Player: Engage

In this episode of Player Driven, Greg Posner sits down with Laura Norwicke Hall, Senior Player Support Specialist at Schell Games, to unpack what modern player experience really looks like when games scale.Laura shares her unconventional journey from managing communications at a zoo to building player support and trust & safety systems for games like Among Us 3D and I Expect You to Die. Along the way, she breaks down how studios should think about moderation, community feedback, AI, and player trust not as reactive systems, but as core product infrastructure.This is a practical, behind-the-scenes conversation for anyone building or operating live games, platforms, or digital communities.

What does it actually take to build a media and events business that survives multiple platform shifts, economic cycles, and industry hype waves?In this episode of Player Driven, Greg sits down with Chris James, CEO of Steel Media and the force behind Pocket Gamer and Pocket Gamer Connects, to break down two decades of hard-earned lessons at the intersection of games, media, business, and live events.Chris shares how Steel Media evolved from traditional games journalism into a global conference platform, why focus beats scale early, and why in-person connections still matter in a Zoom-first world. This conversation is packed with practical insights for founders, operators, and anyone building a long-term business in games or tech.Whether you are running a studio, launching a startup, or trying to scale a media brand, this episode cuts through hype and gets real about what actually works.Key Topics Covered• Building a focused media business instead of trying to do everything• The hardest moments of running a company and knowing when to cut losses• Why live events still drive trust and real business outcomes• Hiring decisions that unlock the next stage of growth• The long-term outlook for games despite short-term industry negativityKey Takeaways with Timestamps1) Focus beats ambition earlyTrying to be everything to everyone kills momentum. Sustainable growth starts with doing one or two things exceptionally well.⏱️ 00:00 – 02:452) Knowing when to shut things down mattersSunk cost fallacy is real. Closing projects, even good ones, is often the most responsible leadership decision.⏱️ 02:55 – 05:153) The games industry is bigger than the doom narrativeDespite layoffs and turbulence, gaming continues to grow as both a business and a creative medium.⏱️ 06:30 – 08:404) In-person events still create trust faster than digitalMeetings, shared spaces, and real conversations remain critical for deal-making and long-term relationships.⏱️ 11:00 – 15:305) Hiring should remove bottlenecks, not add comfortYour first hires should unlock growth by covering gaps, not cloning your own skill set.⏱️ 35:15 – 37:45If you care about the business of games, the future of media, and how to build something that lasts longer than the current hype cycle, this episode is for you.

Episode Summary:In this special encore presentation, we revisit one of our earliest and most popular conversations. Originally recorded two years ago, Greg Posner sits down with Beau Button, the visionary CTO and Co-Founder of Atlas Reality.Beau breaks down how Atlas Reality is merging the digital and physical worlds through a "virtual real estate" metaverse that actually drives foot traffic to brick-and-mortar retail. From the transition from enterprise software to gaming to the "guerrilla warfare" of shipping a product, Beau offers a transparent look at the highs and lows of building a location-based gaming powerhouse.Key Takeaways: The Bridge to Physical Retail: Discover how Atlas Reality uses a patent-pending, card-linked reward system to motivate players to shop at physical stores, turning gaming into a powerful marketing engine for retail. A Pragmatic View of Web3: Why Atlas Reality identifies as a Web2 game inspired by Web3 tenets. Beau explains why "ownership" and "equity" matter more than buzzwords like blockchain or NFTs. The Reality of Startup Growth: Beau shares the "hard way" lessons of scaling from a 12-person startup to a 30+ person company, including the transition from "just get it out the door" to sustainable engineering. Community as a Founder: The mental health toll and strategic value of a founder personally managing Discord and Reddit communities during the first six months of a launch. The Future of Work: Why low-code, no-code, and generative AI aren't threats to engineers, but tools that turn great developers into "rockstars" by handling the boilerplate work.Memorable Quotes:"Building software is not hard. Shipping a software product is very hard.""I'm not a gamer in the traditional sense... I appreciate the machines, the energy, and I'm inquisitive. My take from games is: I just want to know how they work.""If you're not establishing a customer feedback loop, you are doing yourself a disservice. It's a blessing and a curse, but it's essential."Links & Resources: Atlas Reality: atlasreality.com Connect with Beau Button: LinkedIn Connect with Greg Posner: LinkedIn

