Evolution Exchange Gaming Podcast

Today's episode is hosted by Jamie Manton and they are joined on the podcast by Dmytro Gudko, Senior Producer at Gunzilla Games, Maria Gillies, Product Director at Pixion Games, Javier Garcia-Lajara Herrero, Head of Art at CI Games and Ben Lavender, Tech Director at Kinetic Games. The conversation explores the qualities and behaviours that define strong leadership across modern studios, with attention to how vision, communication and adaptability support team performance. By looking broadly at motivation, trust building and cross-disciplinary collaboration, the exchange highlights the varied approaches that help leaders guide creative and technical teams through shifting production demands. The guests reflect on evolving expectations in an industry shaped by rapid growth, new technologies and increasing complexity, showing how consistent values can anchor effective practice. Later, the discussion considers how the main topic keyword shapes career development, organisational culture and long-term success. It touches on strategies that strengthen resilience, encourage accountability and cultivate environments where individuals and teams can thrive. Through a balanced view of practical and interpersonal skills, the episode offers listeners a wide perspective on what enables leaders to support sustainable, high-quality game development. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is hosted by Elijah Jenkins and they are joined on the podcast by Cristian Girbea, Director of Quality Assurance at Rovio, Jason Szollosi, Head of QA and Founder at Isle Games, Chris Howell, Lead QA Manager at Gram Games Ltd and Emmanuel-Yvan Ofoé, QA Director at Eidos Montréal. The conversation explores how the landscape of QA training has evolved as studios adapt to new production demands, rapid content cycles and increasingly complex tools. By reflecting on shifts in methodology and expectations, the exchange highlights the broader practices that equip teams to manage modern testing workflows while ensuring high standards in game development. The guests discuss how approaches to mentorship, onboarding and long-term capability building continue to reshape the profession, particularly as automation and advanced testing frameworks become integral to everyday processes. Later, the discussion considers how the main topic keyword influences recruitment, progression pathways and cross-disciplinary collaboration. It emphasises the value of structured learning environments that support continuous improvement and strengthen overall studio performance. With attention to both technical and human factors, the episode offers a wide view of how QA functions are adapting to meet the challenges of contemporary game production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is hosted by William Thompson and they are joined on the podcast by Oleksii Yurchenko, Art Director at i Logos Games, Arran Topalian, Lead Game Designer at Outfit7 UK Limited, Sylvia Dybiec, Art Director at Wooga and Daniel Geron, Sr. Creative Lead for the Max Division at Scopely Games. The conversation explores how creative teams across the industry approach the challenge of generating and identifying great ideas in a fast-moving environment. The guests reflect on the importance of structure, intuition and experimentation, as well as the value of strong collaboration in shaping concepts that resonate with players. The exchange highlights how teams discover potential within early sketches while filtering concepts that lack long-term promise. Across the discussion the dialogue examines how idea generation evolves through iteration, clear communication and a willingness to challenge assumptions. With a focus on creativity within modern game development, the episode looks at how processes, people and diverse perspectives come together to refine ideas that can grow into successful projects. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is hosted by Jamie Manton and they are joined on the podcast by Rob O'Farrell, Co-CEO at Dovetail Games and Gemma Brown, Co-CEO at Dovetail Games. The conversation explores the evolving culture, creative direction and operational priorities shaping one of the industry's most recognisable simulation studios. The guests reflect on how collaboration, talent development and clear communication support long-term studio growth while maintaining the identity that defines the player experience. Their exchange highlights the balance between innovation and stability as the team adapts to new opportunities in game development. Across the discussion the dialogue examines the realities of leadership within modern games businesses, emphasising how strategic alignment and strong community relationships contribute to sustainable success. By looking at the people, processes and creative philosophy that drive Dovetail Games, the episode offers a broad perspective on how studios continue to evolve in a competitive landscape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is hosted by Elliot Tripp and they are joined on the podcast by Javi Digiorgio, Associate Art Director at Socialpoint, Paul Alexandrescu, Art Director at Tribes Studio and Andiono Christanto, Global Outsourcing Manager at Gameloft. The conversation explores how modern game studios approach outsourcing as a strategic tool for scaling production, expanding creative capability and strengthening delivery timelines. The guests discuss the realities of balancing internal talent with external partners while navigating expectations, communication and workflow structure. Their reflections highlight how outsourcing can help teams remain agile and focused on core creative goals without compromising quality. Across the exchange the dialogue examines the pros, cons and evolving best practices shaping the gaming industry. The discussion also considers how clearer pipelines, shared standards and long-term partner relationships contribute to stronger outcomes. By looking at both operational challenges and collaborative opportunities, the episode offers a broad perspective on how outsourcing continues to influence game development in a rapidly shifting landscape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is hosted by Elijah Jenkins and they are joined on the podcast by David Jenkins, Release Manager at Aonic, Criselda Mora, QA Lead at Voodoo and Linh Dieu, CEO at Polynormal Games. The conversation explores how the games industry is strengthening its commitment to diversity and inclusion by fostering environments where varied perspectives and backgrounds shape more creative and accessible experiences. The guests reflect on the cultural, operational and community focused elements that support progress, highlighting why diversity and inclusion in gaming is essential for sustainable innovation. Later the discussion considers how studios can build inclusive practices into hiring, team structures and design processes. The exchange also examines how representation, equitable opportunities and open dialogue contribute to healthier workplaces and more engaging games. Through these insights the episode offers guidance for organisations aiming to embed diversity and inclusion in gaming and create spaces where all voices can contribute meaningfully. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is hosted by Elliot Tripp, joined on the podcast by Yannick Theler, CEO at Steer Studios. The conversation explores leadership, studio culture and content strategy across the gaming industry, touching on game development, live ops and player‑centred design. Across two segments the exchange highlights how clear communications frameworks support brand storytelling and community engagement, with practical insights for creators and teams. Listeners hear how cross‑functional collaboration shapes mobile games, improves player experience and aligns production with measurable outcomes. You will walk away with takeaways on content operations, narrative building and tactics that strengthen visibility in the gaming industry, including approaches to audience insight and post‑launch optimisation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is hosted by Melanie Lindsey and they are joined on the podcast by Sonia Donaire García, Marketing Director at Tangelo Games Corp, Alexandre Arazaki, Head of Global Communications at MY.GAMES and Jukka Hilvonen, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Metamoki. The conversation explores how studios and publishers build effective partnerships that balance creative ambition with commercial needs. The guests discuss the structures, expectations and communication models that help both sides collaborate through changing market conditions. This opening exchange highlights why understanding the relationship between studio and publisher is essential for sustainable game development and long-term success. Later the discussion considers how teams strengthen alignment, refine marketing strategies and adapt to the evolving demands of the gaming industry. The exchange also reflects on how shared goals, transparency and trust contribute to smoother workflows and more impactful product launches. Through these perspectives the episode offers guidance for studios and publishers aiming to enhance collaboration and deliver high quality games in a competitive landscape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is hosted by Elliot Tripp and they are joined on the podcast by Anat Menaker, Art Team Leader at Playtika, Katsiaryna Shakal, Art Team Leader at Playtika, Larisa Percinlic, Art Director for Talking Tom World at Outfit7 UK Limited and Regina Tsygina, Marketing Delivery Manager at Kosmos. The conversation explores how creative teams can build stronger habits around feedback and communication to support smoother collaboration in the fast-paced gaming industry. The guests examine how structured dialogue, shared expectations and thoughtful processes help teams maintain clarity while navigating demanding production cycles. By highlighting the everyday challenges faced across art, marketing and cross-functional environments, the discussion reinforces the value of open communication as a driver of quality and efficiency.The exchange also considers how leaders can cultivate positive feedback culture by encouraging transparency, fostering trust and enabling teams to express ideas confidently. As game development continues to evolve, the episode underlines why effective feedback and communication remain central to both team wellbeing and long-term creative success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is hosted by Elliot Tripp and they are joined on the podcast by Shana Vandercruysse, Art Producer and Character Art Lead at Snowprint Studios, Ho-Yee Li, Senior Producer at Trailmix Games, Shahaf Katzav, Head of Art at Candivore and Elena Yugay, Art Director at Gyreberg. The conversation explores how leaders can create environments where artists and developers feel confident, motivated and supported. The guests discuss the value of establishing clear communication, nurturing autonomy and building healthy structures that allow creative teams to thrive throughout the pressures of production. Their insights shed light on how trust shapes strong collaboration in modern game development. The exchange highlights practical approaches to maintaining sustainable workflows, strengthening cross-disciplinary cooperation and fostering a studio culture that encourages experimentation. With perspectives drawn from art direction, production and team leadership, the episode offers guidance