The Gaming Playbook w/ Harry Phokou

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

The Gaming Playbook's first-ever studio panel discussion features three LinkedIn powerhouses: Lara Acosta, Jacob Pegs, and Matt Barker. Episode Sponsor: Aware The LinkedIn Engagement & Analytics Tool Use code "HARRY" for 20% off at: ⁠https://useaware.co/?fpr=harry ⁠ Lara Acosta - #1 UK Female Creator, runs Literally Academy Jacob Pegs - Founder of Modern Maker, a coaching community. Matt Barker - Author of The Digital Writer - Copywriting Course. Collectively, with over 400k followers, they’ve made $1,000,000s of dollars using LinkedIn. In this episode, the panel and host dive deep into the art of content creation and building a business you truly enjoy. Topics include using AI to simplify writing, creating connections through in-jokes, and strategies for making your videos stand out in the LinkedIn feed. They also explore managing time effectively, achieving balance, and crafting high-ticket offers, all while avoiding burnout. Whether you're a creator, entrepreneur, or someone looking to level up your LinkedIn content game, this episode is packed with actionable insights for you. Connect with the guests:Jacob: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-pegs/⁠Lara: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/laraacostar/⁠Matt: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjbarker1/⁠ Connect with Harry:LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/⁠Youtube: ⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@hphokou⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/hphokou⁠ Chapters: 00:00 Introductions 04:08 How We Use AI to Make Writing Easier 11:07 Why Celebrating Wins Can Be So Challenging 17:52 Building Connection Through In-Jokes and Comments 26:43 Battling Boredom in Content Creation 30:12 The Unexpected Power of Beginner Content 34:55 The Mind Reader Effect For Writing 40:31 What We Learned Selling High-Ticket Offers 47:46 Balancing And Optimizing Business - Matt Barker Example 56:51 Leveraging Time and Sticking to Your Boundaries 01:04:02 Rapid Q&A 01:07:24 How to win using LinkedIn Video 01:11:01 Closing Lessons

Today’s guests are Lara Acosta, Luke Matthews, Matt Barker, Sam G. Winsbury, and Jacob Pegs.Lara is a personal branding expert and founder of Literally Academy, boasting 20M+ impressions and a #1 LinkedIn creator title. Luke is an AI-driven ghostwriter with 175,000 followers, known for teaching how to craft posts with precision in just 7 days. Matt is a solopreneur copywriter who left a corporate job to build a thriving business teaching others to attract dream clients through organic content. Sam is the founder of a personal branding agency that has built over 150 brands, achieving millions in inbound leads for clients. Jacob is a former agency owner turned business coach who scaled his consulting business to $500K+ annually, specializing in content-led growth strategies.And I'm your host, Harry Phokou, I ghostwrite and get LinkedIn done for you.In this episode, we talk about our approaches to writing, managing leads, and using AI in content creation. We also share tips on building connections, making the most of video content, and deciding what really matters on LinkedIn.Whether you're new to LinkedIn or looking to refine your strategy, this episode has practical advice to help you grow your presence and get results.Connect with the guests:Lara: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laraacostar/Luke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukematthws/Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjbarker1/Sam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-g-winsbury/Jacob: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-pegs/Connect with Harry:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hphokouInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hphokouSign up to Gaming Rally Newsletter (Harry Phokou & Ali Farha's weekly newsletter): gamingrally.netChapters:00:00 Introduction to LinkedIn Live and Mastermind Session04:25 Discussion on Writing Processes28:11 Managing Leads and Contacts with CRMs37:04 The Significance of Vanity Metrics48:35 The Role of AI in Copywriting and Content Creation52:56 The Power of Video Content on LinkedIn54:54 Finding the Right Balance Between AI and Human Creativity57:17 Unique Services and Expertise Offered by Each Participant01:33:57 Writing with AI and Editing01:35:47 Dealing with Difficult Clients01:40:48 Figuring Out Your Offering01:45:07 Understanding the LinkedIn Algorithm01:50:28 Staying Motivated: Long-Term Vision and Outreach01:56:38 Responding to Comments and Community Building02:06:36 Monetizing Content on LinkedIn02:09:36 Building a Niche Community

Today’s guests are three LinkedIn powerhouses: Nausheen I. Chen, Ryan R. Sullivan, and Danny DelVecchio.Nausheen is a 3-time TEDx speaker and public speaking coach helping leaders communicate with confidence. Ryan is a podcast strategist who’s launched 100+ successful shows for B2B companies. Danny is a video marketing expert helping founders turn LinkedIn videos into lead-generating machines.And I'm your host, Harry Phokou, I ghostwrite and get LinkedIn done for you.In this special episode, each guest brings a genuine question to ask the other guests about their business or LinkedIn.With one hour of deep dives followed by a 30-minute Q&A, this episode is perfect for entrepreneurs, content creators, or anyone looking to level up their LinkedIn game (and have fun doing it).Connect with the guests:Nausheen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nausheenichen/Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sullybop/Danny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannydelvecchio/Connect with Harry:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/Youtube: ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@hphokouInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hphokouSign up to Gaming Rally Newsletter (Harry Phokou & Ali Farha's weekly newsletter): gamingrally.netChapters:00:00 Introduction04:26 Preparing for Industry Changes in 202519:50 Expanding Beyond LinkedIn30:39 How Our Offers Evolved48:30 Working on Your Business vs. In It1:03:15 Choosing One Service from the Panel1:12:25 Time Management for Solopreneurs1:17:27 Managing Clients with Tools Like Notion1:18:49 Public Speaking Tips for Daily Conversations1:20:49 Improving Client Research Over Time1:30:01 Multilingual Public Speaking Tips1:31:31 Final Reflections and Audience Questions

Today’s guest is Kseniia Maiboroda, CEO and Co-founder of Elevatix, an AI-powered LiveOps platform built to help mobile games reach their revenue potential.With a strong high-tech and mobile gaming background, Kseniia previously led technical product management for social casino games at Playtika. Over her seven-year career, she’s delivered innovative solutions for top-grossing games, helping clients like Voodoo see substantial gains in player engagement and purchase conversions. From quick SDK integration to fully automated liveops, Kseniia’s approach allows game studios to optimize revenue rapidly, without the hassle of extensive setup or management overhead.In this episode, Kseniia shares her journey of creating Elevatix, an AI-driven platform that personalizes in-game offers to boost mobile game monetization. She explores the real-world applications of AI in understanding player behavior, crafting custom offers, and enhancing user experience — all without relying on personal data, making these tools accessible even for smaller studios.This episode is ideal for mobile game developers, industry professionals, aspiring founders, and anyone interested in the transformative role of AI in gaming.Connect with Kseniia:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kseniiamaiboroda/Website: https://www.elevatix.io/Connect with Harry:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/Youtube: ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@hphokouInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hphokouSign up to Gaming Rally Newsletter (Harry Phokou & Ali Farha's weekly newsletter): gamingrally.netChapters:00:00 Introduction0:32 What Is Elevatix And Why Was It Created?02:47 The Complexity of AI In Mobile Gaming06:26 Analyzing And Understanding Your Players9:00 Is There a Pattern In Successful Games?10:39 Personalizing Offers For Players17:14 How Much AI Is Used In Mobile Gaming Today22:15 Kseniia’s Journey As a Technical Product Owner In Playtika26:20 How Technical Product Owners Boost Studios30:25 Solving Data Personalization Issues With AI33:36 Kseniia’s Advice For Aspiring Founders36:47 What Drives Kseniia To Do What She Does40:26 Tips For Dealing With Layoffs43:30 What the CEO of Elevatix Is Learning Right Now44:52 Balancing Different Business Roles48:05 Kseniia’s Rules That Save Time52:18 Upcoming Events with Kseniia and Ways To Connect