What does ambition really look like inside modern game development?In this episode, Greg sits down with Jack Burrows to unpack how level designers think, work, and stay motivated across massive franchises and creative constraints. From AAA pipelines to indie dreams, this conversation explores how great games are built through framing, intention, and small wins, not ego or crunch culture.Jack shares firsthand insight from working on major titles, breaking down how big ideas flow from leadership to designers, how constraints actually unlock creativity, and why great level design is more about flow and emotion than visuals alone. Along the way, they dig into ambition, burnout, discipline, and those rare “wow moments” that stick with players for life.This episode is a must-listen for level designers, game developers, creative leaders, and anyone curious about how worlds are shaped to guide players without ever saying a word.

In this episode, Greg sits down with Jim Welch, a composer turned developer turned studio founder whose creative journey spans Dragon Ball Z trailers to launching a party game in the spirit of Jackbox. We explore Jim's path from audio to entrepreneurship, the founding of The Devhouse Agency, and why his team is now investing in original IP. From creative leadership to WebGL distribution strategy, this episode is packed with insights for anyone building in games, immersive tech, or creative services.

This episode features host Greg and Lewis Ward discussing the true nature of virtual worlds with Wagner James Au, author of Making a Metaverse That Matters, exploring the core design, economic, and community philosophies of successful platforms.SummaryThe discussion defines the metaverse as a vast, immersive virtual world with five core features, including highly customizable avatars and a link to the real-world economy . Au argues that to succeed, a platform must be fun immediately in a multiplayer context, operating as a "third space" where socialization is easy . He contends that Mark Zuckerberg's approach damaged the ideal of the metaverse by focusing too much on hardware and ignoring crucial lessons on community and regulation . The history of Second Life (SL) serves as a critical case study, showing that while strong community allows a platform to survive economic crises and bad onboarding, financial stability requires tightly regulated markets, learned through scandals like the implosion of virtual banks and the ban on unregulated gambling . Ultimately, the key to a thriving metaverse is prioritizing community, fostering diversity, and making creation easy .Key PointsCore Metaverse Definition A true metaverse is defined by Immersiveness, Customization (avatars/tools), Scale (millions of people), a Real-World Economy Link, and Off-World Tech Integration (for accessibility) .Identity and Design Avatars and Identity (05:51): Highly customizable avatars are critical for users to experiment with identity and personality . The Proteus Effect shows that an appealing avatar can boost real-world confidence. The "Fun First" Rule (15:40): Metaverse experiences must be fun immediately in a multiplayer setting (the Third Space concept) . This is why Roblox and Fortnite succeed. Meta's Misstep (10:26): Mark Zuckerberg caused "tremendous damage" to the concept by defining it around the Quest headset and ignoring lessons on managing toxic behavior, like the initial sexual harassment incidents on Horizon Worlds .Economics and Stability Community Precedes Commerce (29:44): Platforms must succeed as communities first. Focusing only on profit (the "Cryptoverse" issue) causes virtual worlds to fail . Second Life's Stability (22:31): SL's active user base is stable at 600,000. The paradox is that if a user survives the long onboarding, they "never leave" due to the community. Regulation is Necessary (40:53): SL's banking and gambling scandals forced Linden Lab to impose tight regulation . This proves that a tightly regulated economy is essential for user trust and stability.Timestamps 03:30 The Five Core Features of the Metaverse 05:51 Avatars and the "Proteus Effect" 10:26 Why Meta Damaged the Metaverse Concept 15:40 The Critical Rule: Why Metaverse Must Be Fun First 22:31 Second Life's Paradox: Why users never leaveReferencesMaking a Metaverse That MattersWagner James Au Lewis Ward Greg PosnerCheck out Player Driven

