Episode Overview What does it take to build a shooter that can handle millions of players and still keep people coming back for more? In this episode, Greg is joined by Thad Sasser, a veteran designer whose career has touched some of the most iconic shooters ever made, including Battlefield, Call of Duty, PUBG, and Rivals. Together, they dive into the realities of scaling franchises, balancing innovation with player expectations, and the leadership lessons learned from building at AAA scale. Topics Covered * Thad's journey from QA to designing levels showcased at E3 * Why community is the hidden feature that keeps shooters alive * The balance between innovation and expectation (and why not every player voice should shape the vision) * Leadership lessons in delegation, trust, and building creative teams * How global studios are reshaping game development and what the West can learn About the Guest Thad Sasser has spent over two decades in game development, contributing to genre-defining franchises and leading teams at some of the biggest studios in the world. His career highlights include Battlefield Hardline, Call of Duty: United Offensive, and PUBG. Today, he continues to focus on building great teams, innovating within FPS, and shaping the future of multiplayer experiences. Listen & Connect * Subscribe to Player Driven on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen * Visit playerdriven.io for more episodes and insights * Follow Greg and Player Driven on LinkedIn and YouTube for clips and updates

Episode Summary In this episode of Player Driven, Greg talks with Keith Pape, founder of YellowPike Media, about how to build authentic, lasting connections between studios, players, and communities. Keith shares how YellowPike became known as a gaming marketing agency that thrives on creativity, bold experiential campaigns, and a passion for games. From Times Square takeovers for Metal Gear to guiding indie studios on their first hires, YellowPike Media focuses on doing the right thing—for clients, communities, and players. If you're interested in game marketing strategies, community management, or how agencies partner with developers and publishers, this episode is packed with insights. Key Takeaways * All-In Culture – Why YellowPike Media avoids rigid roles and builds campaigns through collaboration across trailers, influencers, events, and content. * Community Managers as Essential Hires – How strong community leads shape player trust and often grow into producers, biz dev, or operations. * Experiential Marketing Done Right – Lessons from live activations like the Metal Gear Solid Times Square campaign, and how to turn moments into long-tail content. About YellowPike Media Founded by Keith Pape, YellowPike Media is a creative gaming marketing agency built by lifelong gamers. With over a decade of experience, the agency has worked with top publishers and indie studios to deliver standout campaigns across influencers, community, live events, and storytelling. Their philosophy is simple: do the right thing, and long-term success follows. Connect with Keith and YellowPike Media: * Twitter/X: @YPM_agency * Instagram: @YPM_agency * Threads / Bluesky: @YPM_agency Links & Resources * Explore more episodes of Player Driven, the podcast about the business of games: playerdriven.io * Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts

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.

Overview Marketing in games isn't just flashy ads and cool trailers—it's a battlefield of strategy, alignment, and constant reinvention. In this episode, Christine Dart shares lessons from her career building B2B marketing engines that scale, from scrappy startups to global brands. Her journey—from teaching salsa to leading high-performing teams—shows how creativity and structure meet in the business of games Episode Highlights * .The surprising parallels between AAA vs. indie studios and corporate vs. startup marketing * Why interviewing for leadership roles goes both ways—and how to avoid misalignment with execs. * .Delegation lessons: why hiring cheap can cost more, and how to balance junior growth with execution * OKRs (Objectives & Key Results) as a tool to align creative marketing with measurable company impact. * Indie advice: what type of marketer to hire first when you're two devs with a great game but zero promotion. * .Building evangelists: how customer marketing programs turn clients into advocates Why It Matters For studio leads, LiveOps managers, or indie founders, this episode is a roadmap to scaling marketing without losing sight of authenticity. You'll walk away with clarity on how to structure your first marketing hire, practical delegation tactics, and how to align creative efforts with KPIs that actually move revenue. Think of it as a playbook for turning marketing from "nice-to-have" into a growth engine. About the Guest Christine Dart is a veteran marketing leader with deep expertise in B2B growth, customer engagement, and creative brand-building. She's known for transforming visions into measurable results, from doubling revenues to launching innovative customer marketing programs. Her career blends entrepreneurial scrappiness with corporate leadership, making her a go-to voice on what works—and what doesn't—in modern marketing Next Steps 🔗 Dive deeper at PlayerDriven.io [https://playerdriven.io/] for consulting, learning resources, and community discussions. 💬 Join the Player Driven Discord to connect with peers on retention, LiveOps, publishing, and more.