for anyone aiming to cultivate resilient, inspired teams while navigating the evolving demands of the games industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is hosted by William Thompson and they are joined on the podcast by Jousef Gabro, Founder at AmberWing, Anastasia Travova, Head of Art at Toya Play, Gašper Jager, Head of Creative Production at Ten Square Games S.A and Christian Suárez Páramo, Marketing Art Director at App Agent. The conversation explores what effective leadership looks like within the gaming industry, focusing on how strong guidance, shared purpose and open communication influence a team's ability to achieve success. The guests discuss the foundations of building trust, shaping creative environments and navigating the pressures that arise during development cycles. Through broad reflections on practice and culture, the episode highlights the principles that contribute to resilient teams. The exchange highlights how leadership evolves alongside industry demands, drawing attention to approaches that foster adaptability, sustain motivation and support meaningful collaboration. By touching on team dynamics, long-term strategy and personal growth, the discussion provides a wide-ranging perspective on how to lead a great team to success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is hosted by William Thompson and they are joined on the podcast by Daniel Alcaraz, Art Lead and Game Animation Director at Rovio, Renan Leser, Creative Art Director at Atlas Studios and Sudha Kumar Selvaraj, Lead Animator at Nolimit City. The conversation explores how communication shapes art direction, animation workflows and collaborative creativity across modern game development. By examining how ideas move between teams and disciplines, the discussion provides a broad view of how clarity and shared vision influence efficient production. The guests reflect on the relationship between communication and artistic problem solving, offering insight into how teams maintain cohesion through complex pipelines. The exchange highlights evolving practices within the gaming industry, drawing attention to the role of communication in fostering adaptability and supporting stronger visual storytelling. As the episode moves through themes of leadership, creative alignment and production culture, it underlines how intentional communication strengthens both artistic outcomes and long-term development strategies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is hosted by William Thompson and they are joined on the podcast by Douglas Kaufman, Design Director, Dmitriy Temchenko, UI/UX Design Director at Spearsoft, Adrian Fuentes, Design Director at GSC Game World and Haz Dulull, Founder and Creative Game Director at Beyond the Pixels. The conversation explores how creative leaders think about game design at the earliest stages and what new designers should understand before starting their journey. The guests discuss the foundations of strong ideas, the importance of clarity in early prototypes and the collaborative nature of shaping interactive experiences. Listeners gain an overview of how vision, systems thinking and team communication intertwine during the formative stages of development. The exchange highlights evolving expectations across the gaming industry, including shifts in player behaviour, the growing relevance of UI and UX principles and the influence of emerging tools. By touching on production workflows and creative problem solving, the discussion offers a broad and practical introduction to game design while keeping focus on sustainable practices and long-term craft. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is hosted by Harvey Anderson and they are joined on the podcast by Jingna Zhu, Producer at Sharkmob, Thijs Schipper, Game Design Director at Total Mayhem Games, George Leonard Heim, Project Lead at Amber Studio and Aleksandar Filipov, Studio Lead Game Designer at Beast Burst.The conversation explores how modern studios navigate shifting expectations around game as a service, touching on the evolving nature of player communities and the demands of continual content delivery. The guests outline how development teams balance creative ambition with long-term support while maintaining agility in an increasingly competitive market.The exchange highlights trends shaping contemporary production workflows, including cross-disciplinary collaboration, live balancing and sustainable design strategies. As the discussion broadens, it offers insight into how studios manage scalability, integrate feedback loops and refine operational processes to keep games thriving post-launch. By considering both technical and creative perspectives, the episode sheds light on how service-driven models continue to influence the wider gaming landscape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is hosted by William Thompson and they are joined on the podcast by Om Tandon, Senior Manager UX at Nordeus, Marco Furtado, Art Director at Wildlife Studios and Roman Herasymenko, Producer at Burny Games.The conversation explores what enables strong teams to deliver exceptional games, focusing on the structures and behaviours that support creative collaboration. The guests reflect on how shared purpose, open communication and aligned values help teams navigate complex development cycles while maintaining a high standard of craft. This wider look at team culture is grounded in practical considerations relevant to studios of all sizes.The exchange highlights approaches that foster mutual trust, collective problem solving and adaptive thinking. It also examines how leadership, workflow clarity and cross-disciplinary understanding contribute to long-term performance. With the topic of great teams running throughout, the episode offers a