Rise and Play Podcast

118. Growing Beatstar Into A $125M hit - with Game Lead Charmie Kim

Mar 26, 2024

Charmie Kim, Game lead at Space Ape Games, shares insights on growing Beatstar into a $125M hit. Topics include market research in game development, innovation in different genres, and the importance of diverse team adaptability. Key takeaways: player engagement, strategic genre selection, and team versatility in meeting gaming demands.

38:34

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Episode guests

Charmie Kim

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Direct player engagement is crucial for success in game development.

Market research is essential for selecting the right game genre and staying competitive.

Deep dives

The Importance of Research in Game Development

Research plays a crucial role in shaping a successful game development process. Understanding the market trends, player preferences, and industry insights can significantly impact the direction of a project. By conducting thorough research through tools like Sensor Tower, AppAnnie, and player feedback, teams can make informed decisions that enhance the game's chances of success.

Introduction

3min

Balancing Career and Motherhood in the Gaming Industry

8min

Exploring the Transition from Game Design to Product Management in Mobile Games

3min

Evolution of Design Strengths and Passion for Information Design

2min

Evolution and Innovation in Mobile Game Development

20min

Adapting to Market Demand and Building Versatile Teams in the Gaming Industry

3min

In this episode, we deconstruct the success of Beatstar, from the lens of design and company culture at Space Ape Games, with our special guest Charmie Kim, Game lead at Space Ape Games.

We explore the evolution of game development from first-mover advantages beginnings to the complex, research-driven approach necessary in today's competitive market.

Through Charmie's journey from working on Samurai Siege Live Ops to leading the highly successful music game Beatstar, we uncover insights on how to innovate within various game genres, and the importance of research, marketing, and adapting to the market. Beatstar has grossed over $125m and has attracted over 60m players since its launch in September 2021.

Key takeaways: the significance of direct player engagement, the strategic necessity of market research before genre selection, and the pivotal role of diverse team adaptability in meeting contemporary gaming demands.

01:35 Charmie Kim: A Trailblazer in Game Design and Leadership

06:00 Tracing Charmie Kim's Journey from Fashion to Game Design

15:47 The Strategic Shift at Space Ape Games: Exploring New Genres

20:32 Innovating in the Music Game Genre with BeatStar

32:06 The Importance of Market Research in Modern Game Development

37:13 Concluding Thoughts and the Future of Game Development

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Rise and Play Podcast

118. Growing Beatstar Into A $125M hit - with Game Lead Charmie Kim

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Importance of Research in Game Development

Evolution of Game Development Teams

Diversifying Game Genres and Team Versatility

Innovation in Game Design and User Experience

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts