The Gaming Playbook w/ Harry Phokou

Today's guest is Simran Whitham, founder and CEO of FORMAT, the award-winning events production and creative agency.With over 8 years of experience in marketing and production across the events, video games, and digital creative industries, Simran has co-founded and worked as Head of Marketing at Tri-Heart Interactive, Head of Player Engagement at Milky Tea, Lead Social Media Manager at The Lowry Theatre, and marketing executive at VR/AR studio XR Games. Along the way, he gained invaluable experience that inspired him to create FORMAT, a leading games industry community nightlife event.In this episode, Simran delves into the secrets behind organizing successful and profitable events. He shares the journey of FORMAT, from its inception to groundbreaking gaming events, and offers practical advice on everything from generating lead flow and tracking attendees to finding the balance between profitability and fun. Simran also provides insights on overcoming challenges, networking strategies, and how to make your event stand out.This podcast is ideal for event planners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the events and games industries. Whether you're looking to launch your first event or seeking ways to optimize and grow your existing business, this podcast is for you.Connect with Simran:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simran-whitham-939957143/X: https://x.com/simranwhithamConnect 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 Introduction00:40 What is FORMAT?1:46 The Origin Story of Revolutionary Gaming Events7:40 Simran’s Resilience and Going Against the Stream9:58 What Makes FORMAT Events Better Than Others12:50 Tips For Starting Your Very First Event18:47 How to Generate Lead Flow Like FORMAT20:41 Strategies for Tracking Attendees and Managing Data24:24 You Win Or You Learn26:46 What to Do When Hard Work Isn't Paying Off30:42 The Importance of Networking and Going to Events35:19 Lesser-Known Events Worth Attending37:49 Simran’s Networking Strategy for Gamescom45:15 FORMAT’s Way To Making Event Business Profitable50:49 Capitalistic and Profitable or Fun and Losing Money56:21 How To Organize a Fun and Profitable Event1:04:40 Advice For Aspiring Entrepreneurs1:07:40 Ways To Connect and Find Out More About Simran

Today's guest is Tarak Ford, Head of Development at Kwalee, a leading mobile game publisher and developer that also creates games for PC and consoles.With over 12 years in the industry, Tarak started in external QA and quickly moved into leadership roles at studios like Lionhead and Crytek. At Kwalee, he’s been key in growing the team from just 20 people to over 400, opening offices around the world, and helping the company publish games on almost every platform, reaching over a billion downloads.In this podcast, he shares his experiences managing global teams, the challenges of growing an international remote studio, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. He offers practical advice on improving onboarding processes, dealing with cultural differences, building cohesive teams through diversity, and more.This podcast is perfect for game development professionals, from aspiring leaders and team managers to studio founders and HR specialists, who want to learn how to successfully build and manage teams in the gaming industry.Connect with Tarak:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarakford/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 Introduction01:04 Tarak’s Day-to-Day Life as a Head of Development at Kwalee02:21 Growing Teams and Starting Remotely03:57 Why Build an International Remote Team05:54 Lessons from Building an International Remote Studio08:40 How to Deal With Cultural Differences10:53 Improving Onboarding Experience for a Candidate14:15 Practical Tips and Advice for Candidates23:59 Innovation Through Diversity of Thought27:12 How to Build a Cohesive Team31:16 Useful Tools for Managing Teams Globally33:55 How to Optimize Tool Costs39:31 Onboarding to a Company's Values and Culture46:26 Tips for Growing a Team for the First Time

Today’s guest is… me, Harry Phokou. I was invited to join Andrew Pappas on the Indie Game Movement podcast to discuss business development. In this episode, I shared my journey of launching a ghostwriting business back in April and offered practical tips on leveraging LinkedIn for growth in the gaming industry. We covered personal branding, optimizing LinkedIn profiles, starting meaningful conversations, and creating content that attracts leads. I also explored consulting opportunities and highlighted the importance of maintaining effort and momentum for sustained business growth. If you’re an indie game developer or industry professional seeking practical tips and strategies to enhance your business development and leverage LinkedIn for growth, this podcast is for you. Connect with Andrew: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpappas-rengen/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/_andrewpappasSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/09Oe1whtHspOllY7DpHlrm?si=7c16add38f3a4cbe Connect with Harry:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/Youtube: ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@hphokouInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hphokou Sign up to my weekly Newsletter for gaming professionals: gamingrally.net Chapters:00:00 Introduction2:04 The Gaming Playbook Podcast3:13 From Business Development to Personal Branding and Ghostwriting5:35 Hobbies and Networking7:40 The Q Box Round: Momentum, Real Name, and Gaming Preferences11:30 The Importance of Business Development16:01 Creating Business Opportunities with LinkedIn21:33 Optimizing LinkedIn and Starting Conversations32:12 Content to Post on LinkedIn40:13 Treating LinkedIn Like a Radio and Understanding the Algorithm46:12 Growth Opportunities for Indie Studios50:53 In-depth Advice on Consulting01:00:01 Final Advice: Conversation Stats, Momentum, Continuous Learning01:03:52 Special Offer and Ways to Connect