Description The games industry is moving faster than ever — live service updates, cross-platform launches, and endless content drops. But QA hasn't kept pace. Bugs slip through, launches stumble, and player trust takes a hit. Enter AI. In this encore episode of Player Driven, Greg sits down with Shaun Laker, founder of Game Guardians and veteran of Respawn, EA, and The Coalition, to explore how AI-driven automation is reshaping QA, empowering developers, and changing what it means to ship a game. Since this conversation first aired, Game Guardians has accelerated, and so has Player Driven. We're now working directly with studios, bringing in new sponsorships, and expanding our reach to deliver more industry news and best practices straight to your inbox. If you want to understand how AI is already redefining game development — and why the next competitive advantage might come from smarter QA instead of bigger budgets — this is a must-listen. What You'll Learn in This Episode * Why traditional QA can't keep up with the demands of modern live service games * How AI agents can reduce costs, catch more bugs, and supercharge QA teams * Shaun's journey from modding Duke Nukem to leading QA innovation with Game Guardians * The balance between automation and human oversight — and why "humans in the loop" still matter * Practical advice for studios on when to invest in QA and automation About Shaun Laker Shaun is the founder of Game Guardians, a startup focused on AI-powered QA automation. With over 20 years in the industry at studios like Respawn, EA, and The Coalition, he brings deep insights into how games are built — and where they break. Resources & Links * Explore Game Guardians: GameGuardians.io [https://www.gameguardians.io/] * Subscribe for more insights and industry best practices: PlayerDriven.io [https://www.playerdriven.io/] * Join the mailing list to get the latest news, strategies, and behind-the-scenes content in your inbox 👉 Enjoyed this episode? Visit PlayerDriven.io to check out new content, see how the team is expanding, and sign up for the mailing list so you never miss the next big conversation in gaming.

Description Eric Chou started with a mod for Command and Conquer. Today, he runs Honor Games and works on the front lines of mental health. In this episode, we unpack the evolution of a community-built mod into a full studio, what it takes to shift from modding to indie development, and how mental health became part of Eric's mission. He shares practical advice for narrative design, community-building, and supporting others through tough times. This is a thoughtful conversation about ambition, burnout, and why games matter beyond the screen. Perfect for game devs, modders, and anyone thinking about doing work that truly matters. 🎯 5 Key Moments and Timestamps [06:50] From writer to narrative designer Eric breaks down how he leveled up from fan fiction to building full story arcs in the modding scene [13:30] Why leaving modding took years Transitioning to indie development was not just a tech challenge but an emotional and creative shift [20:25] Teaching economics through gameplay Eric explains how Vultures blends factory management and stock market dynamics to build systems thinking [27:00] Mental health is part of the mission From working at 988 to designing a mental health card game, Eric explains how personal experiences shaped his path [44:45] The Trigger Initiative Eric shares plans to mentor unfinished indie games and help them reach MVP without becoming a traditional publisher 🧠 Big Takeaways * Narrative design should support gameplay, not just live beside it * Mods can create lasting impact long after development stops * Mental health support starts with listening without judgment * Education and game design are not mutually exclusive * Indie support can be reimagined as community-powered mentorship 🔗 Links Mentioned * Honor Games Website [https://honorgames.co/] * Eric Chou on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericjchou]

What does it take to turn a gaming hobby into a six-figure salary? In this episode, Greg sits down with Sandi, a stay-at-home dad who taught himself to create mods for ARK: Survival Ascended and ended up building a UGC empire with over 80 million downloads. From his first furniture mod made for his daughter to launching blockbuster premium content, Sandi shares his incredible journey and the community-driven strategies that fueled his success. We're also joined by Shahar Sorek, CMO of Overwolf, the platform at the heart of the in-game creator economy. Shahar breaks down why UGC is no longer optional for game studios, how Overwolf provides a "white glove" service to de-risk the process for developers, and why creators like Sandi represent the future of player engagement and retention. This is a must-listen for any developer, publisher, or community manager looking to understand the power of community-led growth. Timestamps: * (01:47) Sandi's Origin Story: From marketing professional to stay-at-home dad and accidental modder. * (09:03) The Creator Economy: Shahar explains Overwolf's mission to turn in-game creation into a legitimate profession. * (17:13) Building in Public: How Sandi uses Discord, X, and community feedback to decide what to build next. * (22:50) The Tools of the Trade: Sandi and Shahar discuss the essential tools for a UGC creator, from Unreal Engine to analytics. * (30:10) Getting Started: Actionable advice from both Sandi and Shahar for anyone who wants to start creating UGC. Guest Bios: * Sandi Fais a self-taught, professional mod creator for games like ARK: Survival Ascended and Hogwarts Legacy. He is one of the top creators on the CurseForge platform, with his mods collectively reaching over 80 million downloads. You can find his work on CurseForge [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.curseforge.com/members/sandy_00/projects&authuser=1] and connect with him on X (formerly Twitter) . * Shahar Sorek is the Chief Marketing Officer at Overwolf, the all-in-one platform that enables creators to build, distribute, and monetize in-game apps and mods. He is focused on empowering the in-game creator economy and fostering the relationship between studios, creators, and gamers. Connect with him on LinkedIn [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaharsorek/&authuser=1]. Key Topics: * User-Generated Content (UGC) Monetization * In-Game Creator Economy * Community Building & Engagement * Player Retention Strategies * LiveOps and Content Pipelining * Game Modding and Development * Indie Game Discoverability * The Future of Game Publishing Relevant Links: * Overwolf [https://www.overwolf.com/] * CurseForge [https://www.curseforge.com/] * ARK: [https://survivetheark.com/] * Unreal Engine [https://www.unrealengine.com/] * Tebex [https://www.tebex.io/] Credits: Hosted by Greg Posner, founder of Player Driven — a podcast about the business of games and how smart people scale them.

Episode Summary How do you break into the games industry later in your career? And once you're in, how do you build a meaningful life and community without burning out? In this episode, Greg is joined by Amir Satvat, a Business Development leader at Tencent and the winner of the "Game Changers" award. Amir is one of the industry's most important connectors, having built a community that has helped thousands find jobs and opportunities. Amir shares his incredible journey from finance at Goldman Sachs to gaming in his late 30s, offering a practical playbook for career pivots. He breaks down his disciplined, non-negotiable approach to balancing a high-stakes job with being a present father and husband, and reveals why true networking is a 12-month game of building relationships, not a last-minute job hunt. This conversation is packed with wisdom for anyone looking to build a sustainable and impactful career in games. Timestamps * (01:55) The Pivot: Amir details his unconventional path from banking and healthcare into the games industry. * (11:00) The Non-Negotiable Framework: How Amir uses rigorous time-blocking to protect family time and avoid burnout. * (25:49) Confronting Ageism: Amir discusses the industry's challenge with retaining and valuing older talent. * (32:25) The #1 Networking Mistake: Why you need to build relationships long before you need them. * (39:40) The Financial Modeling Trap: How a finance-first mindset can be both a powerful tool and a creativity killer in game development. Guest Bio Amir Satvat is a leader in Business Development and Strategy at Tencent and the founder of a professional gaming community that has helped thousands of people. Known as one of the industry's most important connectors, his work is driven by a deep passion for helping others succeed. * LinkedIn: Amir Satvat [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirsatvat/] * Community Hub: amirsatvat.com [https://www.amirsatvat.com/] Key Topics * Breaking into the games industry mid-career * Effective networking strategies for long-term success * Balancing a demanding career with fatherhood and family life * Transferable skills from other industries (finance, tech, healthcare) * Community building and the power of trust * Continuing education and staying relevant * Industry challenges: ageism, the future of consoles, and business models Relevant Links * Amir's Community Website [https://www.amirsatvat.com/] * Tencent [https://www.tencent.com/en-us/]

A deep dive into the evolving landscape of video game publishing, offering invaluable insights for indie developers on how to thrive in a crowded market. This episode of the Player Driven Podcast features an in-depth conversation with Ben Kvalo, founder of Midwest Games, and Alex Joseph, CEO of the revived Acclaim. From the importance of a well-crafted pitch to the nuances of monetization and discoverability, this fireside chat covers the essential strategies for developers looking to partner with a publisher. Ben and Alex share their unique perspectives on the current state of the gaming industry, the resurgence of AA titles, and the future of interactive entertainment. Key Discussion Points: The conversation delves into the operational realities of running a publishing house, the art of negotiation, and the critical factors that can make or break a game in today's competitive environment. Ben and Alex also touch on the significance of their respective companies, Midwest Games and the new Acclaim, in fostering the next generation of games and developers. This episode provides a rare look behind the curtain of the gaming industry, offering practical advice and strategic insights for anyone passionate about the business of video games. Podcast Show Notes This episode of the Player Driven Podcast brings together two titans of the new era of game publishing: Ben Kvalo of Midwest Games and Alex Joseph of the revitalized Play Acclaim. In a candid conversation, they explore the challenges and opportunities facing indie developers today. From securing funding to navigating the treacherous waters of discoverability, this episode is a masterclass for anyone looking to make their mark in the gaming world. In this episode, you'll learn: * The Rebirth of an Era: How Midwest Games and the new Acclaim are channeling the spirit of classic gaming into the modern age. * The Publisher's Perspective: What Ben and Alex are currently playing and what excites them about the future of gaming. * Monetization & The AA Revival: A nuanced discussion on game pricing, in-game purchases, and the resurgence of the "buy-to-play" model. * The UGC Revolution: Is user-generated content a golden opportunity or a distraction for developers? * The Discoverability Dilemma: Strategies for standing out in a market flooded with new releases and the potential of web-based games. * The Art of the Pitch: What developers need to know before approaching a publisher, from crafting a compelling pitch to understanding the business side of their creative endeavor. * Building a Lasting Partnership: The importance of relationships, trust, and finding the right publisher for your game. * A Day in the Life: What it's really like to be the CEO of a game publishing company. * Conference Survival Guide: Tips for developers on how to make the most of industry events like Gamescom and MDEV.

In this episode of Player Driven, Greg talks with Joe Pace, VP at ASICS Ventures, about the company's surprising leap into virtual reality with DISC, a brand-new competitive sport built for Meta Quest. They explore what it means to build community before code, how fitness and gaming are converging, and what studios can learn from a 70-year-old brand embracing LiveOps. If you're thinking about building something new — or building it differently — this episode is for you. Timestamps: * 02:00 – Why ASICS is getting into gaming (and why now) * 06:00 – The DISC origin story: air hockey meets VR * 16:30 – Why they launched on Discord before they launched the game * 21:00 – Surprising lessons from the VR community * 38:00 – What's next: arcade mode, cosmetics, and social scaling Guest Bio:Joe Pace is the VP at ASICS Ventures, where he leads new product strategy across emerging digital platforms. Previously at Runkeeper, LL Bean, and Legendary Entertainment, Joe's work spans fitness, technology, and innovation. LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joepace/] Key Topics: * VR game development * Community-first strategy * Meta Quest platform * Fitness and gamification * LiveOps in non-traditional gaming studios * Social dynamics in VR * ASICS's innovation model * Building new sports for virtual platforms Relevant Links: * disc.asics.com [https://disc.asics.com/] Credits:Hosted by Greg Posner, founder of Player Driven — a podcast about the business of games and how smart people scale them.

Episode Summary: Mark Otero (CEO of Azra Games, creator of Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes) joins Player Driven to break down the real reason most games fail — they ignore what players actually want. In this raw, philosophical, and brutally honest conversation, Mark introduces the Hierarchy of Fun — a 5-layer model for building long-lasting emotional engagement in games. From escaping poverty through fantasy as a child in South Korea, to scaling a yogurt shop to fund his first game studio, to building billion-dollar RPGs at EA, Mark's story is a masterclass in design thinking, human behavior, and creative conviction. He also shares why AI will either multiply your creativity or expose your culture — and how his new title Ungodly aims to reset the bar for 4th-gen RPGs. This episode is for game devs, LiveOps leaders, publishing execs, and anyone asking: Why do some games stick... and others don't? 📌 Key Takeaways 1. The Hierarchy of Fun Mark breaks down his 5-layer framework for sustainable game engagement: * First impression * Core loop * Progression * Meta mastery * Emotional connection Each layer must make the player feel something — and if you flip it, it becomes your funnel for long-term retention. 2. Design for Primal Desires, Not Personas Mark argues that all player motivation maps back to love, power, or wealth. Most games try to broaden appeal and end up designing for no one. Pick one fantasy — and serve it ruthlessly. 3. 4th-Gen RPGs and the 9-Second Rule With mobile phones now as powerful as last-gen consoles, we've entered a new generation of RPGs. Ungodly is designed to immerse players in 9 seconds, not 9 minutes — a 60x improvement over the old model. ⏱️ Timestamps 01:00 — Mark's origin story: poverty, fantasy, and Dungeons & Dragons as a lifeline 14:00 — The Hierarchy of Fun: a new model for player experience 31:00 — Why most games fail when they abandon their core fantasy 44:00 — What makes a 4th-gen RPG, and how Ungodly is redefining immersion 58:00 — AI, culture, and the edge small studios have (if they move fast) 🧠 SEO Keywords (for search + episode description) * game design philosophy * hierarchy of fun * player motivation design * RPG design frameworks * mobile RPG engagement * Azra Games Ungodly * retention in game design * AI in game development * game publishing strategy * Star Wars Galaxy of Heroes insights 🎙️ Guest Mark Otero CEO & Founder of Azra Games. Former GM at EA Capital Games, creator of Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes. Veteran in collectible RPGs and systems design. 🔗 Azra Games [https://www.azragames.com/] 🔗 Mark on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/markotero/]

