Podcasts about console gaming

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In this episode, we're breaking down a week that has fundamentally shifted the tectonic plates of the gaming industry. First, we tackle the "Dream Team" success of Edmund McMillen's Mewgenics—a 14-year labor of love that proves deep, uncompromising design still wins. We also check in on the "Indie Renaissance" with the undercover alien chaos of Roadside Research and the friendship-ending, $8 orbital-laser mayhem of Super Battle Golf. Then, we shift to the "Big Two" and the strange decisions coming out of the corporate boardrooms. With Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond departing Xbox and Bluepoint Games officially shuttered by Sony, the leadership of console gaming is in a total state of flux. Why is PlayStation pivoting to a stylized Horizon live-service game that fans didn't ask for? Can the "New Guard" at Microsoft find a soul for Xbox? It's a discussion about creative risks, corporate safe-bets, and why the most exciting things in gaming right now aren't coming from the names you expect. Show Notes: 0:46 - Housekeeping 2:51 - 14 Years to Success: Why Mewgenics Matters 42:41 - Super Battle Golf: 8 Players, 0 Rules, Pure Chaos. 1:04:54 - Paper Masks & Profit: Why Indie Sims are Saving Gaming 1:21:04 - PlayStation is Closing Studios. Phil Spencer is Out. Is Console Gaming Dying? 1:58:53 - Upcoming Video Game Releases   Become a part of the conversation! If you donate $1 or more on Patreon you can get exclusive access to the Patreon-only chat and channels on the server. Visit our website to find our social channels, check past podcasts and donate to the show.Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see all of our latest videos as they drop. Credits:"Blue Groove Deluxe" by BlueFoxMusic on audiojungle.netWoman Announcer - Ariana Guerra; Actress"Wisdom" by Super Nostalgia 64

This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on February 22nd, 2026. We explore how niche subgenres – Block, Sort, and Screw – are reshaping the mobile puzzle market.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/how-niche-subgenres-are-reshaping-the-mobile-puzzle-marketMeet us at GDC 2026 by filling out this short form: https://naavik.typeform.com/to/gVDtj4UO Let us know what you think by sending us a note at podcast@naavik.co.Watch our episodes: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

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Medical training is still stuck in the arcade era: expensive, basement-bound simulators and outdated software that rarely capture the real stakes of clinical decision-making. In this episode, host Alexandra Takei, Studio Director at Ruckus Games, sits down with Sam Glassenberg, founder of Level Ex (now part of Relevate Health), to unpack how game developers can modernize healthcare learning by truly embracing the craft of video game design, not “gamification” lipstick. The opportunity and the market here are much bigger than you might assume. Healthcare is a trillion-dollar industry in the US alone, and if you can create products that save the medical system money while also growing the $200B video game industry, that's a win-win. The conversation explores why even mediocre games outperform traditional training (the bar is shockingly low), and how live-ops principles let teams update clinical guidance fast. The pair also discusses who plays these games, and it turns out that it's not only doctors but “normal people” who have found these games on the app store. They go deep on design: mapping real clinical challenges to proven genres (diagnosis as reductive-reasoning puzzles, ventilators as rhythm games), and why domain experts often describe what's hard for residents, not what triggers adrenaline for experts, which is the source of “fun” in games. Finally, Sam breaks down the business: sponsored content by clients like Pfizer and Merck, free-to-play for doctors gameplay, and playable ads. We'd also like to thank Overwolf for making this episode possible! Whether you're a gamer, creator, or game studio, Overwolf is the ultimate destination for integrating UGC in games! You can check out all Overwolf has to offer at https://www.overwolf.com/.If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at podcast@naavik.co. Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

Yes, we zijn er weer! Voor deze eerste aflevering in het nieuwe seizoen schuiven Rudy, Claudia en Frietrick aan om weer eens ouderwets gezellig te kletsen over games en de industrie. Aangezien we er enige tijd tussenuit zijn geweest, stellen we ons ook even opnieuw voor. Verder komt deze aflevering de Nintendo Direct ter sprake waarin veel third party games voorbij kwamen voor de Nintendo Switch 2 en wordt er uitgebreid vooruitgeblikt op de aankomende State of Play van Sony. Want wat gaan we nu eigenlijk te zien krijgen? Ons drietal laat ook nog even de gedachte gaan over de toekomst van console gaming.

This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on February 15th, 2026. We explore Turkish game development in 2026, discussing what other countries can learn from its ascent and considerations for its next era.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://naavik.co/digest/why-turkish-game-development-matters-in-2026/ Meet us at GDC 2026 by filling out this short form: https://naavik.typeform.com/to/gVDtj4UO Let us know what you think by sending us a note at podcast@naavik.co.Watch our episodes: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

Niklas gästar oss igen, vilket är ett stort nöje. Han har fått en lista med fem spel som han ska rangordna, men han kör hardcore med en topplista istället för en tier list. Ett pro gamer move, sannerligen. Det blir kul!

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After a volatile few months across games, tech, and public markets, it's time for a grounded check-in on where the industry actually stands. Host Devin Becker is joined by Aaron Bush (Managing Partner & Co-Founder, Naavik) to unpack the latest signals – from AAA publisher performance and what recent EA earnings suggest for big franchises like Battlefield, to Ubisoft's ongoing restructuring, studio closures, and the push to reframe its future through initiatives like Vantage Studios.Next, they dig into Roblox's continued growth and what its recent results imply, even as age-related scrutiny and safety conversations remain part of the narrative.From there, the discussion widens to the state of the console market: the early momentum around Switch 2 sales, the trajectory of Xbox hardware, and why Sony appears to be holding its ground.Devin and Aaron also look at how transmedia is shaping perception and demand, including Nintendo's recent moves and what releases like an upcoming Mario Galaxy movie – and the surprise success of Iron Lung this month – reveal about IP leverage, audience crossover, and timing.They close with addressing the market whiplash around the reveal of Google DeepMind's Genie 3, and a “buy, sell, or hold” round covering Microsoft, Krafton, AAA vs. AA, and PC gaming to highlight where near-term opportunities and risks may be emerging.We'd like to thank Heroic Labs for making this episode possible! Thousands of studios have trusted Heroic Labs to help them focus on their games and not worry about gametech or scaling for success. To learn more and reach out, visit https://heroiclabs.com/?utm_source=Naavik&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=Podcast If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at podcast@naavik.co. Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on February 8th, 2026. We look into Project Genie — Google's experimental AI that generates short, navigable 3D scenes — and explore the possible implications of world models for game engines and developers.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/square-enix-refutes-and-reframes Let us know what you think by sending us a note at podcast@naavik.co.Watch our episodes: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

Joel får en lista med spel av Emil den här veckan, och han får givetvis FPS. Sånt kan han! Vilka spel det är får ni väl veta när ni lyssnar. Det blir kul!

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In this episode, host Kalie Moore talks with David Lee, Co-founder & CEO of Nex, to unpack one of the rarest success stories in modern gaming: launching a new consumer console and winning. In a category dominated for decades by the same three players, Nex broke through by rethinking who gaming hardware is for. Often compared to Wii or Kinect, Nex's real innovation isn't motion-based play alone, but a family-first platform built around physical activity, kid safety, and parental trust. In a down year for console sales, Nex sold over 650,000 units, expanded into thousands of retail stores, and captured meaningful market share by designing specifically for families.The conversation traces Nex's nearly decade-long journey from mobile-first products to a high-stakes pivot into living-room hardware - and the leadership decisions required to make that leap under uncertainty. Kalie and David dig into why most motion-gaming platforms struggled to last, what Nex designed differently for long-term engagement, and how retail, subscriptions, and trusted IP shaped its growth. The episode closes with a look ahead to Nex's 2026 roadmap, from international expansion to connected play designed with strict family controls, and David's long-term vision for what Nex could mean to families ten or twenty years from now.We'd like to thank Overwolf for making this episode possible! Whether you're a gamer, creator, or game studio, Overwolf is the ultimate destination for integrating UGC in games! You can check out all Overwolf has to offer at https://www.overwolf.com/.We'd also like to thank Lightspeed Venture Partners for making this episode possible! With its dedicated gaming & interactive media practice, the firm invests from an over $6.5 billion pool of early and growth-stage capital. If you're interested in learning more, go to https://gaming.lsvp.com/.If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at podcast@naavik.co.Who's On:Guest - David Lee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlkf/Host - Kalie Moore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaliemoore/ Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on February 1st, 2026. We dive deep into the “fair” gacha Asian action RPGs to explore the performance of their unique monetization strategy and to see if prioritizing player fairness can lead to significant gains.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/evaluating-the-fair-gacha-games-experimentLet us know what you think by sending us a note at podcast@naavik.co.Watch our episodes: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

