Nexon’s CEO on Leaving a Legacy, Fostering Talent, & AI in Games
Jan 7, 2024
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Nexon's CEO, Owen Mahoney, discusses his legacy at Nexon, succession planning, and the future of AAA publishing. They also explore the impact of AI-driven software on game development and the importance of learning from other industries. Owen compares himself to the next CEO and highlights their shared view of delivering fun games. The podcast concludes with a discussion on the future of the games industry, focusing on deflationary innovation and the benefits of smaller teams.
Balancing existing franchises and developing new businesses is a key challenge for innovative companies.
AI-driven software and improved infrastructure can empower smaller teams to create AAA games.
Deflationary innovation may lead to a more differentiated and creative gaming landscape.
Deep dives
Legacy of CEO Owen Mahoney at Nexon
Owen Mahoney, the CEO of Nexon, reflects on his tenure and discusses the legacy he hopes to leave. He highlights the balance between managing existing franchises for growth and developing new businesses as a key challenge for innovative companies. Mahoney emphasizes the importance of investing in long-term success and thinking five years ahead. He also shares advice for new CEOs, including the need to actively seek information and communicate consistently with shareholders, employees, and customers.
The Future of Game Development
Owen Mahoney discusses the potential for innovation in the game development industry. He believes that better software tools, such as AI and back-end infrastructure improvements, can enable smaller teams to create AAA games. This shift in development processes can lead to more creativity and unique gaming experiences. Mahoney advocates for empowering creative individuals and leveraging technology to enhance the game development process. He also addresses concerns about job displacement and emphasizes the positive impact better tools can have on the industry.
Implications of Deflationary Innovation in Game Development
Owen Mahoney explores the potential implications of deflationary innovation in game development. He notes that as smaller teams can create AAA games with lower budgets, there may be an increase in the number of AAA games competing for players' attention. However, Mahoney believes this will lead to a more differentiated and creative gaming landscape. The basis of competition may shift from budget to creative talent and beloved IP. He suggests that the market for games could expand as more diverse and innovative ideas emerge.
Transition and Future Plans
Owen Mahoney discusses his transition from CEO of Nexon and his plans for the future. He highlights the importance of a smooth transition and ensuring the company is set up for continued success. Outside of his professional life, Mahoney looks forward to pursuing his hobbies, such as kiteboarding and skiing. He also intends to dedicate time to furthering his coding skills, particularly in Python, Swift, and AI tools.
Closing thoughts
In the final segment, Owen Mahoney reflects on the valuable insights he has gained throughout his career. He expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share his knowledge and looks forward to staying involved in the industry. Mahoney emphasizes the importance of spending time with family and friends and is excited about exploring new possibilities in the future.
Owen Mahoney, CEO of Nexon, is back for another phenomenal conversation – this time on the heels of the announcement that Owen is soon stepping down from the CEO role after a decade of market-beating performance. He and host, Aaron Bush, discuss Owen’s legacy at Nexon, what he wished he knew about being CEO when he started, what goes into great succession planning, and more about Nexon’s next CEO, Junghun Lee. Then the duo discusses how AI-driven software is already enabling AAA games to be made with smaller creative teams (such as Embark Studios’ THE FINALS) and how that shifting reality will have a profound impact on AAA publishing in the coming years. Lastly, Owen and Aaron wrap up by discussing what Owen aims to spend more time doing post-Nexon.
Also, if you haven’t listened to our previous conversation with Owen, which covers how Nexon manages long-lasting virtual worlds and builds antifragility into its business, you can do so here: https://naavik.co/podcast/owen-mahoney/
And here are the book recommendations Owen mentioned during our conversation:
We’d also like to thank Overwolf for making this episode possible! Whether you're a gamer, creator, or game studio, Overwolf is the ultimate destination for integrating UGC in games! You can check out all Overwolf has to offer at https://www.overwolf.com/
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