The Gaming Playbook w/ Harry Phokou

Want to break into the gaming industry or level up your career fast?In this episode of The Gaming Playbook, Harry Phokou sits down with Alexander Brazie (World of Warcraft, League of Legends, Ori and the Will of the Wisps) to discuss how to actually get a job in games and get promoted quickly.From the power of playtesting and portfolios to insider hiring mindsets and the truth about nepotism, Alexander unpacks 20+ years of experience.Whether you're a student, self-taught dev, or working in QA looking to transition into design, this episode is your roadmap.Connect with Alexander:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-brazie/Discord: https://gamedesignskills.com/funsmith-club/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xelnath/X: https://x.com/xelnath?mx=2Connect with Harry:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/YouTube: ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@hphokouInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hphokouGet exclusive podcast recaps & industry insights: → Subscribe to the Gaming Rally Newsletter www.gamingrally.netEnjoyed the episode? Like, comment, and subscribe to help more developers find us.Chapters:00:00 Intro & Alexander’s legendary background (WoW, Riot, Moon Studios)01:45 How Alexander got his first job in games at 1306:08 What successful game design students do differently09:39 How to network and build real industry relationships13:16 What gets people hired (and what doesn't)17:57 The “barrel” employee concept and how to become one21:07 Why learning to implement your ideas gets you hired faster28:46 How to get noticed as an implementer (and land high-impact projects)35:26 Do game designers need to code to get hired?40:16 How to showcase your work as a content designer43:21 How to show you're thinking ahead like a lead designer45:20 Make your system design work visible to employers49:09 Narrative design tips for students breaking into games52:35 Dumb vs. smart ways to ask for a promotion56:40 AAA job interview tips & frameworks1:00:56 Why a game design degree doesn’t make you senior1:05:30 Transitioning to roles outside of games1:07:39 Why documenting your work will change your career1:12:15 Final wrap-up & advice from me#GameDesignCareer #BreakingIntoGames #GamingJobs2025 #PortfolioTips #HowToGetPromoted

Want to turn your Discord community into a revenue-generating machine? In this episode of The Gaming Playbook, I sit down with Tom Gayner, CEO of Levellr, who’s helped Scopely, Krafton, and even the NFL build high-performing Discord communities. We dive into the most common mistakes studios make, why Discord users are 6x more valuable, and how AI is revolutionizing community management. If you’re a game studio, this is your blueprint for building a self-sustaining, monetized community.Connect with Tom:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomgayner/Website: https://www.levellr.com/Connect with Harry:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hphokouInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hphokouGet exclusive podcast recaps & industry insights: → Subscribe to the Gaming Rally Newsletter www.gamingrally.net 👉 Enjoyed the episode? Like, comment, and subscribe to help more developers find us.Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:44 Why most studios ignore Discord05:48 Data: Discord users = 6x more valuable11:57 Pre-launch Discord strategy15:06 Creating organic player-to-player interaction17:02 Minimum requirements before launching a Discord20:10 What resource investment actually looks like23:04 How Levellr started & why it matters now27:40 AI's breakthrough in community insight grouping30:42 Querying your own Discord like a knowledge base32:28 Fastest way to get 1,000 engaged members34:08 Game/Discord integration examples37:56 Best way to hire a community manager42:32 Is Discord ROI Real or Just Hype?46:16 The Fear of Backlash (And Why It's Wrong)49:25 The Future of Discord in Game Publishing52:34 Getting Insights from Player-Run Discords55:02 Community Advice for Publishers56:18 How to reach Tom & final thoughts#GameDev #DiscordCommunity #RetentionStrategy #CommunityGrowth