Episode Summary: Christina Camilleri leads trust and safety product strategy at Netflix Games — but her journey started as a shy kid finding refuge in online worlds. In this deeply human conversation, Christina shares how her love for hacking, community, and chaos turned into a mission to build safer systems in gaming. We talk about safety by design, the monetization myth, building meaningful controls, and why your systems are only as strong as the people behind them. If you care about retention, LiveOps, or what makes a game feel safe (but still intense), this episode is for you. Timestamps: 00:03:00 — Christina's hacker origin story and gaming as escape 00:12:00 — Why safety in games is getting harder (and why it matters more) 00:19:00 — League of Legends, low-trust users, and the culture of competitive games 00:33:00 — Safety is a retention strategy: what the data actually says 00:45:00 — Feedback loops, reputation systems, and when reports fail players Guest Bio: Christina Camilleri leads trust and safety product strategy at Netflix Games. She's a former ethical hacker and security engineer, with experience spanning BAE Systems, Riot Games, and now Netflix. Christina is passionate about building safe, inclusive player experiences — and believes good design can create both tension and trust. 🔗 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/0xkitty/] Key Topics: * Safety by design in game development * Player behavior and trust systems * Reputation scoring and false reporting * Game moderation tooling * Accessibility through player control * Real-time safety vs. reactive systems * Why toxic behavior kills retention * Community-led systems that scale Credits Line: Hosted by Greg Posner, founder of Player Driven — a podcast about the business of games and how smart people scale them.

🎮 Episode Summary What can a former QA tester at EA, a punk-rock producer at Midway, and the exec who helped launch No Man's Sky teach us about today's game industry? In this episode, Adam Boyes (founder of Vivrato and longtime industry vet) joins Greg to talk about why handcrafted games still matter, how studios can ask for help before it's too late, and what happens when we actually listen to the people who've shipped the games we love. 🧠 What We Cover – From Floppy Disks to LiveOps: How QA used to be "log bugs by hand and pray," and what that taught Adam about modern workflows and AI. – Midway Was Punk Rock: Inside stories from Blitz, Slugfest, and the golden era of arcade innovation — where game feel was religion. – The No Man's Sky Redemption Arc: What went wrong, what went right, and why Hello Games stuck the landing where others didn't. – The Quiet Crisis in Game Dev: Discoverability. Burnout. Studios not knowing when to ask for help. Why Vivrato was built to change that. – Why Every Studio Needs a "What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?" Moment Real talk on vision, identity, and how to build games that last longer than the launch window. 🔥 Pull Quotes "There's an art to talking to people who've made games before. Those are the stories we need to share and learn from.""They'd sneak into arcades and swap out boards just to watch how players reacted. That's how they tuned gameplay.""We logged bugs on paper and stored them on floppy disks. Now we have AI. But the craft still matters.""No one knows what they're doing. Game development is improv. The secret is doing it together." 📌 Episode Timestamps * [00:00] Intro and 90s QA stories * [05:00] AI tools vs. handcrafted game design * [10:30] Midway memories: Blitz, Jam, and chaos * [17:00] Game feel and the obsession with precision * [24:00] Nostalgia meets the digital era at Capcom * [33:00] Vivrato: Helping studios find their path * [40:00] No Man's Sky and the power of second chances * [47:00] What we're playing now + retro game pain * [51:00] Why the future of gaming is built on collaboration 🎧 Listen & Follow 🎙️ Listen now on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube 🌐 More episodes and insights at playerdriven.io 📩 Want to share your story? Reach out to Greg on LinkedIn or Twitter 🔍 SEO Tags Adam Boyes interview Vivrato consulting Midway game design game studio struggles No Man's Sky story game feel arcade era game discoverability

