ByteAction

In this episode of the ByteAction Podcast, we sit down with Christian Gascons, COO and co-founder of Games for a Living (GFAL), to explore the journey of building sustainable gaming studio, their upcoming launch of Diamond Dreams, and how their team is redefining the match3 space.From Christian’s start at Blizzard Entertainment, to co-founding a studio in Barcelona, to building highly player focused games, this episode dives into the realities of the gaming industry today➡️ If you’re into gaming, startups, Web3, or entrepreneurship, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.0:54 – Welcome to the Podcast1:18 – Announcing the early launch of Diamond Dreams2:20 – Why launch now? Timing & market conditions2:28 – Who is Christian Gascons?3:20 – Early career: from Blizzard to VR studies6:25 – Founding Games for a Living & the vision8:30 – Building infrastructure before launching Diamond Dreams9:35 – The founding team & creative leadership11:45 – Raising $1.2M with just a PowerPoint13:00 – Making Web3 gaming accessible & optional14:10 – Why “game first” matters in blockchain gaming15:01 – Physical jewelry linked to in-game collectibles16:45 – How the gameplay & collectibles work18:20 – Digital collectibles vs NFTs20:20 – Building community, influencer program & Proof of Lux campaign23:35 – The hardest challenges: legal, compliance & iteration27:05 – Free-to-play, user acquisition & market realities28:18 – Gaming industry downturn & layoffs30:22 – The role of a COO in a gaming startup33:37 – Leadership style & company culture36:12 – Lessons from 13 years as an entrepreneur39:35 – Why fun matters more than graphics42:19 – Retention & what makes players come back44:00 – Future vision for Games for a Living45:02 – Leaving a mark in Web3 gaming46:10 – Advice for young people entering the gaming industry-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------https://gfal.com/

In this episode I’m joined by Darius Misiukevicius - Product Owner at Honeygain - the largest crowdsourced web-intelligence network.We talk about the the origins and evolution of HoneyGain, a platform that allows users to share their unused internet bandwidth for monetary rewards. Darius shares insights into the B2B model, user education, and the challenges faced during the company's growth, especially during the pandemic. Finally, we explore the importance of leadership, team dynamics, and the future of AI in business, while also touching on the startup culture in Lithuania and the values that drive personal and professional growth.0:00 Introduction07:07 Understanding the B2B Model12:54 Evolution of HoneyGain's Product16:55 Challenges and Timing of Launch21:17 User Trust and Security Concerns23:43 Diversity in Platforms and Services24:51 Solving Problems for Game Studios25:32 Future Developments and Personal Impact26:39 Navigating Leadership Responsibilities27:20 The Essence of Leadership Skills28:13 Proud Moments in Team Development29:01 Unlocking Potential in Others30:40 Core Values in Family and Business32:28 Hiring for Soft Skills vs. Hard Skills35:24 The Importance of Mutual Respect in Work Relationships37:21 Open Communication in Team Dynamics40:19 Building a Tech Company in Lithuania42:21 The Future of AI in Business45:27 Fueling Energy and Passion in Leadership46:16 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurshttps://www.honeygain.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/misiukevicius-darius/

In this episode I’m joined by Rafał Bieniek - co-founder & CEO of Metashift Labs.We discuss Rafał’s journey in game development, the challenges of starting a studio, and the importance of community engagement. He shares insights on transitioning from a side project to a full-time endeavor, the dynamics of working with investors versus publishers, and the innovative concepts behind their upcoming game. The discussion also touches on the future of game development, the role of AI, and advice for aspiring developers.00:00 Introduction and Personal Background03:17 Journey into Game Development05:46 Starting a Game Studio08:19 Transitioning from Side Hustle to Full-Time10:53 Hiring and Team Growth13:25 Working with Publishers vs. Investors15:55 New Game Development Approach18:15 Innovative Game Concept20:51 Connection Between Players and Characters23:16 Game Mechanics and Strategy25:54 Conclusion and Future Plans26:26 Validating Ideas Early in Game Development28:37 Finding Your Niche in Game Design31:33 Building a Community Around Your Game34:10 The Current State of the Game Industry39:41 Leveraging AI in Game Development42:40 Creativity Within Constraints44:50 Personal Gaming Preferences and Inspirations48:24 Future Aspirations for Metashift Labshttps://metashiftlabs.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafbie/https://dominusautoma.com/

In this episode I’m speaking to Antek Krowicki, and Zach Howe - the co-founders of Nyx Studios. Nyx Studios is a multimedia entertainment company. They’re currently promoting their first tabletop game Havoc: Gen Zero (The Nyxlands of Havoc), which just wrapped up its successful Kickstarter campaign after raising 572% of its goal.We talk about designing with storytelling at the core, building worlds inspired by literary sci-fi and strategy classics, and why community-driven creation is the future of indie games.We also discuss Antek’s and Zack’s journey from writers to worldbuilders, and how a dream project launched in a Telegram group became a Kickstarter success and a growing game universe.00:00 Building Bonds: The Power of Friendship in Gaming06:17 The Genesis of Havoc: Founding a Game Company09:12 From Writers to Game Designers: A Unique Journey11:56 Inspiration Behind Havoc: Games and Literature15:03 The Evolution of Havoc: Naming and Universe Building17:50 The Future of Havoc: Expanding the Universe20:50 What Makes a Game Successful? Insights from the Industry23:17 The Art of Game Design: Iteration and Improvement26:07 Creating a Rich Universe: The World of Havoc29:01 Gameplay Mechanics: Understanding Havoc31:53 Kickstarter Success: The Journey to Funding38:41 Building a Thriving Community 40:17 The Evolution of Community Engagement 43:17 Insights on the Gaming Industry49:57 Team Dynamics and Collaboration51:59 Imagining a Future with Unlimited Resources56:29 Balancing Work and Personal Life 01:02:17 Future Plans for Nyx Studios01:06:20 Advice for Aspiring Game Developershttps://enterhavoc.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/nyx-studios-games/about/

In this episode of ByteAction, I speak with Hanin Fakhriddin - a mobile marketing expert whose journey spans across Gameloft, Ubisoft, and beyond. From pre-smartphone gaming to leading high-impact launches like Hungry Dragon and Might and Magic: Elemental Guardians she shares her insights on how mobile games are brought to market, and what makes them thrive.We discuss the evolution of marketing in games, the role of community building, testing strategies before launch, and why data and psychology are at the heart of great marketing. Hanin also offers a candid look at her shift into freelancing and the challenges (and joys) of teaching, consulting, and staying ahead in a fast-paced industry.Whether you’re a dev, a marketer, or just curious about how mobile games succeed, this episode is a masterclass in mobile growth marketing.Link to Hanin’s mobile marketing academy:https://hanin-fakhriddin-s-school.teachable.com/?preview=logged_out00:00 Introduction03:15 The Roles of Networking and Graphics in Game Development 09:30 Turning Creative Visions into Playable Realities16:40 Tackling "Impossible" Problems in Game Programming22:50 The Secrets to Great Multiplayer Games29:10 Remote Work: Challenges and Opportunities in Game Development35:45 VR Gaming: The Next Frontier?41:20 How to Break Into Game Development—and Thrive?36:45 Balancing Innovation with Market Demand46:55 Predictions for the Future of Gaming Technology

In this episode, I’m speaking with two incredibly talented programmers, Nikita and Michal, who’ve worked on some of the most challenging aspects of game development, including networking, rendering, and creating multiplayer systems for AAA games like Six Days in Fallujah and Saints Row 3 Remastered. Together, we uncover the intricate craft of game programming and its pivotal role in shaping the experiences we all enjoy as gamers. They share insightful stories about overcoming "impossible" technical problems and what it truly means to succeed as a senior programmer in today’s fast-evolving gaming industry. Finally, we explore the human side of game development—working remotely, building meaningful connections with teams across the globe, and maintaining passion for gaming in a demanding industry. Whether you’re a budding developer or a gaming enthusiast, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes insights and practical advice from two industry veterans. 00:00 Introduction03:15 The Roles of Networking and Graphics in Game Development09:30 Turning Creative Visions into Playable Realities16:40 Tackling "Impossible" Problems in Game Programming22:50 The Secrets to Great Multiplayer Games29:10 Remote Work: Challenges and Opportunities in Game Development35:45 VR Gaming: The Next Frontier?41:20 How to Break Into Game Development—and Thrive46:55 Predictions for the Future of Gaming Technology

In this episode, I’m speaking with Gabriele Aimone - COO and Co-Founder of TIFO, a gaming startup focused on enhancing fans engagement, as well as a strategic advisor at Systems Heavy. We dive into his journey through the gaming industry, starting from his early days at Supercell, where he witnessed the rapid growth of mobile games like Clash of Clans. We also discuss his path from finance to gaming, the challenges he faced, and how he found his calling in team operations and company culture. He shares valuable insights into the process of raising funds, navigating today’s tough investment landscape, and the importance of finding the right investor-partner fit. Finally, we explore future trends in gaming, like the potential for transmedia experiences. This episode is packed with practical advice for anyone in the industry, from founders to aspiring developers. 00:00 Introduction02:53 Breaking into the Gaming Industry06:44 Supercell and the Mobile Gaming Boom09:50 Career Transitions and Burnout14:20 Challenges of Raising Funds Today20:10 The Value of Staying True to Your Vision27:44 Future Trends: Transmedia in Gaming31:00 Building Effective Teams for Startups36:45 Balancing Innovation with Market Demand41:00 Insights for Young Professionals Breaking In