Today’s guest is Alexis Gresoviac, Founder of Ace Consulting Group and former Managing Director at Blizzard, Gameloft, and Huuuge Games.Alexis has been in the industry for 25 years, growing Gameloft Japan from 1 to 150 people and managing $100M dollars in budgets at Blizzard Korea.In this episode, Alexis reveals the 10 crucial things you need to get right to build a thriving gaming studio. From smart budgeting and decision-making to building teams that fit your culture.You are in for a masterclass!Connect with Alexis:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexisgresoviac/Website: https://aceconsultinggroup.biz/Connect with Harry:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/Youtube: ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@hphokouInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hphokouSign up to Gaming Rally Newsletter: gamingrally.net for Podcast Live announcementsChapters:00:00 Introduction1:55 Streamlining Operations For Growth26:30 Smart Budget Allocation Strategies40:23 Decision-Making Frameworks For Leaders50:35 Driving Innovation In a Competitive Landscape01:14:50 Building High-Performing Teams01:27:35 Effective Hiring For Cultural Fit01:38:40 Managing Cash Flow For Stability01:49:35 Crafting a Clear Strategic Vision02:00:00 Creating a Strong Company Structure02:11:20 Understanding Market Needs02:16:00 Final Q&A

Today’s guest is Johan Tjäder, the CEO and founder of RankOne, the top platform for gamers and creators to share their passion for games.Johan has grown RankOne into a platform trusted by gamers and developers alike, with over 1.5 million games analyzed thanks to player-driven insights. His platform helps game companies understand their audiences better by offering authentic, cross-platform data that tracks player behavior across time. By empowering players to contribute their experiences, Johan provides invaluable tools for developers looking to reduce risk and create games that resonate in today’s competitive market.In this episode, he shares how his platform has become a game-changer by providing deep, player-driven insights from over 1.5 million games. He explains how RankOne’s data helps developers better understand player behavior and create more engaging games.This podcast is perfect for game developers, game companies, and anyone interested in how data can shape game design.Connect with Johan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johantjader/Connect with Harry:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/Youtube: ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@hphokouInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hphokouSign up to Gaming Rally Newsletter (Harry Phokou & Ali Farha's weekly newsletter): gamingrally.netChapters:00:00 Introduction3:20 The Importance of Why and How We Play Games8:49 How Data Can Help Get Your Game Published13:27 Johan’s Journey: How RankOne Was Born17:08 Collecting Data from 1.5 Million Gamers21:34 How Companies Can Benefit From This Data24:41 Surprising Insights from RankOne’s Data29:00 How Data Can Completely Change Your Game Strategy35:58 First Thing To Do When Building a Game39:56 Risks of Being Too Data-Driven43:05 Partnering With RankOne To Test Your Game44:50 How It Works: Johan’s RankOne Profile49:16 Ways To Reach Out

Today’s guest is Pontus Mahler, co-founder of Agora Gaming Partners, a global investment bank and advisory firm focused on video gaming.With over a decade of experience in creating, managing, and driving projects within gaming & esports, he's now focused on creating business opportunities in the video game industry and aiding talented gaming startups in reaching the next levels with guidance, and collaboration with investment & publishing partnerships.In this podcast, he dives into the 2024 investment landscape and the rights and wrongs of dealing with publishers. With experience reviewing thousands of pitch decks, Pontus shares what actually works when securing funding and offers practical advice on negotiating with publishers. We also explore the key differences between VCs and publishers, and whether angel investment is a viable option, wrapping up with a rapid-fire Q&A.This podcast is ideal for game developers, indie studios, double- and triple-A companies, and anyone looking to better understand the funding process, pitch strategies, and publisher negotiations.Connect with Pontus:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pontusmahler/Connect with Harry:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/Youtube: ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@hphokouInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hphokouSign up to Gaming Rally Newsletter (Harry Phokou & Ali Farha's weekly newsletter): gamingrally.netChapters:00:00 Introduction01:45 Analyzing Investment Landscape of 202416:17 VCs vs. Publishers: Funding Your Game Development28:54 Are Microtransactions and DLCs Important In Pitches35:26 Do Publishers Fund Only Completed Games Today?38:54 The Dos and Don'ts of Deals with Publishers49:59 Angel Investment as a Game Funding Option59:01 Learning More About Pontus And What He Does01:06:40 Rapid-Fire Q&A with Pontus Mahler01:23:28 Negotiating Better Deals With Publishers and Platforms01:30:05 Presenting Playtest Data In a Pitch Deck01:33:15 Ways To Connect With Pontus