In the ever-evolving landscape of digital innovation, the worlds of gaming and artificial intelligence are not just fields of technological advancement but also arenas for societal reflection. The community structures within gaming provide intriguing blueprints for collaboration and leadership in professional environments, showcasing how virtual spaces can influence real-world workplace dynamics. As these technologies develop, the imperative to embed ethics and principles of equity from the start becomes clear.

In this week’s episode of Bits of Signum: Creator Stories, Angela talks with Founder, Investor, and Author, Dr. Songyee Yoon, about her career navigating the intersection of technology, ethics, and play, while discussing the immense value gaming has as a model for other areas of society and why building equity and ethics into new technologies like AI is so paramount to get right from the start. 

Songyee Yoon is a visionary leader, investor and author in the AI and gaming industry, with over 20 years of experience in developing and executing innovative strategies for global online game companies. After graduating from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Songyee went on to earn her Ph.D. from MIT in Computational Neuroscience. Her strong belief in the concept of “play” as a crucible for innovation eventually led her to NCSOFT, a leading global video game developer and publisher, where she served as president and chief strategy officer. In this role, she led the AI transformation of the company, applying AI for game development and various aspects of business operations. She also oversaw the company's growth from a 350-person company to a global organization across seven countries in Asia, Europe, and North America, driving strategic initiatives in monetization, marketing, branding, business development, licensing, ESG, and education. Songyee brings a unique lens to bridging countries’ approaches to technology and ethics and is an involved figure in the international business community. Songyee’s latest book, Push Play, explores the significance of play on innovation, drawing lessons from games, medicine, human resources and other industries.

During their conversation, Angela and Dr. Yoon discuss why gaming is so valuable, the misguided aversion some parents have to gaming, building a third space for learning, asking for a seat at the table, why equity in AI matters, and much more.

Follow Dr. Songyee Yoon: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:25) Where Songyee Sees Value in Gaming

(06:55) Parents Aversion to Gaming

(10:49) Projectory and the Third Space for Learning

(16:14) Gaming Communities as a Model for the Workplace

(20:21) Women in Gaming Asking for a Seat at the Table

(24:48) Representation and Equity in Gaming

(35:39) Parting Thoughts

Signum Growth invests and advises at the intersection of mass market culture and new economies that are bubbling up in new digital communities. We believe that emerging technologies will continue to be born in video games and that ‘gaming’ will reach an increasingly broader swath of people, until it is simply known as entertainment. The firm focuses on creators and developers who are moving to the front of the line, where they will garner a greater slice of value creation. Areas of expertise include video games, entertainment, and emerging technologies like blockchain and AI. Most recently, the firm has focused on UGC (user generated content) platforms and creators. Signum Growth is comprised of Signum Growth Capital, a FINRA-registered broker dealer, and Signum Growth Advisors, an investment advisor.

Angela Dalton, Signum Growth’s Founder/CEO, served in Tech/Media leadership roles and as a Managing Director at three firms - Guggenheim Securities, Evercore Partners, and UBS.
Follow Angela: LinkedIn | Twitter