Dive deep into the strategic mindset of level design, the shift from AAA development to indie studio entrepreneurship, and a radical new business model for creating innovative "Cocktail Games."Key Takeaways & Discussion PointsThe Reality of Level Design Beyond Architecture: Willem, a former level designer at Velan (Knockout City) and Zynga (Star Wars Hunters) , defines level design not as architecture, but as the execution of the game's intent and vision. You are the "great implementers" who build the playground for the core mechanics. Finding the Fun: Execution requires risk-taking. Good levels break the traditional norms—like the restrictive three-lane structure in some shooters —to find unexpected fun and keep the experience fresh. Inspiration Outside the Engine: To avoid creative blocks, step outside your comfort zone. Willem found inspiration for a level in Knockout City (Rooftop Rumble) by listening to Pink Floyd and used JFK assassination podcasts to conceptualize Darth Vader's Castle.

Episode SummaryForget the old ways of game development. The Roblox platform isn't a sandbox—it's a brutal, high-frequency, algorithmic battleground.In this deep dive, we break down why traditional "AAA" development strategies are being crushed by low-fidelity, quick-to-market viral hits. We analyze the metrics that Roblox's discovery algorithm actually cares about (it's not just downloads), the new pressure on developers, and the commercial gold rush driving this new age of digital product. If you're building software, an app, or a game, this is a masterclass in platform leverage and virality.Key Takeaways for the Tech Professional The Algorithm as a Gatekeeper: Understand the core metrics that determine success on Roblox (Retention, Monetization, and Engagement) and how they reflect the priorities of any major platform (Apple App Store, Google Play, YouTube). The Two-Tiered Development Strategy: Contrasting the high-budget, polished approach with the fast, data-driven methodology of viral developers—and why the latter often wins. Minimal Viable Fun (MVF) > Minimum Viable Product (MVP): How the "low-poly, high-concept" trend proves that speed and novelty often beat engineering polish when facing a discovery-focused algorithm. Monetization as a Discovery Signal: Why high-ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) games are disproportionately rewarded by the algorithm and what that means for your product's design.Chapter Markers (Jump to the insights you need) 01:30 The 'Gold Rush' Archetype: Why Roblox is the Wild West of modern game dev. 05:45 The Core Algorithm: What Roblox's discovery engine actually measures. (Hint: It's all about the money flow). 12:10 Case Study: Viral Low-Fi vs. AAA Polish—The data behind the death of the polished demo. 18:05 Designing for the Metrics: The blueprint for building a game that the algorithm will push. 24:45 Takeaways for SaaS/App Developers: Applying the Roblox virality playbook to enterprise and consumer products.

Episode OverviewWhat does it really mean to design a game — and what can that teach us about culture, creativity, and even our daily lives? In this episode, Greg is joined by Eric Zimmerman, legendary game designer, professor at NYU's Game Center, and author of The Rules We Break. Eric's career spans from pioneering web-based multiplayer with Sissy Fight 2000 to co-founding GameLab and shaping Diner Dash, one of the most influential time-management games ever made.We dig into the fundamentals of game design, the ethics of addictive mechanics, the surprising history of Monopoly, and why prototyping isn't just for developers — it's a mindset for anyone building systems or communities.Joining us for this conversation is Lewis Ward, long-time industry analyst, who helps unpack Eric's insights with both sharp questions and nostalgia for 90s game culture.What You'll Learn in This Episode Iteration as a Superpower – Why prototyping is the start of design, not the end. Feedback Everywhere – How observing body language and engagement rhythms tells you more than analytics. Sissy Fight 2000 & Early Multiplayer – The “flame wars” era and lessons for today's online communities. Diner Dash's Secret – How a “casual” game ended up brutally difficult — and why that mattered. Loops Within Loops – What makes Balatro so compelling, and how game design patterns keep players hooked. Ethics & Addiction – Dark design patterns, dopamine hits, and the responsibility of game creators. The Rules We Break – How Eric uses hands-on exercises to teach design as a 21st-century literacy. The Real Monopoly Story – Why one of the world's most iconic games is often misunderstood.Resources & Links Eric Zimmerman's book: The Rules We Break Classic text: Rules of Play (Zimmerman & Salen) NYU Game Center: gamecenter.nyu.edu Follow Player Driven for more conversations: playerdriven.ioEpisode Chapters00:00 – Intro & Eric's background03:30 – Teaching game design & iteration13:30 – Sissy Fight 2000 & the flame war era21:00 – Diner Dash and the rise of “casual” games26:30 – Feedback loops, dopamine, and ethics42:00 – The Rules We Break: learning design through play50:30 – Monopoly, culture, and closing reflectionsCall to ActionEnjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Player Driven on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube for more conversations at the intersection of games, business, and community. And visit playerdriven.io to explore more resources, clips, and insights from the show.

