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  • 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.

    Key Takeaways: 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.

  • In this episode of the Player: Engage Podcast, host Greg is joined by Christine Dart, the Global Head of Marketing at Helpshift and a Marketing Leader at Keywords Player Engagement. Christine shares her extensive experience in B2B marketing within the video game industry, discussing her dynamic strategies that have led to significant growth in revenues and leads. She also delves into her personal journey from mechanical designer to marketing maven, highlighting her transition through various roles and the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in marketing.

    Key takeaways from this episode include:

    The nuances between B2B and B2C marketing and how foundational marketing principles apply across both. Insights into the evolving roles within marketing departments, such as the integration of customer marketing and the shift of business development roles under marketing umbrellas. Christine's approach to leadership in marketing, emphasizing the importance of alignment with company goals, understanding team dynamics, and the power of effective delegation.

    For a deeper dive into how marketing strategies can drive business success and the importance of aligning marketing efforts with broader business objectives, tune into this episode of the Player: Engage Podcast. Discover Christine Dart's expert strategies and learn how to apply them to your own marketing efforts for measurable success.

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  • In this insightful episode of the Player: Engage Podcast, host Greg delves into the intricate world of backend game services with tech visionary Patrick Twohig. As the fractional CTO of Wheelhouse and founder of Elements, Patrick shares his extensive experience in streamlining the delivery of high-quality streaming content and developing interactive applications for both Web 2 and Web 3 spaces. The conversation takes a deep dive into the complexities of backend services, the importance of DevOps, and the potential of Web3 in gaming, all while touching upon Patrick's unique lifestyle of living on a sailboat and his passion for gaming.

    Key takeaways from this episode:

    The role of backend services in gaming and how they impact player experience. Insights into the future of Web3 gaming and digital ownership. The significance of DevOps in ensuring game stability and success post-launch.

    To get a comprehensive understanding of how backend services can make or break a game, and to hear Patrick's expert take on the evolution of Web3 in the gaming industry, tune in to this episode of Player: Engage Podcast. Discover the tools and strategies that could shape the next generation of gaming by listening to the full conversation.

    Don't miss out on the valuable lessons shared by Patrick Twohig – listen to the episode now for a deeper exploration of these topics.

  • In this episode of the Player: Engage Podcast, Greg sits down with Emily Pierron from Nightmarket Games to delve into the intricacies of her role as a producer and the importance of psychological safety within gaming studios. Emily shares her journey from Eventbase to Nightmarket Games, providing insights into the unique responsibilities of a producer in different studio environments. She emphasizes the significance of organization and supporting team members to ensure they have what they need to succeed.

    Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of:

    The transition from project management to overseeing studio operations and the challenges of remote work. The concept of psychological safety in the workplace and its impact on team innovation and productivity. Practical strategies for improving communication and fostering a positive studio culture, including the implementation of a "single source of truth" for project information.

    For a closer look at how Emily Pierron is shaping the culture at Nightmarket Games and her approach to enhancing team dynamics, tune in to this episode of the Player Engage Podcast. Discover the actionable steps you can take to create a psychologically safe environment and why happiness is key to driving productivity in game development.

    To learn more about Emily's perspective on psychological safety and her vision for the future of Nightmarket Games, listen to the full podcast episode.

  • Welcome to another exciting episode of Player: Engage Podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into the gaming industry with our special guest, Pasqual Batalla, COO of Sandsoft. Pasqual shares his journey from engineering to leading a gaming company, the growth of gaming in Barcelona, and the future of Sandsoft.

    Episode Highlights: Pasqual's unexpected path to becoming the COO of a gaming company. The rise of the gaming industry in the MENA region and Barcelona's role as a tech hub. Sandsoft's mission, vision, and strategy for the future. The importance of fostering a people-first culture in the gaming industry. Pasqual's insights on the evolution of gaming and the challenges and opportunities ahead.Featured Guest:

    Pasqual Batalla, COO of Sandsoft

    Formerly at Socialpoint and Ad Science Passionate about supporting the economic, social, and cultural life of Barcelona. Enjoys playing casual games and social games with his kids.

    Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. Stay tuned for more insights into the gaming world on Player: Engage Podcast!

  • Player: Engage Podcast: Live from GDC with Bertrand Bodson, CEO of Keywords Studios!Welcome to a special live episode of the Player: Engage Podcast, where host Greg sits down with Bertrand Bodson, the CEO of Keywords, at the Game Developers Conference (GDC). Bertrand shares his journey from aspiring tennis player to leading a major player in the gaming industry, his insights on AI, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Keywords.Episode Highlights: Bertrand's diverse background from Boston Consulting Group to Amazon, and his role in bringing technology to healthcare at Novartis. The energy and excitement of GDC and the gaming industry's potential for innovation. Bertrand's aspirations as a young man and his path to becoming a key figure in the gaming world. The parallels between developing AAA games and bringing new drugs to market. Keywords' approach to AI and ethical considerations in its deployment. The importance of human expertise in an increasingly tech-driven industry. Keywords' balance of autonomy and cohesion among its studios. The gaming industry's resilience and the opportunities ahead in 2024. Keywords' role in supporting the industry's growth and the concept of "Imagine More."Quickfire Round with Bertrand: Breakfast routine: Cereal and fruit. Go-to drink: Martini or Diet Coke. Last game played: Eleven on VR. Recent book: Fiction by Alan Cumming. Favorite Tennis Open: Wimbledon.Connect with Keywords and Bertrand: Keywords Studios Website Keywords on LinkedIn Bertrand on LinkedIn

  • Welcome to another episode of the Player Engage Podcast, where we  dive deep into the gaming industry's most intriguing topics. Today,  we're thrilled to have Gemma Doyle, co-founder and CCO of SurgeROI, join  us to share her insights on VIP programs and their impact on player  loyalty and engagement.Episode Highlights: Gemma's Journey: Discover Gemma's transition from real money gaming to social gaming and her pivotal role in introducing VIP programs to Zynga. Understanding VIP Programs:  Learn what VIP programs are, their importance beyond gaming, and how  they can enhance customer relationships across various industries. Building Relationships:  Gemma discusses the significance of human interaction in VIP programs  and how it can lead to increased retention and monetization. Data-Driven Decisions: Find out how data science plays a crucial role in tailoring VIP experiences and promotions to player preferences. Starting Small: Gemma shares valuable advice for indie studios on initiating VIP programs and the importance of direct player communication. Collaboration with Product Teams: Gain insights into how VIP feedback can influence game development and improve player satisfaction. ROI and Business Case: Gemma explains how to justify investment in VIP programs and measure their success. Social Power Players:  The conversation touches on the emerging trend of treating influencers  as VIPs due to their ability to attract and retain players. Personal Touch:  Gemma shares heartwarming stories of how games and VIP programs have  touched players' lives, emphasizing the human element in gaming.Notable Quotes: "VIP  is about layering data science and human interaction to develop a  program that is really authentic and true to the players." - Gemma Doyle "Keeping and retaining those high-value players is really key to keeping a really healthy game." - Gemma Doyle "People  are so happy to talk. I get a lot of feedback from gaming studios that  our players don't want to talk on the phone, you know, but the  submission rate for phone numbers is between the 70 and 85 percentile." -  Gemma Doyle

  • In this episode of the Player Engage podcast, host Greg Posner and guest Erik Ashby, Senior Director and Head of Product Research at Helpshift, delve into the evolving landscape of gaming technology and player experiences. They kick off the discussion with the buzz around GDC, sharing their excitement for the event and the latest trends in the gaming industry. Erik, with his extensive background at Microsoft and Helpshift, brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, particularly in the realm of AI and its integration into customer service, as highlighted by the recent developments at Klarna.

    The conversation then shifts to the future of gaming, exploring the dynamics of games as a service, the impact of subscription models, and the potential shift in gaming experiences with the rise of personal screens within homes. They also tackle the contentious issue of walled gardens in the tech industry, focusing on the Epic vs. Apple lawsuit and its implications for app marketplaces and consumer choice.

    Key takeaways from this episode include:

    The transformative role of AI in customer service and its potential to redefine the industry. The shifting trends in gaming consumption, from big screens to personal devices. The ongoing battle between open ecosystems and walled gardens, with a spotlight on the Epic vs. Apple case.

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  • The Future of Gaming Through the Lens of Accessibility

    Episode Summary:

    Join us on a journey through the pivotal realm of gaming and media accessibility with our special guests, Améliane Chiasson and Jenna. Améliane, an advocate for accessible gaming at Player Research, and Jenna, a live and interactive producer at Descriptive Video Works, share their insights on the challenges and triumphs of creating universally approachable digital content. Discover the innovative strides being made to cultivate a truly inclusive gaming environment.

    Episode Highlights: Understanding Accessibility: Améliane unfolds the essence of accessibility in the digital world and its significance for diverse gamers. Championing Inclusivity: Learn about the intricate mechanisms that make games universally approachable and the dedication required to achieve this. Behind the Scenes: Jenna shares her transition from pharmaceuticals and the US Army to ensuring gaming is accessible for all. Advancing Accessibility: Amélianediscusses the launch of Player Research's new line of services aimed at helping developers deliver accessible experiences. Audio Description in Gaming: Jenna delves into the specialized niche of audio description for gaming, making visual media enjoyable for blind and low vision audiences. The Business Case for Accessibility: Améliane highlights the importance of considering accessibility early in game design to avoid unforeseen costs and backlash. Personal Journeys: Our guests share their unique paths to becoming accessibility specialists in the gaming industry. Accessible Games: Jenna lists games that are playable without vision and discusses the impact of audio description on the gaming experience.What's New in Accessibility: Subtitles and Closed Captioning: Améliane emphasizes the importance of audio settings and equalizer options for a variety of accessibility needs. In-Game Audio Description: Jenna explains how audio description works in games and its benefits for a wider audience, including those with cognitive disabilities.Listener's Corner: Breakfast Choices: Discover what fuels our guests for a day of advocating for accessibility. Travel Dreams: Améliane and Jenna share their dream vacation spots, from European cities to sailing on cruise lines. Gaming Confessions: Améliane admits to never having seen 'The Lord of the Rings', while Jenna and Greg share their current gaming obsessions.Final Thoughts:

    Accessibility in gaming is not just about doing the right thing; it's about opening up the world of gaming to everyone. Whether you're a developer, a gamer, or just someone interested in the field, there's always something new to learn and ways to contribute to a more inclusive gaming community.

  • In the latest episode of the Player Engage podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Rustam Kuramshin from AppQuantum, a seasoned expert in player support. Rustam shared a wealth of knowledge from his eight years in the industry, discussing the intricacies of player support and the importance of creating a seamless player experience. From the evolution of customer support in gaming to the role of AI and automation, Rustam provided valuable insights into the current landscape and future of player engagement.

    Listeners will find Rustam's discussion on the day-to-day operations of a player support lead particularly enlightening, as he delves into the challenges of scaling support teams and the significance of understanding player needs. His personal anecdotes and experiences offer a unique perspective on the growth and development within the field.

    Discover Rustam's journey from a support agent to a player support lead and the lessons learned along the way. Learn about the shift from email to in-app player support and the impact of AI and automation on the industry. Gain insights into the importance of communication skills and product knowledge in delivering exceptional player support.

    For those eager to dive deeper into the world of player support and experience, this episode is a treasure trove of information. To uncover the full scope of Rustam's expertise and the strategies employed at AppQuantum, tune in to the Player Engage podcast. Your next level of understanding in creating unforgettable player experiences awaits.

  • In this insightful episode of the Player Engage podcast, host Greg delves into the fascinating world of gaming AI with industry veteran Stephen Peacock. With over two decades of experience, Stephen has been at the forefront of technological advancements in gaming, from his early days at AudioBrain to his transformative roles at Amazon Web Services and now as the head of games AI at Keyword Studios. The conversation covers a range of topics, including the rapid emergence of AI tools, the impact of generative AI on game development, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI in gaming.

    Key takeaways from the episode:

    Stephen's unique approach to testing AI tools using his own headshots. The evolution of AI in gaming and its application in areas like LiveOps and community health. The future of AI in gaming and how it's lowering the barrier to entry for game development.

    To get a deeper understanding of:

    How Stephen's personal experiments with AI tools provide insights into their capabilities. The role of AI in enhancing player experiences and maintaining healthy gaming communities. Stephen's perspective on the ethical sourcing of AI and its parallels with other industries.

    For a full exploration of these topics and to gain valuable knowledge from a leading expert in the field, tune into the Player Engage podcast episode featuring Stephen Peacock. Discover the intricacies of AI in gaming and how it's shaping the future of player engagement. Listen now to learn more.

  • Unleashing Creativity and Accessibility in Game Design with DanGreg, sits down with Daniel McCreadie, a senior game designer at Outright Games, to discuss the intricacies of creating games that resonate with children and families. With a career spanning nearly two decades, Dan shares his journey from a child gamer to a leading figure in the gaming industry, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and user experience in game design.Episode Highlights: Dan's Early Gaming Memories: Dan reminisces about his childhood experiences with the Nintendo Entertainment System and how games like Super Mario Bros 3 sparked his curiosity and passion for gaming. Path to Game Design: Learn how a conversation in college led Dan to become a game tester, which eventually paved the way for his career in game design. Role of a Game Designer at Outright Games: Dan explains his role in developing games from concept to release, focusing on creating engaging experiences for preschool-aged children. Skill Sets for Game Design: Discover the importance of being a generalist designer with a lens on user experience and accessibility, and why empathy for the player is crucial. Transitioning to Children's Games: Dan discusses the shift from wanting to create the next big hit to designing games that bring joy to children, and how his own experiences as a father influence his work. The Importance of Playtesting: Insights into how observing children play games can lead to valuable design decisions that enhance the gaming experience. Staying Current with Gaming Trends: Dan shares his approach to keeping up with the latest technologies and trends in the gaming industry. Advice for Aspiring Game Designers: Tips on how to break into the industry, the importance of staying positive, and why it's never too late to pursue a career in game design.

  • The Evolution of Gaming and the Power of Networking

    Welcome to the Player Engage Podcast, where we explore the biggest challenges, technologies, trends, and best practices for creating unforgettable player experiences. In this episode, our host Greg chats with Terry Haynes, a seasoned veteran from Tanglewood Games, about his journey through the gaming industry, the evolution of game development, and the critical role of networking.

    Episode Highlights: Terry's Start in the Industry: Terry shares his beginnings in QA at Virgin Mastertronic and his progression through iconic companies like Sega and Probe Entertainment. The Shift from Production to Business Development: Learn how Terry transitioned from production roles to business development and the opportunities that arose from networking. The Importance of Networking: Terry and Greg discuss the "networking effect" and how it can break the ice in the industry, leading to potential collaborations and opportunities. Evolution of Game Development Teams: A look back at how small teams used to manage entire game projects and how the industry has grown to require much larger, more specialized teams. Co-Development Studios: Insights into the benefits of co-development studios and how they can provide flexibility and specialized skills to larger projects without the long-term commitment. Trends in the Gaming Industry: Terry shares his thoughts on where the gaming industry is heading, including the potential for studios to rely more on co-development partnerships.Memorable Quotes: "You have to network, you have to keep in contact with people and you have to talk about your own business because no one else is going to talk about your business if you're not going to talk about it." - Terry Haynes "Connect with people because they're people... those people, more than likely in their career, will move on to a new venture or move on to a new company, may go and start their own business." - Terry Haynes "Having co-development studios out there is a huge benefit to the games industry and it's a huge benefit to studios that are out in that field of kind of going, you can have the resources to make your game to the quality your game needs to be." - Terry Haynes
  • Welcome to another episode of the Player Engage Podcast, where we dive deep into the gaming industry's most intriguing topics. Today, we're thrilled to have Gemma Doyle, co-founder and CCO of SurgeROI, join us to share her insights on VIP programs and their impact on player loyalty and engagement.Episode Highlights: Gemma's Journey: Discover Gemma's transition from real money gaming to social gaming and her pivotal role in introducing VIP programs to Zynga. Understanding VIP Programs: Learn what VIP programs are, their importance beyond gaming, and how they can enhance customer relationships across various industries. Building Relationships: Gemma discusses the significance of human interaction in VIP programs and how it can lead to increased retention and monetization. Data-Driven Decisions: Find out how data science plays a crucial role in tailoring VIP experiences and promotions to player preferences. Starting Small: Gemma shares valuable advice for indie studios on initiating VIP programs and the importance of direct player communication. Collaboration with Product Teams: Gain insights into how VIP feedback can influence game development and improve player satisfaction. ROI and Business Case: Gemma explains how to justify investment in VIP programs and measure their success. Social Power Players: The conversation touches on the emerging trend of treating influencers as VIPs due to their ability to attract and retain players. Personal Touch: Gemma shares heartwarming stories of how games and VIP programs have touched players' lives, emphasizing the human element in gaming.Notable Quotes: "VIP is about layering data science and human interaction to develop a program that is really authentic and true to the players." - Gemma Doyle "Keeping and retaining those high-value players is really key to keeping a really healthy game." - Gemma Doyle "People are so happy to talk. I get a lot of feedback from gaming studios that our players don't want to talk on the phone, you know, but the submission rate for phone numbers is between the 70 and 85 percentile." - Gemma DoyleSubscribe and Share:

    Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to stay updated on the latest episodes. If you enjoyed this discussion on VIP programs and their transformative role in gaming, please share it with your friends and colleagues in the industry.

    We'd love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, so feel free to leave us a review or reach out on social media with your feedback and questions. Join us next time for more engaging conversations on the Player Engage Podcast!

  • In this episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredible Jon Wolheim, a true powerhouse in the gaming industry. With an impressive background working for renowned companies like Apple and Amazon, Jon is now an advisor for Games for Love and a top voice in AI and gaming on LinkedIn. 🚀

    Here are three major takeaways from our conversation with Jon:

    1️⃣ LinkedIn: The Ballast Amongst the Socials
    Jon emphasized his love for LinkedIn as a platform that provides a sense of stability and reliability. Unlike the chaotic and unpredictable nature of Twitter, LinkedIn offers a more trustworthy environment for professionals and gamers alike. So, if you're looking for a platform to connect with like-minded individuals, LinkedIn should be your go-to!

    2️⃣ Valuable Resources and Tactical Information
    During our discussion, Jon highlighted some incredible individuals to follow on LinkedIn. Amir Sattva, Justin Williams, Matt Herndon, Aida Figueroa, and Aaron Goldsmith were mentioned for their valuable resources, daily knowledge shares, tactical information, strategic thought, and inspirational stories. These industry experts are sure to provide you with the insights and guidance you need to level up your game!

    3️⃣ Community and Collaboration
    One of the standout aspects of the gaming industry, according to Jon, is the sense of community and collaboration found on LinkedIn. He praised the dedicated individuals who selflessly share resources and support aspiring gamers, purely out of their passion and care for the industry. Aida Figueroa, in particular, was highlighted for her efforts in hosting an engaging audio event on the neuroscience of games, which sparked an incredible conversation within the community.

    Tune in now to the Player Engage Podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and join us as we explore the fascinating world of gaming with industry experts like Jon Wolheim. Get ready for some mind-blowing insights and inspiration that will level up your gaming journey! 🎧✨

  • In this episode of the Player: Engage podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Arseny Lebedev, a gaming industry veteran and co-founder of Original Games. Arseny shared his extensive journey from his early days as an intern at Large Animal Games to founding Signus Labs and eventually leading a studio at MZ. His entrepreneurial spirit has been a driving force throughout his career, and his unique, opinionated perspective on the gaming industry is both refreshing and thought-provoking.

    Arseny's experience is not just limited to gaming; he also worked in his family's renewable energy components business, which gave him a solid foundation in sales and contract negotiation. This experience proved invaluable when he later ventured into the gaming industry, where he successfully managed large deals and partnerships.

    During our conversation, Arseny emphasized the importance of throwing oneself into challenging situations and the value of travel in gaining diverse perspectives. He shared anecdotes from his time in Southeast Asia and how those experiences shaped his approach to business and life.

