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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
Austin, Stephen, Brian, and Justin are joined by friend of the Pod Daniel to discuss Stranger Things Season 5 (So Far) and More!Don't forget to follow us on socials; you can find us everywhere via our link - https://lnk.bio/rXxW - Also, www.movigapodcast.comTime codes:1:00 - Top 31:03:00 - Main Discussion STRANGER THINGS1:42:30 - Stranger Things *SPOILERS*2:40:30 - Wrap-up
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
Nick and Josh predict the winners of The Game Awards. Josh explains the difference between a Mega Man X and a Mega Man Zero. Nick has played Horses and it left him saying “what the hey?” about all this censorship.In lieu of ratings and reviews we say … FUCK THE ALGORITHM, TELL A FRIEND!We have a new website! Come check it out! https://www.smashinggametime.com/Thank you to Alex Marvin Clark for our opening theme Hunt Him Down. https://soundcloud.com/lizardbeach?ut...
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
Episode 91: Troubling signs in the PC gaming space with DRAM prices continuing to skyrocket and the surprising death of Micron's Crucial brand. Also we chat about the Ryzen 7 9850X3D and Nvidia ending driver support for Pascal.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:31 - DRAM Demand for AI Kills Micron's Crucial Brand29:39 - AMD Confirms Ryzen 7 9850X3D41:08 - Nvidia Ends Pascal and Maxwell Driver Support45:20 - Updates From Our Boring LivesSUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTAudio: https://shows.acast.com/the-hardware-unboxed-podcastVideo: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqT8Vb3jweH6_tj2SarErfwSUPPORT US DIRECTLYPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/hardwareunboxedLINKSYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Hardwareunboxed/Twitter: https://twitter.com/HardwareUnboxedBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hardwareunboxed.bsky.socialTombstone image on thumbnail: www.freepik.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Austin and Brian have a discussion about Geoff Keeley's Desert Demon Doorway, Valve's new Console, and More!Don't forget to follow us on socials; you can find us everywhere via our link - https://lnk.bio/rXxW - Also, www.movigapodcast.comTime codes:1:00 - Top 320:00 - Main Discussion54:00 - Final Discussion/Wrap-up
Josh is checking out Lost Soul Aside and he's just ok with it. Nick is finally in act 3 of Hollow Knight: Silksong. Someone escaped Tarkov? Finally, Nick and Josh pick the categories for this year's Game of the Year.In lieu of ratings and reviews we say … FUCK THE ALGORITHM, TELL A FRIEND!We have a new website! Come check it out! https://www.smashinggametime.com/Thank you to Alex Marvin Clark for our opening theme Hunt Him Down. https://soundcloud.com/lizardbeach?ut...
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.
This week, Zak and Aaron sit down to discuss Valve's new, ambitious hardware plans, especially the announcement's headliner: the brand-new Steam Machine. With the form-factor and convenience of a console and the hardware heft of a gaming PC, the cutely nicknamed "Gabe Cube" seems poised to disrupt the market as we know it... but will it? A better question may be, is it even meant to?Please, enjoy.Episode References:Linus Tech Tips - The STEAM Machine Won't Cost What You ThinkYongYea: Valve Drop Moe Hints On Machine Price, And...Bellular News: Valve's on the WarpathGameSpot: The Steam Machine Doesn't Even Have To TryListen to Beach Girl on SpotifyCheck Out MosscatMarket on Instagram
Josh is suffering through Blue Prince, Clair Obscur gets all the Joysticks, and Nick thinks all you sickos should leave Invisgal alone.In lieu of ratings and reviews we say … FUCK THE ALGORITHM, TELL A FRIEND!We have a new website! Come check it out! https://www.smashinggametime.com/Thank you to Alex Marvin Clark for our opening theme Hunt Him Down. https://soundcloud.com/lizardbeach?ut...
Send us a textValve has officially revealed the new Steam Machine, and The Outerhaven breaks down everything you need to know in this bite-sized holiday episode of the Spectator Mode Podcast.Is it a PC? Is it a console? We dig into why the community is split, what Valve's goal might be, how this fits into the growing SteamOS ecosystem, and whether this mini-PC could shake up living-room gaming, hardware expectations, pricing predictions, and where the Steam Machine fits in the modern PC gaming landscape. #SteamMachine #Valve #SteamDeck #SteamOS #PCGamingSupport the showYou can find the Spectator Mode podcast on the following podcast platforms. Please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast, as it will go a long watch in more people discovering us. Thank you! Apple Podcasts YouTube Spotify Amazon Music
Austin and Stephen have a discussion about The Video Game Award Nominees, Legend of Zelda Live-Action, and More!Don't forget to follow us on socials; you can find us everywhere via our link - https://lnk.bio/rXxW - Also, www.movigapodcast.comTime codes:1:00 - Top 330:00 - Main Discussion1:31:00 - Final Discussion/Wrap-up
I'm so so tired of Steam Deck fanboys and console wars nonsense. The talk of the Steam Machine being a threat to consoles is ridiculous. Let's Talk about itKEYWORDS: Steam Deck,Steam Frame,Steam Machine,Steam Controller,PC Gaming,Gaming,PC Setup,Mekel Kasanova,Mekel,Kasanova,DeckedUP,DeckedUP Podcast,Podcast,Tech Podcast,Gaming Podcast#SteamDeck #SteamMachine #SteamFrame #SteamController #Steam
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.
Valve is going to attempt the Linux trifecta, Firefox is adding more AI and people aren't happy, and the kernel is refining its own AI guidelines. FFmpeg is tired of AI generated CVEs, no matter how good they are! Rust isn't always more secure, your Ubuntu desktop can last for 15 years now, and OpenSUSE Tumbleweed has some surprises. For Tips, we cover Webmin, btrfs-rescue, a function to center-print text in the terminal, and go down the rabbit-hole of detecting dual server PSUs. You can find the show notes at https://bit.ly/4pbm35E and see you next time! Host: Jonathan Bennett Co-Hosts: Jeff Massie, Rob Campbell, and Ken McDonald Download or subscribe to Untitled Linux Show at https://twit.tv/shows/untitled-linux-show Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
Valve is going to attempt the Linux trifecta, Firefox is adding more AI and people aren't happy, and the kernel is refining its own AI guidelines. FFmpeg is tired of AI generated CVEs, no matter how good they are! Rust isn't always more secure, your Ubuntu desktop can last for 15 years now, and OpenSUSE Tumbleweed has some surprises. For Tips, we cover Webmin, btrfs-rescue, a function to center-print text in the terminal, and go down the rabbit-hole of detecting dual server PSUs. You can find the show notes at https://bit.ly/4pbm35E and see you next time! Host: Jonathan Bennett Co-Hosts: Jeff Massie, Rob Campbell, and Ken McDonald Download or subscribe to Untitled Linux Show at https://twit.tv/shows/untitled-linux-show Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
Brian, Austin, and Stephen have a discussion about new DC shows, Stranger Things coming to a close, and More!Don't forget to follow us on socials; you can find us everywhere via our link - https://lnk.bio/rXxW - Also, www.movigapodcast.comTime codes:1:00 - Top 31:00:00 - Main Discussion1:36:00 - Wrap-up
Learn more and wishlist now: https://steampowered.com/hardwareAnnouncing new Steam Hardware from Valve: Steam Controller, Steam Machine, and Steam Frame are coming in 2026. Just like Steam Deck, all three devices are optimized for Steam and designed for players to get even more out of their Steam library.KEYWORDS: Steam Deck,Steam Frame,Steam Machine,Steam Controller,PC Gaming,Gaming,PC Setup,Mekel Kasanova,Mekel,Kasanova,DeckedUP,DeckedUP Podcast,Podcast,Tech Podcast,Gaming Podcast#SteamDeck #SteamMachine #SteamFrame #SteamController #Steam
iRacing Downshift is back with an all-new episode! We get into the NASCAR 25 launch and our upcoming iRacing Arcade release, share the latest updates on our current eSports championships, and wrap things up with a little reminder on how Safety Rating works. Stay tuned for more content as we get closer to next month's 2026 Season 1 build!
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.
Brian, Austin, and Stephen are joined by Lee (the editor) to discuss Arc Raiders and it's solid launch - as well as their thoughts on the game!Don't forget to follow us on socials; you can find us everywhere via our link - https://lnk.bio/rXxW - Also, www.movigapodcast.comTime codes:1:00 - Top 332:00 - Main Discussion1:07:00 - Wrap-up
David from Gimmicks and Fear Coded has returned to talk Pokémon Z-A, Final Fantasy Tactics, and Uninvited. Nick made a poor parenting choice with Death Stranding 2 and is still working his way through Silksong. Josh has still not beaten Simon (Just cheese it already dude). This a long, rant filled episode, enjoy.In lieu of ratings and reviews we say … FUCK THE ALGORITHM, TELL A FRIEND!Keep up with David and The Glitterjaw Queer Podcast Collective. https://www.glitterjaw.com/Check out a free episode of David's newest podcast, Fear Coded!https://www.patreon.com/FearCodedPodcast/redeem/18D7CWe have a new website! Come check it out! https://www.smashinggametime.com/Thank you to Alex Marvin Clark for our opening theme Hunt Him Down. https://soundcloud.com/lizardbeach?ut...