Episode OverviewWhat 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 learnAbout the GuestThad 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 SummaryIn 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 MediaFounded 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_agencyLinks & Resources Explore more episodes of Player Driven, the podcast about the business of games: playerdriven.io Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts

OverviewWhat 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 studiosWhy It MattersFor 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 GuestOscar 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

OverviewMarketing in games isn't just flashy ads and cool trailers—it's a battlefield of strategy, alignment, and constant reinvention. In this episode, Christine Dark 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 gamesEpisode 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 advocatesWhy It MattersFor 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 Dark 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 marketingNext Steps

DescriptionThe 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 automationAbout Shaun LakerShaun 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 Subscribe for more insights and industry best practices: PlayerDriven.io Join the mailing list to get the latest news, strategies, and behind-the-scenes content in your inbox

DescriptionEric 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.

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 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.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 PublishingRelevant Links: Overwolf CurseForge ARK: Unreal Engine TebexCredits:Hosted by Greg Posner, founder of Player Driven — a podcast about the business of games and how smart people scale them.

Episode SummaryHow 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 BioAmir 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 Community Hub: amirsatvat.comKey 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 modelsRelevant Links Amir's Community Website Tencent

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 NotesThis 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 scalingGuest 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. LinkedInKey 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 platformsRelevant Links: disc.asics.comCredits: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?

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 escape00:12:00 — 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 games00:33:00 — Safety is a retention strategy: what the data actually says00:45:00 — Feedback loops, reputation systems, and when reports fail playersGuest 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.

Guest: Andrew Wagner, Author of Economics of Online Gaming and Founder of Wagner Road CapitalCoHost: Lewis Ward, Research Director @ IDC

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.

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 EngagementKey Takeaways: Journey to Gaming and Community ManagementFiene 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. Importance of Game Knowledge and Player PerspectiveFiene 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. Social Media and Community StrategyFiene 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. Leveraging Data and KPIs in Community EngagementWith 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. Future Goals and Constant LearningFiene 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.

Guest: Julie Banta, Director of Engineering, Build & Release at Respawn EntertainmentSummary: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 themselvesTimestamps: 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 industryLinks: 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.aiSubscribe to Player Driven for more insights and share this episode!

