Starting a Studio, Don’t Give Up, Self Publishing, Being a CEO, and the Gold Rush ‘90s with Brad Hendricks of Blind Squirrel Entertainment

Summary: Jeri Ellsworth shares her journey from childhood fascination with technology to becoming the CEO of Tilt Five. She describes her early interest in science and computers, fueled by her father's gift of a Commodore 64. Jeri recounts her experiences in racing, learning fabrication skills, and self-promotion to fund her racing career. Transitioning to computers, she opened several computer stores, experiencing both success and challenges. After a business failure, she moved to Silicon Valley, using her electronics skills to secure engineering roles. Jeri highlights her work on various projects, including chip design and collaborations with notable industry figures. Her time at Valve involved leading an R&D lab and facing internal cultural challenges, which eventually led to her departure. She acquired technology from Valve to start Tilt Five, focusing on multiplayer AR experiences. Jeri discusses the challenges and successes of running a venture-backed startup, including a successful Kickstarter campaign. She emphasizes the importance of mentors, continuous learning, and pursuing projects that spark joy and innovation. Bio: Jeri Ellsworth is an inventor, product creator, chip designer, and system-level engineer. Her love for invention began with building race cars before working with hardware design, creating a complete Commodore 64 system on a chip housed within a joystick, called C64 Direct-to-TV. Her combined passion for gaming and invention has fueled the creation of many cutting edge technologies, culminating in the creation of Tilt Five, the world’s first augmented reality gaming system. Her vision for the future of gaming is driving innovation for the entire Tilt Five team. Show Links: * Tilt Five - website * Tilt Five - YouTube * Steve Wozniak - Wikipedia * C64 Direct-to-TV - Wikipedia * Valve Corporation - website * How two Valve engineers walked away with the company's augmented reality glasses - The Verge * Alan Alcorn - Wikipedia * Silicon Valley - HBO website * Stern Pinball - website * Nolan Bushnell - Wikipedia * Ham Radio - Wikipedia * 2019’s Global Game Industry’s 50 Over 50 List - website Connect With Links: * Jeri Ellsworth - Wikipedia * Jeri Ellsworth - YouTube * Jeri Ellsworth - LinkedIn * Jeri Ellsworth - website Game Dev Advice Links:  * YouTube - for those who prefer video * Patreon - career coaching through the Gain Wisdom membership * Game Dev Advice hotline: (224) 484-7733 * website - show notes, links, etc. * [email protected] - reach out! * Subscribe and go to the website for full show notes with links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I speak with Brad Hendricks, CEO and Founder of Blind Squirrel Entertainment. Brad talks about his path from working with new game technologies to starting his own company after his previous job at Gamebryo ended. He shares how he and his team landed their first project with 2K Games, kickstarting their game development journey before even having a company name :) Brad then reflects on the ups and downs of being a CEO, stressing the need for flexibility and constant learning. We then share practical advice for newcomers, highlighting the importance of perseverance and staying in tune with industry changes. He touches on the challenges studios face, like dropping game dev budgets and the need to be creative and adaptable, plus thoughts on VR, AR, and how AI’s evolving.  Towards the end Brad gets into some favorite projects, like the highly praised BioShock Remastered, which dramatically boosted BSE’s profile. He talks about recent work with Microsoft and Amazon and remains optimistic about the future despite current challenges. We wrap up urging listeners to support each other and stay strong as the game industry recovers through this dramatically difficult period. Bio: A gaming industry veteran with over 25 years of experience, Brad Hendricks is the CEO and Founder of Blind Squirrel Entertainment, a AAA game studio that creates original content and provides full game development services to various publishers and developers. Under his leadership, BSE has become the top collaborator for industry leading titles such as Disney Infinity 3.0, BioShock: Infinite, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, Borderlands 2, Sunset Overdrive, and Evolve, to name a few. Show Links: * Gamebryo - website * Gamespy - Wikipedia * gamescon - website * BioShock Remastered - 2K website * New World - Amazon website * State of Decay 3 - website * Curt Schilling Lost His Entire $115 Million Career Earnings On A Video Game - Sportscasting website * Grackle HQ - website Connect With Links: * Brad Hendricks - LinkedIn * Blind Squirrel Entertainment - website * Blind Squirrel Entertainment - LinkedIn Bonus: * Midwest Games Discord Webinar: Paths in the Gaming Industry they Don’t Teach in School - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeg3xKiiwJNSNI4HeYUyKWq6ObuqfolefrZIipv0LzO4dC0RQ/viewform  Game Dev Advice Links:  * YouTube - check out this episode with a guarantee of 100% more video * Patreon - career coaching through the Gain Wisdom membership * Game Dev Advice hotline: (224) 484-7733 * website - show notes, links, stuff * [email protected] - reach out! * Subscribe and go to the website for full show notes with links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I speak with Alex Gombos, a seasoned talent acquisition manager who shares her insights and career journey in the gaming industry. Most recently, she supported the game development studios at PlayStation. Alex highlights the importance of networking, building an online presence, and being proactive in pursuing career goals, whether you're aiming for your first job or looking to level up in your career. She also emphasizes the significance of having a clear, accessible portfolio for job seekers in game development. Alex reflects on the industry's current state, discussing the challenges of recent layoffs and studio closures, the rise of indie studios, and the potential shift towards AA games. She also explores the impact of emerging technologies like AR, VR, and MR, particularly their applications beyond gaming, such as in healthcare. Her excitement for the industry's future is evident as she shares her experiences in game development recruiting. Towards the end, Alex shares personal anecdotes about her involvement in non-digital games, including a memorable moment receiving a PlayStation 5, playing Wingspan, and being part of her first D&D campaign. We wrap up talking about her successful LinkedIn series, Ask Alex Anything, where she offers career advice for current and aspiring game industry people. Bio: Alex Gombos is an accomplished talent acquisition leader with over a decade of recruitment experience. She has led recruiting efforts and strategies for notable AAA studios including Firewalk Studios and PlayStation Studios Creative Arts, while also supporting hiring efforts at Santa Monica Studio, Naughty Dog, Insomniac Games, and Bluepoint Games. A LinkedIn top voice, Alex shares her expertise and insights with the games community through her series, Ask Alex Anything. Show Links: * PlayStation Studios - website * ArtStation - website * Amir Satvat’s Game Community - website * Magic Leap 2 - website * Brainlab - website * GameDiscoverCo Newsletter - website * The Last of Us - PlayStation * Man’s Search for Meaning - Amazon * Wingspan - Stonemaier website * Product of Play Podcast - website Connect With Links: * Alex Gombos - LinkedIn * Asked Alex Anything - LinkedIn Game Dev Advice Links:  * YouTube - check out this episode with a guarantee of 100% more video * Patreon - career coaching through the Gain Wisdom membership * Game Dev Advice hotline: (224) 484-7733 * website - show notes, links, stuff * [email protected] - reach out! * Level Ex Jobs - Current openings for advancing the practice of medicine through play * Subscribe and go to the website for full show notes with links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I speak with Ben Kvalo, the Founder and CEO of Midwest Games. Discover how Midwest Games focuses on supporting underserved developers in overlooked regions, aiming for a more sustainable industry, and learn about the upcoming MDEV conference. Ben shares his journey into the game industry, starting with his transition from radio to an operations coordinator role at 2K. Hear his thoughts on the importance of persistence, patience, and leveraging transferable skills when breaking into the industry. He also advises aspiring game developers to be adaptable and continuously seek new opportunities, while encouraging current developers to stay ahead of industry trends and get involved in high-priority projects within their companies. Ben then discusses his decision to leave Netflix and start Midwest Games, highlighting the mental and emotional challenges of making a significant career change. Gain insights into the publisher-developer dynamic, emphasizing the importance of research and targeting the right publishers when pitching a game. Learn about the inherent imbalance in favor of publishers due to the high supply of games and limited publishers, along with his desire for more publishers. Hear his ideas on securing a publishing deal, such as reaching out directly to decision-makers, and how marketing efforts need to be authentic. Discover his thoughts on AI and AR/VR in the future of game development, noting the potential for increased efficiency and innovation, as well as the challenges with these technologies. We wrap things up with his passion for Skee-Ball and his work on some favorite projects, such as Borderlands 2, Mafia 3, and Into the Breach. Learn his key piece of advice on the importance of networking and building genuine connections within the industry for both new and existing game developers. Bio: Ben Kvalo is an entertainment and video games industry leader, most recently supporting the build-out of films and games at Netflix. Prior to Netflix, Ben has worked at two of the largest global video game companies, 2K and Blizzard, working across various roles in the publishing, marketing, and technology end of games and Esports. Ben has worked on some of entertainment's biggest brands across video games and film. He's led film campaigns for Bird Box, Extraction, Army of the Dead, and over 50 other titles. He has also worked on major game franchises like NBA2K, Borderlands, BioShock, Civilization, Mafia, and all of Blizzard’s Esports brands, having helped to publish over 100 titles. Ben is originally from Wisconsin, having graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Connect With Links: * Ben Kvalo - LinkedIn * Ben Kvalo - X/Twitter * Midwest Games - website * Midwest Games - LinkedIn * Midwest Games - Instagram * Midwest Games - YouTube Show Links: * MDEV - website * Into the Breach - Subset Games website * Dark Sky - website * Hive Jump 2: Survivors - website * Feardemic - website * Ryan Reynolds Mint Mobile sale - Hollywood Reporter website * Borderlands movie - website * Mafia III - website * Skee-Ball - website Game Dev Advice Links:  * YouTube - check out this episode with a guarantee of 100% more video * Patreon - career coaching through the Gain Wisdom membership * Game Dev Advice hotline: (224) 484-7733 * website - show notes, links, stuff * [email protected] - reach out! * Level Ex Jobs - Current openings for advancing the practice of medicine through play * Subscribe and go to the website for full show notes with links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I spoke with Billy Basso, the sole developer behind the hit indie game ANIMAL WELL. Discover how he began working on the game as an after-work hobby 7 years ago, and his vision for creating a lush, 2D Metroidvania experience where players explore underground caves, solve puzzles, and encounter creatures with minimal guidance. Billy shares his game development journey, highlighting the initial challenges in both developing and marketing the game. Learn how he initially relied on Twitter/X for promotion until partnering with industry veteran Dan Edelman, which significantly boosted the game's visibility and led to a successful launch. Billy also dives into his development process, including the decision to create his own game engine, and building his technical skills at DePaul, as well as game studios like Phosphor, NetherRealm, and Level Ex. Reflecting on the industry, Billy expresses a preference for smaller, diverse games over massive live service ones. He also shares his thoughts on VR and his dislike for AI-generated assets. Emphasizing the importance of creating meaningful, well-crafted experiences and building things yourself, Billy offers valuable insights. We wrap up with his excitement around the community response to the game and his advice to aspiring developers. He encourages patience, embracing challenges, and seeking learning opportunities. Bio: Billy Basso is the sole developer of ANIMAL WELL. Prior to this he spent the past 10 years programming games at larger studios, including NetherRealm Studios, Phosphor Games, and Level Ex. He also has had graphics work featured in SIGGRAPH. Show Links: * ANIMAL WELL - website * ANIMAL WELL - Discord * ANIMAL WELL - Steam * ANIMAL WELL - Nintendo Switch * ANIMAL WELL - PlayStation Store * Limited Run Games ANIMAL WELL Collector’s & Limited Editions - website * videogamedunkey - YouTube * videogamedunkey interview with Billy Basso - YouTube * Publisher BIGMODE - website * BIGMODE’s Journey from YouTubers to Publishers - GameIndustry.Biz website * Billy Basso and Dan Adelman AMA - Reddit * In Living Color | Fire Marshall Bill - YouTube * DePaul | Software Engineering - website * Handmade Hero - website * Mr. Roper’s Smiles at the Camera - YouTube * Hulk Hogan Racial Slur Scandal - ABC News * Analogue Duo - website * Wired’s Analogue Duo Review - website * Crow Country - website Connect With Links: * Billy Basso - website * Billy Basso - Twitter/X Game Dev Advice Links:  * YouTube - check out this episode with 100% more video * Patreon - 1:1 career coaching through the Gain Wisdom membership * website - show notes, links, stuff * [email protected] - reach out! * Game Dev Advice hotline: (224) 484-7733 * Level Ex Jobs - Current openings for advancing the practice of medicine through play * Subscribe and go to the website for full show notes with links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I spoke with Roxanne Splitt, Associate Design Director at Insomniac Games. Hear their experiences and insights from working on various game projects, including collaborations with NASA and acclaimed games like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. Roxanne reflects on the educational and emotionally significant aspects of working on the NASA project, learning from experts and tackling challenges related to space and human physiology. Hear discussion about the significance of an amazing Metacritic score, sales data, and the impact of receiving recognition for working on successful game projects. We then get into the importance of emotional connection in game development, with them sharing excitement around the impact of player reactions from gamers and streamers. Hear as we stress the significance of developers' intentions to create games that evoke positive responses and resonate with players on a deep level. Listen to thoughts on changes happening in the game industry, live service games, player engagement, and the challenges of predicting elements that will resonate with both players and developers. Wrapping up we get into personal experiences and insights gained from navigating the game industry, offering advice on maintaining a long-term perspective in one's career. Roxanne shares the transformative impact of parenthood on their perspective, while JP reflects on lessons learned through experience and shifting perspectives. In conclusion, we share some personal anecdotes and professional reflections, and the need to focus on the long term perspective of your game development journey. Bio: Roxanne Splitt is a Game Designer at Insomniac Games with over 14 years of professional experience. They got their start working in Serious Games, leading teams to tackle critical, real-world challenges for a wide variety of audiences spanning from doctors to postal employees, and even astronauts. After over a decade working in games for learning they made the switch to AAA, joining Insomniac in 2021 and contributing to Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 as a Combat Designer. They are currently an Associate Design Director working on the upcoming Marvel’s Wolverine. Show Links: * Halo 2 Documentary - YouTube * Billy Basso’s Animal Well check it out! - website * IGDA - website * Level Ex’s work with NASA - ZDNET website * Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on Metacritic - website * Helldivers 2 - website * Final Fantasy VII Rebirth - Wikipedia * Everything is temporary - Reddit thread Connect With Links: * Roxanne Splitt - LinkedIn Game Dev Advice Links:  * YouTube Channel - check out this episode with 100% more video * Patreon - 1:1 career coaching through the Gain Wisdom membership * website - show notes, links, stuff * [email protected] - reach out! * Game Dev Advice hotline: (224) 484-7733 * Level Ex Jobs - Current openings for advancing the practice of medicine through play * Subscribe and go to the website for full show notes with links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I spoke with Keith Plesha, Sr. Recruiter with Krafton Americas who offers valuable insights from his recruiting career. He emphasizes the significance of networking, continuous learning, and staying on top of industry trends for career success. Topics such as interpersonal skills, mentorship, and the impact of remote work on hiring are also discussed. The conversation transitions into challenges faced by current (and aspiring) game developers, including layoffs and the effects of mergers and acquisitions. Keith expresses interest in the decision-making processes behind job cuts and the metrics driving those. Additionally, we discuss the surge in gaming during the pandemic and its implications for industry growth and adaptation. We then get into topics around previous over-hiring, shifts in user acquisition strategy due to Apple privacy changes, and the repercussions of job cuts. The importance of proactive career management, financial readiness, using ArtStation, and maintaining an updated LinkedIn profile is also stressed. Hear some personal stories, playtesting mishaps, and favorite games, along with the importance of resilience and adaptability in this changing field. In conclusion, we talk more about the importance of financial preparedness, career flexibility, and proactive networking. He advocates for staying informed about industry developments, possessing a versatile skill set, and being open to temporary alternative career paths in this current industry climate. Bio: As a Recruiter with nearly 20 years of experience, Keith Plesha has spent the last decade focused on the games industry. He’s currently serving as a Sr. Recruiter with Krafton Americas, supporting corporate roles in publishing as well as multiple studios including Striking Distance Studios, Unknown Worlds, and PUBG Madison. Prior to this role, Keith spent 7 years with Activision and Meta, and loves leveraging his experience to identify top talent and help shape the future of the gaming industry.  Show Links: * M+DEV - website * GrackleHQ - website * ArtStation - website * Amir’s 14 Games Jobs Resources - website * Meta Lays Off More Than 11,000 - CNBC website * What’s Going On With All Of These Game Industry Layoffs - Polygon website * Richard King - LinkedIn * The Psychology of Money - Amazon Connect With Links: * Keith Plesha - LinkedIn * KRAFTON, Inc. - website Game Dev Advice Links:  * YouTube - check out this episode with 100% more video * Patreon - 1:1 career coaching through the Gain Wisdom membership * website - show notes, links, stuff * [email protected] - reach out! * Game Dev Advice hotline: (224) 484-7733 * Level Ex Jobs - Current openings for advancing the practice of medicine through play * Subscribe and go to the website for full show notes with links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I spoke with Sam Glassenberg, Founder and CEO of Level Ex, as we dive into subjects encompassing the gaming industry, technology, and healthcare. Sam recounts his unexpected journey into gaming, beginning as an animator at LucasArts and eventually helping lead Microsoft’s DirectX Graphics team. We then transition to discussing the critical importance of having a portfolio for job seekers, the interesting challenges of working in Tech Art, the foundational value of solid engineering principles, and the innovative ways Level Ex pushes Unity3D beyond its limits. Our conversation also touches on the essential qualities of empathy, adaptability, and curiosity in the gaming industry. Sam fondly recalls working on his two favorite projects, Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter and Gastro Ex. We also explore the role of generative AI in skill enhancement, the unique challenges of movie-based games, and the exciting yet still maturing potential of AR/VR/XR technologies. Sam then shares an amusing story from a medical conference and emphasizes the need for improved medical training, along with his interest in casual and hyper-casual mobile games. As the episode nears its end, Sam provides insights from his recent trip to Kiev where Level Ex is helping assist the Ukrainian armed forces in medical training and his experiences presenting at NATO. He sheds light on the neuroscience behind game design and identifies professional video games as a burgeoning opportunity within the industry. We conclude with Sam encouraging game developers to embrace AI and where to find him online for further discussions and collaboration. Bio: Sam Glassenberg is the CEO and Founder of Level Ex - the world's first medical video game company. Sam leads a team of veteran game developers and designers who are establishing a new genre of medical games: pushing the limits of game design, physics, and rendering to capture the most terrifying challenges of medicine. Offering the only games certified to provide AMA Category 1 Continuing Medical Education credit, Level Ex's games are played by over a million medical professionals. 20 out of the top 40 medical device and pharmaceutical companies use Level Ex game technology to train and sell their products. Level Ex's games are used by leading medical societies - and NASA - to disseminate the latest guidelines and techniques for topics ranging from COVID to Space Health. Through their work, Level Ex is rapidly establishing 'play' as a fundamental force accelerating adoption in medicine.  Show Links: * DirectX - Wikipedia * FarBridge - website * ArtStation - website * SIGGRAPH 2019 Real-Time Live! - YouTube * Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter - Wikipedia * Gastro Ex - website * ChatGPT - website Connect With Links: * Sam Glassenberg - LinkedIn * Sam Glassenberg - blog * Sam Glassenberg - X/Twitter * Level Ex - website * Level Ex - YouTube Game Dev Advice Links:  * YouTube - check out this episode with 100% more video * Patreon - 1:1 career coaching through the Gain Wisdom membership * website - show notes, links, stuff * [email protected] - reach out! * Game Dev Advice hotline: (224) 484-7733 * Level Ex Jobs - Current openings for advancing the practice of medicine through play * Subscribe and go to the website for full show notes with links * X/Twitter - not really using it to be honest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I welcome Alex Seropian, founder and CEO of Look North World on this episode kicking off the 5th (wow, 5th) year of the podcast. Hear as Alex shares insights about his current role, including hosting The