In this episode I'm speaking to Dino Patti - Founder @ Coherence - a network engine, platform and a series of tools to help anyone create a multiplayer game and a Co-Founder of Playdead. We talk about his journey in the gaming industry, the creation of Limbo. We also discuss Coherence, how the company powers the multiplayer gaming and the importance of creating experiences that last. Lastly we touch on the topic of raising money in the industry, the role of publishers, and the keys to launching a successful game. It was a great conversation, and I hope that you will all enjoy it, and take something away from it. 00:00 Introduction 04:17 Game Development 06:44 Starting Playdead and the Challenges Faced 09:27 Securing Funding and Hiring the First Employee 12:53 Pitching to Investors and Publishers 17:17 The Vision Behind Limbo and its Execution 19:49 Development Timeline 24:45 The Impact of Unity and the Changing Gaming Landscape 26:48 Raising Money for Game Development 40:46 The Keys to Success in the Gaming Industry 47:13 The Role of Publishers in Community Building 49:12 Emphasizing Uniqueness and Innovation in Game Design 52:24 Prioritizing Gameplay over Monetary Success

This time I'm joined by Jesus Bosch. Jesus is a General Manager @ Product Madness, and previously a Founder & CEO at Starloop Studios. In the podcast we discuss Jesus experience of building a Starloop Studio from 0 to 70 people as well as his experience of growing Product Madness from 0 to 120 people, we also talk about today’s gamedev market, talk about the importance of choosing the right people for your company, and the definition of what makes a company successful. It was great meeting Jesus, and learning from him and his experience. Hope you will enjoy listening to it! 00:00 Introduction & 2024 hiring market 02:22 What do you do at Product Madness? 05:20 How did you enter the industry? 06:54 Starloop Studios 14:58 What defines a successful company? 16:44 When should you consider adding HR to the team? 18:17 When should you pivot? 22:19 What games do you play currently? 23:25 Things you look for in people when hiring 27:22 The impact of wrong hires 30:45 Most challenging time in the career 33:09 Being let go in Europe vs ROW 34:31 How do you continue growing as a leader? 38:21 Investment vs Publishing deals 42:15 Finding work for hire gigs back in the day 45:33 Advice for younger generations 46:38 What the future holds for you? Product Madness: https://www.productmadness.com/ Product Madness careers: https://aristocrat.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/AristocratExternalCareersSite?hiringCompany=410fe4438ac610086a9d308831790002

This time I'm joined by Pasqual Batalla. Pasqual is a COO @ Sandsoft, and previously he held a similar position at Socialpoint studio. In the podcast Pasqual talks about his experience with both studios, we also discuss Barcelona game development scene, scaling gaming studios and game publishing. Hope you’ll enjoy this one, and can take something from it. 00:00 Introduction & a bit about football 05:06 Let’s talk about video games 07:45 Why this industry in particular? 08:32 Startup vs Scaleup 10:30 Beginnings of Socialpoint 14:00 Barcelona gamedev scene 15:45 Challenges @ Socialpoint 22:00 Mergers & Acquisitions 25:21 Working through Covid 29:30 Effective communication 32:00 Sandsoft 39:00 How to cut through the noise? 41:25 Choosing games to invest in 44:25 Being both: investor & publisher 47:00 What kind of leader are you? 54:30 Building successful teams 1:02:19 More about Barcelona gamedev scene 1:11:40 Advice for younger generation Sandsoft: https://sandsoft.com/ Sandsoft careers: https://career.sandsoft.com/jobs

This time I'm joined by Andrei Podoprigora. Originally from Lithuania, Andrei currently runs Forklift Interactive - a video games publisher specializing in smart, systemic titles for PC & consoles. He's also a Venture Partner @ The Games Fund, and he was one of the first employees of tinyBuild, helping it transform itself from an indie games publisher to a huge global operation with 10+ internal studios. In the podcast Andrei discusses his experience with tinyBuild and Forklift Interactive, he also shares insights into the publishing and venture capital industries, including the changing landscape of project funding. We discuss the life in Barcelona & Andrei's predictions for the future of the games industry. 00:00 Introduction 03:53 Living in Barcelona 14:39 Andrei's Journey in the Games Industry 20:37 Starting Forklift and the Importance of Original IPs 27:49 Balancing Work for Hire and Original IPs 33:49 Market Conditions for Work for Hire Studios 37:04 Building a Team of Producers 39:57 Success of Systemic Games 55:25 Rise of Project Funding 01:14:17 Importance of having a clear Creative Vision 01:21:25 Future of Forklift Interactive Forklift Interactive: https://www.forklift.gg/ The Games Fund: https://www.gamesfund.vc/

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

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

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

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?

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

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?

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

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

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?