Playing With Inference

By playingwithinferenceTechnology

Playing With Inference episodes

August 05, 2025 Ep 15: What Defines an 'AI Native' Game? (AUDIO ONLY)
Join the 'Playing with Inference' podcast as we dive into the fascinating interplay between generative AI and the gaming world.
In this episode, we embark on a deep theoretical exploration of what truly constitutes an AI native game. Ramon and Aaron discuss the evolving definitions and boundaries, debating the nuances between machine learning-enhanced systems and traditional procedural generation. They also examine the critical role of player experience, narrative control, and the unique capabilities that AI brings to the gaming table. Examples like 'AI Dungeon' and 'Character AI' provide real-world context to these discussions. Lastly, we touch upon the future impact on game genres and even ponder if AI systems could push the boundaries of gaming into a new medium.
Don’t miss this engaging conversation, and join us as we collectively shape the future of AI in gaming. Your feedback is invaluable—reach out to us via Discord, email, or video comments.
00:00 Introduction to AI Native Games
00:33 Defining AI Native Games
00:53 Community Engagement and Feedback
01:58 Exploring AI's Unique Capabilities in Gaming
02:46 Challenges in Defining AI Native Games
05:13 Player Experience and AI Integration
10:13 Narrative Control and Player Agency
18:26 Machine Learning in Game Design
20:47 AI's Impact on Player Experience
24:12 Defining AI Native Games
24:38 Procedural Generation vs. Machine Learning
25:48 The Evolution of AI in Games
26:31 Impact of AI on Game Genres
30:26 Character AI: A New Frontier
33:37 Emergent Behavior in Games
38:21 Machine Learning's Role in Game Development
45:12 Conclusion: The Future of AI in Gaming
New episodes of Playing With Inference go up every Tuesday.
Join our discord: https://buff.ly/1snI95H
Tags: #podcast #artificialintelligence #gaming #techtrends #futureofgaming #AIinnovation #gamingpodcast #machinelearning #techpodcast #animation #genAI
47 min
August 05, 2025 Ep 15: What Defines an 'AI Native' Game?
Join the 'Playing with Inference' podcast as we dive into the fascinating interplay between generative AI and the gaming world.
In this episode, we embark on a deep theoretical exploration of what truly constitutes an AI native game. Ramon and Aaron discuss the evolving definitions and boundaries, debating the nuances between machine learning-enhanced systems and traditional procedural generation. They also examine the critical role of player experience, narrative control, and the unique capabilities that AI brings to the gaming table. Examples like 'AI Dungeon' and 'Character AI' provide real-world context to these discussions. Lastly, we touch upon the future impact on game genres and even ponder if AI systems could push the boundaries of gaming into a new medium.
Don’t miss this engaging conversation, and join us as we collectively shape the future of AI in gaming. Your feedback is invaluable—reach out to us via Discord, email, or video comments.
00:00 Introduction to AI Native Games
00:33 Defining AI Native Games
00:53 Community Engagement and Feedback
01:58 Exploring AI's Unique Capabilities in Gaming
02:46 Challenges in Defining AI Native Games
05:13 Player Experience and AI Integration
10:13 Narrative Control and Player Agency
18:26 Machine Learning in Game Design
20:47 AI's Impact on Player Experience
24:12 Defining AI Native Games
24:38 Procedural Generation vs. Machine Learning
25:48 The Evolution of AI in Games
26:31 Impact of AI on Game Genres
30:26 Character AI: A New Frontier
33:37 Emergent Behavior in Games
38:21 Machine Learning's Role in Game Development
45:12 Conclusion: The Future of AI in Gaming
New episodes of Playing With Inference go up every Tuesday.
Join our discord: https://buff.ly/1snI95H
Tags: #podcast #artificialintelligence #gaming #techtrends #futureofgaming #AIinnovation #gamingpodcast #machinelearning #techpodcast #animation #genAI
47 min
July 29, 2025 Ep 14: Unit Economics in AI-Native Games (AUDIO ONLY)
Welcome to 'Playing with Inference,' a podcast at the crossroads of AI and gaming. In this episode, we speak with Josh English, the Chief Technology Officer at Series Entertainment, about the intricate economics and challenges of running generative AI systems at scale in the gaming industry.
We dive deep into the cost considerations, strategic resource allocation, and innovative AI mechanics that define category-leading entertainment. Josh shares insights from his experiences working on notable projects, including developing AI-native games for Netflix. He also discusses the importance of balancing rapid experimentation with in-depth cost analysis and the tools and best practices necessary for successful AI integration.
Whether you're a game developer, technologist, or AI enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable takeaways on the evolving landscape of AI in gaming.

00:00 Introduction to Playing with Inference
00:26 Guest Introduction: Josh English
01:45 The Economics of Generative AI in Gaming
03:31 Case Study: Retail Mage
06:33 Cost Management Strategies
09:09 Innovative AI Mechanics and Player Engagement
09:32 Balancing Discovery and Optimization
25:45 Future of AI in Gaming
32:57 The Appeal and Challenges of Dwarf Fortress
33:21 Experimentation in Game Development
34:03 Adoption and Revenue Models in Gaming
35:03 AI Integration in Game Development
36:06 Cost Management and Partnerships
36:47 Leveraging Open Source Models
38:46 The Importance of ML Ops and DevOps
43:29 Balancing Compute and Costs
01:00:47 Iterative Development and Tooling
01:06:26 Final Thoughts and Advice

New episodes of Playing With Inference go up every Tuesday.
Join our discord: https://buff.ly/1snI95H

Tags: #podcast #artificialintelligence #gaming #techtrends #futureofgaming #AIinnovation #gamingpodcast #machinelearning #techpodcast #animation #genAI
1 hr 9 min
July 29, 2025 Ep 14: Unit Economics in AI-Native Games
Welcome to 'Playing with Inference,' a podcast at the crossroads of AI and gaming. In this episode, we speak with Josh English, the Chief Technology Officer at Series Entertainment, about the intricate economics and challenges of running generative AI systems at scale in the gaming industry.
We dive deep into the cost considerations, strategic resource allocation, and innovative AI mechanics that define category-leading entertainment. Josh shares insights from his experiences working on notable projects, including developing AI-native games for Netflix. He also discusses the importance of balancing rapid experimentation with in-depth cost analysis and the tools and best practices necessary for successful AI integration.
Whether you're a game developer, technologist, or AI enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable takeaways on the evolving landscape of AI in gaming.

00:00 Introduction to Playing with Inference
00:26 Guest Introduction: Josh English
01:45 The Economics of Generative AI in Gaming
03:31 Case Study: Retail Mage
06:33 Cost Management Strategies
09:09 Innovative AI Mechanics and Player Engagement
09:32 Balancing Discovery and Optimization
25:45 Future of AI in Gaming
32:57 The Appeal and Challenges of Dwarf Fortress
33:21 Experimentation in Game Development
34:03 Adoption and Revenue Models in Gaming
35:03 AI Integration in Game Development
36:06 Cost Management and Partnerships
36:47 Leveraging Open Source Models
38:46 The Importance of ML Ops and DevOps
43:29 Balancing Compute and Costs
01:00:47 Iterative Development and Tooling
01:06:26 Final Thoughts and Advice

New episodes of Playing With Inference go up every Tuesday.
Join our discord: https://buff.ly/1snI95H