In this episode, Greg sits down with Jim Welch, a composer turned developer turned studio founder whose creative journey spans Dragon Ball Z trailers to launching a party game in the spirit of Jackbox. We explore Jim's path from audio to entrepreneurship, the founding of The Devhouse Agency, and why his team is now investing in original IP. From creative leadership to WebGL distribution strategy, this episode is packed with insights for anyone building in games, immersive tech, or creative services.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Player Driven, host Greg engages in an insightful conversation with Josh Plotnek, Head of Content at Keewano, diving deep into the significance of actionable insights derived from game data analytics. The discussion highlights how understanding player behavior through data can drastically improve player experience and game performance. Josh shares practical tips for studios of all sizes, emphasizing how AI-driven analytics can help uncover hidden issues, transforming raw data into meaningful actions.Guest Information Name: Josh Plotnek Role: Head of Content at Keewano Expertise: Data Analytics, Content Strategy, Game Development Insights Company: KeewanoAbout KeewanoKeewano is a groundbreaking analytics platform that leverages advanced AI to provide actionable insights into player behavior, enabling gaming studios of any size to enhance player experience, retention, and engagement.Key Takeaways Data Alone Isn't Enough (07:35)Collecting data is the starting point; real value comes from understanding the "why" behind player behavior to make impactful decisions. Recognizing Frustration vs. Engagement (20:08)Player frustration can be either positive (engaging) or negative (leading to churn). Analyzing "recovery behaviors" helps studios differentiate and respond effectively. Start Small, Then Scale Your Analytics (14:39)Smaller studios can utilize accessible tools like Unity Analytics and Firebase, gradually scaling to more sophisticated AI-driven analytics solutions as they grow. Leveraging AI to Uncover Hidden Issues (11:27)Advanced analytics powered by AI can identify complex problems within games, such as pinpointing an item missed in earlier levels that causes significant churn later on. Future of Analytics: Conversational and Accessible (49:34)The future of data analytics is making complex insights conversational, allowing anyone on the team to ask direct questions and receive clear, actionable answers.Resources Mentioned Keewano Blog Unity Analytics FirebaseListen and LearnTune into the full episode to discover more about turning your game data into powerful insights and actionable strategies to enhance player satisfaction and loyalty.

Guest: Ayla Derrick, Founder & Creative Director at Cave Bear Games️ Host: Greg Posner

Summary:In this episode, Greg chats with AJ Leece, the founder of Brekade, a studio transforming security training into engaging, story-driven video games. From his roots in ethical hacking to building games like “Fishing Expedition” and “SecOps Chaos,” AJ shares how he's gamifying the most dreaded parts of corporate training—and why that's the future of workplace education.Key Takeaways: Gamifying corporate training turns passive learners into active participants. Boring topics (like InfoSec) come to life when wrapped in story and play. You don't need to be a full-stack developer to build great games—just curiosity and courage. Player feedback = gold. AJ evolved his product based on student reactions. “Productive laziness” is a feature, not a bug—automate the boring to unleash creativity.Top Moments: 04:52 — The D20 That Started It All: How AJ turned a dull compliance class into a D&D-inspired tabletop game. 13:44 — Goombas and Burnout: A sneak peek at “SecOps Chaos,” AJ's synthwave burnout simulator for security pros. 19:40 — Cheap Wings, Big Ideas: AJ's midweek pub sessions and the notebook that fuels his creativity. 25:34 — Changing Perception, One Game at a Time: Why mid-sized companies are the sweet spot for gamified training. 42:26 — Turning Weakness into a System: AJ shares how he built an app to capture ideas on the fly—his secret weapon against creative blockers.Guest Links: Brekade Website AJ Leece on LinkedIn

