Player: Engage – Details, episodes & analysis

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.

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.

Key takeaways from the episode include:

• Insights from Games Accessibility Hub:  Learn how the organization assists game studios in creating accessible  games through knowledge sharing, assessments, and user testing with  disabled gamers.
• Examples of Accessibility in Action:  Discover how major games like "The Last of Us Part II" and "Forza  Motorsport" have set new standards in accessibility, allowing even  visually impaired players to fully enjoy gaming.
• The Business Case for Accessibility:  Understand the return on investment (ROI) for incorporating  accessibility in games, including increased loyalty and broader market  reach.

For anyone interested in the intersection of  gaming and accessibility, this episode provides a deep dive into how  inclusivity can be embedded into game design from the outset. To hear  more about the challenges and triumphs in making games accessible, and  to learn how you can contribute to this important cause, listen to the  full episode on the Player: Engage podcast.

In this enlightening episode of the Player: Engage podcast, host Greg is joined by Olli Mäntylä, a pivotal figure in the gaming industry. Olli, who serves as the director of the Game Development World Championship (GDWC) and the founder and CEO of Ace Lagoon, shares an in-depth look into the workings of the GDWC. He explains how the championship is not just a competition but a platform that allows developers from around the globe to showcase their games. Olli emphasizes that the GDWC is designed to be accessible to game developers of all levels, from indie to more established studios, and discusses the variety of prizes that range from industry recognition to substantial funding and publishing deals.

The conversation also delves into the challenges and intricacies of organizing such a massive event, including the process of game submission, judging, and feedback. Olli reveals that he personally plays over 2,000 games a year to ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation process. He also discusses the new initiatives by Ace Lagoon, like the Pipelines project, which aims to connect developers with publishers and funding opportunities.

• Global Participation: Learn how developers worldwide can enter their games, regardless of the development stage.
• Judging Insights: Discover the unique challenges of judging thousands of games and how biases are managed.
• Pipelines Initiative: A new opportunity for developers to secure funding and support.

For a deeper understanding of these topics and to get a firsthand account of the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into organizing a global game development competition, tune into this episode of Player: Engage.