Behind the Games Podcast

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Welcome to another episode of Behind the Games, where we dive deep into the world of game development, one story at a time.

In this episode, host A.J. Scarlato sits down with Mitchel Nursey, the indie developer behind Tread, a fast-paced multiplayer arcade-style tank shooter. Mitchel opens up about the highs and lows of his development journey, including how he got started, what keeps him going, and where the road is taking him next.

We talk:

• The origin story of Tread and its core design principles
• What it’s really like building an indie game from scratch
• How to break into the game industry (and what to avoid)
• The balance of coding, creative vision, and indie grit
• Advice for students, aspiring developers, and future studio founders

Whether you’re in a AAA studio looking to launch your own project, a student mapping your path, or a game enthusiast curious about what happens behind the screen—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Connect & Learn More

Play or follow Tread:
Visit Mitchel's official website: https://treadgame.ca/

Request Steam Beta Key: https://treadgame.ca/steam-beta-key.html

Follow him on X (Twitter): @MitchelNursey

Learn more about the show:
Visit the official site: https://www.behind-the-games.com

Want to be a guest, sponsor, or get in touch?
Email the host: [email protected]

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We go back in time to the Summer of 2000! My time at Tiburon Studios, Life as a Madden QA Tester. 

A Day in the Life at a AAA Studio making the largest sports title of all time.

Cover Athlete, Console Setup, Team Breakdown, Perks, Recommendations, Technology, Process, Hours, and Much much More!

www.info-behind-the-games.com

[email protected]

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Send us a text

AJ introduces "Behind the Games," a podcast offering an insider's perspective on both indie game development and AAA studios. Drawing from his experience at Electronic Arts Tiburon and as a computer science professor, he aims to bridge the gap between development expertise and business knowledge for aspiring game creators.

• Three key topics covered: why to tune in, what to expect, and why the podcast was created
• Targeted at those dreaming of launching their own game studio or working at major gaming companies
• Host's credentials include work at EA Tiburon, teaching computer science, and 22 years in IT
• Weekly episodes featuring interviews with industry professionals from indie developers to AAA studios
• Focus on practical, actionable advice to help avoid common mistakes in game development
• Covers both technical and business aspects of creating sustainable game businesses
• Fills a content gap between gaming entertainment and pure technical development content

Please hit subscribe, follow the podcast, and visit www.behind-the-games.com. Click on the Behind the Games newsletter in the top right corner to join our email list.

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Welcome to Episode 1 of Behind the Games — the launchpad for your weekly backstage pass into the business, tech, and creative forces shaping the world of video games.

In this kickoff episode, host A.J. Scarlato— educator, entrepreneur, former game developer, and game fanatic introduces the mission behind Behind the Games: a podcast built for indie devs, industry pros, and startup-minded creatives who want to learn what it really takes to make games—and build studios that last.

Whether you're an aspiring game developer, a product manager at a major studio, or a solo dev launching your first game, this podcast gives you an edge. You’ll hear directly from the people who are building the future of gaming—from AAA studios and indie outfits to solo creators, technologists, and creative directors. Every episode is designed to offer a blend of tactical advice, big-picture strategy, and authentic stories from inside the trenches.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why this podcast was created—and what makes it different
• The types of guests you’ll hear from: producers, product managers, technical directors, community leads, studio founders, and more
• The key themes we’ll dive into: creative direction, leadership, crunch culture, innovation, marketing, tech stacks, game engines, funding models, and team building
• A behind-the-scenes look at the challenges facing modern game studios
• What to expect from upcoming episodes and how to get involved in the Behind the Games community

If you’re tired of fluffy interviews and want to hear the real talk behind the success (and failure) of games you love—or want to make—this show is for you.

You’ll hear from developers and leaders who have:

• Launched viral indie hits
• Navigated publisher negotiations and contract pitfalls
• Built sustainable studios on shoestring budgets
• Dealt with layoffs, burnout, and rebuilding
• Used emerging technologies like AI, procedural generation, and blockchain in development
• Transitioned from big tech or academia into the game industry—and brought bold new ideas with them

Each week, you’ll walk away with:

Practical frameworks and strategies
Lessons learned the hard way
Insights on scaling teams and products
Tools and resources you can apply right now

And we’ll also explore what it really means to succeed in this industry—beyond downloads and dollars. Topics like work-life balance, creativity under pressure, community, and personal reinvention are just as important.

New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen—and join a growing community of builders, makers, and dreamers.

Subscribe. Share. Review.
Let’s build something incredible!

Website:  https://www.behind-the-games.com

Blog: https://www.behind-the-games.com/blog

Instagram: @behindthegamespodcast

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