Why do most good games still fail today, even with great gameplay?Markus Wilding – former marketing leader at Take-Two, 2K, and Private Division – joins me to reveal why visibility is now more critical than quality... and how developers and publishers must adapt to survive.We unpack how outdated marketing playbooks are killing games, why community building is non-negotiable, and the practical strategies every studio needs to market smarter in 2025.Expect deep dives into:- Why 90% of marketing strategies are stuck in the past- How to use influencer marketing correctly in today's market- How early-stage market validation can save your studio- How to build community momentum before launch- Why the future belongs to "snackable fun" games, not bloated AAA- Practical frameworks for self-auditing your game's marketing readinessWhether you're an indie developer, publisher, marketer, or founder, this conversation will shift how you approach game success today.Connect with Markus:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markus-wilding/Website: https://beyondthewall.games/Connect with Harry:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hphokouInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hphokouGet exclusive podcast recaps & industry insights:→ Subscribe to the Gaming Rally NewsletterEnjoyed the episode? Like, comment, and subscribe to help more developers find us.Chapters:00:00 Introduction02:01 Markus' Transition From AAA to Consulting07:03 Why Visibility Beats Quality Today12:51 Discord, Reddit, and Building Real Player Communities17:01 Why the "19,000 Games on Steam" Stat Is Misleading21:31 The Old Game Problem30:20 Why Graphics No Longer Guarantee Success33:42 Finding the Fun: What AAA Forgets35:00 Why "Snackable Gameplay" Dominates38:48 What Good Marketing Advice Actually Looks Like42:50 Why Understanding Development Is Non-Negotiable48:37 Why Markus Is Optimistic About Gaming’s Future50:25 Connect With Markus#GameMarketing #IndieGameDev #GamingIndustry #MarketingStrategy #CommunityBuilding

In this episode of The Gaming Playbook, I sit down with Peter Fodor, founder and CEO of AppAgent, a top-tier mobile marketing agency behind games from Supercell, Netflix, and Scopely. Peter shares the unfiltered truth about why most mobile games fail to scale, the critical mistakes studios make, and how to win in today's privacy-first, saturated market.Expect deep dives into:- How to test game ideas before writing a single line of code- The role of creative frameworks and hooks in ad success- Why LiveOps is the future of monetization- Managing remote creative teams without losing your mind- How AI is reshaping mobile game marketing and who should be scaredWhether you're a mobile dev, a UA manager, or building the next breakout title, this episode will make you rethink your strategy from the ground up.Connect with Peter:LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/petrfodor/⁠Connect with Harry:LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/⁠Youtube: ⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@hphokou⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/hphokouGet exclusive podcast recaps & industry tips – Sign up for the Gaming Rally Newsletter! http://http//gamingrally.net/Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop your thoughts in the comments.Chapters:00:00 Introduction02:04 The State of Mobile Gaming Post-COVID05:20 The Biggest Mistakes Mobile Studios Make07:35 How Small Teams Can Pre-test Game Ideas10:13 Increasing LTV through LiveOps14:13 Are IP & Influencer Collabs Only For Big Studios?16:41 Testing IPs & Understanding Your Audience18:31 The Power of Creative Frameworks23:00 Lessons from Walking Planet & Player Surveys27:15 Timeless Creative Principles (AIDA, KISS)30:42 Why Most Game Ads Fail at the Hook32:32 Hooks vs. Storytelling: The Key Mindset Shift35:04 Managing Creative Teams Remotely39:17 Frameworks: Who Builds Them And How?43:37 How to Build Systems Collaboratively46:07 Hiring Creatives: What to Look For49:28 AppAgent’s Future & Vision53:39 AI's Impact on UA, Creative Production & Future Roles58:02 Advice to Young People Entering Games59:44 Final Thoughts For The Mobile Games Industry#MobileGameMarketing #GameDevTips #UserAcquisition #CreativeStrategy #MobileGames2025

Ever feel like your writing isn’t landing the way you want? Whether you’re posting on LinkedIn, crafting a sales page, or trying to grow an audience, better writing leads to better results.In this episode, I sit down with Matt Barker, a copywriter who’s helped businesses generate over $3M through content. We talk about what really makes writing work - without the fluff, fake authority, or overhyped promises.- How Matt went from corporate marketing to solopreneurship- Why most people write the wrong way online - and how to fix it- The secret to writing content that attracts, nurtures, and converts- How to avoid the “scamfluencer” trap and build real authority- What top creators do differently to make their writing stand outIf you’ve ever wanted to write better, grow an audience, and turn words into results, this episode is for you.Connect with Matt:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjbarker1/Newsletter: https://www.mattbarker.xyz/newsletterConnect with Harry:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/Youtube: ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@hphokouInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hphokouGet exclusive podcast recaps & industry tips – Sign up for the Gaming Rally Newsletter! gamingrally.netLike, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into copywriting, content marketing, and personal branding.Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:26 Matt’s Transition from Corporate to Solopreneurship09:23 The Difference Between Writing Online & High School Writing12:34 How To Start Writing16:24 How to Get Better at Writing (Practical Steps)23:15 Strategic Writing vs. Creative Writing26:13 Crafting a Content Strategy That Works28:57 Overcoming Boredom and Staying Consistent32:48 The Two Main Goals of Writing on LinkedIn35:43 The Power of Emotional Storytelling in Copywriting39:44 The "Scamfluencer" Trend & Why It’s Misleading42:12 How Long Does It Take to Master Online Writing?45:42 Unexpected Side Benefits of Writing47:35 Matt’s Future Plans & Advice to His Past Self52:32 - Where to Follow & Connect with Matt#Copywriting #ContentMarketing #Ghostwriting #PersonalBranding #LinkedInGrowth

