How to Create Innovative Game Designs, with Nick Fortugno

In this episode:Jordan sits down with legendary video game composer, producer, and entrepreneur Tommy Tallarico, whose career spans over 30 years in the gaming industry. Known for his work on iconic titles like Prince of Persia, Earthworm Jim, and MDK, Tommy shares his inspiring journey from homelessness to launching major projects such as Video Games Live and the new Intellivision Amico console. This episode dives deep into Tommy’s mindset for success, offering advice on goal-setting, perseverance, and the importance of networking. Tommy also discusses his approach to creating successful video games and his passion for bringing back family-friendly gaming experiences.Topics covered:How Tommy broke into the video game industryHis journey working on iconic games like Prince of Persia and Earthworm JimTommy’s vision for the Intellivision Amico and how it aims to bring back family gamingInsights into building successful development teams and working with indie developersThe future of video games post-pandemic and the impact of remote work on creativityFor more game industry tips:Learn more about Jordan &amp; Bright BlackListen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!Episode Timestamps:[01:43] Tommy's early career journey: from game tester to game audio[06:30] First big break with Prince of Persia and redefining sound design in games[10:15] Tommy’s mindset on success[13:10] Goal-setting and climbing metaphorical mountains in your career[17:10] Networking and why selling yourself is key to success[20:00] The importance of passion and genuine connection with others[24:10] Intellivision Amico and the return of couch co-op gaming[32:15] How Amico offers a unique digital board game experience[36:00] Working with indie developers and offering personalized development support[40:50] The impact of COVID-19 on game development and team collaboration[44:20] Tommy’s final thoughts on on success and his future projectsResources &amp; media mentioned in this episode:Connect with Tommy on LinkedInCheck out more of Tommy’s workMeet Amico!Connect with Tommy on InstagramWatch "The Secret" DocumentaryThe Secret (Book byRhonda Byrne)<a href="https://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/0671027034" rel="noopener...

In this episode:Jordan sits down with Amy Jo Kim, a game designer, community architect, and innovation coach, named by Fortune as one of the “Top 10 Influential Women in Games.” Amy Jo has contributed to hit games like The Sims, Rock Band, Ultima Online, and Covet Fashion, and has worked on non-gaming products such as eBay, Netflix, and NYTimes.com. She is also the author of “Community Building on the Web” (2000) and “Game Thinking” (2018).Amy Jo dives deep into her concept of “Superfans” and explains why they are critical to achieving market success. She discusses her approach to creating innovative products, how to find superfans early, and how this methodology can scale projects to achieve global success.Topics covered:What are “Super Fans” and why they are critical to getting a “beachhead” in the marketWhy the “Fast Follow” method limits growth potentialHow to quickly find and engage with Superfans to grow your productHow to create innovative projects that scale in a BIG way&nbsp;Amy Jo’s Superfan Challenge: A free challenge designed to help teams identify their superfansFor more game industry tips:Learn more about Jordan &amp; Bright BlackListen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!Episode Timestamps:02:58 Introduction to Amy Jo Kim and her journey in the gaming industry06:26 Combining game design with innovation across industries07:44 The power of Superfans: engaging early adopters to drive product success12:12 Avoiding the “Fast Follow” strategy: learning from copycat games16:14 Testing your core game loop with superfans and early adopters20:07 The role of Superfans in evolving game design22:06 Why tuning the core loop is essential for success25:38 The connection between the core loop and player journey28:22 Using Superfan techniques to build a community34:43 Identifying superfans in casual games&nbsp;38:31 Join Amy Jo Kim’s Superfan ChallengeResources &amp; media mentioned in this episode:Connect with Amy Jo Kim:Amy Jo on LinkedInAmy Jo on TwitterTake Amy Jo’s FREE challenge: Superfan ChallengeCheck out Game Thinking: GameThinking.ioAmy Jo's Podcast: Getting2AlphaBooks by Amy Jo Kim:Game Thinking: Innovate Smarter &amp;...