Guest: Andrew Wagner, Author of Economics of Online Gaming and Founder of Wagner Road Capital CoHost: Lewis Ward, Research Director @ IDC 🎙 Episode Summary What happens when a high schooler treats an MMORPG like a business case study? Andrew Wagner joins Player Driven to share how his time playing Eternal Lands turned into a crash course in economics, strategy, and systems thinking. From building a ruthless guild to influencing the game's developer roadmap, Andrew didn't just play — he disrupted. We talk about market incentives, reputation management, and the blurry line between capitalism and corruption, both in games and in the real world. If you're building economies, managing communities, or just love a good player-driven story, this one's for you. 🧠 Highlights with Timestamps 2:34 — Learning economics through RuneScape-style gameplay Andrew shares how Eternal Lands introduced him to core economic principles like supply and demand, specialization, and market incentives — all before he took a single college class. 7:59 — Embracing the villain role to change the game Instead of rebuilding his guild's reputation, Andrew leaned into their "bad guy" image, creating a strategy that ignored perception and focused purely on market disruption. 14:16 — How gaming shaped his real-world investment career From managing a guild to managing portfolios, Andrew explains how the lessons from in-game economies now guide how he evaluates companies and competition in the financial world. 30:10 — Building an in-game advisory board of real experts With rocket engineers and bankers in his guild, Andrew leveraged real-world insights to refine his strategy — proving that the best guilds function like startups. 49:50 — When players capture the dev team Andrew recounts how a former guild member joined the dev team and created a secret mine just for them, triggering a real example of regulatory capture inside the game. * Check out Andrews Book: https://www.amazon.com/Economics-Online-Gaming-Introduction-Economic-ebook/dp/B084Z77PSW * Andrews Website: https://www.wagnerroadcm.com/ * Andrews Substack: https://wagnerroadcm.substack.com/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atwagner/ 🎧 CTA If you've ever seen the real world reflected in your favorite game, this episode will stick with you. Subscribe to Player Driven and share your favorite lesson learned from gaming.

What if you only had one digital life across all games... would you still cheat? In this episode, we dig into the world of online cheating, digital accountability, and the business of fair play with Andrew Wailes from PlaySafe ID. What started as a casual gaming session with friends led to a bold idea  one that could reshape how studios deal with cheaters and protect their communities. 🔍 Here's what we get into: The cheating economy is real Some cheat developers make more money than the games they're exploiting. We explore the underground networks fueling this industry and why traditional bans aren't working. One identity to rule them all Andrew introduces PlaySafe ID, a system that gives each player a single anonymized identifier across games. It keeps players accountable without exposing their personal info. Game economies, broken by bots Cheaters ruin more than just competitive play. They crash in-game markets, devalue rewards, and destroy core gameplay loops. We talk through the impact on long-term retention. Reddit as the proving ground A low-budget Reddit campaign helped Andrew validate the idea and attract thousands of pre-registrations before a single studio integration went live. From kitchens to code Andrew's path to gaming wasn't straight. He went from Michelin-starred pastry chef to founder of a gaming trust and safety platform. He shares the lessons that transferred from fine dining to startup life. 💡 Key takeaways: * Cheating doesn't just hurt games, it destroys trust and drives players away * Accountability doesn't have to mean giving up privacy * Studios want to fight back, but they're outmatched by organized cheating rings * Solving this problem could unlock stronger communities and more sustainable games 🎯 This episode is for: * Developers, LiveOps leads, and support teams dealing with bad actors * VCs and founders looking at trust and safety as the next big frontier * Players who are sick of losing to cheaters and wondering if anything will change * Anyone interested in how tech, ethics, and community all collide in online games This one hits hard. Fair play matters more than ever. Listen now and be part of the change. 🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts

Episode Summary: In this episode, we're joined by Alex Seropian, a true legend in the gaming industry and the co-founder of Bungie, the studio behind Halo. Alex is now the founder of Look North World, a company focused on creating experiences within the Fortnite ecosystem using Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN).  Alex discusses the evolution of the gaming industry, from the era of physical game distribution to today's platform-driven economy.  He shares his insights on where innovation in gaming is headed, the challenges of discoverability, and the paramount importance of building a strong community.  This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of game development, user-generated content, and the ever-changing landscape of interactive entertainment. About Our Guest: Alex Seropian is the founder of Look North World and has an extensive history in the gaming industry.  He co-founded Bungie, was part of Industrial Toys, and worked at Disney.  He is now focused on building user-generated content and experiences within Fortnite. * Look North World: https://www.looknorth.world/ * The Fourth Curtain Podcast: https://www.thefourthcurtain.com/ Key Topics Discussed: * [02:11] The Future of Innovation in Gaming: Alex shares his thoughts on where new and innovative ideas in the gaming industry will come from, highlighting platforms that support experimentation and risk-taking. * [05:10] Discoverability in a Crowded Market: A discussion on the challenges of getting your game noticed on platforms like Steam versus UEFN and Roblox. * [10:05] What Defines a "Good" Game?: The conversation explores how the definition of a quality game has evolved and how generational differences impact what players find engaging. * [12:41] Creating Games for Younger Generations: Alex talks about his approach to creating content that appeals to him while also building a diverse team to create games for various audiences. * [14:42] The Player Feedback Loop: How Look North World launches numerous games and uses player feedback to iterate and improve their experiences in a live service environment. * [18:15] Company Pillars and Adapting to New Platforms: Alex discusses Look North World's founding principle of exceeding player expectations and how they've adapted that philosophy to the realities of the UEFN platform. * [20:54] The Importance of Community: Alex emphasizes that building a direct relationship with players is a top priority for Look North World, as important as the IP they create. * [25:08] The Early Days of Halo and Multiplayer: Alex reflects on the explosion of the Halo community and the surprising ways players connected to play online before the widespread availability of Xbox Live. * [35:34] What Excites Alex Most About the Gaming Industry: From the advent of 3D graphics and the internet to the current "platform economy" where creativity is happening within larger game ecosystems. * [47:16] Alex's Podcast, The Fourth Curtain: Alex plugs his own podcast where he interviews other luminaries in the game industry.

Episode Overview: In this episode, Greg Posner interviews Fiene Ziegler, Senior Community Management Specialist at InnoGames. Fiene shares her journey into gaming, insights on merging community management with social media, the importance of data-driven strategies, and her vision for the future of player engagement. Her experience sheds light on how to effectively manage online communities in a dynamic industry and adapt to new platforms to reach a wider audience. Topics: Community Management, Social Media Strategy, Gaming Industry Trends, Player Engagement Key Takeaways: 1. Journey to Gaming and Community Management Fiene shares her unique journey from studying law to entering the gaming industry as a community manager. Her initial involvement was volunteer-based, leading her to a full-time role at InnoGames, where she manages community engagement for titles like Forge of Empires. Her background adds depth to her role, as she balances passion for gaming with the objectivity needed for community management. 2. Importance of Game Knowledge and Player Perspective Fiene emphasizes the value of knowing the game inside and out, even as a manager. By actively playing Forge of Empires, she stays in touch with the player experience, offering insights to developers and community managers. Her expertise positions her as a resource within InnoGames for game-related decisions, showing how deep product knowledge can enhance community relations and drive engagement. 3. Social Media and Community Strategy Fiene discusses the blending of community management with social media strategy, a trend she's championed at InnoGames. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are essential for player engagement, though InnoGames finds certain platforms, like Facebook, more effective for its demographic. Fiene advocates for tailored content that resonates with current players while reaching new audiences organically. 4. Leveraging Data and KPIs in Community Engagement With a data-driven approach, Fiene and her team monitor KPIs like engagement, reach, and active player response to measure campaign effectiveness. She uses tools like Power BI to track data, helping her strategize content and engage players more effectively. Her focus is to balance entertaining existing players while reaching out to potential players through innovative, data-backed campaigns. 5. Future Goals and Constant Learning Fiene talks about her career aspirations, expressing an interest in furthering her skills in social media and marketing. With a passion for learning and self-improvement, she highlights the significance of acquiring diverse skills—like using Premiere Pro and Canva—to stay current in a fast-evolving industry. Her commitment to growth serves as an inspiration for others in community management and social media roles. Episode Summary: In this episode, Fiene Ziegler provides a comprehensive look at what it means to manage and grow a gaming community. She offers practical insights into blending community engagement with social media strategies, leveraging data for decision-making, and building credibility through in-depth game knowledge. For gaming professionals and community managers alike, her journey and strategies are both inspiring and actionable, showcasing the impact of a well-rounded approach to community engagement.

📖 Episode Summary: This episode of Player Driven, in collaboration with Community Clubhouse, dives into the future of kids' gaming and digital safety. Greg speaks with Karin Johnson, co-founder of Magic Potion Games and a former leader at Club Penguin and Fortnite, along with Kieran Donovan, founder of K-ID and a regulatory compliance expert. Together, they explore how studios can build engaging, age-appropriate games while staying ahead of global compliance challenges. From the development of Imagine Island to the regulatory maze K-ID helps developers navigate, this is a must-listen for anyone creating games for younger audiences. 🔑 Key Topics Covered: * The rise of Imagine Island as a spiritual successor to Club Penguin * Why building "kids-first" (not just kid-appropriate) matters * How K-ID simplifies global compliance across age bands, chat, and monetization * Best practices for launching safe online games with embedded trust and safety * The business value of early compliance and community-focused design * How emerging web game platforms are helping studios reach more players 💡 Highlight Quotes: "We're not just building a safe game, we're building one our own kids would play." – Karin Johnson "Compliance is no longer optional. It's a foundation for smart monetization and trust." – Kieran Donovan "The rules are evolving fast. One week it's Europe, the next it's Indonesia. Studios need to plan now." – Greg Posner 📌 Resources & Links: * Magic Potion Games [https://www.magicpotiongames.com/] * K-ID [https://www.k-id.com/] 🎯 Who Should Listen: * Game designers building for Gen Alpha * Studio leads exploring COPPA and GDPR-K compliance * LiveOps and trust and safety professionals * Community managers seeking to scale safe social play * Parents curious about the future of kid-friendly gaming 📣 Call to Action: Enjoyed the conversation? Subscribe to Player Driven for more episodes that blend player experience, safety, and smart business strategy. Leave a review and share this episode with fellow game developers, educators, and community leads.

Guest: Julie Banta, Director of Engineering, Build & Release at Respawn Entertainment Summary: In this episode of Player Driven, Greg sits down with Julie Banta, Director of Engineering at Respawn, to explore the underappreciated world of build and release operations. From her unlikely start in finance and insurance to helping manage one of the world's top live service games, Julie shares her unique journey, the role of real-time feedback in LiveOps, and how a great team culture can make or break success. They discuss: * What Build & Release actually does in a live service game like Apex Legends * Navigating fast-turnaround bug fixes and cross-platform coordination * How to connect your past experiences to break into the gaming industry * Leadership, burnout, and the importance of a people-first team * The need for diversity and inclusivity in both dev teams and the games themselves Timestamps: * 07:00 – From finance to EA: career pivots and transferable skills * 16:00 – The pressure and complexity behind LiveOps launches * 29:00 – Fast feedback loops and using Reddit as a QA tool * 40:00 – How Julie leads her team with empathy and trust * 46:00 – Women in gaming and why representation matters * 54:00 – Advice for indie devs and those breaking into the industry Links: * Connect with Julie on LinkedIn * Learn more about Respawn and Apex Legends * More episodes at playerdriven.io/podcast

Mike Pappas discusses Modulate's Toxmod, a sophisticated voice AI that analyzes emotional nuance and behavioral dynamics in online interactions. Initially focused on combating toxicity and promoting positivity in gaming, the technology is now expanding to address fraud and challenges like deepfakes. Mike emphasizes the importance of transparency with users, collaboration with studios based on their codes of conduct, and a privacy-centric approach focusing on behaviors, not individuals. Key Themes & Insights: * Advanced  Voice Analysis: Toxmod interprets emotion, nuance, and behavioral impacts in voice, not just words, to identify harmful or positive interactions. * Studio Collaboration & Transparency: Modulate tunes Toxmod to studio-specific guidelines, with studios making final decisions. Open communication with players about moderation is crucial. * Privacy-Conscious Moderation: The system focuses on identifying harmful or positive behaviors exhibited by users, rather than building profiles of individuals. * Expanding Beyond Gaming: Originally for gaming toxicity, Modulate's tech is now being applied to detect fraud and improve interactions in other sectors, like call centers. * Addressing Evolving Threats: The technology can help identify synthetically generated audio often used in scams, treating it as a form of fraud when coupled with problematic behavior. Resources Mentioned: * Modulate: modulate.ai [https://modulate.ai/] Subscribe to Player Driven for more insights and share this episode!