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From Rubik's Cube Champion to Game Development: Toby Mao's Journey

Dec 19, 2023

In this captivating conversation, Toby Mao, the co-founder of Tobiko Data and Rubik's Cube record holder, shares his diverse journey from game development to leading roles at Airbnb and Netflix. Topics discussed include Rubik's Cube, monetizing games, 18XX board games, programming challenges, and Toby's competitive nature. Check out Toby's game: 18XX - https://18xx.games

33:27

Creator website

Episode guests

Toby Mao

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Toby's ability to excel in various fields and stay focused on what is in front of him without getting distracted by other things is a key takeaway from the discussion.

Toby's involvement in teaching Will Smith how to solve Rubik's Cube for the movie 'Pursuit of Happiness' showcases his diverse experiences and his ability to seize unique opportunities.

Deep dives

Toby's Fascination with Chasing Interesting Things

In the podcast, Toby's approach of chasing things that seem interesting to him is highlighted. This is evident from his various pursuits, such as becoming a world champion at Rubik's Cube, diving into the world of World of Warcraft, working at high-profile companies like Netflix and Airbnb, and now building his own company. Toby's ability to excel and stay focused on what is in front of him without getting distracted by other things is a key takeaway from the discussion.

Introduction

5min

Working with Will Smith on 'Pursuit of Happiness' and Teaching Him to Solve the Rubik's Cube

2min

Developing Games and Love for Board Games

5min

Monetization, Platforms, and Online vs In-person Gaming

9min

Toby's Competitive Nature, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Explaining the Game

3min

Shikoku 1889 and Siegel Mesh

7min

Motivation and Personal Journey

3min

Are you ready to step into the intriguing world of game development, entrepreneurship, and the pursuit of excellence? Let me welcome you to a captivating conversation with Toby Mao, the driving force behind 18XX Games and a Rubik's Cube record holder. His diverse journey weaves through the set of Pursuit of Happiness with Will Smith, creating 18XX games, to leading roles at Airbnb and Netflix, and now, co-founding Tobiko Data. Toby's relentless passion for excellence, his exciting career path, and his remarkable ability to excel in various fields will leave you inspired.

Play Toby's game:

18XX - https://18xx.games