PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC is pure chaos 2. Fast Feedback Loops & Storm Response * How Respawn monitors crashes, spikes, and player reports * When Reddit finds the bug before telemetry does * The internal "bat signal" that triggers Build & Release into action 3. Balancing Technical Debt With Season Cadence * Why live service code turns into "six years of hacks" * The tension between cleaning tech debt and keeping seasons on schedule * The brutal truth about maintaining legacy systems while shipping new content 4. Leadership, Culture & Mental Health Inside LiveOps * How Respawn avoids burnout during crisis moments * Why great teams protect each other's off-hours * What good management looks like in a 24/7 operational environment 5. What Great LiveOps Looks Like * The KPIs that actually matter * What a "quiet weekend" is for Build & Release * Why listening to players beats every dashboard 6. Julie's Career Path & Advice for Getting Into Games * From USAA → EA IT → Respawn * How to "connect your dots" when shifting industries * Her perspective on diversity and belonging in modern game development 📣 Call to Action If you enjoyed this breakdown of Apex's LiveOps brain, follow Player Driven for more conversations with the people shaping the future of gaming.

Episode Overview What does it really mean to design a game — and what can that teach us about culture, creativity, and even our daily lives? In this episode, Greg is joined by Lewis Ward and Eric Zimmerman, legendary game designer, professor at NYU's Game Center, and author of The Rules We Break. Eric's career spans from pioneering web-based multiplayer with Sissy Fight 2000 to co-founding GameLab and shaping Diner Dash, one of the most influential time-management games ever made. We dig into the fundamentals of game design, the ethics of addictive mechanics, the surprising history of Monopoly, and why prototyping isn't just for developers — it's a mindset for anyone building systems or communities. Joining us for this conversation is Lewis Ward, long-time industry analyst, who helps unpack Eric's insights with both sharp questions and nostalgia for 90s game culture. What You'll Learn in This Episode * Iteration as a Superpower – Why prototyping is the start of design, not the end. * Feedback Everywhere – How observing body language and engagement rhythms tells you more than analytics. * Sissy Fight 2000 & Early Multiplayer – The "flame wars" era and lessons for today's online communities. * Diner Dash's Secret – How a "casual" game ended up brutally difficult — and why that mattered. * Loops Within Loops – What makes Balatro so compelling, and how game design patterns keep players hooked. * Ethics & Addiction – Dark design patterns, dopamine hits, and the responsibility of game creators. * The Rules We Break – How Eric uses hands-on exercises to teach design as a 21st-century literacy. * The Real Monopoly Story – Why one of the world's most iconic games is often misunderstood. Resources & Links * Eric Zimmerman's book: The Rules We Break * Classic text: Rules of Play (Zimmerman & Salen) * NYU Game Center: gamecenter.nyu.edu * Follow Player Driven for more conversations: playerdriven.io Episode Chapters 00:00 – Intro & Eric's background 03:30 – Teaching game design & iteration 13:30 – Sissy Fight 2000 & the flame war era 21:00 – Diner Dash and the rise of "casual" games 26:30 – Feedback loops, dopamine, and ethics 42:00 – The Rules We Break: learning design through play 50:30 – Monopoly, culture, and closing reflections Call to Action Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Player Driven on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube for more conversations at the intersection of games, business, and community. And visit playerdriven.io to explore more resources, clips, and insights from the show.

