Adam Coster, CEO of Butterscotch Shenanigans, shares his journey of growing an indie studio with his brothers, overcoming challenges, and redefining their mission after a family crisis. He discusses their upcoming game Crashlands 2, the evolving industry, and the impact of subscription services. Adam also offers insights on balancing roles, indie dev realities, and AI’s potential in game development, providing actionable advice for aspiring creators.

In this episode, industry veteran Adam Boyes discusses the complexities of the video games industry, from the challenges of sustaining AAA games to navigating market dynamics and the impact of large-scale layoffs. He shares insights from his journey founding Vivrato and highlights the importance of innovation and thoughtful leadership. The conversation also covers practical advice for aspiring game developers and industry professionals, emphasizing the need for strategic thinking and resilience. Hear behind-the-scenes stories, including memorable moments with celebrities like Sammy Sosa and Lawrence Taylor, and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to thrive in the ever-evolving world of video games. The conversation also covers practical advice for aspiring game developers and industry professionals, emphasizing the need for strategic thinking, resilience, and curated searching.

In this episode, I caught up with Alan Noon, founder and CEO of Drill Creative, Inc., to discuss his journey from decades in the game industry to launching his own studio. Alan shared how his work on UEFN at Epic Games, including shipping Deserted Domination and the big GDC reveal, plus his desire to return to hands-on game creation. After a layoff, he quickly turned the setback into an opportunity, forming Drill Creative to build games within Fortnite’s ecosystem using UEFN’s powerful tools for small, nimble teams. We explored the rise of user-generated content (UGC), which Alan likened to the early days of the iPhone App Store, when hobbyists had room to experiment and innovate. He highlighted challenges like monetization and platform restrictions, which can limit developers’ ability to build sustainable businesses and lasting IP. Alan also reflected on the importance of empathy, collaboration, and creating opportunities, offering advice for developers to focus on tangible work, stand out, and take initiative in today’s competitive market. Finally, Alan shared insights on industry trends like AR, VR, and AI, as well as his excitement for UGC’s growing potential. With personal stories and sharp observations, Alan delivered a thoughtful look at the evolving game development landscape.

Jeri Ellsworth shares her inspiring journey from a childhood fascination with technology to becoming the CEO of Tilt Five. She reflects on her early love of science, fueled by a Commodore 64, her unique path through racing and fabrication, and her ventures in computer stores. Jeri recounts moving to Silicon Valley, working on groundbreaking projects, leading R&D at Valve, and ultimately founding Tilt Five to pioneer multiplayer AR experiences. Along the way, she highlights the challenges of startup life, the value of mentors, and the importance of pursuing joy and innovation.

In this episode, I speak with Brad Hendricks, CEO and Founder of Blind Squirrel Entertainment. Brad talks about his path from working with new game technologies to starting his own company after his previous job at Gamebryo ended. He shares how he and his team landed their first project with 2K Games, kickstarting their game development journey before even having a company name :) Brad then reflects on the ups and downs of being a CEO, stressing the need for flexibility and constant learning. We then share practical advice for newcomers, highlighting the importance of perseverance and staying in tune with industry changes. He touches on the challenges studios face, like dropping game dev budgets and the need to be creative and adaptable, plus thoughts on VR, AR, and how AI’s evolving. Towards the end Brad gets into some favorite projects, like the highly praised Bioshock Remastered, which dramatically boosted BSE’s profile. He talks about recent work with Microsoft and Amazon and remains optimistic about the future despite current challenges. We wrap up urging listeners to support each other and stay strong as the game industry recovers through this dramatically difficult period.

In this episode, I speak with Alex Gombos, a seasoned talent acquisition manager who shares her insights and career journey in the gaming industry. Most recently, she supported the game development studios at PlayStation. Alex highlights the importance of networking, building an online presence, and being proactive in pursuing career goals, whether you're aiming for your first job or looking to level up in your career. She also emphasizes the significance of having a clear, accessible portfolio for job seekers in game development. Alex reflects on the industry's current state, discussing the challenges of recent layoffs and studio closures, the rise of indie studios, and the potential shift towards AA games. She also explores the impact of emerging technologies like AR, VR, and MR, particularly their applications beyond gaming, such as in healthcare. Her excitement for the industry's future is evident as she shares her experiences in game development recruiting. Towards the end, Alex shares personal anecdotes about her involvement in non-digital games, including a memorable moment receiving a PlayStation 5, playing Wingspan, and being part of her first D&D campaign. We wrap up talking about her successful LinkedIn series, Ask Alex Anything, where she offers career advice for current and aspiring game industry people.

