Player Driven

Episode Description: In this episode, we dive into the world of game development with Thaddeus Sasser, Game Director of Marvel Rivals at NetEase. Thad shares his journey from working on major franchises like Call of Duty and Battlefield to leading the development of Marvel Rivals. We discuss the challenges of balancing creative vision with stakeholder expectations, bringing iconic Marvel characters to life in a hero shooter, and the final push towards the game’s highly anticipated launch. Whether you’re a game developer, a Marvel fan, or someone interested in the behind-the-scenes of game design, this episode offers invaluable insights.

Timestamps & Key Takeaways:

1. [02:15] Announcing Marvel Rivals at Gamescom Thad talks about the excitement and relief of announcing Marvel Rivals' release date and the addition of Captain America and Winter Soldier. He shares how this announcement has energized the team as they enter the final stages of development.
2. [08:40] What Does a Game Director Do? Thad explains the role of a game director, detailing how it involves holding the creative vision, managing the team, and making crucial decisions that keep the project aligned and moving forward. He emphasizes the importance of leadership and inspiring the team.
3. [15:30] Balancing Marvel’s Vision with Creative Freedom We explore the challenges of working with a huge IP like Marvel. Thad discusses how his team collaborates with Marvel to ensure characters stay true to their origins while still pushing gameplay boundaries to surprise and delight players.
4. [21:50] Designing Characters and Team Synergy in Marvel Rivals Thad dives into the process of designing diverse heroes with unique abilities and how they ensure balanced and engaging gameplay. He shares how characters like Spider-Man are adapted to maintain their iconic traits while offering a fresh gameplay experience.
5. [28:10] Lessons Learned from Past Franchises Reflecting on his work on games like Call of Duty and Battlefield, Thad shares the importance of iteration, feedback, and making tough cuts in the development process. He explains how these experiences have shaped his approach to Marvel Rivals.
6. [35:00] The Next Steps for a Game Director Thad discusses potential career paths for game directors, from moving into studio-level design roles to starting their own studios. He reflects on his passion for staying hands-on with the creative process and being the vision holder for projects.

Key Quotes:

• “You have to push the boundaries of the franchise to surprise and delight players while staying true to the core IP.”
• “There’s a moment when you find the fun, and that’s what keeps you hooked.”
• “I love being the vision holder and part of the creative process.”

Episode Description:In this episode, we sit down with Yaroslav Rudnitskiy, ASO expert and Head of ASO at AppFollow, to explore the power of App Store Optimization (ASO) and the importance of feedback management in app development. Yaroslav shares strategies for boosting your app’s visibility, engaging with users, and maintaining a positive reputation in the competitive app marketplace. Whether you’re a developer, marketer, or just curious about how apps gain traction, this episode offers valuable insights into the tools and tactics that drive success.

Timestamps & Key Takeaways:

1. [04:00] What is ASO and Why It Matters
   Yaroslav breaks down App Store Optimization (ASO), comparing it to SEO for apps. He explains how ASO boosts organic downloads through strategic keyword placement and optimized metadata.
2. [11:45] App Store vs. Google Play: Key Differences
   Yaroslav highlights the key differences between the App Store and Google Play algorithms, including how each platform evaluates app visibility and performance.
3. [19:30] The Importance of Regular Metadata Updates
   Yaroslav emphasizes the need for frequent updates to your app’s metadata to keep up with changing algorithms and market trends, suggesting updates every 6 weeks.
4. [27:20] Managing Feedback and Reputation with AppFollow
   Managing app reviews is crucial for building trust. Yaroslav discusses how AppFollow’s tools help developers manage user feedback, automate responses, and engage more effectively with their community.
5. [35:00] Leveraging Competitor Analysis to Enhance ASO
   Yaroslav advises developers to analyze competitors to find opportunities for improvement. By understanding what others are doing well—or poorly—you can refine your own ASO strategy.
6. [42:10] Success Stories: Feedback Automation in Action
   Yaroslav shares a success story from Maitona, a game publisher that used AppFollow’s automation tools to manage feedback efficiently, enhancing user satisfaction and retention.

Key Quotes:

• “ASO is about making your app visible and converting those views into downloads.”
• “Regular updates to your metadata can significantly impact your app’s search ranking.”
• “Feedback is gold. Engaging with your users and addressing their concerns builds trust and keeps your app relevant.”

Episode Summary:
In this episode, we’re joined by James Zinn, Partnership Manager at Shockbyte, to dive deep into the world of server hosting, multiplayer game experiences, and player-owned game servers. James shares his insights on the balance between cost and control in multiplayer game development, and how developers can utilize player-owned servers to foster community, enable user-generated content (UGC), and manage their server hosting costs.

