Player Driven

Episode Description: In this episode of Player: Engage, Greg interviews Sharon Fisher, the Head of Trust and Safety at Keywords Studios. Sharon shares her extensive experience in building and managing trust and safety teams, the challenges of moderating online communities, and the role of technology and AI in preventing harmful behavior. The conversation also covers strategies for creating safer gaming environments and the importance of well-being for trust and safety moderators.

Timestamps & Key Takeaways:

• 02:12.22 - 04:11.27: Moderation and PreventionSharon discusses the importance of preventive moderation and the tools needed to support moderators in identifying and addressing real-time threats.
  
• 07:02.04 - 09:54.65: Collaboration and Community SafetyEmphasizes the need for developers to collaborate with community teams early in the game development process to anticipate and mitigate potential risks.
  Highlights the importance of preventive measures to create a safer gaming environment from the start.
  
• 11:33.78 - 14:37.91: AI and Human Interaction in Trust and SafetySharon talks about the integration of AI in trust and safety, stressing the necessity of human oversight to ensure accuracy and context in moderation.
  Discusses the challenges of training AI models and the importance of balancing AI and human intervention.
  
• 18:37.93 - 20:33.75: Incentivizing Positive EngagementSharon proposes focusing on rewarding positive behaviors in communities rather than just punishing negative actions.
  Suggests creating systems that encourage constructive interactions and reduce the appeal of trolling.
  

Key Concepts:

• Preventive Moderation:Sharon emphasizes the importance of having preventive measures in place to quickly identify and address harmful behavior in real-time. This involves using advanced tools and technologies to support moderators in their roles.
  
• Collaboration Between Developers and Community Teams:Highlighting the necessity for developers to work closely with community teams from the early stages of game development. This collaboration helps in identifying potential risks and implementing safety features proactively.
  
• Balancing AI and Human Oversight:The integration of AI in trust and safety is crucial, but it must be balanced with human oversight. Sharon discusses the challenges in training AI models and the importance of human moderators to ensure accurate and contextually appropriate decisions.
  
• Incentivizing Positive Behavior:Instead of focusing solely on punitive measures, Sharon advocates for systems that reward positive community engagement. This approach can help in shaping a healthier community culture and reducing the impact of negative behavior.
  
• Moderator Well-being:The well-being of trust and safety moderators is essential. Sharon shares how Keywords Studios has implemented programs to support the mental and emotional health of their moderators, leading to improved retention and overall job satisfaction.
  
• Brand Protection and Community Safety:Sharon discusses how proactive trust and safety measures can protect a brand’s reputation and create a safer environment for all players. She emphasizes that companies should invest in these measures not only for legal and ethical reasons but also for long-term community and business benefits.

Episode Description: In this episode of Player: Engage, Greg talks with Dan Fox, a seasoned expert in cybersecurity and the leader of the cybersecurity team at ScalePad. Dan shares his career journey, insights into building successful startups, and the importance of staying curious and adaptable in the ever-evolving tech industry. They discuss the role of AI in cybersecurity, the importance of customer experience, and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Listen Here: Dan Fox - ScalePad

Timestamps & Key Takeaways:

• 00:01.25 - 01:25.08: Greg introduces Dan Fox, highlighting his impressive background in cybersecurity and his role in various successful companies, including Smarsh, Securecast, Carbonite, and Webroot.
  
• 09:15.91 - 09:45.14: Startup Challenges and Strategies - Dan shares his experiences in startup environments, discussing the importance of wearing multiple hats, staying adaptable, and learning from both successes and failures.
  
• 25:26.28 - 25:58.21: Delivering Value to Customers - Emphasizes the importance of listening to customers, solving their problems effectively, and being an advisory partner rather than just a salesperson.
  
• 30:48.71 - 31:37.05: Staying Curious and Lifelong Learning - Dan highlights the significance of continuous learning and curiosity, sharing examples of how he expanded his knowledge through formal courses and self-education.
  
• 38:02.03 - 39:37.54: Leveraging AI in Cybersecurity - Discusses the integration of AI in cybersecurity for automating tasks, improving threat detection, and enhancing customer support processes.
  

Key Concepts:

• Startup Environment: Dan emphasizes adaptability and versatility in startups, highlighting the need to wear multiple hats and learn from both successes and failures.
  
• Customer Experience: Dan underscores the importance of understanding and solving customer problems effectively. He believes in being an advisory partner to build strong, lasting relationships and trust.
  
• Continuous Learning: Staying curious and committed to lifelong learning is crucial. Dan shares his journey of continuous education, using formal courses and online resources to stay ahead in the tech industry.
  
• AI Integration: The integration of AI in cybersecurity is transforming the industry. Dan explains how AI automates tasks, enhances threat detection, and improves customer support processes, leading to greater efficiency and accuracy.
  
• Career Evolution: Dan’s career demonstrates the importance of being open to new opportunities and adapting to different roles. His journey from customer support to founding successful startups and leading cybersecurity teams showcases the diverse paths to success in tech.
  