In this episode, I speak with Ben Kvalo, the Founder and CEO of Midwest Games. Discover how Midwest Games focuses on supporting underserved developers in overlooked regions, aiming for a more sustainable industry, and learn about the upcoming MDEV conference. Ben shares his journey into the game industry, starting with his transition from radio to an operations coordinator role at 2K. Hear his thoughts on the importance of persistence, patience, and leveraging transferable skills when breaking into the industry. He also advises aspiring game developers to be adaptable and continuously seek new opportunities, while encouraging current developers to stay ahead of industry trends and get involved in high-priority projects within their companies. Ben then discusses his decision to leave Netflix and start Midwest Games, highlighting the mental and emotional challenges of making a significant career change. Gain insights into the publisher-developer dynamic, emphasizing the importance of research and targeting the right publishers when pitching a game. Learn about the inherent imbalance in favor of publishers due to the high supply of games and limited publishers, along with his desire for more publishers. Hear his ideas on securing a publishing deal, such as reaching out directly to decision-makers, and how marketing efforts need to be authentic. Discover his thoughts on AI and AR/VR in the future of game development, noting the potential for increased efficiency and innovation, as well as the challenges with these technologies. We wrap things up with his passion for Skee-Ball and his work on some favorite projects, such as Borderlands 2, Mafia 3, and Into the Breach. Learn his key piece of advice on the importance of networking and building genuine connections within the industry for both new and existing game developers.

In this episode, I spoke with Billy Basso, the sole developer behind the hit indie game ANIMAL WELL. Discover how he began working on the game as an after-work hobby seven years ago, and his vision for creating a lush, 2D Metroidvania experience where players explore underground caves, solve puzzles, and encounter creatures with minimal guidance. Billy shares his game development journey, highlighting the initial challenges in both developing and marketing the game. Learn how he initially relied on Twitter/X for promotion until partnering with industry veteran Dan Edelman, which significantly boosted the game's visibility and led to a successful launch. Billy also dives into his development process, including the decision to create his own game engine, and building his technical skills at DePaul, as well as game studios like Phosphor, NetherRealm, and Level Ex. Reflecting on the industry, Billy expresses a preference for smaller, diverse games over massive live service ones. He also shares his thoughts on VR and his dislike for AI-generated assets. Emphasizing the importance of creating meaningful, well-crafted experiences and building things yourself, Billy offers valuable insights. We wrap up with his excitement around the community response to the game and his advice to aspiring developers. He encourages patience, embracing challenges, and seeking learning opportunities.

In this episode, I spoke with Roxanne Splitt, Associate Design Director at Insomniac Games. Hear their experiences and insights from working on various game projects, including collaborations with NASA and acclaimed games like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. Roxanne reflects on the educational and emotionally significant aspects of working on the NASA project, learning from experts and tackling challenges related to space and human physiology. Hear discussion about the significance of an amazing Metacritic score, sales data, and the impact of receiving recognition for working on successful game projects. We then get into the importance of emotional connection in game development, with them sharing excitement around the impact of player reactions from gamers and streamers. Hear as we stress the significance of developers' intentions to create games that evoke positive responses and resonate with players on a deep level. Listen to thoughts on changes happening in the game industry, live service games, player engagement, and the challenges of predicting elements that will resonate with both players and developers. Wrapping up we get into personal experiences and insights gained from navigating the game industry, offering advice on maintaining a long-term perspective in one's career. Roxanne shares the transformative impact of parenthood on their perspective, while JP reflects on lessons learned through experience and shifting perspectives. In conclusion, we share some personal anecdotes and professional reflections, and the need to focus on the long term perspective of your game development journey.

In this episode, I spoke with Keith Plesha, Sr. Recruiter with Krafton Americas who offers valuable insights from his recruiting career. He emphasizes the significance of networking, continuous learning, and staying on top of industry trends for career success. Topics such as interpersonal skills, mentorship, and the impact of remote work on hiring are also discussed. The conversation transitions into challenges faced by current (and aspiring) game developers, including layoffs and the effects of mergers and acquisitions. Keith expresses interest in the decision-making processes behind job cuts and the metrics driving those. Additionally, we discuss the surge in gaming during the pandemic and its implications for industry growth and adaptation. We then get into topics around previous overhiring, shifts in user acquisition strategy due to Apple privacy changes, and the repercussions of job cuts. The importance of proactive career management, financial readiness, using ArtStation, and maintaining an updated LinkedIn profile is also stressed. Hear some personal stories, playtesting mishaps, and favorite games, along with the importance of resilience and adaptability in this changing field. In conclusion, we talk more about the importance of financial preparedness, career flexibility, and proactive networking. He advocates for staying informed about industry developments, possessing a versatile skill set, and being open to temporary alternative career paths in this current industry climate.

In this episode, I spoke with Sam Glassenberg, Founder and CEO of Level Ex, as we dive into subjects encompassing the gaming industry, technology, and healthcare. Sam recounts his unexpected journey into gaming, beginning as an animator at LucasArts and eventually helping lead Microsoft’s DirectX Graphics team. We then transition to discussing the critical importance of having a portfolio for job seekers, the interesting challenges of working in Tech Art, the foundational value of solid engineering principles, and the innovative ways Level Ex pushes Unity3D beyond its limits. Our conversation also touches on the essential qualities of empathy, adaptability, and curiosity in the gaming industry. Sam fondly recalls working on his two favorite projects, Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter and Gastro Ex. We also explore the role of generative AI in skill enhancement, the unique challenges of movie-based games, and the exciting yet still maturing potential of AR/VR/XR technologies. Sam then shares an amusing story from a medical conference and emphasizes the need for improved medical training, along with his interest in casual and hyper-casual mobile games. As the episode nears its end, Sam provides insights from his recent trip to Kiev where Level Ex is helping assist the Ukrainian armed forces in medical training and his experiences presenting at NATO. He sheds light on the neuroscience behind game design and identifies professional video games as a burgeoning opportunity within the industry. We conclude with Sam encouraging game developers to embrace AI and where to find him online for further discussions and collaboration.

I welcome Alex Seropian, founder and CEO of Look North World on this episode kicking off the 5th (wow, 5th) year of the podcast. Hear as Alex shares insights about his current role, including hosting The Fourth Curtain podcast and his new studio, Look North World. Learn about the growing significance of user-generated content (UGC) in the gaming industry and the potential for UGC to become a major part of the industry in the coming years. Alex also reflects on his journey in the game industry, from his early exposure to video games to the founding of Bungie after college and working on games like Marathon and Halo. We then get into his curiosity about the future of the game industry, particularly in relation to the impact of technology, such as AI and virtual reality. He also raises concerns about job stability and diversity within our industry, emphasizing the importance of building a diverse workforce. Alex then shares his excitement about the Steam Deck hardware and highlights his ongoing passion for gaming. In closing, Alex offers a piece of advice for those working in the industry, expressing optimism about the future of the game industry, and the role of entertainment in people's lives. We acknowledge the fluctuations and challenges within the industry but maintain a positive outlook for its future.

I welcome Jennifer Javornik, the Chief Partnerships Officer at Filament Games on this 60th episode. Learn about her current role, the company’s connection with UW Madison, and how she transitioned from a traditional IT role into the game industry. Hear about being in improv comedy, learning to be less formal, and how the industry embraces being yourself. We then share advice about starting out, having content to show, testing, and being able to hit the ground running. Hear about the intricacies of doing client work, opportunities to work in marketing, and the importance of being flexible in this industry. We then get into teamwork, communication skills, and one of her favorite projects, iCivics.org. Learn about industry consolidation concerns, questions about the future, supporting VR/AR/MR, and hype cycles. Our discussion then pivots to a funny story about Minecraft, the NY Times Spelling Bee, and spending time away from games outside of work. As we wrap up, hear about some unusual projects she’s worked on for dairy farmers and pediatric MRIs to help kids, taking care of yourself, keeping your skills current, and the upcoming M+DEV 2023 conference in Madison, WI.

I welcome Ryan Douglas, the Co-Founder at DeepWell DTx, NeuFluent / Founder, Nextern to this episode. Learn how DeepWell DTx is working to meld medical professionals, scientists, and game developers to create mental health digital therapeutics through play and neuroscience. Hear about the power of gaming to improve mental health, citing games like Tetris and Animal Crossing that have shown mental health benefits. Ryan then shares the value of creating experiences that make players feel better without consciously realizing it, along with potential negative effects around boundary conditions in medicine. We then get into the meteoric rise of the game industry, how it’s still immature at times, and the need for individuals to understand their motivations to be successful. Ryan then shares about the importance of building a culture centered on individual passions and shared purpose, how “crunch” isn’t unique to the industry, and work/life balance challenges. Hear about Ryan’s diverse career journey, the mental health emergency, F2P issues, digital therapeutics, flow states, the problem with gamification, and finding the overlap between game mechanics and treatment mechanisms. We then go into his 5 Creator Keys, EQ, finding people you trust, social media, regulation, AI, and both the power and over-hype of VR and AR. As we wrap up, we hear an unusual story about his career, life changes, excitement around their upcoming game, video game violence fallacy, working with the FDA, improving mental health, medicinal media, sharing on LinkedIn, finding your why, avoiding toxicity, and listening to your gut.

I welcome Jeff Linville, the Co-Founder and Sound Designer at Ritual Studios to this episode. We discuss topics like sound design, pitching your game to publishers, and the future of AR and VR. Jeff shares about the importance of your personal network, learning how to script and work in-engine, and maintaining a healthy mindset with the ups and downs of the industry. We then go into the importance of sound design, highlighting the transformative power of sound that enhances player experiences. Hear about the challenges faced by sound designers, such as time constraints and file size limitations, plus having content cut. Jeff shares why he’s bullish on VR and thoughts around AR possibly replacing smartphones through spatial computing. We then get into the concerns about AI's impact on game development and copyright issues, along with ideas around the benefits. Hear how the team pivoted their game pitch to get better results by focusing on bite-sized call-to-action prompts, plus using gifs and game audio to create the game experience. Learn the importance for sound designers to be able to work in-engine and script, plus having an engineer connection to help implement ideas and tech. Jeff and I then talk about the importance of seizing opportunities, networking with peers, and maintaining a positive attitude through setbacks. We then wrap up discussing chance encounters, the abundance of good people in the industry, and the power of doing great work.

I put this information together for a presentation at DePaul University in Chicago recently. The audience found it helpful, plus listener Chris Hardin thought it’d make a great episode. So I made some tweaks and recorded it solo as a short episode :) While it’s intended for folks looking to get their first job there are different ideas and strategies that should be helpful if you’re already working in the industry. I cover strategies around resumes, applying for jobs, doing due diligence, interviewing strategies, following up afterwards, the importance of your portfolio/website, and other areas. It’s not meant to be extensive, but tips and ideas to help in your game development journey. (Plus if you’d like to go deeper my Gain Wisdom Patreon level has monthly private coaching included.)

I welcome Steve Anichini, CTO and Co-founder of Disbelief to this episode. We start off discussing programming at a young age, taking a job after college, and then deciding to pursue a game development career with his first job at Jellyvision. Hear about working at Midway Games and Irrational Games and then starting Disbelief after layoffs. Learn advice about developing patience with yourself, others, project timelines, and not freaking out over deadlines. Steve then shares ideas for getting a first job, including the importance of debugging skills and learning more languages and game engines. We then discuss advancing as a programmer, including the importance of communication skills. Hear about some of his favorite projects, including Borderlands 3 and BioShock Infinite. We then dive into rendering and graphics technology, including real-time ray tracing and Unreal Five's Nanite. Hear about the threat and opportunity he sees in the industry, along with benefits and numerous concerns around AI. Steve then shares a funny story about a John Woo’s Stranglehold press event, some games he’s playing, the company's journey towards an anti-crunch culture, along with strategies for not getting into bad situations. At the end he shares advice about never being too late to strike out on your own, giving yourself enough runway, and getting in touch with him online.

I welcome Roger Sharpe, President and CEO of Sharpe Communications, and the star of the new movie - PINBALL: The Man Who Saved the Game. Hear about his marketing agency and how the idea to turn his story into a movie started back in 2020. We then discuss how pinball used to be illegal in New York City, discovering pinball in college, working at GQ, being challenged to write a book, and testifying at City Hall it was a game of skill, not a game of chance. Learn about life choices, working in advertising, how others got their start in pinball, plus ideas how you could get into the industry now. Hear about home enthusiasts being a huge boost, going international, and thousands of events, tournaments, and leagues happening every year. We then dive into some of his favorite games and projects, including the ones he designed, along with his licensing work on Elvira, NBA Jam, Mortal Kombat, Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Terminator 2, Arctic Thunder, and other games. Learn about the growth of barcades, the explosion of the industry, the difference to video games, and cooperative play. Hear about his concern on the recent pricing of pinballs, not going too hardcore on the game design, and thoughts on licensing. Towards the end he shares a great story about Gary Stern, the legendary Harry Williams, his pinball book, and some current games he’s playing or interested in. Learn about websites you can check out, the March 17th, 2023 release date, the irony of making pinballs in Chicago but not being legal years ago, and how this little indie movie is winning awards (go check it out).

I welcome Ray McCaffrey, Executive Producer at Steel Wool Studios. Hear how he got started in the game industry through a friend by joining a band with some NetherRealm artists who later encouraged him to apply for a short-term Assistant Producer contract job. Learn about his transition from IT, working with industry legends, and wishing he’d known to be more quiet and listen better. We then discuss advancing your career in Production, the importance of documenting feedback and results, and providing context to the team to build trust. Hear about the value of being calm and centered for others and the value it brings to the team and a company. Learn about the critical skill of being comfortable being uncomfortable, accepting change in the search for fun, along with the role of acting as a confidant to team members. Hear about being honest with yourself about your flaws, putting constructive feedback into practice, plus sharing feedback without being a jerk. Listen about how insufferable it is working with jerks, ways we avoided it, and what a relief it is not to. We then dive into the uncanny valley of console hyper-realism, go deep into God of War Ragnarök, how accelerated technology is now, and some thoughts on ChatGPT, AI art, and the futility of trying to predict the future. Hear why he’s bearish on AR, and bullish on VR for the entertainment value, plus the way it’s changed how we interact with each other at times. Towards the end we talk about a game cancellation that taught him how to be a compassionate leader, the importance of an open dialogue with your team when in a position of authority, the genius of The Last of Us, other game licensed content, Halo 2 Double Team, pizza, and accepting that nothing is ever final.

I welcome Noah Falstein, a legendary Game Designer on this episode. Hear about his current work as a Designer and Consultant, along with how he began straight out of college at Milton Bradley before going to Williams and to create arcade games. Learn about being an early employee at Lucasfilm Games, and working on the amazing Indiana Jones titles along with others. We then discuss what he’s learned reflecting back to the beginning of his career, moving to California, and advice to expand your horizons beyond triple-A games when starting out. Discover the importance of persistence, curiosity and other key qualities for Game Designers to have, along with learning psychology to understand yourself, co-workers, and players. Learn about digital therapeutics to treat diseases and disorders, AR, Google Glass, and being bullish on the future. Hear about the one trillion dollar world health market, esports, web3, and threats to the industry being localized versus global. We then talk about the Wii Fit and dive deeper in VR and AR, including Pearl the interactive movie, and Skip Rizzo’s important work. Hear about working with (gamer) Steven Spielberg, working at Skywalker Ranch, for Google, and new technologies impacting games and healthcare. Towards the end we talk about merging his love of travel by presenting at conferences, where to find Noah online, the differences between the games, movies, and TV industries, plus why you shouldn’t be a jerk.

I welcome Angel Muniz, a 3D Generalist and Technical Artist who shares about her transition into the game industry, talking with Bungie, getting a first job, and going back to school. Hear career advice about how the art field is changing, creating automation, learning integration, and getting your first position. Learn about knowing your value, having mentors, passion and curiosity, and advancing your career. We then discuss hackathons, growing your skills, her VR portfolio, and the love of learning. Hear about emotional intelligence, politics, listening, bodystorming, and how we process information. Discover AI machine learning, building an experience to help with anxiety, XR, wearables, aerospace, and NASA. Learn about integrating XR into education, roles outside of triple-A, different projects she’s worked on, challenges around hiring, toxic environments, and thoughts on being neurodivergent. Hear about overwhelming job descriptions, changing skills, the metaverse, wantrepreneurs, reading the room, and not being critical when playing games. Towards the end we talk about networking, connecting with the IGDA, Global Game Jam, the value of GDC, and the game dev community in Houston. Hear about games like Graveyard Keeper, kind words for this podcast, where to connect online, new tech battles, keeping your skills sharp, her mentor’s advice on making progress each day, and info on my YouTube presentation about careers outside of traditional game development.

I welcome Jurie Horneman, senior gameplay programmer at Possibly Space, who shares about growing up in the Netherlands and his passion for wanting to make games that led to his first job. Learn about making Amberstar, answering calls from players, and making Ambermoon, which still has a dedicated fan base. Hear about moving to Blue Byte, Albion being overly ambitious, learning C, and having your shipping platform changed because of bankruptcy. We then discuss source code, the importance of completing personal projects, and needing to shift your perspective to think as a hiring manager or department lead. Learn about pitching in, how game dev is different from film, and working on Watch Dogs: Legion. Hear thoughts for working in games now, developing interpersonal skills, and why it’s important to enjoy the process of making games versus only focusing on the results. Discover his favorite games to have worked on, passion around dynamic storytelling, game engines. game AI, and game design. Hear about working remotely, the impact of video conferencing, the need to communicate more as a manager, the value of in-person serendipity, and the power of messaging apps. Towards the end we talk about how the GTA: Vice City Xbox U.S. update almost shipped with all of the globally controversial settings accidently turned off, working Manhunt 2, The Settlers, Incubation: Time Is Running Out, and interesting games out now. We wrap with Resident Evil, how to connect, enjoying the process, accepting change, and being a good person.

I welcome Carl Leducq, Games Producer at Altered State Machine and the popular Zero to Play podcast who shares about his new role and recently shipped game for Rocketwerkz. Learn how he transitioned from film into the game industry and working in QA changed his perspective. Hear how he transitioned from QA to Production, his passion around the game development community and the NZGDA. We then discuss advice for getting into the industry, doing game jams, and advancing your career. Hear about the importance of communication skills, ideas for working remotely, and developing interpersonal skills. Learn about his favorite project, his interest in Web3, and the parallels to early F2P games. We then pivot into AR, VR, and potential threats, like Play To Earn and the massive Axie Infinity hack. Towards the end we talk about his podcast Zero To Play on YouTube, the awesomeness of Valorant, how to get in contact, and his parting advice around having an open mind.

I welcome Jae Lin, the Hotline Director of the ‘Games and Online Harassment Hotline’ who shares about their current role running the hotline, along with the new Culture Shift project. Learn about when they’re available, who it’s helping, and how you can text “support” to 23368 within the U.S. for help. Hear about the new Culture Shift program launched with Take this that goes into game studios and works with top leadership to create custom programs for companies. We then discuss gender-based harm, why it keeps happening, and the culture around it. Hear ideas around accountability, changing behaviors, and how the program just launched in March of this year. Learn about Jae’s experience being pushed out of esports, doing volunteer work in Austin, and getting involved with the hotline, along with how they define gender-based harm. Towards the end we discuss Signs of the Sojourner, Alto’s Odyssey, where to find these services online, and advice about practicing accountability, even in the smallest ways.

I welcome Jon Radoff, CEO of Beamable who shares his inspiration behind starting the company. Hear how D&D and computer programming got him hooked on games, and the companies he’s created along the way. Learn how he began his entrepreneurial journey as a kid, along with advice for others who love games and have a passion to create. We then discuss his thoughts around entrepreneurship, who to listen to, and who not to listen to. Hear why it’s important to have a portfolio, along with strategies for interviewing. Learn the value of having humility, a beginner's mind, not being afraid to throw things away, and getting player feedback. Hear stories on the development of huge IP games like Star Trek Timelines, Game of Thrones Ascent, and his very first game, Legends of Future Past. Learn about his passion for understanding what makes shipping games so hard, different business models, and how big and diverse the industry really is. Towards the end we discuss the lack of skilled people to fill roles, optimizing around creativity and reducing complexity, his broad definition of the metaverse, VR, AR, and making things more accessible. Hear a funny story about a party, his current favorite games, and wanting to hear from other developers. We then wrap up talking about how to reach out online, and doing research on new business models instead of being too cynical.