ByteAction

Mathias Royer: Publishing, Team Building & Studio Development

In this episode, I'm joined by Mathias Royer - Chief Studios Officer and a founding member of Tilting Point Barcelona.
We discuss the challenges of setting up a new studio, the importance of building a cohesive team and the significance of cultural fit in hiring. We also talk about the evolving landscape of mobile gaming, and how the industry looked like when Mathias was first starting out in games back in 2009.
Hope you’ll enjoy this!
0.00 - 4:00 What brought you to Barcelona?
4:00 - 8:00 Growing up in France
8:00 - 12:00 First job in the industry
12:00 - 14:00 Benefits of living abroad
14:00 - 17:00 Favourite project
17:00 - 20:00 Being a Producer vs being a GM
20:00 - 25:00 Culture fit in hiring
25:00 - 33.00 Building Tilting Point
33.00 - 38:00 Communication systems
38.00 - 40.00 Importance of long term vision
40.00 - 44.00 How do you handle stress?
44.00 - 48.00 If you were building a new game studio from scratch?
48.00 - 52.00 As a Publisher - what do you look for in games?
52.00 - 56.00 How different is the market now to how it was a few years ago?
56.00 - 59.00 Advice for younger generation

Dima Pinchuk: Mobiles Games, Marketing & Emerging Trends in the Industry

In this episode, I'm speaking with Dima Pinchuk, the former VP of Marketing at SocialPoint studio in Barcelona and the ex-Global Marketing Director at Wargaming.
Dima joined Wargaming when it was a small studio of just 60 people and experienced firsthand its remarkable transformation into the global gaming powerhouse it is today.
We delve into the challenges of Marketing in games, the strategies behind successful game launches, and the importance of building trust within a team.
Dima also shares his experiences at PokerStars and SocialPoint, and we explore the future of marketing in the video game industry.
Hope you’ll enjoy this!
0.00 - 3:00 Where did you grow up?
3:00 - 5:00 Did you always know you’re going to work in video games?
5:00 - 8:00 Witnessing the Wargaming transformation
8:00 - 14:00 Wargaming’s marketing strategy
14:00 - 16:00 Growth & struggles
16:00 - 20:00 What do companies get wrong in marketing when launching a game?
20:00 - 24:00 Monetization
24:00 - 25.00 Do you need a lot of investment in order to launch the game successfully?
25.00 - 26:00 Premium games
26.00 - 28.00 PokerStars
28.00 - 30.00 Moving to Barcelona
30.00 - 33.00 Covid
33.00 - 42.00 SocialPoint
42.00 - 46.00 How to build a great team?
46.00 - 48.00 Common denominator that all great companies have
48.00 - 52.00 The future of video games
52.00 - 54.00 - Your personal future

Elias Lozano Garcia: Pixel Art, Omnidrone & Making a lasting Impact

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring story of a Barcelona-based game developer who transitioned from a childhood passion for drawing to founding successful video game companies.
We discuss Elias's past of building, scaling and selling 2 game development studios and also his interest in Pixel Art - something he managed to turn into a successful social media venture. 
Whether you're a game developer or someone who is just interested in learning about the behind-the-scenes of game creation, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Hope you will enjoy it.
0.00 - 7:00 Early beginnings and Java games
7:00 - 13:00 Starting the first company
13:00 - 20:00 The world before and after the App store
20:00 - 28:00 Starting Omnidrone
28:00 - 31:00 Managing people & building teams
31:00 - 34:00 How do you develop an art style for a game?
34:00 - 37:00 Pixel Art
37:00 - 42.00 Becoming a successful content creator
42.00 - 47:00 What are you working on now?
47.00 - 51.00 Today’s game investment landscape
51.00 - 56.00 Thoughts on AI
56.00 - 1.00.00 Creating a team culture & sustainable work environment
1.00.00 - 1.04.00 Advice you’d give for aspiring young artists

Rich Barham: From Launching the Biggest Game on the Planet to Building and Scaling an Indie Studio

In this episode I'm speaking to Rich Barham - an experienced Studio Lead, Executive and a GM. We talk about his journey from helping to launch a wildly successful World of Warcraft franchise to his experience with building Antimatter Games and his impact in building studios for Riot Games and Zenimax.
We also discuss the current state of the industry, the hoops that indie studios need to jump through in order to sign a publishing deal and the difficulties that the current generation of young developers is facing.
0.00 - 6:00 First encounters with video games
6:00 - 22:00 Blizzard days
22:00 - 29:00 What’s going on with the games industry today?
29:00 - 36:00 How different was the games industry 5-10 years ago?
36:00 - 26:00 What challenges are the young people in the games industry facing?
41:00 - 55:00 Building Antimatter Games
55:00 - 1:01:00 Building a successful studio from scratch nowadays. What would it take?
1:01:00 - 1:05:00 Who were your mentors during your journey?

