This (Story) World Exists

The entertainment industry is going through a major transition right now. The players are the same, but new winners are emerging. So how did we get here? Here to guide us is Karol Severin, the co-founder and VP of data at MIDiA Research, a think tank that specializes in understanding media and entertainment markets and audiences through data-driven insight. We sat down with Karol to discuss:​ The growing challenge of earning audience focus​ The tension between entertainment and multitasking​ The importance of engaging with fandom​ And the cultural role of gaming in the 2020s.​

We've already talked about accessibility in Web3 – the notion of making the Metaverse more democratic. Our guest today is bringing us even closer to that (extended) reality. Harold Dumur is the founder and CEO of OVA, a software engineering studio dedicated to democratizing XR sandbox creation for every industry, every brand, and everyone. We sat down with Harold to discuss: The unprecedented user-friendliness of their no-code platform, StellarX What the future holds for UGC The vital connection between AI and hyper-personalization And our shared love of a world-building classic, Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2.

From esports to Just Chatting, few creators are as influential as streamers. And few people know this better than Kelby May, EVP Partnerships at Loaded, a firm that specializes in talent management, brand strategy, and monetization – all through the lens of streaming and the creative class that's making it so wildly popular. I sat down with Kelby to discuss:​ The history of streamers and streaming platforms​ The ins and outs of managing this unique blend of talent​ The evolving dynamic between streamers and the brands trying to activate with them​ And the growing importance of authenticity, immersion, and play.​

We’ve approached Web3 from a lot of different angles so far: co-creation, narrative design, decentralization… but today, we’re talking accessibility. Your metaverse, your rules. But how do we get there? Luckily, our guide today is Pearly Chen, Vice President at HTC heading Business Development & Content Partnerships. I sat down with Pearly to discuss:​ Navigating the limitless potential of “the Viverse”​ The important link between immersive experiences, creativity, and mental health​ The innovation and partnerships helping bring this to life​ And the rise of a new creative class that includes us all

While it's tempting to focus on the future of Web3, this episode is all about metaversal storytelling, and for that we need to look all the way back to the middle ages. Here to help us unpack it all is our dungeon master, Dr. Stephen Yeager, Associate Professor of English at Montreal's Concordia University. Tune in as we dive into: The history connections between digital culture, medieval fantasy, and games The bridges built by Grail Quest, Necromancer, and Ready Player One The importance of protological storytelling And the enduring legacy of Arthurian Romance

Seeing the biggest bands perform on the biggest stage is the best, but we don't all get to sit front row. What if we could change that? What if we could all get front-row seats and, better still, co-create the concert experience with the artist? We sat down with Pixelynx CEO and Co-founder Inder Phull to chat about: ​ Pioneering immersive and interactive digital music experiences​ Collaborating with EDM legends Richie Hawtin and deadmau5​ The shifting dynamic between fans and performers​ And the importance of co-creation in the music metaverse​

From launching the trailer of their new game, Dune: Awakening, to producing the biggest live concert in Gamescom history it was an extremely exciting week for award-winning video game developer and publisher Funcom. We sat down with Funcom's Chief Marketing Officer Erling Ellingsen to chat about: ​ How Funcom acquired the Dune IP​ Their approach to adapting its beloved storyworld ​ The dynamic with fellow IP owners and fans​ And the studio's love letter to metal music with their game, Metal: Hellsinger​

NFTs are divisive to say the least, but there’s no denying their ability to turn artists-for-hire into coveted household names. So, what does this unprecedented new landscape look like, and how are digital artists navigating it? We sat down with LNDMRK Co-founder and Creative Directory Yan Cordeau to chat about: Harnessing the power of art in digital spaces How artists are using NFTs to create their own mythology The shifting dynamic between brands and artists And the importance of surrounding yourself by the right people

Did you know that there is a difference between games, gaming and gamification? Did you know that gamification can be applied across multiple industries? In this episode, Rabih Sebaaly, Co-Founder & Chief Growth Officer, talks about that and so much more:  Gaming ideology borrowed from the game industry What is fandom? How to create rewards based off interaction? The many nuances between GAMES, GAMING, and GAMIFICATION The importance of narrative design What is a game loop? and, Rabih's hot take on the Metaverse vs Web3 Learn more at YHP.CO

This (Story) World Exists is finally here! Check out our trailer and get inspired on all things storyworld. Powered by Alice & Smith, the first episode of our podcast launches August 23. Stay tuned.