Fourth Curtain podcast and his new studio, Look North World. Learn about the growing significance of user-generated content (UGC) in the gaming industry and the potential for UGC to become a major part of the industry in the coming years. Alex also reflects on his journey in the game industry, from his early exposure to video games to the founding of Bungie after college and working on games like Marathon and Halo. We then get into his curiosity about the future of the game industry, particularly in relation to the impact of technology, such as AI and virtual reality. He also raises concerns about job stability and diversity within our industry, emphasizing the importance of building a diverse workforce. Alex then shares his excitement about the Steam Deck hardware and highlights his ongoing passion for gaming. In closing, Alex offers a piece of advice for those working in the industry, expressing optimism about the future of the game industry, and the role of entertainment in people's lives. We acknowledge the fluctuations and challenges within the industry but maintain a positive outlook for its future. Bio: Alex Seropian is an entrepreneur and video game developer who has been creating video games for more than 30 years. He is currently the founder and CEO of Look North World, a developer of games & entertainment for creator communities. Alex started in the video game industry by founding Bungie (Halo, Marathon, Myth). He is also the founder of Wideload Games and Industrial Toys. Alex has held executive positions at Microsoft, Disney, and Electronics Arts. Along with starting companies, he is the host of The Fourth Curtain Podcast, a mentor and advisor to numerous startups, and serves as a board advisor to the Tumo Center in Armenia. Show Links: * The Fourth Curtain Podcast - website * UGC - GamesBeat * Bungie - Wikipedia * UEFN Game Engine - website * Steam Deck - Steam website Connect With Links: * Alex Seropian - LinkedIn * Look North World - website * Alex Seropian - X/Twitter Game Dev Advice Links:  * YouTube - check out this episode with 100% more video * Patreon - 1:1 career coaching through the Gain Wisdom membership * website - show notes, links, stuff * X/Twitter - pretty dormant  * [email protected] - reach out! * Game Dev Advice hotline: (224) 484-7733 * Level Ex website - Careers page for advancing the practice of medicine through play * Subscribe and go to the website for full show notes with links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I welcome Jennifer Javornik, the Chief Partnerships Officer at Filament Games on this 60th episode. Learn about her current role, the company’s connection with UW Madison, and how she transitioned from a traditional IT role into the game industry. Hear about being in improv comedy, learning to be less formal, and how the industry embraces being yourself. We then share advice about starting out, having content to show, testing, and being able to hit the ground running.  Hear about the intricacies of doing client work, opportunities to work in marketing, and the importance of being flexible in this industry. We then get into teamwork, communication skills, and one of her favorite projects, iCivics.org. Learn about industry consolidation concerns, questions about the future, supporting VR/AR/MR, and hype cycles. Our discussion then pivots to a funny story about Minecraft, the NY Times Spelling Bee, and spending time away from games outside of work. As we wrap up, hear about some unusual projects she’s worked on for dairy farmers and pediatric MRIs to help kids, taking care of yourself, keeping your skills current, and the upcoming M+DEV 2023 conference in Madison, WI. Bio: Jennifer Javornik is a video game executive who specializes in partnerships, business development, revenue growth, and entrepreneurship. She is currently the Chief Partnerships Officer for Filament Games, a video game studio that specializes in digital games, simulations, VR and AR experiences for positive impact. She is also a founding member and former Executive Director of the Wisconsin Games Alliance and currently serves on the Unity Global Education Board. Show Links: * What Video Games Have to Teach Us About Learning and Literacy - Amazon * iCivics.org - website * Microsoft acquiring Activision Blizzard - The Verge * Magic Leap - website * M+DEV 2023: Nov. 10, 2023 - website Connect with Links: * Jennifer Javornik - LinkedIn * Filament Games - website Game Dev Advice Links:  * Patreon - please support the the show if you find it useful or interesting so new episodes can keep coming out * website * Twitter * email: [email protected] * Game Dev Advice hotline: (224) 484-7733 * Level Ex Careers website * Subscribe and go to the website for full show notes with links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices