Game Dev Unchained

About this episode:hristopher Stone is a dynamic Studio General Manager who has played a key role in some of the industry's most notable AAA titles. Currently, he's leading work on Ready or Not, while his impressive portfolio also includes high-profile projects such as Callisto Protocol, Days Gone, Call of Duty, and Dead Space. In this episode, Christopher shares his journey through groundbreaking game development, the challenges of steering large-scale projects, and his opinions for the future of gaming.Connect with us:•

https://magicmind.com/gduJan⁠ Get 45% off for mental wealth bundled with Magic Mind's new Sleep Elixir for better sleep. About this episode: Leo Gonzalez is the cofounder of GoDemics, a co development studio that partners with Riot Games, Gearbox, and 2K. He's a veteran of the industry with over 15 years of experience. This episode we dive into a special segment talking about UFOs and conspiracies as fun subjects to get our creative juices flowing. Connect with us: •

About this episode: Tony & Abby are independent game developers behind Black Tabby Games. Following up their first success, Scarlet Hollow, Slay the Princess is already a hit. I sat down with the team to learn about how the game came to be, and their advice doing this the second time. Connect with us: •

https://magicmind.com/gduJan Get 45% off for mental wealth bundled with Magic Mind's new Sleep Elixir for better sleep. About this episode: Tencent comes into question and is listed as a military company. Ray and I also talked about Ubisoft latest update, and how the industry is recovering. Connect with us: •

About this episode: In this episode, I sit down with Jordan Smith (20 year game design veteran) to talk about what it takes to keep pushing forward as a game developer when the industry feels like it’s falling apart. We share stories about staying passionate, dealing with uncertainty, and finding strength in tough times—things I know we’ve all faced at some point in our careers. (1) Jordan (Altura) Smith | LinkedIn ArtStation - Jordan Smith Connect with us: •

About this episode: Coming back after a hiatus, I talk about what conversations and topics I'll be tackling for 2025. Connect with us: •

About this episode: Jim Gray is a seasoned video game professional with over two decades of experience, having led engineering and development teams at notable companies such as ILMxLAB, Sledgehammer Games, and Midnight Society. He has a strong background in gameplay programming and engineering management, contributing to titles like Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare and Ralph Breaks VR. Currently, Jim is the Founder and CEO of Jim Gray Productions, building a new video game production company from the ground up. Escape from Hadrian's Wall Demo on Steam (steampowered.com) ⁠Jim Gray Productions Jim Gray Productions (@JimGrayProds) / X Jim Gray Productions: Overview | LinkedIn Connect with us: •

About this episode: Ubisoft is making all types of bad headlines. This was recorded even before the rumor that the brothers are looking to sell to Tencent. Given more credence to our doomsday prediction that Ubisoft is on its last desperate legs. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Raymond Graham (@Wadarass) / X⁠ Connect with us: •

Magic Mind is offering a saving of 48% for unchained listeners. This is their best offer yet and it won't last long! Give that brain a boost and start your day with Magic Mind. Go to ⁠⁠⁠https://www.magicmind.com/DEVUNCHAINED20⁠⁠⁠ About this episode: Scott Rogers with over 25 years in the game industry and an accomplished author drops by on the show to discuss the latest in the game development scene. Your Turn!: The Guide to Great Tabletop Game Design: Rogers, Scott A.: 9781119981596: Amazon.com: Books (1) Scott Rogers

Magic Mind is offering a saving of 48% for unchained listeners. This is their best offer yet and it won't last long! Give that brain a boost and start your day with Magic Mind. Go to ⁠⁠⁠https://www.magicmind.com/DEVUNCHAINED20⁠⁠⁠ About this episode: From the horrific Sony exclusive Concord and bug-filled Star Wars: Outlaws, when people hear AAA most gamers groan and moan knowing that they are paying top-dollar for incomplete games. What is going on? ⁠⁠⁠⁠Raymond Graham (@Wadarass) / X Connect with us: •

Magic Mind is offering a saving of 48% for unchained listeners. This is their best offer yet and it won't last long! Give that brain a boost and start your day with Magic Mind. Go to ⁠⁠https://www.magicmind.com/DEVUNCHAINED20⁠⁠ About this episode: Shawn Beck is from an award-winning Malaysian game studio, Weyrdworks, introduced his studio's philosophy and shared insights into the Malaysian game development scene. The discussion also focused on the development and potential of their virtual pets game, the evolution of the video game industry, and strategies for developing a free-to-play game. ⁠Weyrdlets on Steam (steampowered.com) Weyrdworks - Award Winning Game Development Studio Shawn Beck | LinkedIn Connect with us: •

Magic Mind is offering a saving of 48% for unchained listeners. This is their best offer yet and it won't last long! Give that brain a boost and start your day with Magic Mind. Go to ⁠https://www.magicmind.com/DEVUNCHAINED20⁠ About this episode: We discussed the current challenges and future outlook for the game industry. Oli suggested that while the industry is experiencing a delayed effect from the Covid-19 pandemic, it is still an exciting area with significant attention from investors. However, Oli noted that larger funds are now participating in earlier stages of funding, which is causing more competition and reducing accessibility for exciting deals. Despite this, Oli remained optimistic, citing the industry's history of thriving during times of financial constraint. Brandon emphasized the importance of collaboration and the ongoing challenges of remote work in the aftermath of Covid-19. Collaborative Art Software: Draw Together on Magma (2) Oli Strong | LinkedIn Connect with us: •

About this episode: Ray and I discussed various challenges and trends in the game development industry, including funding issues, layoffs, and the impact of streaming services like Game Pass and Netflix. We also critiqued the current state of publishing and movie industries, and the trend of game publishers and developers moving towards subscription services. Lastly, we discussed the evolving PC gaming industry, the issue of library account ownership, and the extended tenure of Phil Spencer at Microsoft. ⁠Raymond Graham (@Wadarass) / X (twitter.com)⁠ Connect with us: •

Magic Mind is offering a saving of 20% for unchained listeners. This is their best offer yet and it won't last long! Give that brain a boost and start your day with Magic Mind. Go to https://www.magicmind.com/DEVUNCHAINED20 About this episode: In this episode, I welcome Xalavier Nelson Jr., founder of Strange Scaffold, discussing his game "Life Eater" tackling moral ambiguity and intrusion testing. We explored geolocation risks and online security concerns, and discussed cultural sensitivity and sustainable practices in game development. Life Eater on Steam (steampowered.com) Home - Strange Scaffold Xalavier Nelson Jr. @ XP Game Summit (@WritNelson) / X Connect with us: •

Subscribe to Game Dev Unchained! Get access to subscriber-only episodes for a monthly subscription. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamedevunchained/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ About this episode: In this episode, we dive into the transformative role of AI in the gaming industry. We explore how AI enhances creativity, streamlines game development, and empowers smaller teams to produce high-quality games. The discussion also addresses ethical concerns and job security issues, emphasizing the balance between embracing new technology and preserving artistic integrity. Join us as we unpack the future of game development in the age of AI. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Benjamin James | LinkedIn Atlas Connect with us: •

Subscribe to Game Dev Unchained! Get access to subscriber-only episodes for a monthly subscription. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamedevunchained/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ About this episode: James Montagna discusses the challenges and creative processes behind reimagining classic games like 'Yar's Revenge' for modern audiences. He highlights the balance between maintaining the original's spirit and introducing innovative gameplay mechanics, such as hacking elements and side-view exploration. Montagna also reflects on WayForward's success, emphasizing the studio's passion, adaptability, and deep reverence for gaming history. ⁠Highlights by James Montagna (@JamesPopStar) / X James Montagna | LinkedIn Connect with us: •

Subscribe to Game Dev Unchained! Get access to subscriber-only episodes for a monthly subscription. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamedevunchained/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ About this episode: Damien Evans and I discussed the ongoing struggles in the video game industry, particularly the recent layoffs and their impact on employees. We expressed concerns about the job market's unpredictability, the push for higher profits, and the lack of job security, with Damien advocating for the formation of a union to provide a voice for workers. They also explored potential solutions, such as an opt-in, opt-out insurance membership scheme and a company-sponsored fund for employees, and planned for a follow-up discussion to contribute to positive changes in the industry. Damien Evans | LinkedIn Connect with us: •

Subscribe to Game Dev Unchained! Get access to subscriber-only episodes for a monthly subscription. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamedevunchained/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ About this episode: We discussed the challenges of the job market and game industry layoffs., the success of smaller teams and the importance of building a community around a game. We examined the trend of remastering and sequels, and the dynamics of team size on game quality. Raymond Graham (@Wadarass) / X (twitter.com) Connect with us: •

Subscribe to Game Dev Unchained! Get access to subscriber-only episodes for a monthly subscription. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamedevunchained/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ About this episode: Read Article: https://wp.me/pcB0ew-1gR Francisco discussed the development, funding, and challenges of their game 'Lullaby of Life', including the importance of music and sound in the gaming experience. We also touched on the ongoing layoffs in the game development industry, the concept of early access, and the potential of new technologies such as the Steam Deck. Lastly, we shared advice for aspiring developers and discussed the balancing act between passion and business savvy. Save 34% on The Lullaby of Life on Steam (steampowered.com) The Lullaby Of Life - 1 Simple Game Francisco Lara Sikorski | LinkedIn Connect with us: •

Subscribe to Game Dev Unchained! Get access to subscriber-only episodes for a monthly subscription. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamedevunchained/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ About this episode: full article: Character Craft: Didimo’s Journey in AI Artistry with Veronica Orvalho – Game Dev Unchained Join us in this fascinating episode as Veronica shares her journey from 3D artist to tech pioneer with Didimo, the company transforming character art with AI in the gaming industry. Discover how Veronica secured substantial EU funding to push the boundaries of game development and learn about the evolution of character pipelines that are reshaping the industry. Listen to the challenges of scaling creative projects, the importance of team dynamics, and the power of personal relationships in achieving business success. Veronica also dives into future collaborations and strategic partnerships that are set to accelerate Didimo's growth. Tune in to gain unique insights from the inte