Today’s guest is Raphael Colantonio, President and Creative Director at Wolf Eye Studios.Raphael Colantonio has been a prominent figure in the game industry since 1993. He founded Arkane Studios in 1999 and brought us classics like Arx Fatalis, Dark Messiah, Bioshock 2 (co-development), and the Dishonored series. With hundreds of awards to his name, Raphael co-founded WolfEye Studios in 2019, releasing Weird West in 2022. Besides his expertise in creative direction and game mechanics, Raphael is also a talented musician, having composed music for Dishonored, Prey, and Weird West.In this podcast, he shares his journey from Arkane Studios to founding WolfEye, diving into his passion for game development, the challenges of creating games, the importance of long-term teams, and managing a remote studio.This podcast is for anyone interested in game development, from aspiring developers and studio founders to gaming enthusiasts looking for behind-the-scenes insights.Connect with Raphael:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphael-colantonio-658350/Twitter/X: https://x.com/rafcolantonioInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rafcolantonio/Connect with Harry:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hphokouInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hphokouRaphael’s music: https://www.youtube.com/@WeirdWolvesSign up to Gaming Rally Newsletter (Harry Phokou & Ali Farha's weekly newsletter): gamingrally.netChapters:00:00 Introduction2:09 Raphael's Journey: From Arkane to WolfEye5:33 The Drive of Passion in Raphael's Career Choice10:40 Playing Games or Exploring Worlds14:33 Embracing Failure in the Game Development Process22:25 Dishonored 1 vs Dishonored 2: Production Challenges and the Importance of Lore28:00 Balancing Roles: President, Co-Creative Director, and CEO31:32 The Value of a Long-Term Team at WolfEye39:57 Remote Work and Team Synchronization43:54 WolfEye and Their Debut Game 'Weird West'45:37 Practical Advice for Founders49:48 Ways to Connect and Check Out Raphael’s Work

Today's guest is Kshiraj Telang, a seasoned artist and Art Director at Moon Active.With over 20 years in the entertainment industry, including over a decade in mobile games, Kshiraj has worked at 11 gaming studios worldwide, gaining a unique perspective on diverse environments. He began his career as a cartoonist, evolving into roles as an animator, web artist, and flash game designer. Now, Kshiraj leads a talented team at Moon Active, providing vision for the company and its products. He also launched the 'Doodles to Downloads' podcast to give back to the industry and share insights on game art. In this podcast, he shares insights into the differences in work culture between various countries and the impact of these experiences on his professional development. Kshiraj also discusses the challenges and strategies of managing a globally distributed remote team. Additionally, he touches on how to become a better leader and the critical role of decision-making.This episode offers valuable inspiration and practical advice for aspiring or senior artists and leaders in the gaming industry. Andrew Hubermann's podcast about the GrowthMindset: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQDOU3hPci0⁠Connect with Kshiraj:LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kshiraj/⁠Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DoodlestoDownloadsInstagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/kshiraj/⁠Connect with Harry:LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/⁠Youtube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@UCtZBNcgtKJR2NtGct3-cFWg ⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hphokou/Sign up to Gaming Rally Newsletter (Harry Phokou & Ali Farha's weeklynewsletter): gamingrally.net⁠Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:20 Kshiraj’s Career Journey and Podcasting04:12 Lessons Learned from Working Across Cultures06:07 How to manage a remote team09:24 How Cultural Mindset Influenced Kshiraj's Career12:06 King vs. Rovio: Cultural and Work Style Differences17:04 Quality or Iterative Art? Which is better?19:03 How Iteration Affects Motivation21:31 Kshiraj's Way to Enable a Team as an Art Leader28:26 The Vision Behind a Fully Remote Global Studio35:05 Helpful Tools for Remote Work from Kshiraj39:58 Why the Mobile Industry? Its Dominance and Kshiraj's Choice44:16 Advice for Aspiring Artists47:13 How to Become a Great Leader: Essential Traits and Skills54:09 How Kshiraj Winds Down After Work55:53 Ways to Connect and Kshiraj’s podcast56:34 Final AdviceMusic: https://www.bensound.comLicense code: TPMOHN9REZGWEFBQ

Today’s guest is Selim Ozturk, founder and director of The Pixel Movement a global gaming recruitment agency.Over the last 12 years, he transitioned from sales to recruitment, excelling not only in finding the right candidates but also in building long-term partnerships. In the last four years, he focused on gaming recruitment and founded 2 agencies having placed 100s of candidates. The Pixel Movement now supports game developers, publishers, gaming VCs and gaming service providers globally.In this episode, he shares valuable lessons on building long-term relationships, innovative approaches to supporting clients and candidates, and how to streamline the interview process for better outcomes.This podcast is for both current and aspiring gaming professionals, hiring managers, and recruiters.Please enjoy this episode of the Gaming Playbook.Connect with Selim:LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/selimozturkConnect with Harry:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokouYoutube: ⁠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 Introduction03:24 Selim’s Journey into Gaming Recruitment07:35 Founding The Pixel Movement and Its Vision12:20 What Most Studios Get Wrong About the Recruitment Process15:30 What Makes a Better Interview Process18:59 The Importance of Feedback for Both Candidates and Clients28:06 How to Build Long-Term Relationships37:53 How Trust Helps Selim Achieve Great Results47:20 Balancing Empathy and Process in Recruitment58:22 Selim’s Advice for Aspiring Recruiters1:02:47 Selim’s Advice for Gaming Professionals Out of Work1:05:47 The Pixel Movement's Unique Feature1:08:41 Ways to Connect with Selim

Today’s guest is Ferran Punti García, The Breach Studios co-founder and CEO.With extensive experience in the gaming industry and beyond, he was a pioneer in organizing eSports championships for Starcraft and Counter-Strike1.6. He created a successful franchise of PC cafés in Spain and then pivoted to game development, working on Java and early Unity games. Later, he co-founded Kerad Games with famous footballer Gerard Piqué, serving as CMO and overseeing Golden Manager. After 7 years, he co-founded The Breach Studios, where he now drives its success as CEO with their latest award-winning game "Project ST".In this podcast, he shares the highs and lows of being CEO and running your own studio, the challenges of keeping the studio alive, and insights on creating standout games.If you're a CEO in the gaming industry or someone aspiring to start your own gaming studio, or if you're looking to refine how you manage your current studio, this podcast is for you.'Project ST' game trailer ➜ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATjKIKEWBIEThe Breach Studios official website ➜ https://thebreachstudios.com/Sign up for Gaming Rally (Ali Farha & Harry Phokou's free weekly email newsletter): https://gaming-rally.ck.page/newsletterConnect w/ Ferran Punti (Guest):LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ferranpunti/Twitter/𝕏: https://x.com/ferranpuntConnect w/ Harry Phokou (Host):LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@hphokouInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hphokouChapters:00:00 Introduction3:22 Ferran's Background and Journey to Becoming CEO06:37 What is the role of a CEO?10:06 CEO Realities: Disasters and Mistakes16:20 Ferran's Way Through Problems: Resilience, Networking, and Never Giving Up21:26 How to Develop a Game That Stands Out in 202430:26 Are Games Only About Money Nowadays?35:58 Ferran's Decision-Making Advice for Sustaining a Gaming Studio40:18 Ferran on LinkedIn: Networking, Hiring, and the Challenge of Commercial Spam44:40 Advice for Aspiring CEOs49:23 Ways to Learn More About Ferran's Work