Tags: #podcast #artificialintelligence #gaming #techtrends #futureofgaming #AIinnovation #gamingpodcast #machinelearning #techpodcast #animation #genAI
1 hr 9 min
July 22, 2025 Ep 13: Current State of GenAI in Games (July 2025) (AUDIO ONLY)
Welcome to 'Playing with Inference,' a podcast at the crossroads of AI and gaming. In this episode, hosts sit down with Eric Kress, co-host of Deconstructor of Fun and game industry consultant.
We break down what's going on in the space here in the summer of 2025, taking a look at the trend of the industry and GenAI companies playing in the space. Eric breaks down all the current industry challenges, and opportunities, and gives his critical voice to the pitfalls and opportunities in the space.
Eric is a great view on this because while he is overall pretty bullish on GenAI as a force in the industry, he's skeptical and pragmatic about the realities of the impact it has currently (not) had.
New episodes of Playing With Inference go up every Tuesday.
Join our discord: https://buff.ly/1snI95H
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
00:26 Eric Kress's Background and Expertise
01:54 The Impact of AI on the Gaming Industry
04:21 Challenges in AI Adoption for Game Development
06:54 Mainstream Adoption and Industry Dynamics
17:20 New Entrants and Innovative Experiences
22:05 Tech Bros and the Future of Gaming
28:40 Customer-Centric Innovation in Gaming
31:56 AI's Role in Game Development
32:23 Balancing Traditional Tools with AI
33:55 Customer Expectations in Gaming
35:35 User-Generated Content and Platforms
37:28 Monetization and Business Models
43:28 Future of Gaming Platforms
48:24 Challenges in VR Adoption
52:40 Funding and Monetization Strategies
57:35 Conclusion and Contact Information
Tags: #podcast #artificialintelligence #gaming #techtrends #futureofgaming #AIinnovation #gamingpodcast #machinelearning #techpodcast #animation #genAI
59 min
July 22, 2025 Ep 13: Current State of GenAI in Games (July 2025)
Welcome to 'Playing with Inference,' a podcast at the crossroads of AI and gaming. In this episode, hosts sit down with Eric Kress, co-host of Deconstructor of Fun and game industry consultant.
We break down what's going on in the space here in the summer of 2025, taking a look at the trend of the industry and GenAI companies playing in the space. Eric breaks down all the current industry challenges, and opportunities, and gives his critical voice to the pitfalls and opportunities in the space.
Eric is a great view on this because while he is overall pretty bullish on GenAI as a force in the industry, he's skeptical and pragmatic about the realities of the impact it has currently (not) had.
New episodes of Playing With Inference go up every Tuesday.
Join our discord: https://buff.ly/1snI95H
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
00:26 Eric Kress's Background and Expertise
01:54 The Impact of AI on the Gaming Industry
04:21 Challenges in AI Adoption for Game Development
06:54 Mainstream Adoption and Industry Dynamics
17:20 New Entrants and Innovative Experiences
22:05 Tech Bros and the Future of Gaming
28:40 Customer-Centric Innovation in Gaming
31:56 AI's Role in Game Development
32:23 Balancing Traditional Tools with AI
33:55 Customer Expectations in Gaming
35:35 User-Generated Content and Platforms
37:28 Monetization and Business Models
43:28 Future of Gaming Platforms
48:24 Challenges in VR Adoption
52:40 Funding and Monetization Strategies
57:35 Conclusion and Contact Information
Tags: #podcast #artificialintelligence #gaming #techtrends #futureofgaming #AIinnovation #gamingpodcast #machinelearning #techpodcast #animation #genAI
59 min
July 15, 2025 Ep 12: Rethinking AI Integration in Gaming (AUDIO ONLY)
Welcome to 'Playing with Inference,' a podcast at the crossroads of AI and gaming. In this episode, hosts sit down with Rich Sun, CTO of Playful AI and former leader at Netflix Games and Meta.
Rich shares his unique perspectives on the role of AI in the gaming sector, reflecting on his extensive career in the industry. From discussing generative AI's potential to transform game development to the challenges of integrating AI into existing workflows, the conversation covers a range of critical topics. Rich also explores the investment landscape, the need for cheat-smart design, and the importance of setting AI up for success.
Don't miss this engaging chat about the future of AI in gaming!
New episodes of Playing With Inference go up every Tuesday.
Join our discord: https://buff.ly/1snI95H

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
00:10 Rich Sun's Career Journey
01:42 Current Role at Playful AI
03:02 Generative AI in the Gaming Industry
04:52 Challenges in Game Development
06:56 Excitement and Innovation in Gaming
07:34 AI's Impact on Game Development
15:39 Cultural Clashes in Game Development
17:37 Technical Challenges in Game Development
25:05 Iterating Towards Fun in Games
27:03 Integrating AI into Game Design
33:07 The Pressure and Challenges of AI in Games
35:06 Setting Up AI for Success
36:59 The Importance of Constraints in AI Design
39:09 Advice for AI and Game Developers
39:46 The Role of Cheating in Game Design
43:16 Emergent Stories and System Design
45:03 The UX Challenge in AI Games
51:11 Investment Trends in AI and Games
54:32 The Future of AI Infrastructure in Gaming
01:02:01 Closing Thoughts and Optimism
Tags: #podcast #artificialintelligence #gaming #techtrends #futureofgaming #AIinnovation #gamingpodcast #machinelearning #techpodcast #animation #genAI
1 hr 4 min
July 15, 2025 Ep 12: Rethinking AI Integration in Gaming
Welcome to 'Playing with Inference,' a podcast at the crossroads of AI and gaming. In this episode, hosts sit down with Rich Sun, CTO of Playful AI and former leader at Netflix Games and Meta.
Rich shares his unique perspectives on the role of AI in the gaming sector, reflecting on his extensive career in the industry. From discussing generative AI's potential to transform game development to the challenges of integrating AI into existing workflows, the conversation covers a range of critical topics. Rich also explores the investment landscape, the need for cheat-smart design, and the importance of setting AI up for success.
Don't miss this engaging chat about the future of AI in gaming!
New episodes of Playing With Inference go up every Tuesday.
Join our discord: https://buff.ly/1snI95H

