Erik Torenberg sits down with Blake Robbins, Principal Investor at Benchmark, and the host of Gamecraft, a podcast about the video game business' modern history. Riverside.fm is a presenting sponsor of Media Empires. Go to https://creators.riverside.fm/MediaEmpires + use code MEDIAEMPIRES for 20% off individual plans.

In this conversation, Erik and Blake discuss Blake's journey and experience working with fan favorites like 100 Thieves, how creators should think about choosing platforms and monetizing, and the value of live streaming platforms like Twitch for gamers and non-gamer creators. Blake's knowledge of the gaming industry and creator economy makes this episode a worthwhile watch for gaming aficionados, streamers, and creators on any platform.

RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

🎙️ECON 102 W/ NOAH SMITH - Keeping econ entertaining - Noahpinion author Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg break down business news and politics every week.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1696419056

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6q7Gn5lP8TTtBPuV1NJSGs

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We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.

Media Empires is part of the Turpentine podcast network. To learn more: turpentine.co

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Episode Preview

(00:48) Sponsor: https://creators.riverside.fm/MediaEmpires

(01:50) Blake's majors and minors

(06:25) Blake's reflection on hype cycles and where he's looking to now as an investor

(08:24) The question you need to answer to define your moat as a creator

(01:35) What the next evolution of creator businesses should look like

(05:18) More ways to monetize than meets the eye

(19:37) Blake's views on creator equity

(24:35) Compensation vs Value capture in tech

(29:28) Comparing financing ecosystem for creators to VC

(36:11) Waves in the creator economy

(42:11) Which platforms should creators go to?

(47:05) Sequencing platforms when building an audience

(48:23) The value of livestreaming

(51:40) Livestreaming beyond gaming

LINKS:

Blake Robbins' site: https://blakeir.com/

Gamecraft Podcast: https://www.gamecraftpod.com/

TWITTER:

@blakeir (Blake)

@gamecraftpod (Gamecraft)

@eriktorenberg (Erik)

@MediaEmpiresPod (Media Empires)