Joel har knåpat ihop en lista på fem plattformsspel som Emil ska rangordna från F till S. Riktigt bra val av spel faktiskt, och du som lyssnar kommer hålla med till 100%. Det blir kul!

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This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on January 25th, 2026. We examine Square Enix's recent performance, explore what's changed since the last time we checked in on the company, and take a look at its future.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/square-enix-refutes-and-reframes Let us know what you think by sending us a note at podcast@naavik.co.Watch our episodes: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

Känslan av att spela in det här kändes mer avslappnat än vanligt. Det var för jäkla trevligt. Film inspelad från TV till VHS där man missat de första minuterna har något. Väl? Det blir kul!

The PC games “gray market” isn't just a couple of shady websites. It's an economic behavior that exploits regional pricing and promotion timing to siphon revenue away from publishers. In this episode, Our host, Alexandra Takei, Director at Ruckus Games, sits down with Vadim Andreev, CEO of Rokky (and former founder of PlayKey), to unpack how retail-era code resale evolved into today's global key-arbitrage machine.Vadim breaks down two core leak points: regional price arbitrage (buying keys in cheaper markets and reselling in premium ones) and promo stockpiling (buying deep-discount keys during sales, then reselling after discounts end). He argues the damage is material: publishers can lose roughly 20 to 40% of margin to resellers, often without realizing how much of their “regional” volume is being cannibalized elsewhere.The conversation gets practical fast: why region locking is table stakes, how publishers frequently mis-bucket territories (China and New Zealand), and why Steam's price recommendations can lag real exchange rates and taxes. Rokky's pitch is a mix of distribution and defense: API-level checks (IP, identity, purchase limits), a key management dashboard, and pricing/promo optimization to close the gaps attackers exploit. The conversation ends with a discussion about Valve and their role in games distribution and the gray market and what they could do to help mitigate the problem. We'd also like to thank Lightspeed Venture Partners for making this episode possible! With its dedicated gaming & interactive media practice, the firm invests from an over $6.5 billion pool of early and growth-stage capital. If you're interested in learning more, go to https://gaming.lsvp.com/.If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at podcast@naavik.co. Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on January 18th, 2026. We look back at the mobile Match-3 and Merge genres in 2025, exploring what succeeded, what top performers do differently, and what might be important in the future.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/what-leading-match-3-and-merge-games-do-differentlyLet us know what you think by sending us a note at podcast@naavik.co.Watch our episodes: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe

Nytt år med nya spel och nya filmer – vem hade kunnat tro något så absurt? Ingen förstås. Vi ser fram emot nästan allt. Det blir kul!

The direct-to-consumer (D2C) model is expanding beyond traditional webshops and into the world of user-generated content (UGC), especially on PC and console. In this episode, host Devin Becker is joined by Liam Wiltshire, General Manager at Tebex, to explore how the evolution of private servers, mods, and community-run experiences is shaping new monetization strategies. Liam shares the origin story of Tebex and its integration within the broader Overwolf ecosystem, highlighting how D2C strategies for games like Minecraft, Rust, and Ark differ fundamentally from those in mobile gaming.The conversation covers the nuances of player relationships in D2C models, including the absence of platform payment rails and notification systems, and how that impacts engagement and monetization design. Devin and Liam also dig into emerging e-commerce strategies such as loyalty systems and upsells, and how Tebex is bringing these tools to individual creators and modders. The episode concludes with a look at industry shifts from regulatory changes to evolving platform policies, and how studios can future-proof their monetization strategies as D2C continues to grow across platforms.We'd like to thank Heroic Labs for making this episode possible! Thousands of studios have trusted Heroic Labs to help them focus on their games and not worry about gametech or scaling for success. To learn more and reach out, visit https://heroiclabs.com/?utm_source=Naavik&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=Podcast If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at podcast@naavik.co. Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

Nytt år igen då, och det kommer komma mer film och spel för konsumtion, i alla fall för oss geeks. Det måste inte alltid vara det bästa vi nämner, utan det som väcker de bästa tankarna. Det blir kul!

