Jesse Schell, a circus veteran and founder of Schell Games, discusses Imagineering, predictions for the future of gaming with AI and mixed reality, and the impact of emotional connections with AI in daily life. From Disney to VR games, his diverse career journey and insights on game development are fascinating.
AI-driven NPCs will revolutionize storytelling dynamics in games, introducing emotional depth and interactive dialogue.
AI algorithms track user preferences to personalize advertisements, transforming marketing strategies.
Health-related games aim to drive positive behavior changes through emotional engagement and immersive storytelling.
Deep dives
Impact of AI on Gaming
AI is predicted to be the game-changer in the gaming industry, with intelligent characters revolutionizing gameplay. This shift is expected to completely transform the nature of games, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of gaming experiences.
Influence of AI in Marketing
The podcast explores the influence of AI on targeted marketing strategies by discussing how AI algorithms track user preferences and behaviors to personalize advertisements. This level of customization aims to influence consumer decisions based on individual preferences and online activities.
Creation of Health Games
The discussion delves into the development of health-related games, highlighting the focus on transforming player behaviors to achieve positive health outcomes. These games aim to leverage emotional engagement and immersive storytelling to drive meaningful changes in players' habits and decision-making processes.
Matrix Management System in Game Development
The studio employs a matrix management system where employees report to both departmental heads for skill development and project directors for project-specific tasks. This approach allows for flexibility and resource allocation across multiple game development projects while ensuring individual growth and project success.
Jesse's Work Routine and Game Development Involvement
Jesse describes his work routine and involvement in game development, highlighting the balance between overseeing the studio and contributing to game design. He emphasizes the importance of studio excellence and occasionally offers detailed insights into specific projects. Jesse's day involves various tasks like one-on-one meetings, business development, and strategic decisions. He addresses feedback levels for project guidance, distinguishing between opinion-based and critical feedback.
Future Predictions on AI and Game Development
Jesse discusses the future impact of AI on game development, foreseeing a shift towards intelligent characters enhancing gameplay experiences. He suggests that AI-driven NPCs will revolutionize storytelling dynamics in games by introducing emotional depth and interactive dialogue. Comparing game evolution to film history, he predicts that games will become the dominant medium of the 21st century once AI enables meaningful character interactions. Additionally, Jesse anticipates advancements in mixed reality and in-home adaptive storytelling, transforming how players engage with game narratives.
A circus veteran who literally wrote the book on game design, Jesse Schell had a major impact on one of the biggest IPs in contemporary culture. Founder of Schell Games (member of the very exclusive “no layoffs” club) and now working on Among Us and other VR games, he has long taught entertainment technology at Carnegie Mellon. We talk Imagineering, chickens and eggs, and very specific predictions this week!
Thank you for listening to our podcast all about videogames and the amazing people who bring them to life! Hosted by Alexander Seropian and Aaron Marroquin Find us at www.thefourthcurtain.com
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Audio Editor: Bryen Hensley Video Editor: Sarkis Grigorian Producer: Shanglan (May) Li Art: Paul Russel Community Manager: Doug Zartman Featuring Liberation by 505
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