In this episode of the UX Fika Podcast, I sit down with Cheryl Platz — actress, designer, author, and creative director for the Game Studio at The Pokémon Company International — whose career has spanned everything from The Sims and Alexa to Marvel Strike Force and Pokémon TCG Live.
We talk about what games can teach us about human behaviour, creativity, and community, and why the future of design may have more in common with game design than we think. Cheryl shares her journey from UX and voice design to the world of live service games, and how play, self-expression, and connection are becoming the real motivators behind why people play.
We also dive into her two books — Design Beyond Devices and The Game Development Strategy Guide — and how she’s applying user-centered thinking to game creation, community design, and even how teams work together. Cheryl opens up about resilience through layoffs, learning to “be right less of the time,” and how curiosity and collaboration fuel both her work and her recovery.
It’s a warm, honest, and fascinating conversation about storytelling, games, and why designing for play might just help us design better futures — for products, teams, and people.
Plus:
☕️ Why a nice cup of coffee or a peppermint tea is her go to fika
⭐ Why people’s perception does not control your potential is her life advice as well as why you should be less right at work
What we cover:
02:22 Reconnecting and Reflecting on the Past05:22 Books and Their Impact on Design07:45 Navigating Personal Challenges and Health Issues11:19 Career Transitions and Lessons Learned14:18 The Importance of Community and Support17:08 Facing Layoffs and Finding New Opportunities20:16 Building a Career in the Gaming Industry29:42 Navigating Team Dynamics in Game Design30:12 Lessons from Live Service Games31:59 The Journey to Pokémon Company38:18 User Experience vs. Game Design41:12 Modern Motivators of Play45:20 The Role of AI in Gaming Companionship49:20 Addressing Toxicity in Gaming Communities57:35 The Evolution of Immersive Gaming Experiences01:04:50 The Art of Podcasting and Production Challenges01:09:26 Writing Books: The Journey from First to Second01:21:21 The Intersection of UX and Game Design01:26:28 Advice for Transitioning into Game Design01:33:17 Life Lessons and Final Thoughts
Where you'll find Cheryl:
Where you’ll find Anna & UX Fika: