Game Changers

In this episode of Game Changers, Jason Chapman explores how an innovation from Pixar—OpenUSD—laid the groundwork for a revolution in 3D content creation. From blockbuster films to immersive gaming experiences, the process of building digital worlds is notoriously fragmented. Jason breaks down how OpenUSD is becoming the universal translator across tools and teams, enabling smoother collaboration, faster iteration, and richer creativity. Drawing parallels to past tech standards like TCP/IP and SQL, this episode unpacks why OpenUSD might be one of the most important developments in the future of digital creation.Liked what you heard? Subscribe for weekly newsletter episodes and check out our writing at konvoy.vc!

In this episode of Game Changers, Josh Chapman explores how artificial intelligence is becoming more than just a tool for kids — it's evolving into a curious, patient, and ever-present companion.We unpack how AI is showing up in childhood spaces, from tutoring apps that adapt in real-time to emotional support robots like Milo that help kids practice social interaction. With studies showing big gains in both academic performance and engagement, it's clear this tech is here to stay — but not without tradeoffs.From affordability and accessibility to concerns around screen time, emotional development, and safety, we dive into the guardrails that matter: child-tuned models, age-verification systems, and platforms like Plotago and Bedtimestory.AI that turn imagination into interactive stories.In a world where kids never stop asking “why,” AI might just be the new co-pilot for curiosity — as long as it's built with care.Liked what you heard? Subscribe for weekly newsletter episodes!

In this episode of Game Changers, Jackson Vaughan explores the rising power of IP licensing in today's gaming landscape—why it's becoming essential for discoverability, and how developers are using it to drive growth across mobile, PC, and console.We unpack the challenges facing studios today, from rising ad costs to shrinking visibility, and spotlight how familiar brands and characters can give games a vital edge. With examples from Monopoly Go! to Scopely's billion-dollar strategy, we look at how licensed IP is helping developers cut through the noise, reach high-value players, and extend a game's lifecycle.Plus, we dive into the growing trend of major IP holders like Disney and LEGO partnering with trusted studios instead of building in-house—and why that's a smart play in a high-risk market.In a world of endless content, IP isn't just a shortcut to attention—it's a serious business strategy.Liked what you heard? Subscribe for weekly newsletter episodes!

In this episode of Game Changers, Jackson Vaughan breaks down the evolution of console business models—from the Magnavox Odyssey's one-time hardware sale in the 1970s to today's mix of subscriptions, digital storefronts, and cloud gaming. Along the way, we explore how the introduction of game cartridges sparked the rise of third-party developers, how Nintendo's 30% licensing fee shaped the modern industry, and why console makers began selling hardware at a loss to win long-term loyalty. With Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo now deploying distinct strategies—cloud-first, ecosystem-focused, or exclusive-driven—the business of consoles is more complex than ever. What does the future hold? Portability, mobile connectivity, and new monetization models may be just the beginning. Liked what you heard? Subscribe for weekly newsletter episodes!

In this episode of Game Changers, Josh Chapman explores the growing intersection of gaming and robotics. While robotics has long been a frontier of innovation, its development is now accelerating—driven by open-source tools like the Robot Operating System (ROS) and game engines like Unreal and Unity. With simulation becoming a key tool for robotics training and hybrid physical-digital gameplay on the rise, gaming is shaping the future of robotics in unexpected ways. Will this convergence redefine interactive entertainment? Or are we still in the early days of robotics-driven gameplay? Tune in to find out. Liked what you heard? Subscribe for weekly newsletter episodes!

In this episode of Game Changers, Jackson Vaughan dives into the shifting landscape of PC gaming. While the market has grown steadily, with nearly 1.9 billion players worldwide, recent headwinds—like a 21% drop in playtime, rising hardware costs, and cloud gaming's rapid rise—are challenging its dominance. With consoles catching up and game discovery becoming harder, is PC gaming at risk of losing its edge? Or will its customization, global reach, and social integration keep it ahead? Tune in to explore the future of PC gaming. Liked what you heard? Subscribe for weekly newsletter episodes!

In this episode of Game Changers, Managing Partner Jason Chapman unpacks Amazon's $100M investment in The House of David, a faith-based series that's already climbing the charts. Faith-driven content is seeing a resurgence, with Gen Z increasingly turning to spirituality—a trend shaping not just movies and TV, but gaming as well. With 36% of young Christian players open to faith-based games, could this be the next frontier? From Assassin's Creed to Doom, religious themes have already made their way into mainstream titles—but what if a game fully embraced biblical storytelling? And what risks do these projects face? Tune in to learn more. Subscribe for weekly newsletter episodes!

In this episode of Game Changers, Managing Partner Josh Chapman explores how AI agents could transform digital advertising—eliminating intrusive tracking and irrelevant ads while curating only what truly matters to you. With digital advertising expected to hit $663B by 2027, AI-driven ad filtering could reshape industries, including gaming, where mobile game discovery and monetization could be revolutionized. Could AI agents negotiate on your behalf, ensuring you only see valuable offers? Who will control these AI assistants—independent platforms or tech giants? Tune in for a deep dive into the future of AI-powered advertising and its impact on gaming, digital marketing, and consumer privacy. Love what you hear? Subscribe for weekly newsletter episodes.

Join Konvoy Managing Partner Josh Chapman as he unpacks our latest newsletter topic: affective computing and its impact on gaming. Can technology truly understand human emotions? From early psychological theories to AI-driven emotion tracking, we explore how gaming experiences could adapt in real time based on player moods. Could this be the next frontier in game design, or are we still years away from meaningful applications? Tune in as we break down the potential, the challenges, and what this means for the future of gaming. Love what you hear? Subscribe for weekly newsletter episodes.

Join Konvoy Managing Partner Jackson Vaughan as he unpacks our latest newsletter topic: the intersection of gaming and music. From the early days of chiptune to dynamic, real-time soundtracks, music has shaped how we experience games. But what's next? While game music is more advanced and accessible than ever, will we see major innovation—or just incremental improvements? Tune in as we explore the past, present, and future of music in gaming. Love what you hear? Subscribe for weekly newsletter episodes.

Join Konvoy Managing Partner, Josh Chapman, as he explores the future of consumer investing and why gaming is poised to bring VCs back to the space. For years, venture funding has leaned toward enterprise markets, leaving consumer investments on the back burner. But that's shifting. Gaming companies are driving some of the biggest opportunities in consumer tech, and with major exits on the horizon, we see a wave of renewed interest coming. Like what you hear? Subscribe for weekly newsletter episodes and deep-dive discussions!

Join Konvoy Managing Partner Jason Chapman as he unpacks our latest newsletter topic: the future of gaming subscriptions. While streaming services thrive on constant content consumption, gaming habits don't always align—players invest months into just a few titles, making all-you-can-play libraries less compelling. With the rise of free-to-play games and evolving monetization strategies, can these services stay relevant? Tune in as we explore how gaming subscriptions must adapt to stay in the game. Love what you hear? Be sure to subscribe for weekly newsletter episodes and our classic deep-dive discussions!

In this new series of Game Changers, we're bringing Konvoy's weekly written newsletter to life with engaging audio episodes! Join Konvoy Managing Partner Jackson Vaughan as he dives into our most recent topic: Nintendo's highly anticipated Switch 2 and its expectations. We'll unpack its potential impact on the future of handheld gaming, how it builds on Nintendo's storied legacy of innovation, and why expectations may fall short compared to its predecessor. Love what you hear? Be sure to subscribe for weekly newsletter episodes and our classic deep-dive discussions!