    We also delved into the challenges and opportunities of remote work and office dynamics in the current landscape. Arseny provided insights into how Original Games manages a remote team, the tools they use for communication and project management, and the considerations they've had to make when setting up their office space in Lisbon.

  • In this episode of the Player Engage podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Irena Pereira, the CEO and founder of Unleashed Games. Irina is a trailblazer in game design and user experience, with a career dedicated to enhancing player interactions and experiences within games. She has worked on projects for SciPlay and Mythical Games and has a unique approach to game development that combines creativity with a deep understanding of player dynamics.

    Key Points Discussed: Irena's Background: Irena shared her journey from being a typography nerd to becoming a pioneer in UX/UI design. She discussed her early days of web design, her time at USC, and how she transitioned into the gaming industry, eventually working on major titles like EverQuest and World of Warcraft. UX/UI Design Philosophy: Irena believes that trends are irrelevant in UX/UI design, emphasizing the importance of usability and the player's ease of interaction with the game. She also touched on the significance of typography and layout in design. Career Highlights: Irena recounted her experiences working at Blizzard, where she contributed to World of Warcraft, and at 38 Studios, where she worked on Kingdoms of Amalur. She also discussed her time with the Air Force, where she learned agile development methodologies that she later applied to game development. Challenges in the Industry: Irena opened up about the difficulties she faced as a woman in the gaming industry and her commitment to bringing the player's voice into the development process. Unleashed Games and Haven: The focus of the conversation shifted to Irena's current project, Unleashed Games, and their upcoming title, Haven. Haven is envisioned as a family friendly MMO that promotes meaningful connections and mental health through gameplay. Irena is passionate about creating a game that allows families to play together and form lasting relationships. Community Engagement: Irena highlighted the importance of community feedback and shared how Unleashed Games is playtesting their game live on Twitch every Friday. This allows the team to gather real-time feedback and build a community around the game even before its release.
  • In this engaging episode of the Player Engage Podcast, host Greg welcomes Veronica Rose, a seasoned customer support expert with an impressive background at companies like Bose, WB Games, and Vecna Robotics. Veronica shares insightful experiences from her journey in customer support, starting with her time at Bose. She discusses the unique challenges of supporting high-end audio products and the nuances of catering to a discerning customer base.

    Shifting gears to her role at WB Games, Veronica delves into managing support teams for beloved video games such as Lord of the Rings Online and Dungeons and Dragons Online. Her stories from this period highlight the intricate balance of maintaining player satisfaction and managing game-related support complexities.

    Veronica's career path then leads her to Vecna Robotics, a pioneering warehouse robotics company. Here, she confronts a whole new set of challenges in supporting robotic forklifts. She details the criticality of advocating for the user in such a high-tech environment and discusses her strategic decision to outsource support, partnering with Keywords Studios to assemble a team adept at handling the company’s sophisticated support requirements.

    A key theme throughout the episode is the significance of proactive customer support and establishing strong connections with customers. Veronica recounts a particularly moving story about transforming a player's negative behavior into a positive gaming experience, illustrating the profound impact of empathetic and effective support.

    This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone in the realm of customer support, offering a deep dive into the dynamic nature of support across various industries and reinforcing the timeless principle of prioritizing the customer's needs. Veronica's wealth of experience and wisdom makes this a must-listen for professionals in the support sector and those aspiring to join this vital field.

  • Dive into the latest Player Engage podcast with host Greg Posner and guest Peter Gerson from Keywords. Peter's journey from a potential pyrotechnical engineer to a gaming industry leader at EA and Keywords is as explosive as it is inspiring. He dives into the essence of player engagement: understanding and prioritizing player needs for a remarkable gaming experience.

    Peter highlights the crucial role of AI and automation in enhancing customer support and teases the exciting potential of Web 3.0, AR, and VR in gaming's future. He champions user-generated content and the power of community in retaining player loyalty.

    End your listen with an invite to the Community Clubhouse, a haven for gaming and customer experience professionals to share insights. This episode is a compact yet comprehensive look into the heart of gaming customer support and player engagement. Tune in for a journey full of industry 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.