In this episode, host Kalie Moore talks with Dmitri M. Johnson and Mike Goldberg, Co-founders of Story Kitchen, the studio behind major game-to-screen adaptations spanning Sonic the Hedgehog, Tomb Raider, Streets of Rage, and more. We explore how transmedia is evolving in a UGC-first world, where players don't just consume IP, they shape it, and why Roblox worlds are starting to look less like “games” and more like living franchises.The conversation dives into what actually makes a game adaptable (and when it shouldn't be touched), how Story Kitchen stays aligned with developers and communities, and why they don't chase heat even when a title is exploding. Dmitri and Mike also unpack Story Kitchen's producer-first business model, the realities of timing and greenlight power in Hollywood, and what UGC creators should focus on if they ever want their worlds to travel beyond the platform.We'd like to thank Overwolf for making this episode possible! Whether you're a gamer, creator, or game studio, Overwolf is the ultimate destination for integrating UGC in games! You can check out all Overwolf has to offer at https://www.overwolf.com/.We'd also like to thank Lightspeed Venture Partners for making this episode possible! With its dedicated gaming & interactive media practice, the firm invests from an over $6.5 billion pool of early and growth-stage capital. If you're interested in learning more, go to https://gaming.lsvp.com/.If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at podcast@naavik.co.Who's On:GuestsDmitri M. Johnson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmj619/Michael Lawrence Goldberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikelgoldberg/Host - Kalie Moore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaliemoore/ Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

Rocky (12) and Mickey (10) are back with Eric Kress and Jen Donahoe for the annual TWIG Jr segment, bringing unfiltered Gen Alpha opinions on everything from Roblox to the Switch 2. The kids don't hold back: hypercasual games are "mindless slop," Steal a Brain Rot is "ruining America," and Fortnite is running out of collabs. They break down what's actually hot at school (Clash Royale in the carpool line), why Grow a Garden faded, and make predictions for 2026.The conversation takes a sharp turn when Eric asks if they've heard of PrizePicks. Turns out, after watching four football games in a day, these kids can rattle off gambling brands like pros. They don't know what the apps actually do, but they've definitely seen the ads. A revealing look at what sports media saturation looks like through younger eyes.00:00 Welcome to Twig Junior Awards01:30 Meet the Junior Hosts: Rocky and Mickey02:57 Opinions on Gaming Industry04:24 Twig Junior Awards: Disappointing Games07:07 Twig Junior Awards: Talk of the Year12:00 Roblox and Social Gaming16:24 Console Gaming and Preferences17:00 Fortnite and Minecraft Discussions18:23 Minecraft Education vs. Switch18:43 Gaming Predictions for the Future19:04 Fortnite and Platform Preferences20:08 Clash Royale Craze21:32 Discovering New Games22:27 Indie Games and PC Gaming23:38 Social Media and Gaming24:44 Predictions for 202626:46 Sibling Dynamics and Gaming28:39 Sports and Betting Ads30:14 Conclusion and Holiday Wishes

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Generative AI has made major leaps since we last explored its use in game QA, and this episode dives into how that progress is reshaping the field. Host Devin Becker is joined again by Christoffer Holmgård and Julian Togelius, co-founders of modl.ai, to unpack how recent advances in computer vision and agent behavior are enabling fully no-code QA testing workflows. We discuss the shift from traditional code-integrated systems to screen-seeing, input-driving AI agents, and the technical breakthroughs that finally made this approach viable. The conversation also explores the types of bugs and edge cases this new method catches, and the surprising ways it differs from prior tools.The conversion also goes deeper into what this shift means for studios. Julian and Christoffer highlight how QA roles are evolving when testers can direct powerful AI agents without needing engineering resources. They also examine the line between automation and augmentation, arguing for the enduring value of human testers while outlining where AI can dramatically improve speed, coverage, and reporting. From auto-generating reproduction steps to fitting into broader ecosystems of AI coworkers, this episode offers a grounded, forward-looking take on how AI is transforming QA from the inside out.Previous episode with Modl.ai: https://naavik.co/podcast/ai-powered-quality-assurance/We'd like to thank Heroic Labs for making this episode possible! Thousands of studios have trusted Heroic Labs to help them focus on their games and not worry about gametech or scaling for success. To learn more and reach out, visit https://heroiclabs.com/?utm_source=Naavik&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=Podcast We'd also like to thank Neon – a merchant of record with customizable webshops optimized for conversion – for making this episode possible! Neon is trusted by some of the biggest names in gaming and can help you sell direct without the typical overhead. To learn more, visit https://www.neonpay.com/?utm_source=naavik If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at podcast@naavik.co. Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe

This Week in Geek, we're breaking down The Game Awards 2025 and all the spectacle that came with it. Join us as we relive the biggest surprises, the show-stopping world premieres, and the night's most celebrated wins. Plus, we dig into the Game of the Year conversation and share our thoughts on who truly earned gaming's most prestigious award. Check out Geekcentric onYouTube | Instagram | Twitter | TikTokJoin the Geekcentric Discord HEREFollow Eatcentric - Same geeks. New Eats

World models are rapidly becoming AI's next frontier, and in this episode we break down why. Host, Alexandra Takei, Director at Ruckus Games, sits down with Pim de Witte, founder of General Intuition and Medal, to explore how billions of gameplay videos can power a new class of embodied agents. Pim explains the fundamental gap between language models, which describe the world, and world models, which simulate the world, capturing how objects and agents move, react, and evolve in space and time. The conversation digs into why video games are an ideal training ground, including but not limited to consistent first-person perspectives, action labels (if you design your data set that way), and optical fidelity that platforms like YouTube can't provide.Pim walks through General Intuition's technical approach, why cross-game training unlocks more human-like behavior, and the specific limitations still unsolved, such as multiplayer consistency, long-horizon coherence, and the cost of large-scale inference. They explore what studios can expect from embodied agents: bots trained on human behavior that they hope to be tunable by designers and ideal for developers who want to embrace and build around this tech to either develop new game genres or make it a bedrock of their production process. If you are interested in learning about a company with a unique approach to world models and embodied agents, this is a must-listen to close out 2025. We'd like to thank Lysto for making this episode possible! Lysto is revolutionizing how game development teams collect and act on real player feedback with its AI-powered playtesting insights. Learn more about how you can get bias-free feedback at https://lysto.gg/?utm_source=naavik&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=adIf you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at podcast@naavik.co. Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe 

On this episode, host David Taylor dives into one of the most eventful stretches the Fortnite Creative / UEFN ecosystem has seen in months. Epic has rolled out a wave of major updates — from monetization changes to discovery shifts — and today we unpack what they mean for creators, studios, and the future of the platform.David is joined by two fantastic guests. Chad Mustard, COO of JOGO Studios, returns to the show after another breakout year as one of the top 10 developers on Fortnite by total plays. Chad brings a studio-level perspective on building hit experiences, navigating updates, and scaling inside a fast-evolving ecosystem. He's joined by Jon Jungemann, better known as SleightedSloth, a leading creator in the Tycoon genre and one of the most thoughtful voices on systems design, monetization, and the economics of UEFN.Together, the group breaks down the rise of Steal the Brainrot and what that breakout moment signals for developers — from production trends to player behavior to what “success” looks like in today's marketplace. They also explore the wave of M&A activity beginning to emerge inside Fortnite Creative and what kinds of deals are actually happening behind the scenes.From there, the conversation shifts to the biggest structural changes Epic has introduced: in-island item sales (and why they might be the single biggest unlock for creators to date), the rollout of UA Rewards and Paid Campaigns, and the latest adjustments to Discovery. We dig into how these tools reshape studio strategy, how developers are adapting their designs, and what all of this means for long-term sustainability on the platform.We'd like to thank Overwolf for making this episode possible! Whether you're a gamer, creator, or game studio, Overwolf is the ultimate destination for integrating UGC in games! You can check out all Overwolf has to offer at https://www.overwolf.com/.We'd also like to thank modl.ai for making this episode possible! Using a combination of computer vision, reasoning models, and feedback loops, modl:QA+ autonomously explores builds, detects bugs, and generates actionable reports that sync directly with your existing workflows. To learn more, simply visit https://www.modl.ai/.If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at podcast@naavik.co. Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