balanced perspective on building supportive environments where talent can thrive and ambitious game projects can succeed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is hosted by William Thompson and they are joined on the podcast by Cenildon Muradi, Lead UX/UI Artist at Metamoki, Elvira Kucherenko, Art Manager and May Villani, UI/UX Director at Tiny Wizard Games, Thiago Parizi, Lead UX Designer.The conversation explores how game teams can strengthen their creative processes to anticipate challenges early and avoid production fires. By reflecting on communication patterns, workflow alignment and the importance of clear design intent, the guests unpack how strong UX and UI foundations contribute to smoother development cycles and a more reliable delivery environment.The exchange highlights approaches that help teams stay adaptable while managing competing demands in fast-moving production settings. It also considers how consistent player experience principles, proactive planning and structured collaboration can prevent issues before they escalate. Throughout the discussion, the emphasis on reducing development fires sits within a broader look at sustainable game design and effective creative leadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is hosted by Aaron Reeves and they are joined on the podcast by Luigi Fusco, Game Director at DR Studios, Vladimir Krasilnikov, Creative Director at MY.GAMES and Ben Morag, Director of Monetization at Whalo.The conversation explores how teams approach designing with limitations, focusing on the balance between creativity, technical constraints and production realities. It highlights how working within boundaries can inspire sharper design thinking and more intentional decision-making, ultimately strengthening the development process. The theme of designing with limitations appears throughout as the guests discuss how constraints can refine priorities and improve player experience.Later, the exchange highlights how resource management, cross-team collaboration and streamlined workflows shape more efficient and resilient projects. As the discussion develops, the idea of doing more with less surfaces again, showing how thoughtful planning and adaptable design strategies help teams deliver meaningful, engaging and sustainable gameplay in competitive industry environments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is hosted by Nina Fallows and they are joined on the podcast by Dana Dorian, Freelance Creative Director at Narrative Worlds, Katie Reid, Production Director at Big Farmer and Nicholas Chambers, Chief Executive Officer and VFX Director at FX Chamber.The conversation explores how leaders in the games industry cultivate resilient creative teams capable of adapting to shifting demands, increasing complexity and evolving production pipelines. It highlights approaches to leadership that focus on communication, trust and structured support, all essential for sustainable creative output. By grounding the discussion in practical experience, the guests reflect on how effective leadership strengthens team culture and long-term performance.Later, the exchange highlights the habits and processes that underpin successful production environments, from prioritising clarity to nurturing problem-solving mindsets. As the discussion develops, the theme of leadership development reappears, emphasising how thoughtful management enables teams to grow, collaborate and deliver high-quality work in competitive studio landscapes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is hosted by Harvey Anderson and they are joined on the podcast by Gabriel Chauri, Lead Game Designer at Dovetail Games, Kelvin Moore, Senior Design Director at Sumo Digital and Emil Esov, Game Director at Mad Head Games.The conversation explores how studios approach designing for the player, focusing on clarity of intent, meaningful interaction and the craft behind shaping enjoyable experiences. It highlights how player-first thinking influences mechanics, pacing and usability, all of which contribute to stronger engagement and a more rewarding sense of play. The theme of designing for the player is woven throughout as the guests reflect on how teams adapt to shifting expectations.Later, the exchange highlights the importance of iteration, communication and collaborative design as foundations for effective development. By examining evolving creative methods and the role of design leadership, the discussion returns to how understanding the player enables studios to deliver thoughtful, compelling and accessible gameplay experiences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is hosted by Harvey Anderson and they are joined on the podcast by Lino Claudius, Game Design Lead at Paradox Interactive, Marta Fijak, Lead Game Designer at Techland, Sergi Subirats, Lead Game Designer at DECA Games and Eugen Nicolae Ionica, Lead Level Designer at Gunzilla Games.The conversation explores how teams approach designing for the player by aligning creative vision, gameplay systems and user-centred thinking. It highlights the importance of understanding player expectations and motivations, showing how thoughtful decision-making can elevate engagement and long-term enjoyment. By grounding the discussion in broad principles, the guests reflect on the influence of design philosophy on development workflows.Later, the exchange highlights how iteration, collaboration and level design practice contribute to clearer communication and more meaningful player experience. As the discussion develops, the theme of designing for the player appears again, demonstrating how balanced mechanics, intuitive interactions and well-considered structure support accessible and rewarding gameplay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.