Today’s guest is Lara Acosta, a personal branding expert, content strategist, and founder of Literally Academy. Lara went from being unemployed in 2022 to becoming the #1 female creator on LinkedIn, amassing over 300,000 followers and generating millions through her personal brand. She now teaches others how to build a standout online presence, create engaging content, and turn their audience into a thriving business. In this episode, Lara shares her journey of building a personal brand as a woman in business and the strategies that helped her grow to over 200,000 followers on LinkedIn. She dives into the power of self-promotion, why most people struggle with content creation, and how to talk with your audience, not at them, using her SLAY framework. If you're a content creator, business owner, or someone looking to build an authentic personal brand, this episode is for you! Connect with Lara:LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/laraacostar/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Laraacosta𝕏: ⁠https://twitter.com/LaraacostarInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/laraacostar/Connect with Harry:LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/⁠Youtube: ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@hphokouInstagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/hphokou⁠Get exclusive podcast recaps & industry tips – Sign up for the Gaming Rally Newsletter!⁠ gamingrally.net⁠Chapters:00:00 Introduction02:37 Building a Personal Brand as a Woman in Business07:12 Celebrate Wins or Keep Moving?11:00 How to Celebrate Wins the Right Way on LinkedIn12:49 Lara’s Cohort Launch: The Power of Self-Promotion18:29 Talking With Your Audience, Not At Them: The SLAY Framework23:17 How to Approach Content Creation as a Beginner31:11 Why Visual Hooks Work (and Why People Get Them Wrong)37:55 Overcoming Impostor Syndrome as a Creator43:40 Why Offline Experiences Are the Future of Personal Branding52:01 Finding Purpose in Business Beyond Money

Today's guest is Hendrik Lesser, president of the European Game Developer Federation and CEO of Remote Control Productions (RCP).Hendrik started out selling and writing about games before spending nearly five years at Take-Two Interactive. In 2005, he founded Remote Control Productions (RCP), which has grown from a small startup into a global network of 16 studios, shipping over 400 projects. Through RCP, he helps developers focus on making great games while handling business operations, and he continues to advocate for the industry through policy, education, and mentorship.In this episode, he breaks down the real challenges facing the gaming industry in 2025, from cash flow struggles to why bad business, not bad games, is what really kills studios. He shares hard-earned lessons on studio leadership, competing with old games, and the biggest risks developers need to watch out for. Hendrik also talks about the power of partnerships, how to make remote teams work, and why strong leadership matters more than ever.Whether you're running a studio, breaking into the industry, or just want a behind-the-scenes look at the business of games, this episode is for you!Connect with Hendrik:LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendriklesser/⁠Website: ⁠https://rcp.family/⁠Connect with Harry:LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/⁠Youtube: ⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@hphokou⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/hphokou⁠Get exclusive podcast recaps & industry tips – Sign up for the Gaming Rally Newsletter! ⁠gamingrally.net⁠Chapters:00:00 Introduction02:16 The Reality of the Gaming Industry in 202504:10 Biggest Risks for Studio Leaders This Year10:20 What Is Remote Control Productions (RCP)?16:25 The Old Games Problem: Why It’s Harder to Compete21:46 The Power of Community: RCP’s Approach23:48 Finding Mentors, Building Community, and the Value of Events29:41 Why Bad Business Kills Studios, Not Bad Games34:32 Consensus Culture vs. Strong Studio Leadership40:19 The Role of Partnerships in Game Development43:35 Making Remote Collaboration Work48:06 Why Hierarchy Matters in Remote Teams53:58 Hendrik’s Favorite Part of the Job58:58 Balancing Game Development and Gaming Habits1:05:08 Advice for Gaming Industry Leaders1:06:42 Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Game Developers1:08:40 How to Connect with Hendrik

