In this episode, I’m speaking with two incredibly talented programmers, Nikita and Michal, who’ve worked on some of the most challenging aspects of game development, including networking, rendering, and creating multiplayer systems for AAA games like Six Days in Fallujah and Saints Row 3 Remastered.

Together, we uncover the intricate craft of game programming and its pivotal role in shaping the experiences we all enjoy as gamers.

They share insightful stories about overcoming "impossible" technical problems and what it truly means to succeed as a senior programmer in today’s fast-evolving gaming industry.

Finally, we explore the human side of game development—working remotely, building meaningful connections with teams across the globe, and maintaining passion for gaming in a demanding industry. Whether you’re a budding developer or a gaming enthusiast, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes insights and practical advice from two industry veterans.

00:00 Introduction
03:15 The Roles of Networking and Graphics in Game Development
09:30 Turning Creative Visions into Playable Realities
16:40 Tackling "Impossible" Problems in Game Programming
22:50 The Secrets to Great Multiplayer Games
29:10 Remote Work: Challenges and Opportunities in Game Development
35:45 VR Gaming: The Next Frontier?
41:20 How to Break Into Game Development—and Thrive
46:55 Predictions for the Future of Gaming Technology

In this episode, I’m speaking with Gabriele Aimone - COO and Co-Founder of TIFO, a gaming startup focused on enhancing fans engagement, as well as a strategic advisor at Systems Heavy. We dive into his journey through the gaming industry, starting from his early days at Supercell, where he witnessed the rapid growth of mobile games like Clash of Clans.

We also discuss his path from finance to gaming, the challenges he faced, and how he found his calling in team operations and company culture. He shares valuable insights into the process of raising funds, navigating today’s tough investment landscape, and the importance of finding the right investor-partner fit.

Finally, we explore future trends in gaming, like the potential for transmedia experiences. This episode is packed with practical advice for anyone in the industry, from founders to aspiring developers.

00:00 Introduction
02:53 Breaking into the Gaming Industry
06:44 Supercell and the Mobile Gaming Boom
09:50 Career Transitions and Burnout
14:20 Challenges of Raising Funds Today
20:10 The Value of Staying True to Your Vision
27:44 Future Trends: Transmedia in Gaming
31:00 Building Effective Teams for Startups
36:45 Balancing Innovation with Market Demand
41:00 Insights for Young Professionals Breaking In

In this episode I'm speaking to Dino Patti - Founder @ Coherence - a network engine, platform and a series of tools to help anyone create a multiplayer game and a Co-Founder of Playdead.

We talk about his journey in the gaming industry, the creation of Limbo. We also discuss Coherence, how the company powers the multiplayer gaming and the importance of creating experiences that last.

Lastly we touch on the topic of raising money in the industry, the role of publishers, and the keys to launching a successful game.

It was a great conversation, and I hope that you will all enjoy it, and take something away from it.

00:00 Introduction

04:17 Game Development

06:44 Starting Playdead and the Challenges Faced

09:27 Securing Funding and Hiring the First Employee

12:53 Pitching to Investors and Publishers

17:17 The Vision Behind Limbo and its Execution

19:49 Development Timeline

24:45 The Impact of Unity and the Changing Gaming Landscape

26:48 Raising Money for Game Development

40:46 The Keys to Success in the Gaming Industry

47:13 The Role of Publishers in Community Building

49:12 Emphasizing Uniqueness and Innovation in Game Design

52:24 Prioritizing Gameplay over Monetary Success

This time I'm joined by Jesus Bosch.

Jesus is a General Manager @ Product Madness, and previously a Founder & CEO at Starloop Studios.

In the podcast we discuss Jesus experience of building a Starloop Studio from 0 to 70 people as well as his experience of growing Product Madness from 0 to 120 people, we also talk about today’s gamedev market, talk about the importance of choosing the right people for your company, and the definition of what makes a company successful.

It was great meeting Jesus, and learning from him and his experience. Hope you will enjoy listening to it!

00:00 Introduction & 2024 hiring market

02:22 What do you do at Product Madness?

05:20 How did you enter the industry?

06:54 Starloop Studios

14:58 What defines a successful company?

16:44 When should you consider adding HR to the team?

18:17 When should you pivot?

22:19 What games do you play currently?

23:25 Things you look for in people when hiring

27:22 The impact of wrong hires

30:45 Most challenging time in the career

33:09 Being let go in Europe vs ROW

34:31 How do you continue growing as a leader?

38:21 Investment vs Publishing deals

42:15 Finding work for hire gigs back in the day

45:33 Advice for younger generations

46:38 What the future holds for you?

Product Madness: https://www.productmadness.com/

Product Madness careers: https://aristocrat.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/AristocratExternalCareersSite?hiringCompany=410fe4438ac610086a9d308831790002

This time I'm joined by Pasqual Batalla. Pasqual is a COO @ Sandsoft, and previously he held a similar position at Socialpoint studio.

In the podcast Pasqual talks about his experience with both studios, we also discuss Barcelona game development scene, scaling gaming studios and game publishing.

Hope you’ll enjoy this one, and can take something from it.

00:00 Introduction & a bit about football

05:06 Let’s talk about video games

07:45 Why this industry in particular?

08:32 Startup vs Scaleup

10:30 Beginnings of Socialpoint

14:00 Barcelona gamedev scene

15:45 Challenges @ Socialpoint

22:00 Mergers & Acquisitions

25:21 Working through Covid

29:30 Effective communication

32:00 Sandsoft

39:00 How to cut through the noise?

41:25 Choosing games to invest in

44:25 Being both: investor & publisher

47:00 What kind of leader are you?

54:30 Building successful teams

1:02:19 More about Barcelona gamedev scene

1:11:40 Advice for younger generation

Sandsoft: https://sandsoft.com/

Sandsoft careers: https://career.sandsoft.com/jobs

This time I'm joined by Andrei Podoprigora. Originally from Lithuania, Andrei currently runs Forklift Interactive - a video games publisher specializing in smart, systemic titles for PC & consoles. He's also a Venture Partner @ The Games Fund, and he was one of the first employees of tinyBuild, helping it transform itself from an indie games publisher to a huge global operation with 10+ internal studios.

In the podcast Andrei discusses his experience with tinyBuild and Forklift Interactive, he also shares insights into the publishing and venture capital industries, including the changing landscape of project funding.

We discuss the life in Barcelona & Andrei's predictions for the future of the games industry.

00:00 Introduction

03:53 Living in Barcelona

14:39 Andrei's Journey in the Games Industry

20:37 Starting Forklift and the Importance of Original IPs

27:49 Balancing Work for Hire and Original IPs

33:49 Market Conditions for Work for Hire Studios

37:04 Building a Team of Producers

39:57 Success of Systemic Games

55:25 Rise of Project Funding

01:14:17 Importance of having a clear Creative Vision

01:21:25 Future of Forklift Interactive

Forklift Interactive: https://www.forklift.gg/

The Games Fund: https://www.gamesfund.vc/