Riskgaming

Uri Bram, a polymathic creator and author known for his book on Bayes' theory and the game Person Do Thing, joins to discuss creativity and community. He shares insights on the balance between perfectionism and delivering projects, the benefits of immersive gaming for social connection, and how to enhance communication through constraints. Uri also details the art of hosting parties and why building community is valuable. Plus, hear about his innovative olfactory gallery events and the surprising friendships formed via Amazon outreach.

Join filmmaker Kirby Ferguson, renowned for his exploration of remix culture, and Ale Matamala Ortiz, co-founder of a generative AI studio for filmmakers. They dive into the economics of the LA film industry, debating whether AI or systemic issues drive its recession. Kirby reflects on remixing in creativity, while Ale discusses how AI democratizes filmmaking, unleashing new voices. They anticipate the merging of films and games into innovative narratives and ponder AI's role as a quirky collaborator that enhances creative workflows.

Halldor Hardarson, a seasoned China specialist and head of EU–China science cooperation, and Ian Curtiss, a scenario consultant and China analyst, dive deep into the shifting landscape of EU-China relations. They reminisce about early optimism in China's transition and the impacts of COVID on researcher mobility. The conversation highlights the evolving EU perspective from openness to a cautious 'de-risking' approach. They also discuss the balance of power between the U.S. and China and share exciting projects, including Halldor's biotech work and Ian's board game initiative.

Kyunghyun Cho, a computer science professor and executive director at Genentech, discusses the future of AI in research and the importance of understanding causation over mere correlations. Shirley Ho, a group leader at the Flatiron Institute, shares insights on polymathic models that integrate physics and data science, enhancing simulations in fields like fluid dynamics. Together, they explore the rethinking of research funding, future scientist education, and how AI may transform narrow specialists into interdisciplinary collaborators.

Rwizi Rweizooba Ainomugisha, the editor of Wargaming Weekly and a dynamic wargaming designer from Uganda, shares his fascinating journey from building an underground casino in high school to shaping modern wargaming. He discusses the significance of gamification across various fields, the potential of solitaire and microgames to attract newcomers, and the challenges of making wargaming mainstream. Rwizi also emphasizes the balance between serious play and strategic decision-making, advocating for a cultural shift to embrace wargaming as a vital tool for leadership.

Danny and Laurence reflect on their latest game launch, Gray Matter, and the surprising emergent gameplay it sparked. They discuss players’ negotiation skills and how social dynamics influenced clue publication. The conversation shifts to Southwest Silicon, a game about Arizona's water rights and semiconductor industry, highlighting its intricate policy challenges. Upcoming games are previewed, tackling urban automation, critical minerals, and reimagining development institutions with a focus on technology and institutional design.

Pijus Krūminas, a professor at ISM University of Management and Economics and head of the Wargaming Lab, discusses the fascinating realm of wargaming. He highlights how it offers a more authentic analysis of human behavior than traditional methods. Pijus shares insights into designing political economy simulations, the deep learning achieved through bespoke wargames, and the integration of social sciences in wargaming. He also recommends engaging games for newcomers and explains how wargames can tackle gray zone threats and ambiguous scenarios.

Ian Curtiss, a game designer at Lux Capital, dives into the launch of his new scenario, Southwest Silicon. He discusses the intricate balance between chip fabrication and the water crises in Arizona, highlighting the challenges faced by farmers and industries. The conversation covers the dynamics of agriculture and politics, and the multifaceted perspectives on water rights. Curtiss draws from personal narratives and global influences to reveal how these issues shape our future, making it a fascinating look at environmental and economic sustainability.

Dylan Patel, the founder and CEO of Semianalysis, and Shahin Farshchi, partner at Lux Capital, dive into the fascinating future of AI and compute. They discuss the implications of GPT-5 on AGI and user applications, questioning if efficiency is overshadowing quality. The team explores the rise of super apps and innovative monetization models, reflecting on how they could reshape consumer tech. Additionally, the complexities of the semiconductor landscape are highlighted, especially in light of geopolitical tensions affecting supply chains.

In this discussion, Dan Wang, author of the acclaimed book 'Breakneck', contrasts the engineering marvels of China with the lawyerly culture dominating America. He highlights China’s rapid infrastructure growth, exemplified by projects like the massive Medog Hydropower Station. Dan delves into the U.S. reliance on extensive regulations slowing progress, the elevated status of lawyers, and how America can learn from China’s efficient practices. The conversation touches on sociological insights and the balance needed in urban governance to foster innovation.