Today’s guest is Ali Farha, a Senior Technical Producer at Star Stable Entertainment.Ali has helped studios build scalable technology, optimize tools, and even port a 12+-year-old game to platforms like Metal, iOS, and Android. With a background in QA and a passion for tech leadership, he’s all about creating high-performing teams and future-proofing game development.In this episode, Ali breaks down what it truly means to be a producer in the gaming industry, sharing how the role adapts to different teams and challenges. He discusses the art of simplifying complexity, balancing long-term vision with immediate priorities, and the difference between coaching and mentoring to empower teams. Ali also shares his personal journey, from breaking into the industry without connections to building skills that set him apart.This episode is perfect for producers, aspiring game developers, or anyone curious about leadership and succeeding in the world of game production.Connect with Ali:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alifarha/Connect with Harry:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/Youtube: ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@hphokouInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hphokouChapters:00:00 Introduction00:30 Understanding the Role of a Game Producer02:52 Mentoring vs. Coaching: How Producers Boost Productivity07:32 What Makes a Great Game Producer15:10 Balancing Short-Term Tasks with Long-Term Vision32:33 Tough Decisions Producers Face: Saying No and Prioritizing41:01 Breaking into the Gaming Industry: Ali’s Journey44:21 Tips for Aspiring Game Developers49:12 Microlearning, Building a Portfolio, and Networking Tips53:02 Enriching Your Portfolio and Networking59:11 How to Improve as a Producer01:03:04 Rapid-Fire Q&A with Ali

Today’s guest is Alexander Brazie, a veteran game designer with over 20 years of experience and co-founder of Game Design Skills.Alexander has worked on some of the biggest titles in gaming, including World of Warcraft at Blizzard, League of Legends at Riot, and Ori and the Will of the Wisps at Moon Studios. With a track record of building and mentoring design teams, he’s helped ship over 32 projects and is passionate about teaching the craft of game design to the next generation.In this episode, he breaks down how to land your first game design job, what recruiters look for in portfolios, and the mistakes new designers should avoid. Alexander also explains how reverse engineering games can sharpen your design skills and why a strong portfolio matters more than a degree.If you're an aspiring game designer, a student, or someone looking to transition into the industry, this podcast is for you!Connect with Alexander:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-brazie/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xelnath/Twitter/X: https://x.com/xelnath?mx=2Connect with Harry:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/Youtube: ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@hphokouInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hphokouChapters:00:00 Introduction01:37 Alexander’s Journey Into Game Design05:14 How to Land Your First Game Design Job08:10 What Recruiters Look for in Game Designers10:10 Mistakes New Designers Must Avoid15:14 Useful Resources for Game Designers16:37 Reverse Engineering Games to Learn Design22:14 Common Mistakes In Game Design Interviews32:25 How To Prepare For Design Tests And Interviews41:12 Q&A: Action Game Design43:41 Creating an Efficient Website Portfolio44:33 Smarter Ways to Reapply After Rejection46:49 Transferring Skills Into Game Design47:13 Closing Thoughts and How to Connect

Today’s guest is Jacob Pegs, a solopreneur, mentor, friend, and founder of Modern Maker, a coaching community.After years of web development and running a marketing agency, Jacob went solo and built a business that’s served 250+ clients, 2000+ customers, and $3.4M in client sales. He helps people craft offers that sell and create content that actually works.In this episode, Jacob shares how he built a thriving solo business by crafting simple offers and using power writing to connect with his audience. He explains his "Teach, Share, Show, Invite" method for creating engaging content, tips for crafting your first offer, and how to scale a business without stress.This episode is perfect for solopreneurs, anyone starting a solo business, those looking to improve their LinkedIn content, or anyone struggling to create their first offer.Connect with Jacob:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-pegs/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@most_mojoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mostmojo/Free Offer Doc Template: https://swipemymojo.com/Connect with Harry:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hphokouChapters:00:00 Introduction02:00 Jacob’s Unique Way of Writing04:21 The Journey to Solopreneurship09:16 Biggest Mistakes Solopreneurs Make13:10 The “Teach, Share, Show, Invite” Content14:54 How to Create Your First Offer19:00 Presenting Your Offer Effectively23:35 The Role of Energy in Content Creation30:05 Understanding the Mind Reader Effect35:18 Turning Leads Into Customers Before Clients40:14 How to Start Monetizing Your Audience45:12 Scaling a Solo Business Without Burnout47:47 Recognizing When You’ve Hit Your Capacity50:42 The Mindset Shift That Shaped Jacob’s Success52:59 How to Connect With Jacob