In this episode of Game Changers, Josh Chapman, Managing Partner of Konvoy, sits down with Ed Fries, one of the visionaries who led the team that created the first Xbox at Microsoft. Ed began his career developing Microsoft Excel and Word before transitioning to gaming. He founded Microsoft Game Studios and expanded the team from 50 to over 1200 people, publishing over 100 games and leaving a significant mark on the industry. Today, Ed supports independent game developers through his venture fund, 1Up Ventures, and explores the intersection of art and video games. Don't miss this insightful episode! If you found today's episode as insightful as we have, we invite you to show your support by leaving a review, hitting the like button, and subscribing to the Game Changers podcast wherever you get your podcasts. And for those eager to delve deeper into the ever-evolving gaming industry, don't miss the opportunity to stay informed with our exclusive weekly newsletter at konvoy.vc – your gateway to deep dives and takeaways on a variety of subjects related to the transformative nature of gaming. Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Game Changers, Jackson Vaughan, Managing Partner of Konvoy, is joined by Emily Greer, a serial gaming entrepreneur, investor, and advisor. Emily previously led Double Loop Games, a women-led mobile game studio, and was the CEO and co-founder of Kongregate, a top browser and mobile games platform. Under her leadership, Kongregate grew to 18M MAU, pioneering free-to-play games in the West and serving 200 million players in 5 years. Emily is renowned for her insights on the economics and psychology of free-to-play games. If you found today's episode as insightful as we have, we invite you to show your support by leaving a review, hitting the like button, and subscribing to the Game Changers podcast wherever you get your podcasts. And for those eager to delve deeper into the ever-evolving gaming industry, don't miss the opportunity to stay informed with our exclusive weekly newsletter at konvoy.vc – your gateway to deep dives and takeaways on a variety of subjects related to the transformative nature of gaming. Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Game Changers, Jason Chapman, Managing Partner of Konvoy, is joined by Kevin Lin, one of the pioneering founders of Twitch. Kevin and his cofounders sold Twitch to Amazon in 2014 for $970m, at the time being Amazon's largest acquisition. As Twitch's long-time COO, Kevin brought live social video to hundreds of millions of people around the world, helping thousands of creators make a living building their communities around live shared experiences. Tune in as he shares invaluable insights and anecdotes from his journey with Twitch and beyond. If you found today's episode as insightful as we have, we invite you to show your support by leaving a review, hitting the like button, and subscribing to the Game Changers podcast wherever you get your podcasts. And for those eager to delve deeper into the ever-evolving gaming industry, don't miss the opportunity to stay informed with our exclusive weekly newsletter at konvoy.vc – your gateway to deep dives and takeaways on a variety of subjects related to the transformative nature of gaming. Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Game Changers, Jason Chapman, Managing Partner of Konvoy, sits down with Brian Ward, the CEO of Savvy Games. Prior to leading Savvy, Brian held key positions, including head of worldwide studios at Activision Blizzard, where he played a pivotal role in launching blockbuster gaming titles. His executive background spans industry giants such as EA and Microsoft, and now under his leadership, Savvy Games Group has grown to a global workforce of approximately 3,500 employees in just two years, solidifying its presence in gaming. Listen in on the discussion as we explore Brian's fascinating journey and glean insights from his extensive experience in the gaming industry. If you found today's episode as insightful as we have, we invite you to show your support by leaving a review, hitting the like button, and subscribing to the Game Changers podcast wherever you get your podcasts. And for those eager to delve deeper into the ever-evolving gaming industry, don't miss the opportunity to stay informed with our exclusive weekly newsletter at konvoy.vc – your gateway to deep dives and takeaways on a variety of subjects related to the transformative nature of gaming. Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Game Changers, Josh Chapman, Managing Partner of Konvoy, sits down with Kevin Segalla, the visionary founder and CEO of Tilting Point, a powerhouse in the realm of free-to-play games publishing. With over 80 game titles under its belt, Tilting Point stands at the forefront of the industry through strategic partnerships and acquisitions. Since its inception in 2012, Kevin has led Tilting Point to remarkable growth, boasting a global team spanning major locations such as New York, Barcelona, Kyiv, Seoul, Miami, and Vancouver. Join us as we delve into Kevin's fascinating story and insights from his wealth of experience in shaping the landscape of gaming and entertainment. If you found today's episode as insightful as we have, we invite you to show your support by leaving a review, hitting the like button, and subscribing to the Game Changers podcast wherever you get your podcasts. And for those eager to delve deeper into the ever-evolving gaming industry, don't miss the opportunity to stay informed with our exclusive weekly newsletter at konvoy.vc – your gateway to deep dives and takeaways on a variety of subjects related to the transformative nature of gaming. Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Game Changers, Jason Chapman, Managing Partner of Konvoy, engages in a discussion with Ralf Reichert, a founding leader of esports, having shaped the industry for the past 20 years. Ralf co-founded ESL with the aim of creating significant stages for a new sport that would elevate players to global stardom. What began as a pursuit for quick win evolved into a lifelong journey, culminating in ESL's position as the largest esports brand. In a billion-dollar transaction in 2022, ESL merged with Faceit to form the ESL Faceit Group - EFG. Ralf, now an active angel investor, primarily serves as Chairman at EFG, focusing on creating new experiences beyond gameplay where esports and gaming intersect. If you found today's episode as insightful as we have, we invite you to show your support by leaving a review, hitting the like button, and subscribing to the Game Changers podcast wherever you get your podcasts. And for those eager to delve deeper into the ever-evolving gaming industry, don't miss the opportunity to stay informed with our exclusive weekly newsletter at konvoy.vc – your gateway to deep dives and takeaways on a variety of subjects related to the transformative nature of gaming. Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Game Changers, Jason Chapman, Managing Partner of Konvoy, has a captivating discussion with Tim Fields, a gaming industry veteran boasting over 25 years of experience. Tim's career spans pivotal roles in creating, managing, and leading game companies, contributing significantly to iconic franchises like Call of Duty, Halo, Marvel, Disney, Need for Speed, and more. Tim's latest endeavor, the book "Game Development 2042," takes center stage as he shares insights into his expertise in company leadership, studio building, and product design. Join us as we explore Tim's lifelong dedication to collaborating with talented individuals, crafting games and software that bring joy to millions of users. If you found today's episode as insightful as we have, we invite you to show your support by leaving a review, hitting the like button, and subscribing to the Game Changers podcast wherever you get your podcasts. And for those eager to delve deeper into the ever-evolving gaming industry, don't miss the opportunity to stay informed with our exclusive weekly newsletter at konvoy.vc – your gateway to deep dives and takeaways on a variety of subjects related to the transformative nature of gaming. Thank you for listening!

In the latest episode of Game Changers, Josh Chapman, Managing Partner at Konvoy, sits down with Michael Pachter, Managing Director at Wedbush Securities. Join them as they dive into Michael's career at Wedbush, uncovering his insightful perspectives on the ever-evolving trends in the gaming industry. Michael not only shares some intriguing predictions for the industry's future but also reflects on pivotal moments that have shaped its course during his tenure. If you found today's episode as insightful as we have, we invite you to show your support by leaving a review, hitting the like button, and subscribing to the Game Changers podcast wherever you get your podcasts. And for those eager to delve deeper into the ever-evolving gaming industry, don't miss the opportunity to stay informed with our exclusive weekly newsletter at konvoy.vc – your gateway to deep dives and takeaways on a variety of subjects related to the transformative nature of gaming. Thank you for listening!

In the latest episode of Game Changers, Jackson Vaughan, Managing Partner at Konvoy, engages in a conversation with Holly Liu, the co-founder of Kabam. Together they look back on how Holly built one of the most successful mobile game publishers in the industry, and how she is now moving on to invest in the next generation of founders, and their vision for the future. If you found today's episode as insightful as we have, we invite you to show your support by leaving a review, hitting the like button, and subscribing to the Game Changers podcast wherever you get your podcasts. And for those eager to delve deeper into the ever-evolving gaming industry, don't miss the opportunity to stay informed with our exclusive weekly newsletter at konvoy.vc – your gateway to deep dives and takeaways on a variety of subjects related to the transformative nature of gaming.

Host: Josh Chapman In the latest episode of Game Changers, Josh Chapman, Managing Partner at Konvoy, engages in a conversation with Charles Huang, the creator of the iconic franchise, Guitar Hero. Together, they revisit how the Guitar Hero series was created, launched, and acquired by Activision. If you found today's episode as insightful as we have, we invite you to show your support by leaving a review, hitting the like button, and subscribing to the Game Changers podcast wherever you get your podcasts. And for those eager to delve deeper into the ever-evolving gaming industry, don't miss the opportunity to stay informed with our exclusive weekly newsletter at konvoy.vc – your gateway to deep dives and takeaways on a variety of subjects related to the transformative nature of gaming. Thank you for listening!

Host: Jason Chapman In the latest episode of Game Changers, Jason Chapman, Managing Partner at Konvoy, engages in a conversation with Alexander Seropian, the visionary who created Bungie, the studio behind the iconic Halo Series. Together, they revisit Alex's journey as an operator selling to three different major companies, Microsoft, Disney, and EA. And of course, how he redefined gaming and gave us the iconic franchise, Halo. If you found today's episode as insightful as we have, we invite you to show your support by leaving a review, hitting the like button, and subscribing to the Game Changers podcast wherever you get your podcasts. And for those eager to delve deeper into the ever-evolving gaming industry, don't miss the opportunity to stay informed with our exclusive weekly newsletter at konvoy.vc – your gateway to deep dives and takeaways on a variety of subjects related to the transformative nature of gaming. Thank you for listening!

Host: Jason Chapman In our debut episode of Game Changers, Jason Chapman, Managing Partner at Konvoy, engages in a conversation with Kun Gao, the visionary founder of Crunchyroll. Together, they revisit Kun's remarkable journey, from a humble solution for a specific need to the monumental creation of Crunchyroll, a platform that redefined our consumption of anime. If you found today's episode as insightful as we have, we invite you to show your support by leaving a review, hitting the like button, and subscribing to the Game Changers podcast wherever you get your podcasts. And for those eager to delve deeper into the ever-evolving gaming industry, don't miss the opportunity to stay informed with our exclusive weekly newsletter at konvoy.vc – your gateway to deep dives and takeaways on a variety of subjects related to the transformative nature of gaming. Thank you for listening!