Ed Fries: The Father of the Xbox is Really a Hacker at Heart

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We Thought It Would Be Easy

Jordan Weisman & Jonathan Grant

6 episodes

1 month ago

It’s all fun and games until someone loses an eye ... or millions of dollars. This podcast drags mad geniuses and bold creators from every corner of interactive entertainment out of their comfort zones to answer the question, 'What the f**k were you thinking?' Expect brutally honest stories, creative courage under fire, and practical insights that’ll inspire (or warn) anyone daring enough to chase magic.

All content for We Thought It Would Be Easy is the property of Jordan Weisman & Jonathan Grant and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Video Games

Leisure,

Games

Ed Fries: The Father of the Xbox is Really a Hacker at Heart

We Thought It Would Be Easy

1 hour 38 minutes

1 month ago

Ed Fries: The Father of the Xbox is Really a Hacker at Heart

Ed Fries joins hosts Jordan Weisman and Jonathan Grant to show how a teenage arcade hacker became the exec who helped turn Microsoft into a gaming powerhouse. Curiosity first, constraints as fuel, and a ruthless respect for shipping, that hacker ethos still drives how he works & builds things today.

Check out Ed's venture fund 1Up Ventures - where he's building a community of the most talented, experienced, and creative independent game developers in the world.
https://1upfund.com/

Don't forget to check out the IDGA, he world’s largest nonprofit membership organization supporting the people who make games.
https://igda.org/

Quick reference mentioned by Ed:

• Amir Satvat’s “Dear parent” letter — a frank, supportive overview for families weighing game careers, with realistic odds and next steps.
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/amirsatvat_dear-parent-of-a-college-high-school-or-activity-7316429901132165125-vFYb/

• Amir Satvat’s “Harsh truth about game degrees” — data on employability by role, what to study, and practical alternatives.
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/amirsatvat_the-harsh-truth-about-game-degrees-too-many-activity-7324100230067453952-YaW2/

00:00 Jordan Weisman and Jonathan Grant welcome Ed Fries
07:13 Early Hacker Days
17:37 Excel's "Sindogs" Bug
25:07 Joining Microsoft's Games Group
29:00 Navigating Corporate Politics
36:28 Xbox Origins & Brand Battles
46:39 Building Game Portfolios
59:52 Post-Microsoft & Family Focus
01:05:48 Passion vs. Profit in Gaming
01:15:22 1Up Ventures & New Bets
01:21:23 Advice for Young Creators
01:27:52 Regrets & The Fickle Nature of Pitches
01:34:57 Closing & What's Next