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
Asia, Brian, and Stephen are literally just discussing Halloween, and what's been up lately!Don't forget to follow us on socials; you can find us everywhere via our link - https://lnk.bio/rXxW - Also, www.movigapodcast.comTime codes:1:00 - Top 340:00 - Main Discussion1:13:00 - Wrap-up
Nick investigates his brother's feet to get down to an expert diagnosis. Josh is going through Expedition 33 New Game+ and getting spanked by Simon. Nick is through the first act of SIlksong and is loving it. The bros then read some of your gaming hot takes and tell you why you're wrong.In lieu of ratings and reviews we say … FUCK THE ALGORITHM, TELL A FRIEND!We have a new website! Come check it out! https://www.smashinggametime.com/Thank you to Alex Marvin Clark for our opening theme Hunt Him Down. https://soundcloud.com/lizardbeach?ut...
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
(The SPOOKY BOIZ) - Austin, Justin, and special guest Joshua W are discussing Horror genre favorites, reviewing some recent tv and movies, and more!Don't forget to follow us on socials; you can find us everywhere via our link - https://lnk.bio/rXxW - Also, www.movigapodcast.comTime codes:1:00 - Top 329:00 - Main Discussion1:27:00 - Wrap-up
This week on The Gaming Duo, we're asking the big question — are we witnessing the end of traditional gaming consoles? With Xbox blurring the line between console and PC, Sony embracing PC ports, and Nintendo standing firm in the hardware space, could this be the start of a major industry shift?We also dive into the first reviews for the Xbox ROG Ally, explore the lasting legacy of Tomonobu Itagaki, the legendary creator behind Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive, and touch on new updates around Battlefield 6's naval warfare content and concerns about the future of Call of Duty under Xbox.Strap in — Episode 257 of The Gaming Duo starts now!
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.
Stephen, Asia, and Brian are discussing Peacemaker (with Spoilers), Tron 3, BF6 and More!Don't forget to follow us on socials; you can find us everywhere via our link - https://lnk.bio/rXxW - Also, www.movigapodcast.comTime codes:1:00 - Top 336:00 - Peacemaker53:00 - PEACEMAKER *SPOILERS*1:15:00 - Tron 3 and BF6 Discussion1:50:00 Wrap-up
Josh finally finished Clair Obscur, so we had to talk about it.In lieu of ratings and reviews we say … FUCK THE ALGORITHM, TELL A FRIEND!We have a new website! Come check it out! https://www.smashinggametime.com/Thank you to Alex Marvin Clark for our opening theme Hunt Him Down. https://soundcloud.com/lizardbeach?ut...
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.
Stephen, Austin, and Brian are discussing Ghost of Yotei. Don't forget to follow us on socials; you can find us everywhere via our link - https://lnk.bio/rXxW - Also, www.movigapodcast.comTime codes:1:00 - Top 340:00 - Main Discussion 1:33:00 - Wrap-Up
Nick and Josh are back to finish the Robocop bookclub. Josh has also finished act 2 of Clair Obscur (Spoiler Warning). The bros also share a touching memory about their friend, Ricardo.In lieu of ratings and reviews we say … FUCK THE ALGORITHM, TELL A FRIEND!We have a new website! Come check it out! https://www.smashinggametime.com/Thank you to Alex Marvin Clark for our opening theme Hunt Him Down. https://soundcloud.com/lizardbeach?ut...
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.
The entire Crew is back for our Youtube debut. Catch up with what we've been up to for the last month, and witness a fun playthrough with the new Dungeon Box RPG.Don't forget to follow us on socials; you can find us everywhere via our link - https://lnk.bio/rXxW - Also, www.movigapodcast.comTime codes:1:00 - Top 31:18:00 - Main Discussion 1:49:00 - Wrap-Up
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.
Just when you think it may be a great week to celebrate games, here comes a huge gaming business deal that has the potential to change the fortunes of a major gaming publisher. Announced on Monday, EA was taken private for $55 billion by the Saudi Arabia Private Investment Fund and two other private investment firms. Sean and Marc discuss what this could mean for EA, its employees, and could some of EA's big franchises could go down in the wake of this. There was a major gaming convention this weekend in the Tokyo Game Show, which featured a State of Play from PlayStation, a TGS Showcase from Xbox, Annapurna Interactive having a mini showcase, a PC Gaming showcase, and much more. The duo discusses their favorite announcements from some of the shows. Plus, Sean and Marc have both been playing Hades 2, Marc's been playing Silent Hill F, the Xbox ROG Ally & Xbox ROG Ally X have official prices and already sold out in many places, Doug Bowser is retiring at Nintendo, and another developer talks Game Key Cards, and more on this edition of Video Games 2 the MAX. You can also watch this episode in video form on the W2M Network Youtube Channel, please give us a like, comment on the episode, and give the channel a subscribe and follow as well: https://youtube.com/live/cAgrrUqdBdw
Episode 83: Intel and Nvidia have formed a partnership, but because APUs are not that relevant to desktop PC gamers, we discuss whether this deal will actually impact gaming significantly. Also, we put Intel's Arc GPUs into our GPU rankings, and chat about some newsCHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:33 - Intel and Nvidia APU team up, but gamers don't use APUs37:00 - We add Intel Arc GPUs to the rankings45:38 - Ryzen 7 9800X3D drops in price49:52 - RX 9070 BIOS mod52:01 - Updates from our boring livesSUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTAudio: https://shows.acast.com/the-hardware-unboxed-podcastVideo: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqT8Vb3jweH6_tj2SarErfwSUPPORT US DIRECTLYPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/hardwareunboxedLINKSYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Hardwareunboxed/Twitter: https://twitter.com/HardwareUnboxedBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hardwareunboxed.bsky.social Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
Josh has finally reached the end of act 1 in Clair Obscur and he is in pain. SPOILERS ahead. Nick has a PS5 now and he's got some thoughts on Astro's Playroom. Robocop: Rogue City Book Club continues with gentrification, , police pensions, and an obnoxious boss fight.In lieu of ratings and reviews we say … FUCK THE ALGORITHM, TELL A FRIEND!We have a new website! Come check it out! https://www.smashinggametime.com/Thank you to Alex Marvin Clark for our opening theme Hunt Him Down. https://soundcloud.com/lizardbeach?ut...
Mobile publishing is a beast of its own, built on speed, data, and above all, user acquisition. In this episode, host Alexandra Takei, Director at Ruckus Games, sits down with Asi Burak, Chief Business Officer of Tilting Point, to unpack the future of mobile publishing and why UA financing has become one of the most talked-about trends in gaming today.Tilting Point, a top 50 global mobile publisher, recently launched a $150M UA fund this past March. In the past, TP made its name scaling live titles with marketing muscle and pioneering UA financing before it was industry standard. Today, that model has become mainstream. Asi explains how this structure works (non-dilutive, risk-sharing, and predictable) and why even large developers now see it as a smart capital allocation tool rather than just a lifeline for smaller studios. The conversation also covers ATT's seismic impact on mobile, Tilting Point's pivot from third-party publishing to 3rd party UA financing and first-party acquisitions, and how IP-driven strategies amplify UA effectiveness. We discuss what is attractive today in UA financing and how to effectively structure an organization to run two parallel investment pillars. We'd also 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 — the AI-native playtesting platform helping game studios capture unbiased player feedback and convert it into structured, actionable 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.
Nick is addicted to Ball X Pit, a concoction from the sick mind behind Mr. Sun's Hatbox. Josh has restarted Expedition 33 and still has no idea about the end of act 1 (the poor child). The bros then get into the second week of Robocop: Rogue City book club, where they explore the tech takeover of the police force and the unpredictability from the machines, that are supposed to be a source of predictability. In lieu of ratings and reviews we say … FUCK THE ALGORITHM, TELL A FRIEND!We have a new website! Come check it out! https://www.smashinggametime.com/Thank you to Alex Marvin Clark for our opening theme Hunt Him Down. https://soundcloud.com/lizardbeach?ut...
In this episode of JK! Games!, we're wrapping up our playthrough of Tiny Bookshop with our official Video Game Book Club review.Jerica and Kayla break down the story, characters, shopkeeping systems, cozy atmosphere, and whether this indie delivers as a must-play for management game fans. We share our final verdicts, listener responses, and reveal our next Book Club pick.JK! Games! is a gaming podcast where we bring you the news and reviews we care about — and with our Video Game Book Club (VGBC), we dive deep into one game at a time. Whether you're chasing every side quest or just here for the vibes, you belong in the conversation.Timecodes:00:00:00 – Start00:10:58 – Listener Question of the Week (Favorite Cozy/Management Game)00:22:00 – Jerica on Silksong00:33:30 – Normal Mode: Setting the Stage for Tiny Bookshop Review00:44:20 – Expert Mode: Tiny Bookshop ReviewListener Question of the Week:What cozy or management game has been your favorite and why?Next Game:Our next Video Game Book Club pick is Titanfall 2 — join us in Discord to play along!Follow and play with us! @JKGamesPodcast Discord Twitch Youtube Insta Bsky