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
00:10 Rich Sun's Career Journey
01:42 Current Role at Playful AI
03:02 Generative AI in the Gaming Industry
04:52 Challenges in Game Development
06:56 Excitement and Innovation in Gaming
07:34 AI's Impact on Game Development
15:39 Cultural Clashes in Game Development
17:37 Technical Challenges in Game Development
25:05 Iterating Towards Fun in Games
27:03 Integrating AI into Game Design
33:07 The Pressure and Challenges of AI in Games
35:06 Setting Up AI for Success
36:59 The Importance of Constraints in AI Design
39:09 Advice for AI and Game Developers
39:46 The Role of Cheating in Game Design
43:16 Emergent Stories and System Design
45:03 The UX Challenge in AI Games
51:11 Investment Trends in AI and Games
54:32 The Future of AI Infrastructure in Gaming
01:02:01 Closing Thoughts and Optimism
Tags: #podcast #artificialintelligence #gaming #techtrends #futureofgaming #AIinnovation #gamingpodcast #machinelearning #techpodcast #animation #genAI
1 hr 4 min
July 08, 2025 Ep 11: Using Machine Learning to Create Emergent Fun (AUDIO ONLY)
In this episode, we dive into the integration of broader machine learning within game development, featuring Jorge Val, co-founder and CEO of Latent Technology. Jorge discusses his journey from academia and research into game development, specifically focusing on generative AI for real-time physics-based animations. Highlights include an exploration of Jorge's background, the inception of Latent Technology, and their work in creating emergent physical behaviors in games. We touch upon the challenges and potential of using machine learning models for non-humanoid creatures, the future of AI in games, and how Latent Technology can enhance immersive gameplay experiences.
New episodes of Playing With Inference go up every Tuesday.
Join our discord: https://buff.ly/1snI95H
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
00:34 Jorge Val's Journey into AI and Gaming
02:18 Research and Innovations in AI for Gaming
04:37 Generative AI and Its Impact on Game Development
10:49 Latent Technology: Revolutionizing Game Animation
15:31 Technical Insights into Generative Physics Animation
25:38 Emergent Gameplay and Future of Game Development
31:38 Exploring Emergent Gameplay
32:48 Tech Demos and VR Experiences
34:03 Animation Workflows and Physical Behaviors
35:03 Sandbox Scenarios and Iteration Speed
40:08 Unity vs. UGC Platforms
42:40 Non-Humanoid Animation Challenges
52:11 Generative Physics and Real-Time Interactions
58:16 Broader Machine Learning Applications in Games
01:02:51 Conclusion and Contact Information
Tags: #podcast #artificialintelligence #gaming #techtrends #futureofgaming #AIinnovation #gamingpodcast #machinelearning #techpodcast #animation #genAI
1 hr 5 min
July 08, 2025 Ep 11: Using Machine Learning to Create Emergent Fun
In this episode, we dive into the integration of broader machine learning within game development, featuring Jorge Val, co-founder and CEO of Latent Technology. Jorge discusses his journey from academia and research into game development, specifically focusing on generative AI for real-time physics-based animations. Highlights include an exploration of Jorge's background, the inception of Latent Technology, and their work in creating emergent physical behaviors in games. We touch upon the challenges and potential of using machine learning models for non-humanoid creatures, the future of AI in games, and how Latent Technology can enhance immersive gameplay experiences.
New episodes of Playing With Inference go up every Tuesday.
Join our discord: https://buff.ly/1snI95H
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
00:34 Jorge Val's Journey into AI and Gaming
02:18 Research and Innovations in AI for Gaming
04:37 Generative AI and Its Impact on Game Development
10:49 Latent Technology: Revolutionizing Game Animation
15:31 Technical Insights into Generative Physics Animation
25:38 Emergent Gameplay and Future of Game Development
31:38 Exploring Emergent Gameplay
32:48 Tech Demos and VR Experiences
34:03 Animation Workflows and Physical Behaviors
35:03 Sandbox Scenarios and Iteration Speed
40:08 Unity vs. UGC Platforms
42:40 Non-Humanoid Animation Challenges
52:11 Generative Physics and Real-Time Interactions
58:16 Broader Machine Learning Applications in Games
01:02:51 Conclusion and Contact Information
Tags: #podcast #artificialintelligence #gaming #techtrends #futureofgaming #AIinnovation #gamingpodcast #machinelearning #techpodcast #animation #genAI
1 hr 5 min

About Playing With Inference

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A podcast focused on the intersection of Generative AI and Games, trying to move past the hype and noise and talk with folks building in the space about real lessons learned and the current state of…

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Playing With Inference

Playing With Inference episodes

About Playing With Inference