Episode Description: In this episode of Player: Engage, Greg interviews James Gallagher, the Head of Community Management at Keywords Studios. James shares his journey through various roles in the gaming industry, the evolution of community management, and strategies for building and maintaining strong player communities. They discuss the importance of community managers, the distinction between audiences and communities, and the role of different social media platforms in community building.

Listen Here: James Gallagher - Keywords Studios

Timestamps & Key Takeaways:

• 00:01.42 - 01:34.09: Introduction and Career Journey
  James introduces himself and his extensive background in community management, including roles at Techland, eBay, Rockstar, and Sony.
• 02:25.18 - 04:31.60: Evolution of Community Management
  James discusses the shift from early community management on forums to the rise of social media platforms like Facebook and Discord, and the importance of adapting to new tools and trends.
• 11:20.93 - 13:33.59: Building and Engaging Communities
  Insights into the differences between building audiences on social media and fostering interactive communities on platforms like Discord and Reddit.
• 19:09.26 - 21:45.49: Strategic Community Building
  Strategies for indie game developers to start building their communities, focusing on underserved niches and engaging players from the development phase.
• 38:40.44 - 41:02.42: Managing a Global Team
  James talks about managing a team of over 100 community managers across 31 countries, emphasizing the importance of structure, internal community, and promoting from within.

Key Concepts:

• Evolution of Community Management: Transition from traditional forums to modern social media platforms and the need to adapt to new trends.
• Audience vs. Community: The distinction between building audiences and fostering interactive, engaging communities.
• Community Building Strategies: Practical advice for indie developers on identifying and engaging niche audiences.
• Managing Global Teams: Effective management of a large, geographically diverse team and the importance of internal community building.
• Adaptability and Curiosity: The importance of staying curious and adaptable in the ever-evolving field of community management.

Description: In this episode, Greg Posner chats with Patrick Jesseman, founder of Alkemi Labz. They discuss the intricacies of indie game development, the importance of a small, dedicated team, and the innovative techniques used to create high-quality games. Patrick shares his journey from film to game development and highlights the tools and strategies that make Alkemi Labz' projects stand out.

Main Topics and Timestamps:

• 01:00: Transition from film to game development
• 02:30: Innovative techniques in indie game development
• 11:00: Importance of a small, agile team
• 20:00: The impact of new tools and technologies
• 30:00: Overcoming industry challenges

Key Topics:

1. Efficient Use of Small Teams: Leveraging a small, focused team for maximum impact
   Balancing roles and responsibilities among team members
   
2. Utilizing Advanced Tools: Implementing tools like Unreal Engine, Nanite, and Lumen
   Benefits of using high-quality assets and AI-driven tools
   
3. Story-Driven Game Development: Combining cinematic storytelling with interactive gameplay
   Creating immersive narratives and engaging player experiences
   
4. Overcoming Industry Challenges: Navigating the complexities of indie game production
   Strategies for maintaining creativity and innovation under constraints
   
5. Community and Collaboration: Building a supportive indie game development community
   Collaborating with other developers and tech innovators
   

Guest Bio: Patrick Jesseman is the founder of Alkemi Labz, a cutting-edge indie game studio known for its innovative use of technology and cinematic storytelling. With a background in film and extensive experience in game development, Patrick brings a unique perspective to the industry.

Resources and Links:

• Alkemi Labz
• Visit our Player Engage website for more information.
• Follow Patrick Jesseman on LinkedIn.
• Subscribe to the Player Engage Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

In this episode of Player: Engage, Greg is joined by Dr. Ruth Diaz, a psychologist and conflict resilience expert. Ruth leads The Troll Project, a VR initiative designed to combat alienation and foster human connection. She shares insights from her Deepen Orient Transform model, explores the psychological aspects of trolling, and discusses how to build inclusive communities online.

Listen Here: Ruth Diaz - The Troll Project

• 00:01 - 01:11: Introduction and Ruth’s Background
  Ruth introduces herself and her work, highlighting her transition from veterinary medicine to psychology and her current focus on The Troll Project.
• 10:27 - 13:30: Understanding Trolling Behavior
  Ruth explains the dynamics of trolling, how it often stems from social anxiety and a need for connection, and the importance of approaching trolls with curiosity.
• 20:11 - 22:45: The Evolution of Trolls
  Discussion on how trolls evolve, the role of social anxiety, and how structured environments can mitigate harmful behavior.
• 32:21 - 34:50: Differentiating Trolling from Bullying
  Ruth explores the differences between trolling and bullying, highlighting the impact of anonymity and the importance of setting boundaries and recognizing harmful behavior.
• 41:30 - 44:16: Addressing Crisis Situations in VR
  Ruth shares a poignant example of a crisis situation in VR involving a suicide threat, discussing the importance of group intervention and support.

• Trolling Behavior: Understanding the psychological roots of trolling and the need for curiosity in addressing it.
• Community Building: Strategies for creating inclusive and supportive online communities that address and mitigate harmful behavior.
• Conflict Resilience: The importance of teaching conflict resilience and building systems that support healthy community dynamics.
• Crisis Intervention: Effective ways to handle crisis situations in virtual environments through group support and intervention.
• Differentiating Trolling and Bullying: Recognizing the distinctions between trolling and bullying, and understanding when trolling crosses the line into harmful behavior.

1. Evolution of In-Game Economies:
   The gaming industry has shifted from paid games to free-to-play and subscription models, significantly impacting game economies.
   Smartphone gaming has popularized business models that perform well on mobile platforms.
2. Role of Economists in Game Development:
   Economists play a crucial role in balancing in-game economies to ensure fair and engaging player experiences.
   Sophisticated economic systems in games like Fortnite and Roblox highlight the importance of economic expertise in game design.
3. Single Player vs Multiplayer Games:
   Narrative-driven single-player games continue to have a strong market presence despite the rise of multiplayer and live service games.
   Companies like Sony are investing in narrative games, indicating ongoing demand for story-rich gaming experiences.
4. Virtual Events and Cloud Gaming:
   Virtual events, such as concerts in Fortnite, offer new ways to engage players and attract non-gamers.
   Cloud gaming services are growing, providing more accessibility to high-quality gaming experiences across different devices.
5. Importance of Customer Support:
   Effective customer support, especially through in-app services, is crucial for player satisfaction.
   AI tools are increasingly used to manage trust and safety, ensuring a positive gaming environment.

In this episode of the Player Engage podcast, Greg welcomes Lesley Nagy, the founder of Mind Body Trivia, a unique mobile game that combines health, fitness, and wellness with engaging trivia gameplay. Lesley shares her journey from being a TV host to creating a women-led startup that is making waves in the gaming industry. She discusses the inspiration behind Mind Body Trivia, the challenges of developing a game without prior experience, and the importance of inclusive and diverse content. Lesley also highlights the role of community feedback in improving the game and her commitment to supporting other women in the gaming industry.

• Innovative Trivia Gameplay: Learn how Mind Body Trivia uses image-based answers and modern pop culture references to make trivia fun and educational.
• Women in Gaming: Discover Lesley's experiences and insights on the importance of women supporting women in the gaming industry.
• Building a Game from Scratch: Hear about the challenges and solutions Lesley encountered while developing her game without a background in coding.
• Community Engagement: Understand the role of community feedback in shaping and improving Mind Body Trivia.

To dive deeper into Lesley's inspiring journey and the unique features of Mind Body Trivia, listen to the full episode. You'll gain valuable insights into the intersection of gaming, health, and community building. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation!

In this engaging episode of the Player Engage podcast, Greg sits down with Aislinn McDivitt, the Global Engagement Specialist at Hyper Hippo. Aislinn shares her intriguing journey from aspiring to be a teacher to diving into the gaming industry, highlighting her transition through various roles and how her background in media and cultural studies influenced her career path. The discussion delves into the nuances of global player engagement, exploring how Hyper Hippo tailors experiences for diverse player bases, especially focusing on non-English speaking markets.

Key takeaways from the episode include:

• Insights into the role and challenges of a Global Engagement Specialist in the gaming industry.
• The impact of cultural and linguistic considerations in game development and player support.
• Aislinn's personal journey and the unexpected paths that led her to her current role in the gaming sector.

For  a deeper understanding of how cultural nuances influence game  development and to hear more about Aislinn's unique career journey, tune  into this episode of Player Engage. Discover the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into creating inclusive and engaging player experiences across global markets. Listen now to gain more insights!

In this episode of the Player Engage podcast, host Greg Posner interviews Ivan Zaguirre from SocialPoint. Ivan shares his nine-year journey at SocialPoint, discussing his various roles and the recent release of their new game, Top Troops. Ivan emphasizes the importance of understanding the gaming audience and tailoring the product to their tastes and preferences. He also highlights the significance of metrics in measuring success and making data-driven decisions. Ivan touches on the challenges of product management in the gaming industry and the need for effective communication and alignment within teams. He concludes by encouraging aspiring product managers to embrace the role and prioritize early product-market fit and audience feedback.

Overall, this episode provides valuable insights into the product management process in the gaming industry, highlighting the importance of metrics, audience understanding, and effective communication. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and strategies involved in creating successful player experiences.

In this engaging episode of the Player: Engage podcast, we delve deep into the world of community in gaming from multiple perspectives. Our host, Greg, is joined by three distinguished guests from the gaming industry:  Ben Kvalo from Midwest Games, Anna Wright from Niantic, and Carlos Figueiredo from Minecraft. Each guest shares their unique insights on building and nurturing gaming communities, emphasizing player safety, community engagement, and the integration of community feedback into game development.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

• Ben Kvalo's insights on the business end of gaming and the importance of market strategies for game launches.
• Anna Wright's experiences at Niantic, discussing the impact of real-world interactions in games like Pokémon Go and how these shape community dynamics.
• Carlos Figueiredo's perspective on player safety as a design discipline, highlighting the evolution of community safety features in games like Minecraft.

For a deeper understanding of how these industry leaders are shaping the future of gaming communities and ensuring safe, engaging environments for players, tune into this episode of Player: Engage. Their stories and strategies are not just informative but also a testament to the dynamic and ever-evolving world of gaming. Listen now to explore the intricate balance between player engagement and safety and discover how top companies are leveraging community feedback to enhance gaming experiences.