User-generated content (UGC) has become a transformative force in the gaming industry, giving players the tools to shape their favorite games and developers new ways to engage their communities. In this episode of the Player Driven Podcast, Scott Reismanis, founder of Mod.io, dives into how his platform is breaking barriers and expanding opportunities for players, creators, and studios alike.Key Takeaways1. UGC's Role in Expanding Gaming LifecyclesBaldur's Gate 3 has seen over 50 million mod downloads in its first year, with 40% of its player base engaging with mods—double the industry average. Scott explains that mods keep games fresh, encouraging players to return for new experiences, whether it's simple cosmetic tweaks or major gameplay changes. Console players, in particular, have embraced mods, often consuming more content than their PC counterparts.2. Breaking Down Barriers for Console ModdingTraditionally, console ecosystems were closed off to modding due to strict certification processes and security concerns. Mod.io changed the game by partnering with PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo, bringing mods to consoles for the first time. This shift has allowed console players to experience UGC at a scale previously reserved for PC gaming, with games like Baldur's Gate 3, SnowRunner, and Skater XL leading the charge.3. The Business Case for UGCMod.io collaborated with Simon Carlos of GameDiscoverCo to analyze UGC's financial impact. The results are clear: games with UGC see a 23% revenue increase over five years, retain 90% more players, and even boost paid DLC sales by up to 26%. UGC not only enhances player engagement but also creates opportunities for studios to better understand what their audience wants through player-created content trends.4. How Mod.io Supports Developers and PlayersImplementing modding isn't just about enabling creativity; it's also about maintaining quality and safety. Mod.io offers automated content scanning for malware and inappropriate material, customizable curation settings for studios, and community reporting tools to flag problematic mods. For developers, this means greater control over their games' ecosystems while giving players the freedom to create and share.5. The Future of UGC in GamingScott envisions a future where games become platforms for creators, allowing indie developers to launch full-fledged titles as mods within larger games. This approach could solve one of the biggest challenges for indie creators—finding an audience—while providing established games with fresh, high-quality content. As Scott says, “You don't have to democratize creation—you just have to enable imagination.”Featured GuestScott Reismanis is the founder of ModDB and Mod.io. With over 20 years of experience in the gaming industry, Scott has helped bring UGC to the forefront of modern gaming, enabling players to create and share content across platforms.Memorable Quotes“UGC isn't competition; it's an opportunity to deepen engagement and extend a game's lifecycle.”“You don't have to democratize creation—you just have to enable imagination.”Relevant LinksExplore Mod.io: www.mod.ioSPONSOR:Check out Nexys Mobile and the Red Magic 10 Pro: https://www.nexysmobile.com/redmagic

Episode SummaryShaun Laker joins Greg to discuss his journey in the gaming industry, from breaking into QA at EA to leading major AAA projects. They dive into the evolution of producers in game development, the importance of community management, and how Game Guardians is using AI to revolutionize QA testing. Shaun also shares his entrepreneurial challenges and insights into the future of game development.Key Takeaways & Timestamps1. Breaking Into the Gaming Industry03:27 – A high school gym teacher introduced Shaun to EA, setting him on his career path. 04:26 – Started in QA at EA, working on games like James Bond: Everything or Nothing and NBA Street. 05:41 – Early QA days felt like Grandma's Boy—pizza, long hours, and tight-knit teams.2. Lessons from AAA Studios07:33 – Every studio operates differently, but profitability often dictates creative freedom. 08:17 – Studios like Respawn thrived due to strong leadership and a focus on quality. 17:48 – Key lessons: Avoid crunch, communicate clearly, and establish strong development pillars.3. The Role of Community & Engagement14:18 – Community management varies—Plants vs. Zombies had a supportive fanbase, while Gears of War was more intense. 16:36 – Community managers are the frontline of player feedback, taking in both praise and criticism. 17:03 – A strong community presence can make or break a game's long-term success.4. Game Guardians & AI in QA21:26 – Game Guardians was founded to tackle inefficiencies in game QA. 22:51 – AI-driven automation solves major QA challenges: reducing repetitive testing, supporting live-service games, and catching hard-to-find bugs. 24:13 – AI isn't replacing QA testers but augmenting their capabilities, allowing them to focus on higher-value tasks.5. Entrepreneurship & Personal Growth26:38 – The idea for Game Guardians took shape after Shaun's layoff from Respawn. 30:51 – The biggest struggle as a founder: learning to unplug and avoid burnout. 50:20 – Advice to his younger self: Pick battles wisely and set better boundaries to maintain mental health.