🎧 Episode Description (Hook + Intro) What if the biggest leaps in gaming don't happen at global mega-conferences, but in regional rooms where developers, vendors, and communities connect in a meaningful way? In this episode of Player Driven, host Greg speaks with Jason Lepine, Founder & CEO of XP Gaming, about the real impact of local events and why they're foundational to the future of the industry. ✅ What You'll Get From This Episode * A clear look at why local gaming conferences matter and how they differ from the big expos. * A behind-the-scenes story of how XP Gaming and the Montreal International Game Summit (MIGS) were built and evolved. * Insight into how vendors, sponsors, and local hubs create real value for studios and creators. * Career lessons from Jason's journey and how showing up to local events changed lives. * A forward-looking discussion on how these grassroots gatherings shape the next era of gaming. 🧭 Episode Outline & Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: Why local events matter 03:15 – The origin story of XP Gaming 07:40 – What MIGS is and how it's evolved 13:05 – The vendor and sponsor role in local conferences 18:30 – Stories of impact: community, careers and connection 23:55 – Looking ahead: how local events will build the industry's future 27:10 – Wrap-up and key takeaway (Note: Timestamps are illustrative; please adjust to the final edited version.) 🎤 Guest Bio Jason Lepine Founder & CEO, XP Gaming Jason Lepine is the driving force behind XP Gaming, a company dedicated to growing and connecting Canada's game ecosystem through community-building, education and events. Under his leadership, XP Gaming has re-energized the Montreal International Game Summit (MIGS) and helped transform local industry gatherings into powerful growth platforms. 🔗 Resources & Links * XP Gaming: xpgaming.biz [https://xpgaming.biz/] * Montreal International Game Summit (MIGS): migs.biz [https://migs.biz/en/] * Follow Jason Lepine: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/xpjason/?originalSubdomain=ca] * Previous Episode on Game Community & LiveOps: [Link to Episode #XX] 🎯 Call to Action If you found value in this episode, please hit Subscribe, leave a review in your podcast app, and share with a friend who works in gaming, dev, or community-building. Also, check our blog at Player Driven for related show notes and links.

Episode Overview What does it take to build a shooter that can handle millions of players and still keep people coming back for more? In this episode, Greg is joined by Thad Sasser, a veteran designer whose career has touched some of the most iconic shooters ever made, including Battlefield, Call of Duty, PUBG, and Rivals. Together, they dive into the realities of scaling franchises, balancing innovation with player expectations, and the leadership lessons learned from building at AAA scale. Topics Covered * Thad's journey from QA to designing levels showcased at E3 * Why community is the hidden feature that keeps shooters alive * The balance between innovation and expectation (and why not every player voice should shape the vision) * Leadership lessons in delegation, trust, and building creative teams * How global studios are reshaping game development and what the West can learn About the Guest Thad Sasser has spent over two decades in game development, contributing to genre-defining franchises and leading teams at some of the biggest studios in the world. His career highlights include Battlefield Hardline, Call of Duty: United Offensive, and PUBG. Today, he continues to focus on building great teams, innovating within FPS, and shaping the future of multiplayer experiences. Listen & Connect * Subscribe to Player Driven on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen * Visit playerdriven.io for more episodes and insights * Follow Greg and Player Driven on LinkedIn and YouTube for clips and updates

Episode Summary In this episode of Player Driven, Greg talks with Keith Pape, founder of YellowPike Media, about how to build authentic, lasting connections between studios, players, and communities. Keith shares how YellowPike became known as a gaming marketing agency that thrives on creativity, bold experiential campaigns, and a passion for games. From Times Square takeovers for Metal Gear to guiding indie studios on their first hires, YellowPike Media focuses on doing the right thing—for clients, communities, and players. If you're interested in game marketing strategies, community management, or how agencies partner with developers and publishers, this episode is packed with insights. Key Takeaways * All-In Culture – Why YellowPike Media avoids rigid roles and builds campaigns through collaboration across trailers, influencers, events, and content. * Community Managers as Essential Hires – How strong community leads shape player trust and often grow into producers, biz dev, or operations. * Experiential Marketing Done Right – Lessons from live activations like the Metal Gear Solid Times Square campaign, and how to turn moments into long-tail content. About YellowPike Media Founded by Keith Pape, YellowPike Media is a creative gaming marketing agency built by lifelong gamers. With over a decade of experience, the agency has worked with top publishers and indie studios to deliver standout campaigns across influencers, community, live events, and storytelling. Their philosophy is simple: do the right thing, and long-term success follows. Connect with Keith and YellowPike Media: * Twitter/X: @YPM_agency * Instagram: @YPM_agency * Threads / Bluesky: @YPM_agency Links & Resources * Explore more episodes of Player Driven, the podcast about the business of games: playerdriven.io * Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts

Overview What happens when regulation collides with game design? In this episode, I sit down with industry veteran Oscar Clark to unpack the EU's proposed changes around virtual currency, the ethics of monetization, and why "finding the fun" is still the core of building sustainable games. From self-regulation to skill-mapping the next generation of developers, this conversation goes deep into the business of games and the future of LiveOps. Episode Highlights * Why current EU regulations on virtual currency could unintentionally harm indie developers while missing the real issues * The nuance of FOMO, scarcity, and seasonal content—when it drives engagement vs. when it becomes exploitative * Lessons from history: how Battlefront II's monetization backlash should have been a wake-up call for the industr * The need for skills mapping and career development frameworks to help juniors grow into seniors—and why games lag behind other industries * How LiveOps and retention loops (like soap opera-style storytelling) keep players coming back for years * Oscar's journey from GDC talks to his new LiveOps strategy platform, Arcanics, and how it aims to make sustainable operations accessible to all studios Why It Matters For industry professionals, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at the tension between regulation, monetization, and player trust. You'll walk away with practical insights into LiveOps best practices, the importance of designing around player value rather than revenue, and a framework for thinking about career development in gaming. Whether you're running a AAA franchise or bootstrapping an indie project, the lessons here point to one truth: sustainable growth comes from finding the fun and retaining players long-term. About the Guest Oscar Clark is the co-founder of Arcanics, a newly funded LiveOps strategy platform. A 30-year industry veteran, Oscar has written multiple books including Games as a Service and Playing with Balance. He is a frequent speaker at GDC and global gaming conferences, known for blending practical LiveOps experience with big-picture industry insight. Next Steps 👉 Explore more insights at PlayerDriven.io 👉 Join the conversation in our Discord community 👉 For consulting, learning modules, and frameworks on retention, monetization, and LiveOps strategy—reach out directly.

Overview Marketing in games isn't just flashy ads and cool trailers—it's a battlefield of strategy, alignment, and constant reinvention. In this episode, Christine Dart shares lessons from her career building B2B marketing engines that scale, from scrappy startups to global brands. Her journey—from teaching salsa to leading high-performing teams—shows how creativity and structure meet in the business of games Episode Highlights * .The surprising parallels between AAA vs. indie studios and corporate vs. startup marketing * Why interviewing for leadership roles goes both ways—and how to avoid misalignment with execs. * .Delegation lessons: why hiring cheap can cost more, and how to balance junior growth with execution * OKRs (Objectives & Key Results) as a tool to align creative marketing with measurable company impact. * Indie advice: what type of marketer to hire first when you're two devs with a great game but zero promotion. * .Building evangelists: how customer marketing programs turn clients into advocates Why It Matters For studio leads, LiveOps managers, or indie founders, this episode is a roadmap to scaling marketing without losing sight of authenticity. You'll walk away with clarity on how to structure your first marketing hire, practical delegation tactics, and how to align creative efforts with KPIs that actually move revenue. Think of it as a playbook for turning marketing from "nice-to-have" into a growth engine. About the Guest Christine Dart is a veteran marketing leader with deep expertise in B2B growth, customer engagement, and creative brand-building. She's known for transforming visions into measurable results, from doubling revenues to launching innovative customer marketing programs. Her career blends entrepreneurial scrappiness with corporate leadership, making her a go-to voice on what works—and what doesn't—in modern marketing Next Steps 🔗 Dive deeper at PlayerDriven.io [https://playerdriven.io/] for consulting, learning resources, and community discussions. 💬 Join the Player Driven Discord to connect with peers on retention, LiveOps, publishing, and more.

Description The games industry is moving faster than ever — live service updates, cross-platform launches, and endless content drops. But QA hasn't kept pace. Bugs slip through, launches stumble, and player trust takes a hit. Enter AI. In this encore episode of Player Driven, Greg sits down with Shaun Laker, founder of Game Guardians and veteran of Respawn, EA, and The Coalition, to explore how AI-driven automation is reshaping QA, empowering developers, and changing what it means to ship a game. Since this conversation first aired, Game Guardians has accelerated, and so has Player Driven. We're now working directly with studios, bringing in new sponsorships, and expanding our reach to deliver more industry news and best practices straight to your inbox. If you want to understand how AI is already redefining game development — and why the next competitive advantage might come from smarter QA instead of bigger budgets — this is a must-listen. What You'll Learn in This Episode * Why traditional QA can't keep up with the demands of modern live service games * How AI agents can reduce costs, catch more bugs, and supercharge QA teams * Shaun's journey from modding Duke Nukem to leading QA innovation with Game Guardians * The balance between automation and human oversight — and why "humans in the loop" still matter * Practical advice for studios on when to invest in QA and automation About Shaun Laker Shaun is the founder of Game Guardians, a startup focused on AI-powered QA automation. With over 20 years in the industry at studios like Respawn, EA, and The Coalition, he brings deep insights into how games are built — and where they break. Resources & Links * Explore Game Guardians: GameGuardians.io [https://www.gameguardians.io/] * Subscribe for more insights and industry best practices: PlayerDriven.io [https://www.playerdriven.io/] * Join the mailing list to get the latest news, strategies, and behind-the-scenes content in your inbox 👉 Enjoyed this episode? Visit PlayerDriven.io to check out new content, see how the team is expanding, and sign up for the mailing list so you never miss the next big conversation in gaming.

Description Eric Chou started with a mod for Command and Conquer. Today, he runs Honor Games and works on the front lines of mental health. In this episode, we unpack the evolution of a community-built mod into a full studio, what it takes to shift from modding to indie development, and how mental health became part of Eric's mission. He shares practical advice for narrative design, community-building, and supporting others through tough times. This is a thoughtful conversation about ambition, burnout, and why games matter beyond the screen. Perfect for game devs, modders, and anyone thinking about doing work that truly matters. 🎯 5 Key Moments and Timestamps [06:50] From writer to narrative designer Eric breaks down how he leveled up from fan fiction to building full story arcs in the modding scene [13:30] Why leaving modding took years Transitioning to indie development was not just a tech challenge but an emotional and creative shift [20:25] Teaching economics through gameplay Eric explains how Vultures blends factory management and stock market dynamics to build systems thinking [27:00] Mental health is part of the mission From working at 988 to designing a mental health card game, Eric explains how personal experiences shaped his path [44:45] The Trigger Initiative Eric shares plans to mentor unfinished indie games and help them reach MVP without becoming a traditional publisher 🧠 Big Takeaways * Narrative design should support gameplay, not just live beside it * Mods can create lasting impact long after development stops * Mental health support starts with listening without judgment * Education and game design are not mutually exclusive * Indie support can be reimagined as community-powered mentorship 🔗 Links Mentioned * Honor Games Website [https://honorgames.co/] * Eric Chou on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericjchou]

What does it take to turn a gaming hobby into a six-figure salary? In this episode, Greg sits down with Sandi, a stay-at-home dad who taught himself to create mods for ARK: Survival Ascended and ended up building a UGC empire with over 80 million downloads. From his first furniture mod made for his daughter to launching blockbuster premium content, Sandi shares his incredible journey and the community-driven strategies that fueled his success. We're also joined by Shahar Sorek, CMO of Overwolf, the platform at the heart of the in-game creator economy. Shahar breaks down why UGC is no longer optional for game studios, how Overwolf provides a "white glove" service to de-risk the process for developers, and why creators like Sandi represent the future of player engagement and retention. This is a must-listen for any developer, publisher, or community manager looking to understand the power of community-led growth. Timestamps: * (01:47) Sandi's Origin Story: From marketing professional to stay-at-home dad and accidental modder. * (09:03) The Creator Economy: Shahar explains Overwolf's mission to turn in-game creation into a legitimate profession. * (17:13) Building in Public: How Sandi uses Discord, X, and community feedback to decide what to build next. * (22:50) The Tools of the Trade: Sandi and Shahar discuss the essential tools for a UGC creator, from Unreal Engine to analytics. * (30:10) Getting Started: Actionable advice from both Sandi and Shahar for anyone who wants to start creating UGC. Guest Bios: * Sandi Fais a self-taught, professional mod creator for games like ARK: Survival Ascended and Hogwarts Legacy. He is one of the top creators on the CurseForge platform, with his mods collectively reaching over 80 million downloads. You can find his work on CurseForge [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.curseforge.com/members/sandy_00/projects&authuser=1] and connect with him on X (formerly Twitter) . * Shahar Sorek is the Chief Marketing Officer at Overwolf, the all-in-one platform that enables creators to build, distribute, and monetize in-game apps and mods. He is focused on empowering the in-game creator economy and fostering the relationship between studios, creators, and gamers. Connect with him on LinkedIn [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaharsorek/&authuser=1]. Key Topics: * User-Generated Content (UGC) Monetization * In-Game Creator Economy * Community Building & Engagement * Player Retention Strategies * LiveOps and Content Pipelining * Game Modding and Development * Indie Game Discoverability * The Future of Game Publishing Relevant Links: * Overwolf [https://www.overwolf.com/] * CurseForge [https://www.curseforge.com/] * ARK: [https://survivetheark.com/] * Unreal Engine [https://www.unrealengine.com/] * Tebex [https://www.tebex.io/] Credits: Hosted by Greg Posner, founder of Player Driven — a podcast about the business of games and how smart people scale them.

Episode Summary How do you break into the games industry later in your career? And once you're in, how do you build a meaningful life and community without burning out? In this episode, Greg is joined by Amir Satvat, a Business Development leader at Tencent and the winner of the "Game Changers" award. Amir is one of the industry's most important connectors, having built a community that has helped thousands find jobs and opportunities. Amir shares his incredible journey from finance at Goldman Sachs to gaming in his late 30s, offering a practical playbook for career pivots. He breaks down his disciplined, non-negotiable approach to balancing a high-stakes job with being a present father and husband, and reveals why true networking is a 12-month game of building relationships, not a last-minute job hunt. This conversation is packed with wisdom for anyone looking to build a sustainable and impactful career in games. Timestamps * (01:55) The Pivot: Amir details his unconventional path from banking and healthcare into the games industry. * (11:00) The Non-Negotiable Framework: How Amir uses rigorous time-blocking to protect family time and avoid burnout. * (25:49) Confronting Ageism: Amir discusses the industry's challenge with retaining and valuing older talent. * (32:25) The #1 Networking Mistake: Why you need to build relationships long before you need them. * (39:40) The Financial Modeling Trap: How a finance-first mindset can be both a powerful tool and a creativity killer in game development. Guest Bio Amir Satvat is a leader in Business Development and Strategy at Tencent and the founder of a professional gaming community that has helped thousands of people. Known as one of the industry's most important connectors, his work is driven by a deep passion for helping others succeed. * LinkedIn: Amir Satvat [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirsatvat/] * Community Hub: amirsatvat.com [https://www.amirsatvat.com/] Key Topics * Breaking into the games industry mid-career * Effective networking strategies for long-term success * Balancing a demanding career with fatherhood and family life * Transferable skills from other industries (finance, tech, healthcare) * Community building and the power of trust * Continuing education and staying relevant * Industry challenges: ageism, the future of consoles, and business models Relevant Links * Amir's Community Website [https://www.amirsatvat.com/] * Tencent [https://www.tencent.com/en-us/]

A deep dive into the evolving landscape of video game publishing, offering invaluable insights for indie developers on how to thrive in a crowded market. This episode of the Player Driven Podcast features an in-depth conversation with Ben Kvalo, founder of Midwest Games, and Alex Joseph, CEO of the revived Acclaim. From the importance of a well-crafted pitch to the nuances of monetization and discoverability, this fireside chat covers the essential strategies for developers looking to partner with a publisher. Ben and Alex share their unique perspectives on the current state of the gaming industry, the resurgence of AA titles, and the future of interactive entertainment. Key Discussion Points: The conversation delves into the operational realities of running a publishing house, the art of negotiation, and the critical factors that can make or break a game in today's competitive environment. Ben and Alex also touch on the significance of their respective companies, Midwest Games and the new Acclaim, in fostering the next generation of games and developers. This episode provides a rare look behind the curtain of the gaming industry, offering practical advice and strategic insights for anyone passionate about the business of video games. Podcast Show Notes This episode of the Player Driven Podcast brings together two titans of the new era of game publishing: Ben Kvalo of Midwest Games and Alex Joseph of the revitalized Play Acclaim. In a candid conversation, they explore the challenges and opportunities facing indie developers today. From securing funding to navigating the treacherous waters of discoverability, this episode is a masterclass for anyone looking to make their mark in the gaming world. In this episode, you'll learn: * The Rebirth of an Era: How Midwest Games and the new Acclaim are channeling the spirit of classic gaming into the modern age. * The Publisher's Perspective: What Ben and Alex are currently playing and what excites them about the future of gaming. * Monetization & The AA Revival: A nuanced discussion on game pricing, in-game purchases, and the resurgence of the "buy-to-play" model. * The UGC Revolution: Is user-generated content a golden opportunity or a distraction for developers? * The Discoverability Dilemma: Strategies for standing out in a market flooded with new releases and the potential of web-based games. * The Art of the Pitch: What developers need to know before approaching a publisher, from crafting a compelling pitch to understanding the business side of their creative endeavor. * Building a Lasting Partnership: The importance of relationships, trust, and finding the right publisher for your game. * A Day in the Life: What it's really like to be the CEO of a game publishing company. * Conference Survival Guide: Tips for developers on how to make the most of industry events like Gamescom and MDEV.

In this episode of Player Driven, Greg talks with Joe Pace, VP at ASICS Ventures, about the company's surprising leap into virtual reality with DISC, a brand-new competitive sport built for Meta Quest. They explore what it means to build community before code, how fitness and gaming are converging, and what studios can learn from a 70-year-old brand embracing LiveOps. If you're thinking about building something new — or building it differently — this episode is for you. Timestamps: * 02:00 – Why ASICS is getting into gaming (and why now) * 06:00 – The DISC origin story: air hockey meets VR * 16:30 – Why they launched on Discord before they launched the game * 21:00 – Surprising lessons from the VR community * 38:00 – What's next: arcade mode, cosmetics, and social scaling Guest Bio:Joe Pace is the VP at ASICS Ventures, where he leads new product strategy across emerging digital platforms. Previously at Runkeeper, LL Bean, and Legendary Entertainment, Joe's work spans fitness, technology, and innovation. LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joepace/] Key Topics: * VR game development * Community-first strategy * Meta Quest platform * Fitness and gamification * LiveOps in non-traditional gaming studios * Social dynamics in VR * ASICS's innovation model * Building new sports for virtual platforms Relevant Links: * disc.asics.com [https://disc.asics.com/] Credits:Hosted by Greg Posner, founder of Player Driven — a podcast about the business of games and how smart people scale them.

Episode Summary: Mark Otero (CEO of Azra Games, creator of Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes) joins Player Driven to break down the real reason most games fail — they ignore what players actually want. In this raw, philosophical, and brutally honest conversation, Mark introduces the Hierarchy of Fun — a 5-layer model for building long-lasting emotional engagement in games. From escaping poverty through fantasy as a child in South Korea, to scaling a yogurt shop to fund his first game studio, to building billion-dollar RPGs at EA, Mark's story is a masterclass in design thinking, human behavior, and creative conviction. He also shares why AI will either multiply your creativity or expose your culture — and how his new title Ungodly aims to reset the bar for 4th-gen RPGs. This episode is for game devs, LiveOps leaders, publishing execs, and anyone asking: Why do some games stick... and others don't? 📌 Key Takeaways 1. The Hierarchy of Fun Mark breaks down his 5-layer framework for sustainable game engagement: * First impression * Core loop * Progression * Meta mastery * Emotional connection Each layer must make the player feel something — and if you flip it, it becomes your funnel for long-term retention. 2. Design for Primal Desires, Not Personas Mark argues that all player motivation maps back to love, power, or wealth. Most games try to broaden appeal and end up designing for no one. Pick one fantasy — and serve it ruthlessly. 3. 4th-Gen RPGs and the 9-Second Rule With mobile phones now as powerful as last-gen consoles, we've entered a new generation of RPGs. Ungodly is designed to immerse players in 9 seconds, not 9 minutes — a 60x improvement over the old model. ⏱️ Timestamps 01:00 — Mark's origin story: poverty, fantasy, and Dungeons & Dragons as a lifeline 14:00 — The Hierarchy of Fun: a new model for player experience 31:00 — Why most games fail when they abandon their core fantasy 44:00 — What makes a 4th-gen RPG, and how Ungodly is redefining immersion 58:00 — AI, culture, and the edge small studios have (if they move fast) 🧠 SEO Keywords (for search + episode description) * game design philosophy * hierarchy of fun * player motivation design * RPG design frameworks * mobile RPG engagement * Azra Games Ungodly * retention in game design * AI in game development * game publishing strategy * Star Wars Galaxy of Heroes insights 🎙️ Guest Mark Otero CEO & Founder of Azra Games. Former GM at EA Capital Games, creator of Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes. Veteran in collectible RPGs and systems design. 🔗 Azra Games [https://www.azragames.com/] 🔗 Mark on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/markotero/]

Episode Summary: Christina Camilleri leads trust and safety product strategy at Netflix Games — but her journey started as a shy kid finding refuge in online worlds. In this deeply human conversation, Christina shares how her love for hacking, community, and chaos turned into a mission to build safer systems in gaming. We talk about safety by design, the monetization myth, building meaningful controls, and why your systems are only as strong as the people behind them. If you care about retention, LiveOps, or what makes a game feel safe (but still intense), this episode is for you. Timestamps: 00:03:00 — Christina's hacker origin story and gaming as escape 00:12:00 — Why safety in games is getting harder (and why it matters more) 00:19:00 — League of Legends, low-trust users, and the culture of competitive games 00:33:00 — Safety is a retention strategy: what the data actually says 00:45:00 — Feedback loops, reputation systems, and when reports fail players Guest Bio: Christina Camilleri leads trust and safety product strategy at Netflix Games. She's a former ethical hacker and security engineer, with experience spanning BAE Systems, Riot Games, and now Netflix. Christina is passionate about building safe, inclusive player experiences — and believes good design can create both tension and trust. 🔗 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/0xkitty/] Key Topics: * Safety by design in game development * Player behavior and trust systems * Reputation scoring and false reporting * Game moderation tooling * Accessibility through player control * Real-time safety vs. reactive systems * Why toxic behavior kills retention * Community-led systems that scale Credits Line: Hosted by Greg Posner, founder of Player Driven — a podcast about the business of games and how smart people scale them.

🎮 Episode Summary What can a former QA tester at EA, a punk-rock producer at Midway, and the exec who helped launch No Man's Sky teach us about today's game industry? In this episode, Adam Boyes (founder of Vivrato and longtime industry vet) joins Greg to talk about why handcrafted games still matter, how studios can ask for help before it's too late, and what happens when we actually listen to the people who've shipped the games we love. 🧠 What We Cover – From Floppy Disks to LiveOps: How QA used to be "log bugs by hand and pray," and what that taught Adam about modern workflows and AI. – Midway Was Punk Rock: Inside stories from Blitz, Slugfest, and the golden era of arcade innovation — where game feel was religion. – The No Man's Sky Redemption Arc: What went wrong, what went right, and why Hello Games stuck the landing where others didn't. – The Quiet Crisis in Game Dev: Discoverability. Burnout. Studios not knowing when to ask for help. Why Vivrato was built to change that. – Why Every Studio Needs a "What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?" Moment Real talk on vision, identity, and how to build games that last longer than the launch window. 🔥 Pull Quotes "There's an art to talking to people who've made games before. Those are the stories we need to share and learn from.""They'd sneak into arcades and swap out boards just to watch how players reacted. That's how they tuned gameplay.""We logged bugs on paper and stored them on floppy disks. Now we have AI. But the craft still matters.""No one knows what they're doing. Game development is improv. The secret is doing it together." 📌 Episode Timestamps * [00:00] Intro and 90s QA stories * [05:00] AI tools vs. handcrafted game design * [10:30] Midway memories: Blitz, Jam, and chaos * [17:00] Game feel and the obsession with precision * [24:00] Nostalgia meets the digital era at Capcom * [33:00] Vivrato: Helping studios find their path * [40:00] No Man's Sky and the power of second chances * [47:00] What we're playing now + retro game pain * [51:00] Why the future of gaming is built on collaboration 🎧 Listen & Follow 🎙️ Listen now on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube 🌐 More episodes and insights at playerdriven.io 📩 Want to share your story? Reach out to Greg on LinkedIn or Twitter 🔍 SEO Tags Adam Boyes interview Vivrato consulting Midway game design game studio struggles No Man's Sky story game feel arcade era game discoverability