We also explore James' journey into gaming, his role at Shockbyte, and how Shockbyte is providing solutions for game developers and players alike. Whether you’re a developer looking for alternatives to AWS or Microsoft Azure, or a gamer curious about how multiplayer servers operate behind the scenes, this episode has something for you.

Timestamps for Key Takeaways:

1. [03:30] Understanding Different Server Types: P2P vs. Dedicated Servers
   James breaks down the different types of multiplayer servers, explaining the pros and cons of P2P (peer-to-peer) and dedicated servers. He also discusses why many game developers choose one over the other, using examples like Battlefield and League of Legends.
2. [17:30] Player-Owned Game Servers: Benefits for Developers and Communities
   James highlights the benefits of player-owned game servers (POGS), including how it lowers costs for developers and encourages community engagement. He emphasizes the importance of UGC in building strong gaming ecosystems and how this model allows players to take ownership of their gaming experiences.
3. [24:30] Monetizing Player-Owned Servers
   James shares real-world examples of how players can monetize their custom servers by selling in-game items or experiences. We discuss how games like GTA and Minecraft allow server owners to run their own in-game economies and the impact of this on gaming communities.
4. [32:00] Conference Experiences and Networking in the Gaming Industry
   James reflects on his experiences at major gaming conferences like Gamescom, GDC, and DICE, offering advice on networking in the gaming industry. He shares personal stories of meeting influential people in the gaming world and the importance of putting yourself out there to build meaningful connections.
5. [36:30] Advice for Aspiring Game Developers
   For listeners hoping to break into the gaming industry, James offers practical advice on how to get started. He emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience, whether through volunteering, joining game communities, or creating your own games using platforms like Unity or Unreal Engine.

In this episode, we are joined by Nigel Franks and Kristie Dale from Snowed In Studios, a distinguished studio within the Keywords family. They dive into the nuances of crafting unforgettable player experiences, discussing the key challenges, cutting-edge technologies, trends, and best practices in the gaming industry.

Nigel Franks, serving as the studio production director at Snowed In Studios, offers his valuable expertise in game development project management. Kristie Dale, on the other hand, as a producer provides insights into the varied job opportunities in the gaming sector, covering roles from artists to customer support to digital media.

Additionally, we explore the impressive talent and brainpower within the Keywords Network. As we collectively work on some of the world's most prominent games, the passion and talent within our network of game creators and entrepreneurs are truly remarkable.

This episode is essential for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the gaming industry, acquiring insights from industry veterans, and discovering the exciting career opportunities available.

Be sure to listen to this episode on our podcast platform or visit our website for more information. And don't forget to subscribe to the Player Engage podcast for future episodes, including an intriguing conversation with Mike Gallagher from Untitled Ad Lab about the marketing dynamics in gaming.

Episode Description: In this episode, we sit down with Jack Burrows, a talented level designer at NetEase Games, who has worked on some of the most iconic titles in the gaming industry, including Call of Duty and Marvel Rivals. Jack shares his journey from a QA Specialist to a lead level designer, offering insights into the complexities of creating immersive game environments. He also discusses the importance of feedback in the creative process and how he navigates the challenges of designing for a diverse range of characters in Marvel Rivals.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Journey from QA to Level Designer: Jack discusses his early career challenges and how his determination and passion for game design led him from QA roles to becoming a level designer at Treyarch and eventually at NetEase Games.
   
2. Flow and Immersion in Level Design: The importance of creating levels that maintain a seamless flow, keeping players fully immersed in the game. Jack explains the process of planning and playtesting to ensure that each element contributes to the overall gameplay experience.
   
3. Designing for Diverse Characters: Jack shares the unique challenges of designing levels for Marvel Rivals, where he must accommodate a wide range of characters with different movement abilities, ensuring that each level offers something engaging for all players.
   
4. The Role of Feedback in Game Development: The significance of constructive criticism in the creative process. Jack emphasizes the need for open and honest feedback to foster growth and improvement in game design.
   
5. Advice for Aspiring Game Designers: Jack offers practical advice for those looking to break into the gaming industry, highlighting the importance of persistence, networking, and continuously honing one’s craft.
   

Greg chats with Tomer Pascal, the co-founder and CEO of Own Play, about their innovative project, CityVerse Tycoon. This episode dives into the integration of Web3 technology in gaming, the challenges of using blockchain and NFTs, and how CityVerse Tycoon offers a seamless gaming experience for both Web3 enthusiasts and casual players alike. Tomer also shares insights into the use of Progressive Web Apps (PWA), real-world assets in gaming, and the importance of community engagement in game development.