Episode Summary: In this insightful episode, Greg sits with Tim Smith to discuss COHEZION, a community-focused tool designed to streamline player engagement and community analytics. Tim shares his journey from gamer to entrepreneur, highlighting how his platform helps studios understand and leverage their community data for increased player retention and satisfaction.Key Takeaways (with timestamps): Community-Driven Development (07:10): Engaging communities early significantly boosts loyalty and advocacy. Value of Data (17:07): Leveraging qualitative and quantitative data from player feedback provides deeper insights into community needs. Optimizing Workflow with Automation (35:09): Automation reduces burnout by streamlining tasks, allowing community managers to focus on meaningful player interactions. Early Community Building (07:46): Building communities early in the development cycle is critical to long-term game success. Importance of Feedback Loops (37:39): Keeping players informed on issue resolution enhances satisfaction and trust. Evolving Role of Community Managers (12:07): Today's community managers require diverse skill sets, from analytics to direct community engagement, highlighting the importance of supportive tools.Notable Quotes: "In traditional SaaS, they would kill for this amount of data." – Tim Smith "Community managers are your allies; you just need to get them the information so they can bring it to the appropriate sources." – GregLinks: Connect with COHEZION: COHEZION WebsiteThis weeks episode is sponsored by Nexys Wireless. Check out the REDMAGIC Pro 10 - www.nexysmobile.com/redmagic

Episode SummaryIn this powerful and deeply personal episode, Sonya Haskins (Head of Programming at Augmented World Expo) shares her unexpected path into the world of XR—from a homeschool mom and non-gamer to a competitive VR esports athlete and community advocate. Joined by Lewis Ward (Research Director at IDC), we explore her inspiring story of healing through VR, battling harassment in immersive spaces, and her vision for more inclusive, player-driven virtual worlds.This one's raw, real, and packed with insights on XR safety, community building, and the untapped power of play.

Episode SummaryWhat makes a great level designer? How do you take the leap from AAA studios to launching your own indie game studio? In this episode, Greg sits down with Willem Kranendonk, founder of Odyssey Cocktail Interactive and former level designer at Velen and Zynga. They discuss Willem's journey from LEGO-loving kid to designing levels for Knockout City and Star Wars: Hunters, the philosophy behind great level design, and why he believes game studios need to take more risks. Willem also shares insights into his new studio, OCI, and their vision for "Cocktail Games"—a bold new approach to game development.Guest: Willem Kranendonk Founder, Odyssey Cocktail Interactive Former Level Designer at Velen Studios (Knockout City) & Zynga (Star Wars: Hunters) Passionate about innovation in game design & the power of hybrid genresKey Topics & Timestamps⏳ 01:25 – From childhood LEGO builds to professional level design

Podcast Summary:In this episode of Player Driven, host Greg speaks with Emily Scahill, Head of Client Success for Games at SkillSearch, about talent acquisition in gaming, the impact of layoffs, and how studios can hire smarter. Emily shares her journey from HR to recruitment, the importance of networking, and why a holistic hiring approach is key to long-term success.Key Timestamps & Takeaways1️⃣ [01:37] From HR to Gaming Recruitment: A Non-Traditional Path Emily transitioned from HR management into recruitment, reversing the usual career trajectory. Her passion for video games led her to SkillSearch, a games and interactive tech talent agency. Takeaway: Follow your interests—they can lead to unexpected and fulfilling career paths.2️⃣ [05:22] The Hidden Challenges of Hiring & Job Fit Many candidates don't fully understand the challenges of a role before accepting it. Overhiring during COVID led to mass layoffs when demand normalized. Takeaway: Studios must think long-term when hiring, considering risks like overexpansion and retention issues.3️⃣ [10:29] Networking & Career Growth: A Game Changer Reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn can provide mentorship and industry insights. Studios and job seekers alike should leverage networking to stay ahead of trends. Takeaway: Proactive networking can open unexpected opportunities.4️⃣ [26:55] What is SkillSearch? SkillSearch helps gaming studios fill roles by providing top industry talent. They offer salary benchmarking, employer branding advice, and recruitment strategy insights. Takeaway: Companies should view recruitment agencies as strategic partners, not just headhunters.5️⃣ [32:03] How Job Seekers Can Stand Out CVs should be clear and concise, highlighting achievements in bullet points. Cover letters should be short but tailored to the role. LinkedIn is now a key job search tool—keep it professional and updated. Takeaway: Small details in presentation and outreach can make a huge difference in landing a job.Final Thoughts & Key Themes✅ Be strategic in hiring – Avoid short-term thinking.✅ Network effectively – It can lead to career-defining opportunities.✅ Optimize your job search tools – LinkedIn, resumes, and cover letters matter.✅ Stay informed – Market trends impact hiring and job security.Find Emily & SkillSearch: SkillSearch.com | LinkedIn