Today’s guest is Jeremy Stein, the Co-Founder of TTFN Games and a mobile product leader with specialties in design and production.With nearly 18 years in the gaming industry alone, he's contributed to such well-known titles like Madden NFL, Subway Surfers, and Merge Dragons, transitioning from hands-on game development to strategic leadership and co-founding a gaming studio.In this episode, he shares valuable lessons on starting a gaming studio, product management, team empowerment, and much more.Whether you're a product manager, aspiring entrepreneur, or game development enthusiast, this podcast is for you.A talk with Glenn Brace about remote work ➜ https://open.spotify.com/episode/1oY5NZbY6NyxHYG2FvkXad?si=e1aea8be10034efb&nd=1&dlsi=319157fde87f4944Connect w/ Jeremy Stein (Guest):LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-stein-81b1784/Connect with Harry:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@UCtZBNcgtKJR2NtGct3-cFWgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hphokouChapters00:00 Introduction02:46 Jeremy's Nomadic Lifestyle and Career Reflections06:25 Exploring the Role of Product in Game Development10:30 Should CEOs Oversee Every Decision and Have the Final Say?14:21 How Jeremy Empowers Teams in Decision-Making18:40 Problem Solving Over Task Assigning21:04 Challenges in Implementing Autonomy in Larger Studios26:56 Jeremy's Hard-Won Lessons: Insights for New Product Managers33:34 The Joy of Seeing Ideas Come to Life and How a Leader Enables That37:20 Encouraging Introverts to Share Ideas44:02 Jeremy's Journey of Starting a Game Studio49:37 Building Confidence to Launch a Startup56:48 The Role of Resilience in Founding a Studio59:18 The Value of LinkedIn for Jeremy: Learning, Networking, and Connecting01:02:33 Ways to Follow and Keep an Eye on Jeremy’s Work

Today’s guest is Yahsir Qureshi, the VP and Head of Studio at Sandsoft Games, also an accomplished advisor and investor in the tech industry.He has more than 14 years of unique experience across both AAA Console and F2P mobile games building some of the most successful franchises ever released including Need for Speed, FIFA Ultimate Team, Dawn of Titans, and CSR Racing 2 in Production, Product, and Business Development Roles.In this episode, he shares his journey in the gaming industry, lessons learned at EA and Zynga, and his extraordinary strategies for team-building and studio management.Whether you're a CEO, Head of Studio, a senior or aspiring game developer, this podcast is for you.Connect w/ Yahsir Qureshi (Guest):LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/yahsir-qureshi/⁠⁠Connect with Harry:LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/⁠Youtube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@UCtZBNcgtKJR2NtGct3-cFWg⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/hphokouChapters:00:00 Introduction00:37 Career Moves: EA, Zynga, and Return to EA04:48 Lessons from EA and Zynga That Shaped Yahsir’s Views07:48 Exceptional Philosophy in Team Building at Sandsoft11:44 Sandsoft 's scope of operations: Publishing, Investing, Developing18:27 Unique Approach to Building a Team from Scratch26:13 Reasons Behind In-Office Work Over Remote at Sandsoft28:58 What is the ‘Tribe Format’ and How Flat Hierarchy Works at Sandsoft35:44 Who in Their Team Kills Games and Why It’s Important41:37 Senior Developers and Alignment of Incentives49:31 What is Yahsir’s Role as an Advisor51:13 MENA Region as a Place to Be in Games58:16 Yahsir’s Way of Maintaining Network - LinkedIn1:00:07 Advice for Young People

Today's guest is Alexander Rehm, a seasoned Live Ops Director and a mentor with over 16 years of experience in the gaming, banking, and B2B/B2C industries.In this episode, he shares his invaluable insights on transferable skills, navigating layoffs, mentorship, and the challenges posed by recent changes to the LinkedIn algorithm. Discover how he has supported the gaming community through job support and mentoring helping over 120 professionals find jobs.If you're a game developer, someone battling a layoff, or a project manager looking to enhance your career, this podcast is for you.Connect w/ Alexander Rehm (Guest):LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderrehm/⁠Twitter/𝕏: https://x.com/alexanderrehmInstagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/alexanderrehm/⁠Connect with Harry:LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/⁠⁠Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hphokouInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hphokou/Chapters:00:00 Introduction03:06 Alexander’s Breakthrough into Gaming and Engagement with Players07:30 How Transferable Skills Helped Him and Can Help You Enter the Industry11:27 Alexander's Mentorship and What You Can Learn From It17:36 Top Entry-Level Roles and Tips for Success21:22 Alexander’s Layoff Experience25:43 The Importance of Transferable Skills30:48 Career Growth and Alexander’s Managing Experience34:31 Effective Communication: Key to Alexander's Team Management Success39:50 Alexander's Strategies for Balance and Mental Well-Being49:46 The Role of LinkedIn in Alexander’s Job Searching and Networking54:57 Navigating the Changes to the LinkedIn Algorithm1:11:17 Alexander’s Thoughts on the Future of the Gaming Industry1:14:54 His Insights On Positive Job Market Trends