Help us by sharing our podcast to your friends and also please review us on Apple Podcast. You can find our social media pages on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JayNbaypodcast/

Help us by sharing our podcast to your friends and also please review us on Apple Podcast. You can find our social media pages on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JayNbaypodcast/

Help us by sharing our podcast to your friends and also please review us on Apple Podcast. You can find our social media pages on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JayNbaypodcast/

Pushing the boundaries of what's possible in gaming often means embracing unproven technologies and building in the fog of innovation. In this episode, host Devin Becker is joined by Marco van den Heuvel, co-founder of Beam, to explore what it means to operate at the bleeding edge of gaming infrastructure. Marco shares the origins of Beam and its evolution into a gaming-focused ecosystem built around frontier tech that includes blockchain, AI, and beyond. The episode covers how Beam is navigating past the noise to uncover the practical, long-term opportunities these technologies can offer game developers and players alike.The discussion also unpacks how AI fits into Beam's broader vision, the future of esports from a tech-powered perspective, and what it will take for blockchain to hit the hype cycle “plateau of productivity.” Devin and Marco dig into the real hurdles in tech adoption, from developer onboarding to ecosystem incentives, while also speculating on what might lie ahead from AR to brain-computer interfaces. If you're interested in where the games industry might be headed next and how to prepare for it, this episode offers a grounded look at the intersection of emerging tech and gaming.We'd like to thank Heroic Labs for making this episode possible! Thousands of studios have trusted Heroic Labs to help them focus on their games and not worry about gametech or scaling for success. To learn more and reach out, visit https://heroiclabs.com/?utm_source=Naavik&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=Podcast We'd also like to thank Neon – a merchant of record with customizable webshops optimized for conversion – for making this episode possible! Neon is trusted by some of the biggest names in gaming and can help you sell direct without the typical overhead. To learn more, visit https://www.neonpay.com/?utm_source=naavik If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at podcast@naavik.co. Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

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EVE Online is one of the longest-standing MMOs of all time, celebrating its 22nd anniversary since its launch in 2003. In this episode, host Alexandra Takei, Director at Ruckus Games, sits down with CCP Games' CEO Hilmar Petursson to unpack how the Icelandic studio still maintains one of gaming's most complex live worlds, a single universe that has generated over $1B in lifetime revenue and 25 million players. Hilmar walks through CCP's four eras: the pre-Steam founding years, the Steam transition, Pearl Abyss's acquisition, and the studio today, revealing how an original team of thirty developers pioneered player-driven economies, massive social coordination, and a forever game. The conversation then turns to EVE Frontier, CCP's new blockchain-powered spin-off built on the Sui network. Hilmar explains why he believes blockchain is the next natural step in EVE's evolution, not as a trend, but as a means to true player ownership and another step in the direction of a forever game: persistence that is independent of the company, its servers, and its original creators.The episode closes on the state of the industry today from Hilmar's perspective – why attention and discovery are gaming's hardest problems and how developers can learn from EVE's social design to build long-lasting worlds.We'd also like to thank Lysto for making this episode possible! Lysto is revolutionizing how game development teams collect and act on real player feedback with its AI-powered playtesting insights. Learn more about how you can get bias-free feedback at https://lysto.gg/?utm_source=naavik&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=adIf you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at podcast@naavik.co. Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

In this episode, host Kalie Moore talks with Zach Letter, Co-founder & CEO of Wonder Works Studio, the makers of hit Roblox experiences, including three SpongeBob titles this year. We dig into how creator roots shape game design and distribution, how influencer-native teams launch differently, and Wonder Works' long-term bet on licensed IP.The conversation dives into launching without paid UA, weekly live-ops that drive creator content, and when brands should integrate into hit experiences versus build standalone worlds. Zach also shares what makes an IP “Roblox-ready,” how transmedia loops amplify impact across YouTube, Discord, and merch, and why he believes UGC's rise is unstoppable.We'd like to thank Overwolf for making this episode possible! Whether you're a gamer, creator, or game studio, Overwolf is the ultimate destination for integrating UGC in games! You can check out all Overwolf has to offer at https://www.overwolf.com/.We'd also like to thank Lightspeed Venture Partners for making this episode possible! With its dedicated gaming & interactive media practice, the firm invests from an over $6.5 billion pool of early and growth-stage capital. If you're interested in learning more, go to https://gaming.lsvp.com/.If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at podcast@naavik.co.Who's On:Guest - Zach Letter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-letter-0769b893/Host - Kalie Moore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaliemoore/ Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe

In this episode, host Alexandra Takei, Director at Ruckus Games, sits down with Robert van Hoesel, co-founder and CEO of First Look, now part of Pragma, to explore how studios can own and scale their player relationships. Robert's journey from founding a SaaS company to building First Look began with one simple insight: game studios are some of the most passionate users a software builder could serve, and the games industry desperately needs the dream stack for connected distribution, player communications, and analytics. First Look acts as a CRM for games, helping studios streamline playtesting, gather player feedback, and grow grassroots communities. The pair discusses why these capabilities have become essential as publishers pull back, competition increases, and self-publishing becomes the norm. Robert shares how First Look enables small teams to punch above their weight by automating data capture across platforms like Steam and Discord, transforming scattered playtest feedback into actionable insights, and shares the full suite of offerings First Look provides for studios today.They also unpack First Look's acquisition by Pragma and what it means to unify the backend and frontend of game development. The episode closes with practical advice for studios: start community-building early, close the feedback loop with players, and reward engagement to create sustainable, loyal audiences.We'd also like to thank Levellr — the Discord community intelligence platform — for making this episode possible. Learn more about unlocking real-time community insights at levellr.com.If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at podcast@naavik.co. Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe

As digital platforms evolve, so too does the business of tabletop RPGs (TTRPGs). In this episode, host Devin Becker sits down with David Scott, CEO of Evil Genius Games, to explore the intersection of analog and digital in the TTRPG space. David shares his perspective on where the market currently stands, the evolving role of virtual tabletops, and how Evil Genius is adapting its publishing model to bridge physical and digital experiences. From post-COVID shifts in player behavior to the rise of Virtual Tabletops (VTTs) like Roll20 and Foundry, the conversation examines how platforms are reshaping distribution, play, and monetization strategies.The discussion also covers how TTRPG companies can integrate digital offerings without cannibalizing physical sales of books, miniatures, and accessories. David offers a candid look at what's working (and what isn't) when it comes to building sustainable business models in this hybrid space. Finally, we explore the opportunities for smaller TTRPG IPs to make the leap into digital gaming, the potential of platforms like Roblox to support roleplaying, and how ongoing challenges like tariffs may influence the industry's trajectory in the next few years.We'd like to thank Heroic Labs for making this episode possible! Thousands of studios have trusted Heroic Labs to help them focus on their games and not worry about gametech or scaling for success. To learn more and reach out, visit https://heroiclabs.com/?utm_source=Naavik&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=Podcast We'd also like to thank Lysto for making this episode possible! Lysto is revolutionizing how game development teams collect and act on real player feedback with its AI-powered playtesting insights. Learn more about how you can get bias-free feedback at https://lysto.gg/?utm_source=naavik&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=adIf you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at podcast@naavik.co. Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

Are AI games right around the corner? In our second-ever live audience show, host Alexandra Takei, Director at Ruckus Games, sits down with Serge Kynstautas, Head of Engineering at Gardens Interactive, a venture-backed startup building a social online shared fantasy adventure game, and Meir Wasserman, Head of Engineering at 2K Technology. Shooting live from the 3rd annual Pragma Online Services Summit, the trio dives into two critical topics impacting the predominantly technical engineering audience: AI and talent. They discuss AI use cases and tool stacks, how they balance context, security, and flexibility, and how they guide engineering teams in a rapidly changing environment. They also discuss talent in engineering in the new economy – given pressures to do more with less, is the engineering scope and team size being shaved down? Are teams opting for safer, proven tech or looking to innovate? How are engineering leaders bringing along those who may be more reluctant to adopt AI tools in their workflows? That and so much more – including a contentious lighting round and spicy audience Q&A. If you want perspective on the future of AI in games and the subsequent cascading effects on talent, this episode is a must-listen. We'd also like to thank Lightspeed Venture Partners for making this episode possible! With its dedicated gaming & interactive media practice, the firm invests from an over $6.5 billion pool of early and growth-stage capital. If you're interested in learning more, go to https://gaming.lsvp.com/.We'd also like to thank Overwolf for making this episode possible! Whether you're a gamer, creator, or game studio, Overwolf is the ultimate destination for integrating UGC in games! You can check out all Overwolf has to offer at https://www.overwolf.com/.If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at podcast@naavik.co. Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