Listen Here: Exploring Web3 Gaming with Tomer Pascal

Timestamps & Key Takeaways:

• 03:18.22 - 05:27.34: Simplifying Web3 for Players Tomer discusses how CityVerse Tycoon integrates blockchain and NFTs seamlessly into the gameplay, making it accessible even for players unfamiliar with Web3 technology.
• 08:34.56 - 10:15.29: The Power of Progressive Web Apps (PWA)A deep dive into why the team chose a PWA over a traditional mobile app, focusing on accessibility and avoiding app store limitations.
• 12:41.68 - 14:09.52: Real-World Assets in CityVerse Tycoon Tomer explains how players can buy, trade, and improve real-world assets like buildings in Manhattan, adding a financial strategy element to the game.
• 16:30.44 - 18:07.91: Community Engagement and Feedback Tomer highlights the importance of engaging with the player community through platforms like Discord and the role of player feedback in shaping the game’s development.
• 21:22.31 - 22:58.44: Balancing Web2 and Web3 Challenges A discussion on the complexities of integrating Web2 and Web3 elements, and the challenges of running two startups simultaneously.

Greg sits down with Catherine Litvaitis, a seasoned community manager with experience at Mouldbreaker Interactive, Armor Games Studios, and Paradox Interactive. Catherine shares her journey from being a player on Neopets to managing communities for various gaming companies. She delves into the importance of community guidelines, the role of a community manager, and best practices for building and nurturing gaming communities.

Listen Here: Community Management and Guidelines with Catherine Litvaitis

Timestamps & Key Takeaways:

• 01:49.48 - 02:33.94: The Role of a Community Manager Catherine explains the role of a community manager as a liaison between players and developers, emphasizing the importance of translating feedback and fostering player engagement.
  
• 04:01.80 - 05:18.35: Neopets Influence Catherine discusses how her experience with Neopets shaped her interest in community management and her understanding of player-driven content and engagement.
  
• 11:05.35 - 12:37.01: Building a Community from Scratch Catherine shares strategies for starting a community from scratch, including understanding your audience and creating spaces for creativity and engagement.
  
• 24:52.62 - 26:21.20: Tools for Community Management Catherine talks about the tools she uses for community management, including Slack, Discord, ClickUp, and Notion, and how they help streamline communication and task management.
  

Key Concepts:

• The Role of a Community Manager: Community managers serve as the bridge between players and developers, translating feedback into actionable insights and ensuring that player voices are heard.
  
• Influence of Early Online Communities: Early experiences on platforms like Neopets and Club Penguin can inspire and shape one's career in community management by highlighting the importance of player-driven content and engagement.
  
• Starting a Community: Understanding your audience, creating spaces for fan art and discussions, and engaging with players are crucial steps in building a successful community from scratch.
  
• Community Guidelines: Customized community guidelines are essential for each game and company, focusing on inclusivity and protection against scams and harmful behavior.
  
• Tools for Effective Management: Utilizing tools like Slack, Discord, ClickUp, and Notion can help community managers streamline their tasks, communicate effectively, and maintain organized documentation.
  

Episode Description: In this episode of Player: Engage, Greg chats with Dang-Stefan La Hong from Playa Games and Conor McGinley from Bytro. They dive into the transformation of customer support in the gaming industry, exploring the shift from external to in-app support systems, the integration of community platforms like Discord, and the balance between automation and human interaction. Learn how these leaders are enhancing player experiences and managing the challenges of implementing new technologies.

Timestamps & Key Takeaways:

• 02:46.01 - 03:48.53: Transition to In-App Support Dang and Conor discuss the motivations behind transitioning support systems from external methods like email to integrated in-app solutions, emphasizing the benefits for efficiency and player satisfaction.
• 07:35.62 - 08:53.39: Player Reactions to New Support Systems Dang shares insights on player reactions to the new support system, noting the mix of appreciation and initial overwhelm with automated responses.
• 09:52.28 - 10:58.61: Integrating Discord for Community Interaction Conor explains how integrating Discord has helped manage community support by enabling players to interact and assist each other through dedicated channels.
• 12:22.85 - 13:33.84: Managing Team Expectations and Automation Fears Both guests discuss the importance of managing their teams' concerns about automation and ensuring that human oversight remains a crucial part of customer support.

Key Concepts:

• Transition to In-App Support: Moving support systems in-app improves consistency, provides better context for issues, and enhances the player experience by allowing them to stay within the game environment.
• Player Reactions: Players' reactions to new support systems can be mixed. While automation can streamline processes, some players may prefer traditional methods and need time to adjust.
• Community Interaction: Utilizing platforms like Discord can help manage lower-level support queries through community interaction, allowing support agents to focus on more complex issues.
• Automation vs. Human Touch: Balancing automation with human oversight is crucial. Automation can handle repetitive tasks, but human agents are necessary for complex and nuanced issues.
• Managing Change: Implementing new systems requires clear communication and expectation management to address fears and ensure smooth transitions for both teams and players.

Description: In this exciting episode of the Player: Engage, Greg is joined by Mike O'Connor, CEO of Mr. Kite and the visionary behind Today The Game. Mike shares his insights on integrating AI and Web3 technologies to create an innovative social sandbox game. With a rich background in filmmaking and game development, Mike offers a unique perspective on the future of immersive gaming experiences.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Introduction to Mike O'Connor and Mr. Kite (00:00 - 01:14): Greg introduces Mike O'Connor and discusses his background in filmmaking and game development.
   Overview of Today The Game and its unique approach to blending AI and Web3 technologies.
   
2. Integrating AI for Dynamic NPCs (01:14 - 01:37): Mike explains how AI is used to create dynamic, interactive NPCs that build genuine relationships with players.
   The importance of creating immersive and engaging character interactions.
   
3. The Power of Storytelling in Gaming (06:46 - 07:34): Discussion on the significance of storytelling in Today The Game.
   How Mike’s filmmaking background enhances the game's narrative experience.
   
4. Leveraging Web3 for Player Empowerment (21:21 - 22:46): Mike talks about the integration of Web3 technology to provide true ownership of in-game assets.
   The benefits of a player-driven economy and fostering a sense of community.
   
5. Simplifying Onboarding and Player Experience (34:58 - 36:50): Addressing the challenges of onboarding players in Web3 games.
   Today The Game’s approach to making the onboarding process seamless and enjoyable.
   
6. Future Innovations and Democratization of Game Development (40:46 - 42:55): How AI and generative technologies are democratizing game development.
   Enabling smaller studios to compete with industry giants and innovate creatively.
   
7. Mike’s Journey and Career Insights (26:58 - 29:13): Mike shares his journey from a producer at Nintendo and Sega to becoming the CEO of Mr. Kite.
   The importance of collaboration and having good processes in place in game development.
   
8. Upcoming Play Test and Community Engagement (37:29 - 40:08): Information about the upcoming closed play test for Today The Game.
   How to get involved and provide feedback.
   

Call to Action: Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation! Listen to the full episode to learn more about the future of gaming with AI and Web3, and how Today The Game is setting new standards in the industry.

Follow Us:

• LinkedIn: Greg Posner
• Website: Player Engage

Connect with Today The Game:

• Twitter: @TodayTheGame
• Website: Today The Game

Episode Description:

In this episode of Player: Engage, Greg hosts a panel with three distinguished guests from GDC's Community Clubhouse: Mike Pappas, CEO of Modulate; Kieran Donovan, CEO of KID; and Tess Lynch, a privacy and IP attorney at Premac Rogers. They discuss the delicate balance of trust and safety in gaming, addressing technical solutions, legal challenges, and best practices for creating safer gaming environments while respecting player privacy.

Timestamps & Key Takeaways:

• 06:08.65 - 07:50.70: Key Takeaways from Community Clubhouse at GDC: Kieran, Mike, and Tess share their reflections on the event, discussing player happiness, the importance of communication, and the need for more in-depth implementation discussions.
• 11:40.02 - 14:07.47: Balancing Player Safety and Privacy: Mike uses an analogy to explain the compromise between privacy and safety, stressing the need for clear communication of expectations to players.
• 20:04.53 - 22:59.70: Technology Solutions for Trust and Safety: Mike explains Modulate's ToxMod and its privacy-preserving approach to voice moderation, emphasizing the importance of proactive moderation.
• 30:32.37 - 32:28.44: Challenges and Strategies for Indie Developers: Tess advises indie developers to start by understanding their exposure points and implementing appropriate privacy and safety measures based on their game's features and target audience.

Key Concepts:

• Player Happiness Index: Kieran discusses the concept of a player happiness index, which focuses on understanding where players are happiest and aligning safety and empowerment with player engagement.
• Communication and Expectations: Mike highlights the importance of platforms clearly communicating their expectations and rules to players to prevent misunderstandings about acceptable behavior.
• Privacy and Safety Balance: The panelists discuss the need to find a balance between player safety and privacy, using analogies to illustrate how minimal data collection can still ensure a safe environment without being overly intrusive.
• Proactive Moderation: Mike explains how proactive moderation tools like ToxMod help identify and address harmful behavior in real-time, reducing the burden on players to report issues.
• Advice for Indie Developers: Tess and Mike emphasize the importance of hiring experts, collaborating with trust and safety professionals, and leveraging existing resources and tools to build a safe and compliant game environment.