Paul and Katy Bettner, Co-CEOs of Playful Games, discuss creating Words with Friends, Wildcard game, Alec Baldwin, and terrible MySpaces. They share insights on the gaming industry, dedication to word games, and partnership dynamics.
Words with Friends' success highlights the power of fostering connections and community through gameplay.
Katie's journey from gaming disinterest to industry involvement showcases the potential for impactful game development.
Developing Wildcard aims to reshape gaming experiences by merging player and audience interactions in a community-driven ecosystem.
Deep dives
The Journey of Words with Friends
Words with Friends experienced a meteoric rise when John Mayer tweeted about the game, likening it to the new Twitter, leading to a surge in popularity. Despite initial setbacks and competition from Scrabble, the game's focus on connection and shared experiences resonated with players, fostering a sense of community through gameplay. The success of Words with Friends underscored the power of creating games that facilitate meaningful connections and interactions.
Katie's Evolution in the Gaming Industry
Katie initially had little interest in gaming, but as she observed Paul's journey in the gaming industry and witnessed the impact of games connecting people, she became intrigued by the possibilities. Motivated by the opportunity to make a difference and future-proofing IP within the gaming landscape, she delved into game development, recognizing the unique position she held and the potential to shape experiences beyond traditional game development.
The Vision Behind Wildcard
Focused on leveraging the evolving landscape of gaming content consumption, the development of Wildcard aimed to reimagine how games connect people in the digital realm. Embarking on this journey, Paul and Katie sought to reshape gameplay experiences in alignment with emerging trends in game streaming and viewer engagement, converging player and audience interactions to build a vibrant, community-driven gaming ecosystem.
Collaborative Dynamics: Katie's Role in Facilitating Success
Katie's distinctive role in the partnership is underscored by her ability to navigate and complement Paul's intense focus and problem-solving approach. Drawing on her understanding of leverage and the importance of connecting games and audiences, she actively contributes to shaping strategies that resonate with players and viewers. Together, the duo orchestrates a harmonious blend of vision and execution, propelling their projects towards transformative outcomes.
Dynamic Co-CEO Relationship
Working as co-CEOs, the dynamic between Paul and the speaker involves flexibility and adaptability. When Paul is focused on a specific problem, the speaker adjusts their role accordingly to support the partnership. This flexibility allows them to cover various aspects of the business efficiently, with Paul concentrating on certain areas while the speaker handles complementary tasks. The speaker's ability to seamlessly adjust their focus based on Paul's current priorities showcases the strength of their collaborative leadership.
Expanding Gaming Platforms and Business Models
The discussion delves into emerging trends in gaming platforms and business models, anticipating a shift towards more inclusive and connected experiences. Mentioned examples include leveraging Web3 technology to enhance gaming interactions and exploring different revenue-sharing models. The conversation also touches on the potential impact of broader platforms like Netflix Game Pass, emphasizing the importance of creating engaging game experiences to retain players in a competitive market. These evolving business strategies aim to foster deeper player engagement and community involvement in gaming environments.
Our guests Paul and Katy Bettner are the Co-CEOs of Playful Games. Paul got his start making Age of Empires and Halo Wars. Together Paul and Katy made the leap into mobile founding NewToy, where Words with Friends became one of the most-played games of all time. They’re now working on Wildcard, a game aiming to fulfill the promise of web3. We talk Alec Baldwin, terrible MySpaces and feelings 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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