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.