In this episode:Jordan sits down with Jon Radoff, the founder of Beamable,the creator-centric platform for building live games in Unity. Jon's career spans across multiple areas of the game industry, from building one of the first commercial internet games to leading the development of popular mobile games like Game of Thrones Ascent and Star Trek Timelines. Jon shares his insights on building successful games by taking multiple "shots on goal," balancing creativity with data, and understanding when to pivot or push forward with a project. He also dives into the future of the metaverse and how it could impact game development.Topics covered:Jon’s entrepreneurial journey and how Beamable evolved into what it is todayKey tips and techniques for getting your game off the groundThe balance between iterating on a game and deciding when to move on to a new projectWhy you should get user feedback before you even have a playable version of your gameHow to know when it’s time to throw in the towel on a projectThe future of the metaverse and how creators will shape itFor more game industry tips:Learn more about Jordan &amp; Bright BlackListen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!Episode Timestamps:[03:16] Jon’s start in games: creating one of the first commercial games on the internet[08:26] Moving into mobile games and the creation of Game of Thrones Ascent[10:15] How to balance creativity and data in game development[13:00] The importance of taking "shots on goal" in game design and business strategy[17:53] When to start testing and gathering feedback on game ideas[20:05] Building an audience and gathering feedback before having a playable game[25:22] Lessons learned from Star Trek Timelines and using real-time data from players[28:30] Managing risk and deciding when to stop working on a game[31:45] Balancing iteration time versus moving on to a new project[35:03] Creativity in game development versus pure data-driven design[38:25] The future of game creation and Beamable’s vision[44:43] Jon’s thoughts on the metaverseResources &amp; media mentioned in this episode:Connect with Jon:Jon on LinkedInJon on TwitterJon’s BlogCheck out Beamable:<li...

In this episode:Jordan interviews Joakim Achrén, a gaming entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience. Joakim shares his journey from co-founding two venture-backed gaming startups, including Next Games (which IPOed in 2017), to his current role at Elite Game Developers. Joakim helps aspiring game entrepreneurs launch their own studios and is also an angel investor in companies like Skunkworks Games, Lightheart Entertainment, and Savage Game Studios. He also provides deep insights into how mobile game entrepreneurs can navigate the challenges of game development, from early validation to scaling successful games.Topics covered:How Joakim caught “the bug” for helping other foundersWhat comes between the early validation phase and obtaining data from user behavior within a playable version of your gameThe most common trap mobile developers fall into&nbsp;The biggest takeaways you should be gaining from your metricsThe key to building mobile games that make players want to come backThe balance between “stealing like an artist” and innovating&nbsp;What the gaming industry can learn from Pixar’s creative process&nbsp;For more game industry tips:Learn more about Jordan &amp; Bright BlackListen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!Episode Timestamps:[03:31] Joakim's early career and his journey into game development[06:52] Starting Next Games and working with AMC on The Walking Dead[09:48] The "bug" that inspired Joakim to help game founders[12:11] Biggest mistakes mobile game developers make[14:56] Joakim's view on Game Pass and the evolution of free-to-play models on PC and console[17:35] Understanding the gap between early validation and real user data[22:06] The common pitfalls in mobile game concepting and iteration[27:57] The balance between innovation and "stealing like an artist"[31:45] Building an audience-first approach in game development[36:15] Pixar’s "Brain Trust" model and how it applies to game studios[40:36] The impact of COVID-19 on the game industry and the rise of social gaming[44:20] Joakim’s thoughts on the future of mobile gaming and game developmentResources &amp; media mentioned in this episode:Connect with Joakim Achrén:Joakim on LinkedInJoakim on TwitterJoakim’s BlogLearn more about Elite Game Developers:Elite Game Developers WebsiteBooks mentioned:Creativity, Inc.

In this episode:Jordan sits down with Tadhg Kelly, an experienced consultant specializing in augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and video games, with a rich background in game design and production. Tadhg has held significant roles at notable companies like BSkyB, Lionhead Studios, Climax Studios, and Mobile Game Doctor. His work spans a variety of game projects, from board games and live-action role-playing games to large-scale PC games and innovative AR/VR technologies. In this episode, Tadhg shares his journey from game designer to consultant, offering invaluable insights into the industry's evolution and the lessons he has learned along the way.Topics covered:Tadhg’s transition from game designer to consultant and the lessons he learned along the wayUnderstanding the "Sexy/Worthy Trap" and how to use it to your advantage in game designBalancing speed-to-market against feature development in game projectsThe benefit of having diverse skill sets in the gaming industryCommon mistakes made in the early stages of game developmentThe value of letting your game developer do their jobFor more game industry tips:Learn more about Jordan &amp; Bright BlackListen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!Timestamps:[03:04] Tadhg’s journey from game designer to consultant[06:15] Lessons learned from working on various game projects[09:47] Examples of “cliff projects” and challenges in game development[13:00] Consulting and transitioning from traditional game development[17:19] The “Sexy / Worthy Trap” and how it influences successful games[22:27] Simple mistakes in the early stages of game development[24:06] Why assumptions about gameplay and player psychology can lead to failure[26:57] The importance of being “sexy” rather than “worthy” in game development[30:09] Writing game design documentation and focusing on the user experience[36:30] Lessons from working on platforms like OUYA and Magic Leap[44:43] Tadhg’s thoughts on consulting and what’s next in the game industryResources &amp; media mentioned in this episode:Connect with Tadhg:LinkedInWork with Tadhg at Mobile Game DoctorRead the What Games Are Blog<a...

In this episode:Jordan interviews Travis Boatman, CEO and co-founder of Carbonated, a mobile game studio based in LA. Travis is a 25-year veteran of the game industry, with over 20 years of experience in mobile games. He has previously served as SVP of Mobile at Zynga and Electronic Arts (EA), where he led global studios and mobile game strategy. Travis discusses his entrepreneurial journey, the pillars of a successful studio, and his approach to building games in a rapidly evolving market.Topics covered:Travis’s journey from producer to Senior VP and eventually founding his own studioThe three essential pillars of the game industryHow to follow customer feedback toward successHow the game industry is similar to stand up comedyThe importance of embracing new technologies continuouslyWhat sets successful LiveOps games apart from othersFor more game industry tips:Learn more about Jordan &amp; Bright BlackListen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!Timestamps:[03:02] Travis’ journey from game producer to running Carbonated[06:15] The three pillars of the game industry[10:42] How technology drives game mechanics and innovation[13:38] Why staying updated on technology trends is crucial for long-term success[15:18] Starting Carbonated and the role of a strong technical co-founder[24:39] The impact of mobile on high-quality games like Call of Duty and Fortnite[27:27] Strategies for building a two-product studio and managing team morale[33:38] Understanding player feedback through platforms like Reddit and Discord[37:00] Why trying to appeal to everyone in game design often leads to failure[38:35] Travis’ thoughts on keeping focus in game developmentResources &amp; media mentioned in this episode:Connect with Travis Boatman:LinkedInTwitterLearn more about Carbonated:WebsiteTwitterDiscord<a...

In this episode:Jordan sits down with Nick Fortugno, an entrepreneur, game designer, and interactive narrative expert. Nick is the co-founder and Chief Creative Officer at Playmatics, a company known for creating innovative digital and real-world experiences for top organizations like Pro Publica, Red Bull, AMC (including the CableFAX award-winning Breaking Bad: The Interrogation), Disney, the American Museum of Natural History, and more. Nick also teaches at Parsons School of Design, where he's helped shape their game design curriculum.Topics covered:Nick’s journey from intern to Founder and Chief Creative Officer at PlaymaticsKey lessons on keeping a game studio afloat and competitive in a crowded marketThe game-changing principles of game design he’s picked up over the course of his career“Failing up” in game design: how mistakes fuel innovationThe MDA framework (Mechanics, Dynamics, Aesthetics) as an approach to game design and how he utilizes this techniqueWhat Nick looks for when hiring game designers and producers: what’s taught in school vs. what needs to be cultivatedThe role of artificial intelligence in the future of gaming technologyFor more game industry tips:Learn more about Jordan &amp; Bright BlackListen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!Episode Timestamps:[03:29] Nick’s early career and transition into game design[06:35] The foundation and evolution of Playmatics[08:02] The two key lessons that helped Playmatics survive and thrive[11:36] Innovative game design approach at Playmatics[16:09] How game genres evolve and how designers can think beyond genre constraints[19:40] The value of early prototypes and using failure to innovate[21:00] Using MDA as a approach to game design[24:29] What Nick looks for when hiring game designers and producers[28:56] The role of AI and machine learning in future game development[34:25] How social gaming has grown during the pandemicResources &amp; media mentioned in this episode:Connect with Nick Fortugno:LinkedInTwitterLearn more about Playmatics:WebsiteCheck out the <a...

In this episode:Jordan interviews Emma-Jane MacKinnon-Lee, a dynamic innovator at the intersection of gaming, web3, and digital fashion. Emma-Jane is the founder of DIGITALAX, the pioneer digital fashion NFT protocol and marketplace for gaming and esports. In this episode, she discusses how web3 technologies like NFTs, cryptocurrency, and decentralization are transforming the gaming industry. Emma-Jane dives deep into the metaverse and discusses how the game industry stands to be disrupted during the rise of ”web3” technologies that enable digital scarcity, decentralization, and interoperability.&nbsp;Topics covered:Emma-Jane’s journey from space engineering to founding DIGITALAXThe intersection of gaming, fashion, and NFTs in web3The challenges of interoperability in digital fashion and gamingHow NFTs and cryptocurrency bring value to in-game assetsThe potential of web3 to create sustainable careers for indie game developersAdvice for game developers looking to enter the NFT spaceFor more game industry tips:Learn more about Jordan &amp; Bright BlackListen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!Timestamps:[03:15] Emma-Jane's journey from space engineering to gaming and NFTs[06:28] What DIGITALAX is and how it relates to the game industry[09:05] What Ethereum is and its relevance to gaming and NFTs[11:50] Layer two solutions: Making Ethereum scalable and sustainable[14:24] The rise of the metaverse and its impact on digital economies[16:58] How NFTs create interoperability and value across different digital ecosystems[22:04] Challenges of interoperability between different games and environments[24:27] How decentralized value systems (NFTs and blockchain) empower game developers[30:29] The importance of programmable incentives in building gaming ecosystems[33:23] The role of mod culture in gaming and digital fashion[44:04] Emma-Jane’s advice for developers entering the NFT spaceResources &amp; media mentioned in this episode:Connect with Emma-Jane MacKinnon-Lee:TwitterLearn more about DIGITALAX:DIGITALAXDiscordGames &amp; companies...

In this episode:Jordan sits down with Colm Larkin, a programmer, game designer, and board game enthusiast. He is the founder of Gambrinous and creator of indie hits Guild of Dungeoneering and Cardpocalypse. Colm has recently been appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at IMIRT, the Irish Game Makers Association. In this interview, Colm shares his inspiring journey from part-time game developer to full-time studio owner and discusses the lessons learned along the way.Topics covered:Colm’s transition from part-time to full-time game developmentThe importance of conquering perfectionism when building your gameWhat helped Colm the most in getting his first game off the groundHow to know when it’s time to start expanding your team as an indie developerTo animate or not to animate? The impacts of art on your creation processHow to set yourself up for success when it comes to seeking out a publisher&nbsp;For more game industry tips:Learn more about Jordan &amp; Bright BlackListen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!Timestamps:[04:51] Colm’s journey from part-time game dev to full-time studio owner[06:18] The "One Game a Month" challenge and the early development of Guild of Dungeoneering[10:41] Overcoming perfectionism and finishing projects[17:15] How Colm knew it was time to expand the team19:04 Managing time and being productive as an indie developer20:47 Partnering with an artist and how it transformed Guild of Dungeoneering[22:59] How unique art styles can help indie games stand out[28:02] Early marketing strategies and pre-order success[30:06] Advice on working with publishers and finding the right fit[34:48] Colm’s thoughts on oversharing and working on a “secret” projectResources &amp; media mentioned in this episode:Connect with Colm Larkin:LinkedInTwitterLearn more about Gambrinous:WebsiteCheck out the announcement of Colm’s Secret Project!Watch Colm’s talk: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4xiOv36tP0" rel="noopener

Playmakers is back with a brand new season by and for game industry professionals. We're bringing you actionable insights you can use to grow in your career, make better games, and improve your game industry business. The pandemic has been called "The Great Accelerator" and it's important to stay on top of where the industry is going. That's why we're bringing you an amazing variety of game industry leaders and legends to light the way. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast wherever you love to listen and head to www.playmakerspodcast.com to check out even more resources and episodes. We're really proud and excited to show you what we've been cooking up. Game on.&nbsp;