Joe Currivan: The Journey from Game Master to Lead Producer

In this episode I'm speaking to Joe Currivan - an accomplished Producer within the gaming industry. We talk about the importance of building great teams, the future of the mobile games industry and his life and game development journey.
The episode is full useful advices on hiring practices, team leadership, and cultivating a positive work environment.
We also talk about nurturing innovation in teams, fostering risk-taking abilities, and staying consistent in your work. Lastly, we touch upon web3 technologies, and the effect of monetization protocols on player habits.
0.00 - 8:00 Barcelona, Austin & Family
8:00 - 16:00 How did you get started in the games industry?
16:00 - 22:00 Becoming a Producer
22:00 - 24:00 Why Production?
24:00 - 26:00 ADHD
26:00 - 30:00 Bioware days
30:00 - 35:00 What’s happening with the industry nowadays?
35:00 - 39:00 Do you have any regrets?
39:00 - 45:00 What games are you playing currently?
45:00 - 49:00 The future of Games
49:00 - 52:00 The project you enjoyed working on the most
52:00 - 56:00 What makes a good Producer?
56:00 - 1:00:00 What frustrates you most?
1:02:00 - 1:08:00 The art of interviewing and hiring
1:08:00 - 1:11:00 Leading teams
1:11:00 - 1:21:00 Difference between mobile and other platforms
1:21:00 - 1:27:00 Web3 & Blockchain

Antti Makkonen: Mobile Games, Free2Play, Building Successful Teams & Products

In this episode I am speaking to Antti Makkonen. We discuss the future of the mobile games, f2p market, how to build great teams and Antti's game development journey.
We also talk about his time working at companies like Rovio & SocialPoint, he shares his takes on the F2P industry and the challenges of building successful teams and products.
The episode concludes with a peek into in-car gaming's potential and how it can enhance gaming experiences. Hope you will enjoy this one :) 
 
0.00 - 13:00 Skiing, Finland, Schools & Barcelona
13:00 - 18:00 Career start, software engineering, and self awareness
18:00 - 21:00 Why the games industry in particular?
21:00 - 24:00 What are you playing right now?
24:00 - 26:00 Rovio days
26:00 - 32:00 Premium vs F2P model
32:00 - 38:00 The future of mobile gaming
38:00 - 39:00 Monument Valley
39:00 - 42:00 App store vs Google play store
42:00 - 44:00 Moving to Barcelona
44:00 - 52:00 SocialPoint
52:00 - 55:00 Smaller teams & projects is the way forward?
55:00 - 1:00:00 Launch strategies
1:00:00 - 1:02:00 The product you enjoyed working on the most
1:02:00 - 1:08:00 What’s your leadership style?
1:08:00 - 1:14:00 Building successful teams
1:14:00 - 1:20:00 In-car games, what’s that?
 

Jamie Smith: The Art & Science of Video Game Design

In this episode I'm speaking to Jamie Smith - Principal Game Designer at People Can Fly studio. We talk about the art and science behind the world of video game design and discuss the delicate balance game designers strike between historical accuracy and immersive gameplay as they transform regular game design into an extraordinary experience.
We also talk about the BAFTA academy, the selection process for the games, and the responsibility of being a jury member. Lastly Jamie offers practical advice for young game enthusiasts embarking on their journey in the games industry.
Hope you'll enjoy it!
0.00 - 5:00 How you got into Games?
5:00 - 8:00 How you entered the industry? 
8:00 - 12:00 What do you look for in people when they apply for roles in your team? 
12:00 - 15:00 Importance of historical context when designing a game
15:00 - 19:00 Combat Design
19:00 - 21:00 What games do you play? 
21:00 - 25:00 What separates a good game designer from an average one?
25:00 - 27:00 Pick rate
27:00 - 30:00 Improving your knowledge library
30:00 - 34:00 BAFTA Games Awards
34:00 - 36:00 Experience of being a lecturer
36:00 - 41:00 Advice for younger generation
41:00 - 47:00 The current state of the games industry
47:00 - 51:00 Experience that shaped you

Vadym Syvolap: Game Design, F2P Games , Leadership & Ukraine

In this week's episode of ByteAction Podcast I'm speaking to Vadym Syvolap - Game Director at Plarium. We talk about game design, f2p games, Ukraine, state of the games industry and Vadym's journey in game development. 
Learn about Vadim's unique journey into the gaming world, the major trends affecting the industry, how the war in Ukraine affected his life and work, and his future aspirations. We also talk a lot about leadership, the fast-paced world of mobile gaming, the importance of user experience, and the potential losses incurred by poor design.
0.00 - 12:00 Growing up in Ukraine & how you got into Games
12:00 - 17:00 Becoming a professional Game Designer
17:00 - 25:00 Plarium
25:00 - 30:00 How do you know if the game is going to succeed?
30:00 - 34:00 The game changer moment
34:00 - 38:00 Establishing game design department
38:00 - 49:00 Covid & War in Ukraine
49:00 - 55:00 Moving to Barcelona
55:00 - 1:10:00 What are you playing currently?
1:10:00 - 1:14:00 Console vs Mobile
1:14:00 - 1:24:00 Leadership

María Fernanda Díez Huerta - Games industry, Production , Leadership, Women in games & VR

In this episode of Byte Action Podcast I am joined by María Fernanda Díez Huerta to talk about her journey in video games, her path, career in various production roles, as well as her take on Women in games and everything that's happening in the games industry today.
We discuss the indispensable role of women in the gaming industry and the importance of fostering an effective work culture. We touch issues such as visibility, diversity, and the impact of ‘culture fit'. María also shares her inspiring journey - from her early days in the industry to becoming a Head of Production. She sheds light on the gender bias in hiring, and the misconceptions that adversely contribute to the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles. Tune in for a great discussion.
0.00 - 12:00 Intro, Travels, Family & Barcelona
12:00 - 18:00 Becoming a Game Producer
18:00 - 24:00 Tutotoons
24:00 - 33:00 Experience that made you a Producer (Omnidrone)
33:00 - 42:00 How do you create and foster an environment where people can thrive? 
42:00 - 44:00 Therapy
44:00 - 46:00 Managing remote teams
46:00 - 50:00 What does culture mean to you? 
50:00 - 1:00:00 XR Games, VR & Leeds
1:00:00 - 1:07:00 Women in games
1:07:00 - 1:16:00 What’s going on with the games industry?

Daniel Rosga: Nujum, Kickstarter Successes and Game Production

In this episode we delve into the exciting world of game production, board games, and game industry market. I'm joined by Daniel Rosga - experienced Game Producer and Board Game Designer who turned his passion for playing board games into actually making one. 
Listen to his journey of running a successful Kickstarter campaign as he recounts the challenges encountered and the steps one should take in order to successfully raise money on the platform.
We also discuss the role of a Game Producer, financial aspects of game development, the value of junior talent, and the evolving tastes of game audiences.
This episode is packed with practical insights, whether you're an aspiring game developer, a board game enthusiast, or just curious about the game creation process.  
0:00 - 8:00 Nujum
8:00 - 18:00 Kickstarter
18:00 - 27:00 Story behind Nujum
27:00 - 31:00 Tabletop RPG as a board game
31:00 - 39:00 Becoming a Game Producer
39:00 - 42:00 I Am Fish
42:00 - 47:00 Market saturation
47:00 - 48:00 Hire for attitude not the experience
48:00 - 53:00 Production budgets
53:00 - 1:02:00 What makes a good Producer?
1:02:00 - 1:07:00 How do you resolve conflicts?
1:07:00 - 1:14:00 Crunch in game development
1:14:00 - 1:19:00 Paths to Game Production
 
Subscribe to Nujum: https://purpleplantgames.com/#nujum
Play I Am Fish: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1472560/I_Am_Fish/