In this podcast episode, Amir H. Fassihi, the studio director at Dead Mage – renowned for titles like Tale of Ronin, Children of Morta, and Shadow Blade – delves into the multifaceted world of game development. From navigating the exciting yet challenging game release process to fostering a thriving team atmosphere, Amir and our host, Fergus, cover a wide range of topics. Amir shares his perspective on the challenges and rewards of being a studio director, emphasizing the delicate balance between creative freedom and strategic planning. He highlights the importance of establishing a collaborative and innovative team culture while acknowledging the irreplaceable value of face-to-face interactions. The episode delves into the cultural influences that shaped Tale of Ronin, exploring the samurai spirit and the humanity of these warriors. Amir provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the game's development, art style, and the tools they used – including the internal tool called Rashomon. Amir and Fergus also touch on the role of AI and the future of game development, suggesting a crossroad of creativity and technology that will transform the gaming landscape.