Behind the Game

Join Sandy Smith, Luke, and special guest Rich Vreeland (a.k.a. Disasterpeace) for a wide-ranging discussion on the creative process behind composing video game soundtracks. Disasterpeace's discography includes iconic soundtracks for games like Fez, Hyper Light Drifter, Monsters Ate My Birthday Cake, and many more. The discussion covers the process of working with developers, the craft of creating music that resonates with players, overcoming challenges, and working within constraints.

Join Sandy Smith, Ismael Jorge, and special guest Ben Kvalo, CEO of Midwest Games. It’s a deep dive into big industry trends, what publishers look for in a potential game, risk, and the dynamics that make a game work, or not. This episode also covers Ben’s journey in the gaming industry, and the story behind Midwest Games, which is focused on creating opportunities for the abundant talent across the Midwest and other underrepresented regions.

Follow Ben on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/benkvalo/

Check out Yodo1 on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/yodo1/

Check out the full episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/p_GuJUL6FAU

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Join Sandy Smith and special guest Jules Hirtzig, from Dotemu, for a deep dive into IP-based games. This episode covers models for IP collaborations, game localization, the process of choosing an IP, and platform considerations (whether to release in PC, mobile, console, etc.), as well as the nuances of collaborating with an IP holder.

Jules also shares some personal insights about getting into the gaming industry and the career moves that led him to Dotemu.

Follow Jules on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jules-hirtzig-40a87a81/

Check out Yodo1 on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/yodo1/

Check out the full episode on YouTube

https://youtu.be/z3hWn4MDj20

#behindthegame #gamedev #gamedesign #gamedeveloper #gamingpodcast #mobilegaming #gamedevelopment #gaming

Join Ismael Jorge, Sandy Smith, and special guest Jaume Molins for an in-depth discussion on the intricacies of multiplayer game development, tackling the industry’s biggest challenges, and exploring current trends. Jaume shares his extensive experience in the gaming industry, offering valuable insights on hosting multiplayer games, managing server resources, and addressing player toxicity.

Tune in to learn from Jaume’s expertise in balancing the technical and social aspects of game development, and discover his strategies for creating successful and engaging multiplayer experiences.

Follow Jaume on LinkedIn:

https://nl.linkedin.com/in/jaume-molins-1376b8180?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name

Check out Yodo1 on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/yodo1/

Watch the full episode on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/FCchqHHJa-Q

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#yodo1 #behindthegame #gamedev #gamedesign #gamedeveloper #gamingpodcast #mobilegaming #gamedevelopment #gaming

Join Sandy Smith and special guest Brian Woodruff for a discussion about building narratives and quests, player psychology, and the big-picture principles that make games succeed. This episode covers topics from the monomyth to behavior-driven marketing, and what ties them together. 

Also, Brian shares some of his personal experiences creating narratives and building game worlds across his years of experience in the industry. 

Follow Brian on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bcwoodruff/?originalSubdomain=ca

Check out Yodo1 on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/yodo1/

Listen to the full episode on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/Nsmvz61Fo-E

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#gamedesign #gamedev #behindthegame

Join Sandy Smith, Ismael Jorge, and special guest Jamie Smith for a great conversation about game mechanics across platforms, working within constraints, developing a new IP, and building a career in the gaming industry.

Jamie shares his experience working on iconic AAA titles like Call of Duty: Vanguard and Hood: Outlaws & Legends, and shares insights for young developers.

Follow Jamie on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiesmithdev

Check out Yodo1 on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/yodo1/

Watch the full episode on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/-HmmM3B0uvg

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#yodo1 #behindthegame #gamedev #gaming #podcast #gamingpodcast #gamedevelopment #mobilegaming #gamedesign #gamedeveloper

Join Sandy Smith, Ismael Jorge, and special guest Gus Viegas for a fascinating conversation about all things game marketing. This episode covers industry trends, finding your Ikigai, and a concept coined by Gus called “Fighting the Clone Army,” which brings up key considerations about chasing trends, and originality in the industry.

Also, Gus shares some of his personal experiences doing marketing for mobile games, shares insights on how to give compelling talks, and more!

Follow Gus on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gusviegas

Check out Yodo1 on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/yodo1/

Watch this episode on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/6xCtYwFn5sQ?si=KElm_KGyRddRzPs3

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#yodo1 #behindthegame #gamedev

In this episode of the podcast, join Sandy Smith at a special book launch event during GDC. The book is Atomic Scaling, by Ludovic Bodin. Sandy and Ludovic discuss how companies like Supercell and Discord managed to create huge things with small teams. As an entrepreneur and investor, Ludovic brings an experienced perspective that developers at every stage can learn from.

Check out Ludovic’s Book:


https://a.co/d/4fPC3rp

Check out Yodo1 on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/yodo1/

Watch the episode on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/WFyfsvoJZLk

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#yodo1 #behindthegame #gamedev

Join Sandy Smith in an insight-filled discussion with veteran game designer Tony Evans, touching on the future of AI in gaming, the dynamics of successful Kickstarter campaigns, the nuances of building successful children's games, and the influence of art styles. This episode is packed with useful ideas for navigating app store regulations, engaging young audiences, and the strategic use of crowdfunding to build community and support.

Watch the episode on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/PgrQDiJZP0w

Dive into the ASO weeds with Matej Jurcak, ASO Lead at Pixel Federation, whose expertise spans creative assets, monetization, social media, and community management. In this insightful episode, co-hosts Sandy Smith and Ismael Jorge engage Matej in the nuances of ASO and creative assets, aiming to uncover the strategies that make apps stand out in crowded app stores.

https://youtu.be/7-OlKKiGjyQ