The Fourth Curtain

This week’s guest Tim Morten has been putting the “real” in real time strategy for years. Formerly lead on Starcraft II, he’s now CEO of Frost Giant Studios, where they’re making Stormgate, a game intended to broaden the RTS audience. We talk compromises, learning how to make games and Korea’s love of Starcraft this week!Thank you for listening to our podcast all about videogames and the amazing people who bring them to life!Hosted by Alexander Seropian and Aaron MarroquinFind us at www.thefourthcurtain.com Join our Patreon for early, ad-free episodes plus bonus content at https://patreon.com/FourthCurtain Come join the conversation at https://discord.gg/KWeGE4xHfeVideos available at https://www.youtube.com/@thefourthcurtainFollow us on twitter: @fourthcurtainEdited and mastered at https://noise-floor.com Audio Editor: Bryen HensleyVideo Editor: Sarkis GrigorianProducer: Shanglan (May) LiArt: Paul RusselCommunity Manager: Doug ZartmanFeaturing Liberation by 505

Kristian Segestrale, CEO of Super Evil Megacorp, shares insights on mobile gaming's early days, Vainglory, roguelites, and his investment in Supercell. They discuss building a strong company culture, transitioning from gaming to tech startups, navigating challenges in the industry, and evolving game design and business models.

Guest Ted Price shares insights on his 30-year journey in the gaming industry, from Spyro to Ratchet and Clank. Topics include odd jobs, hands-on mechanics, and the fusion of art and logic in programming. The podcast also explores desk setups, security risks in connected cars, remote work challenges, childhood gaming influences, networking in the industry, evolution of game development craft, handling data breaches, and overcoming intimidation in starting new projects.

Paul and Katy Bettner, Co-CEOs of Playful Games, discuss creating Words with Friends, Wildcard game, Alec Baldwin, and terrible MySpaces. They share insights on the gaming industry, dedication to word games, and partnership dynamics.

Our guest Peter Moore keeps ending up on top, whether it’s Reebok, Sega, EA Sports or Liverpool FC. His remarkable journey begins with semi-pro football, veers into videogames to become a father of the Dreamcast, head of EA Sports and has come full circle as owner of Santa Barbara Sky FC. Stories of recruiter calls, a dead Seaman and the Four C’s this week!Visit Peter's new football team: https://www.santabarbaraskyfc.com/Peter's Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/peter_moore_how_my_life_journey_led_to_becoming_ceo_of_liverpool_fcThank you for listening to our podcast all about videogames and the amazing people who bring them to life!Hosted by Alexander Seropian and Aaron MarroquinFind us at www.thefourthcurtain.com Join our Patreon for early, ad-free episodes plus bonus content at https://patreon.com/FourthCurtain Come join the conversation at https://discord.gg/KWeGE4xHfeVideos available at https://www.youtube.com/@thefourthcurtainFollow us on twitter: @fourthcurtainEdited and mastered at https://noise-floor.com Audio Editor: Bryen HensleyVideo Editor: Sarkis GrigorianProducer: Shanglan (May) LiArt: Paul RusselCommunity Manager: Doug ZartmanFeaturing Liberation by 505

You may know not the name of our guest Mitch Lasky, but you absolutely know his work. He created Activision’s third-party business and basically kicked off mobile gaming. As a VC he played a key role in the creation of Riot, Discord, Twitter and a dozen other hit businesses. Longtime partner at Benchmark Capital he’s now an owner of the LAFC soccer team. We talk the role of venture capital, marketing takeovers and more this week!Thank you for listening to our podcast all about videogames and the amazing people who bring them to life!Hosted by Alexander Seropian and Aaron MarroquinFind us at www.thefourthcurtain.com Join our Patreon for early, ad-free episodes plus bonus content at https://patreon.com/FourthCurtain Come join the conversation at https://discord.gg/KWeGE4xHfeVideos available at https://www.youtube.com/@thefourthcurtainFollow us on twitter: @fourthcurtainEdited and mastered at https://noise-floor.com Audio Editor: Bryen HensleyVideo Editor: Sarkis GrigorianProducer: Shanglan (May) LiArt: Paul RusselCommunity Manager: Doug ZartmanFeaturing Liberation by 505

Jesse Schell, a circus veteran and founder of Schell Games, discusses Imagineering, predictions for the future of gaming with AI and mixed reality, and the impact of emotional connections with AI in daily life. From Disney to VR games, his diverse career journey and insights on game development are fascinating.

Susan Cummings, Co-Founder of 2K Games turned CEO of Tiny Rebel Games, shares insights on closing big deals in the videogame industry. Topics include the Petaverse, Rockstar vibes, checkbook fun, and experiences with Patrick Stewart. Reflecting on intense working conditions, toxic culture, gaming industry strategies, IP acquisitions, and AR experimentation. Discusses building trust, remote work dynamics, and the evolution of the gaming industry towards improved treatment of employees and diverse game offerings.

Computer graphics pioneer Lorne Lanning founded Oddworld Inhabitants and made six Oddworld games for multiple platforms including helping to launch the original Xbox. His journey has taken him from playing one of the first ColecoVisions to making animations for the DoD’s “Star Wars” program, to videogames. We talk voice acting, how to get a free Cray and the impact of AI this week!Thank you for listening to our podcast all about videogames and the amazing people who bring them to life!Hosted by Alexander Seropian and Aaron MarroquinFind us at www.thefourthcurtain.com Join our Patreon for early, ad-free episodes plus bonus content at https://patreon.com/FourthCurtain Come join the conversation at https://discord.gg/KWeGE4xHfeVideos available at https://www.youtube.com/@thefourthcurtainFollow us on twitter: @fourthcurtainEdited and mastered at https://noise-floor.com Audio Editor: Bryen HensleyVideo Editor: Sarkis GrigorianProducer: Shanglan (May) LiArt: Paul RusselCommunity Manager: Doug ZartmanFeaturing Liberation by 505

Filmmaker and graphic novel artist Jordan Mechner talks about his successful video games Karateka and Prince of Persia. He discusses using rotoscoping for realism, the Last Express, his graphic novel Replay, and echoes of the past.