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In this episode, host David Taylor sits down with two fantastic guests to explore why large entertainment companies are increasingly paying attention to Roblox, how they're experimenting on the platform today, and what they'll need to see to fully commit. Chris Petrovic is the Chairman and Chief Business Officer of FunPlus, one of the largest privately held companies in the gaming sector. Chris is a veteran executive in digital entertainment and gaming with leadership roles across major mobile game companies like Zynga, Kabam, and GameStop. Doug Rosen is the former SVP of Games and Emerging Media at Paramount. Doug led games teams across some of the world's biggest brands, and he brings deep experience in how IP holders evaluate and engage with emerging platforms like Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite Creative.We dig into the strategic framing of Roblox inside large companies and how success is measured. Finally, we look ahead at the challenges, opportunities, and what role Roblox could play in shaping the next generation of entertainment franchises.We'd also like to thank Levellr — the Discord community intelligence platform — for making this episode possible. Learn more about unlocking real-time community insights at levellr.com.If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at podcast@naavik.co.Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

Help us by sharing our podcast to your friends and also please review us on Apple Podcast.You can find our social media pages on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JayNbaypodcast/

In this episode, host Kalie Moore talks with Charlie Blackstock, Co-founder & CEO of Remix.gg, the “TikTok of games” where anyone can instantly play and remix community-built titles. They discuss why instant, zero-install games resonate with Gen Z and Millennials, how AI is lowering the barrier to creation and enabling culture-speed hits, and how Web3 rails can power creator monetization at scale. The conversation gets tactical on distribution, dives into the possible future of on-chain creator earnings, and how to create a platform for both Web2 and Web3 gaming audiences. We'd like to thank Neon – a merchant of record with customizable webshops optimized for conversion – for making this episode possible! Neon is trusted by some of the biggest names in gaming and can help you sell direct without the typical overhead. To learn more, visit https://www.neonpay.com/?utm_source=naavik We'd also like to thank Lightspeed Venture Partners for making this episode possible! With its dedicated gaming & interactive media practice, the firm invests from an over $6.5 billion pool of early and growth-stage capital. If you're interested in learning more, go to https://gaming.lsvp.com/.If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at podcast@naavik.co.Who's On:Guest - Charlie Blackstock: https://x.com/0xChuckstock Host - Kalie Moore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaliemoore/ Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

With the games industry in constant evolution, it's important to occasionally pause and take stock of where things stand. Host Devin Becker is joined by Aaron Bush, Managing Partner and Co-Founder at Naavik, for a wide-ranging check-in on market trends, strategic moves from platform holders and investors, and how the current landscape might evolve from here. The conversation explores Epic's latest expansion of user-generated content monetization, plus Meta's recent AR updates and what it might mean for the future of digital interactivity. The episode rounds out with a look at current console strategies – including the success of the Switch 2, Xbox's identity crisis, and how PlayStation fits into the broader picture – and a discussion about the fragmentation of the gaming investment industry.We'd like to thank Lightspeed Venture Partners for making this episode possible! With its dedicated gaming & interactive media practice, the firm invests from an over $6.5 billion pool of early and growth-stage capital. If you're interested in learning more, go to https://gaming.lsvp.com/.We'd also like to thank Overwolf for making this episode possible! Whether you're a gamer, creator, or game studio, Overwolf is the ultimate destination for integrating UGC in games! You can check out all Overwolf has to offer at https://www.overwolf.com/.If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at podcast@naavik.co. Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

Help us by sharing our podcast to your friends and also please review us on Apple Podcast.You can find our social media pages on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JayNbaypodcast/