Summary:In this episode, we sit down with Danielle Shneor, Head of Player Support and Strategy at Ilyon, to uncover the secrets behind her remarkable success in the gaming industry. From her early days as a D&D and LARP enthusiast to managing player communities in casual gaming, Danielle shares how her deep understanding of player emotions and needs has transformed customer support into a competitive advantage.We explore how Danielle tackled a 40,000-ticket backlog upon joining Ilyon, built a player-centric process from scratch, and elevated CSAT scores from 39% to an impressive 87%. Through anecdotes like converting a frequent complainer into a lifelong advocate, she highlights the importance of empathy, data-driven insights, and treating players as people—not just users. Danielle also touches on the evolving role of feedback, loyalty, and community-building in the future of gaming.Whether you're in gaming or any customer-focused industry, Danielle's lessons on creating meaningful connections will leave you inspired.Key Moments: 00:01 – Meet Danielle and her passion for blending gaming with people-centric roles. 01:41 – From D&D to Ilyon: Danielle's path to professional gaming. 07:01 – Tackling a 40,000-ticket backlog and reinventing player support at Ilyon. 10:26 – Understanding the emotional journey of casual gamers. 26:43 – How Danielle turned a frequent complainer into a loyal community member.Highlights: “We don't call them users; we call them players. Respect matters.” CSAT jumped from 39% to 87% in three months under Danielle's leadership. “To truly improve player experience, understand how your players feel while playing.” The value of closing the feedback loop: “Let players know their feedback drives change.”Mentioned Resources: Danielle's LinkedIn – Connect with Danielle for insights on player experience. Ilyon's Games – Discover their community-driven casual games.Closing Thought:Danielle's approach reminds us of the power of empathy and human connection in gaming. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to transform player experiences, foster loyalty, and build thriving communities.

Greg sits down with Catherine Litvaitis, a seasoned community manager with experience at Mouldbreaker Interactive, Armor Games Studios, and Paradox Interactive. Catherine shares her journey from being a player on Neopets to managing communities for various gaming companies. She delves into the importance of community guidelines, the role of a community manager, and best practices for building and nurturing gaming communities.Listen Here: Community Management and Guidelines with Catherine LitvaitisTimestamps & Key Takeaways: 01:49.48 - 02:33.94: The Role of a Community Manager Catherine explains the role of a community manager as a liaison between players and developers, emphasizing the importance of translating feedback and fostering player engagement. 04:01.80 - 05:18.35: Neopets Influence Catherine discusses how her experience with Neopets shaped her interest in community management and her understanding of player-driven content and engagement. 11:05.35 - 12:37.01: Building a Community from Scratch Catherine shares strategies for starting a community from scratch, including understanding your audience and creating spaces for creativity and engagement. 24:52.62 - 26:21.20: Tools for Community Management Catherine talks about the tools she uses for community management, including Slack, Discord, ClickUp, and Notion, and how they help streamline communication and task management.Key Concepts: The Role of a Community Manager: Community managers serve as the bridge between players and developers, translating feedback into actionable insights and ensuring that player voices are heard. Influence of Early Online Communities: Early experiences on platforms like Neopets and Club Penguin can inspire and shape one's career in community management by highlighting the importance of player-driven content and engagement. Starting a Community: Understanding your audience, creating spaces for fan art and discussions, and engaging with players are crucial steps in building a successful community from scratch. Community Guidelines: Customized community guidelines are essential for each game and company, focusing on inclusivity and protection against scams and harmful behavior. Tools for Effective Management: Utilizing tools like Slack, Discord, ClickUp, and Notion can help community managers streamline their tasks, communicate effectively, and maintain organized documentation.