Game Dev Advice: The Game Developer's Podcast

On this episode, I welcome Joshua Tsui, game industry veteran and creator of the new documentary, Insert Coin. We start by discussing his current role in experiential design at Edge Experiential, then dive into his journey in developing Insert Coin, detailing his inspiration behind it, the research and interview process, and the many challenges he encountered along the way. Joshua describes working with Kenny Fedesna and others from Midway Games on the documentary, plus shares candid thoughts on whether or not he’s going to make a sequel of Insert Coin or even continue making films.Hear how much harder it is to make a game than a movie, SXSW, and Covid-19’s impact on film festivals. Learn how Midway Games changed in the 2000s and thoughts on the Oculus Quest, Nintendo Switch, Magic Leap, and the HoloLens platforms. Joshua then shares about how to connect with him and the movie through social media, and then I wrap up with a recommendation – go stream this movie.Bio:Joshua Tsui spent over two decades working in video game development as a director on key franchises such as Mortal Kombat, Fight Night, and Tony Hawk. Having studied film in college, he accidentally got into games development and put his Filmmaking career on hold to join Midway Games.His new documentary, Insert Coin, brings him back to his roots with a subject he holds dear. It was released on November 25th and is available for streaming and viewing at selected theaters right now.Timeline:[00:59] Introducing Joshua Tsui[02:23] About his role in Experiential Design[03:38] The inspiration behind Insert Coin[06:14] Joshua’s experience with Kickstarter[08:36] How he did the research for Insert Coin along with lessons learned creating a documentary[10:36] Working with Kenny from Midway on the documentary[15:10] Challenges Joshua had to overcome while making his film -- including his struggles with editing[20:51] How interviewing went easier than expected[23:09] A funny story about interviewing Ernest Cline, Author of Ready Player One[26:47] Discussions of a movie sequel and what’s easier -- making a game or a film?[29:45] The impact of Covid-19 on film distribution and film festivals[31:20] Joshua’s candid thoughts on continuing to make films[33:01] Rumors of Midway in the 2000s along with the weirdness of game development then[35:23] The most used gaming devices in his household, plus thoughts on AR and VR[40:08] How to connect with Joshua and stream Insert Coin[43:06] OutroLinks:Insert CoinEdge ExperientialMidway GamesPolygon articleKickstarterWrestleManiaReady Player OneSXSWVirtual Cinema at Alamo DrafthouseViacom New MediaOculusPokémon GOHoloLens 2Connect:Insert Coin TwitterInsert Coin InstagramInsert Coin FacebookJoshua’s TwitterJoshua’s InstagramGame Dev Advice:*New: Game Dev Advice Patreon – check it out*Game Dev Advice Twitter*Game Dev Advice email*Game Dev Advice website*Level Ex website - we’re hiring for all kinds of roles*Game Dev Advice Hotline: (224) 484-7733 – give me a call with a question!*Don't forget to subscribe and go to www.gamedevadvice.com for full show notes with links. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode I welcome Mehran Torgoley, Director & Writer at Cult Cinema, LLC. We start by discussing a few projects he’s currently working on and how he began at a small game studio outside of Chicago. While sharing what he wishes he’d known when starting out in the industry, Mehran emphasizes the significance of commitment, pushing through hesitation, and passion. We reminisce on our days at Midway Games before diving into useful advice for people going into game development or film, as well as people looking to advance their careers. He touches on the importance of networking, having a great portfolio, being prepared, and keeping your skills current.Mehran speaks on the weirdness of auditions and why he doesn’t want to work on games he’d love to play, then shares how Unreal Engine’s being used in film and TV. He shares thoughts on the relevant threats to the game and film industries, such as massive game updates, COVID-19’s impact on theaters, thoughts on TV series, and the power shift in film. We conclude with some funny game and film industry stories, along with details on Mehran’s experience transitioning from an artist to a writer and filmmaker. Bio:Mehran Torgoley is a Director & Writer, originally from Chicago, IL. After over a decade working on AAA titles at Midway Games, Shiny Entertainment and Double Helix, Mehran transitioned to directing. His work includes feature films, music videos and commercial projects, including the award winning short film, Committed.He has contributed to projects for clients such as Justin Bieber, Fox Studios, and Image8nineteen. In 2019, he co-founded Cult Cinema, LLC. Curse of Aurore is Mehran’s feature film directorial debut, and is currently enjoying a successful theatrical release in Canada. Timeline:[1:00] Introducing Mehran Torgoley[2:04] How COVID-19 is impacting him[2:41] Mehran’s current role and projects plus pivoting from a game artist to film[4:43] How he got started in game development[9:16] What he wishes he’d known when starting out in the industry[13:02] Reminiscing on his times at Midway and making lifelong friends[14:48] Advice for someone looking to get a first job in game development or film[16:49] How he hires people for his films plus the challenges around auditions[21:27] Advice for someone looking to advance their career in game development or film[24:45] Using game engines to create hit TV series and how film and TV is now catching up with games[27:30] Mehran’s favorite games and movies[30:46] Thoughts on the success of Nintendo, the new consoles, and love for Ori and the Will of the Wisps[32:45] E3 and missing the “exhales” of the game industry[35:25] Frustration around massive game updates, COVID-19’s impact on theaters, thoughts on TV series, and power shift change[40:36] Mehran’s candid thoughts on AR, MR, and VR[41:26] A water bottle prank at Midway[43:00] One degree of separation from Bruce Willis meeting[45:05] Working on a mockumentary and a fun dinner with Rooster McConaughey[47:42] Star Wars, Quentin Tarantino’s influence, and his transition from an artist to a writer[56:07] How to connect with Mehran[56:35] Cut to outro Links:Terraglyph Interactive StudiosMLB SlugfestHash Animation:MasterSoftimageCurse of AuroreUnreal EngineStar Wars: The MandalorianMetroidPsi-OpsOri and the Will of the WispsE3 ExpoProp Culture on Disney+Water Sort PuzzleRoom EnoughBlender Connect:Curse of AuroreTwitterInstagram YouTube Game Dev Advice:*New: Game Dev Advice Patreon – check it out*Game Dev Advice Twitter*Game Dev Advice email*Game Dev Advice website*Level Ex website - we’re hiring for all kinds of roles*Game Dev Advice Hotline: (224) 484-7733 – give me a call with a question!*Don't forget to subscribe and go to www.gamedevadvice.com for full show notes with links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode we welcome Jason VandenBerghe, VP Studio Creative Director at Level Ex. We start by discussing COVID-19, his excitement about making games for doctors, and thoughts about the future of game design. He shares his story of breaking into the industry with The X-Files Game and his transition from programmer to producer to creative director at EA. Jason then offers specific advice for people in the industry and those looking to break in while telling about the fastest hire ever made at Ubisoft.He shares intriguing stories on his favorite games so far, including the development of For Honor at Ubisoft and working with Van Halen on Guitar Hero. He speaks about his excitement for this golden age of design experimentation right now, along with threats that include a backlash to diversity and inclusion, engaging with players, and the dangers of self-defeating beliefs amongst developers.Before telling a few more hilarious industry stories Jason shares candid thoughts on AR & VR, and his love for Beat Saber. We wrap things up talking about his two current favorite games that include his must-play “Game of the Year”, along with parting advice to game designers.Jason VandenBerghe has led creative teams for over two decades, developing triple-A games for Ubisoft (For Honor), Activision (Call of Duty), and Electronic Arts (James Bond 007). At Level Ex, he employs game design methodologies, honed through extensive experience in the consumer games industry, to capture the greatest challenges of medical and surgical procedures as video game mechanics.  Discussion Details:[01:10] Introducing Jason VandenBerghe[02:00] Thoughts about pandemic life[03:40] His passion around game design[09:51] The challenges and excitement of working at Level Ex[13:39] What it’s like to work with medical professionals[15:37] How he started in the industry on The X-Files Game[22:00] Going from Programming into Production then Creative Director at EA[24:49] When his annual reviews changed, he knew he was in the right path[26:21] What he wishes he’d known when starting out[28:38] Quality vs. Sales - his NPD discovery[32:14] Key advice for getting your first job and the fastest hire ever made[37:46] How to advice your current career[44:29] Favorite projects so far – For Honor and Guitar Hero: Van Halen[54:51] Excitement around Diversity and Inclusion, which is long overdue in the industry[1:00:36] Threats including the backlash about Diversity and Inclusion, triple-A player engagement, and self-defeating beliefs[1:05:20] Thoughts on AR & VR and love for Beat Saber[1:07:55] Funny stories about Mythic Quest roots and Red Steel 2[1:16:57] Playing the game of spotting Creative Directors at GDC[1:18:36] His love for Spelunky 2 and obsession with Hades[1:21:18] Player psychology and motivation[1:23:19] Why he wanted to be a filmmaker[1:24:12] How to connect[1:24:49] Parting piece of advice – tear down the walls[1:26:28] Cut to outro Show Links:Noah Falstein WikipediaLevel Ex websiteLevel Ex SIGGRAPH 2019 YouTubeThe X-Files Game WikipediaJames Bond 007: Everything or Nothing WikipediaFor Honor WikipediaPlaying Hard IMDb (on Steam)Guitar Hero: Van Halen IMDbUnity websiteBeat Saber websiteRed Steel 2 IGNMythic Quest: Raven’s Banquet IMDbSpelunky 2 SteamHades SteamGDC Engines of Play: Talk 3 YouTubeThoughts on Games for Change YouTube Connect with Jason:The_DarkLorde TwitterThe_DarkLorde websiteJason VandenBerghe Designing the Future at Level ExJason VandenBerghe YouTube videos Game Dev Advice:*New: Game Dev Advice Patreon*Game Dev Advice Twitter*Game Dev Advice email*Game Dev Advice website*Level Ex website - we’re hiring for all kinds of roles*Game Dev Advice Hotline: (224) 484-7733 – give a call and ask a question*www.gamedevadvice.com for full show notes with links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode we welcome guest Clark Stacey, CEO of WildWorks. We start by discussing the impacts of Coronavirus on his studio, how WildWorks came to be, and then rewind to discuss his journey into the game development industry. He gives powerful advice for people trying to get started along with those trying to advance their career, emphasizing the value of identifying and solving problems. Clark talks about some of his favorite games he’s worked on and what he’s curious about right now, including VR and his candid thoughts on Facebook’s gaming world. He shares his thoughts on MR and seeing the future in Asia.Clark speaks on potential threats in the gaming industry, like regulations and rapacious business models, as well as what he’s most excited about, especially the opportunity to create high-quality games for kids under 13 and the potential for use as educational tools. We reminisce on some of the outrageous industry parties, like Alex St. John’s surreal DirectX launch event. Then, Clark mentions some games he’s playing right now and shares the story of the (pretty hilarious) crisis WildWorks encountered after launching Animal Jam.Clark Stacey is the co-founder and CEO of WildWorks, and has over 25 years of experience in video game development. His company’s online playground Animal Jam blends social gameplay with STEAM-focused educational content and offline environmental conservation activities. Animal Jam has grown to become the largest MMO game for kids in the world, connecting over 130 million young players worldwide. WildWorks is headquartered in Salt Lake City employs over 100 developers and support staff worldwide. Discussion Details:[01:06] Introducing Clark Stacey[01:53] How COVID-19 has impacted production and prototyping[05:29] Clark’s current role as CEO and how WildWorks started[09:42] How Clark got his start in the industry[12:46] What he wishes he’d known when starting out[15:31] Advice for someone trying to break into the game development industry[20:57] Advice for someone trying to advance their career[24:29] Indie Game Jams[25:42] Clark’s favorite games he’s worked on[28:42] What he’s curious about right now and Facebook concerns[33:45] Challenges for platforms when publishers aren’t supporting it[34:44] Rebirth of Intellivision and classic consoles[36:51] Clark’s thoughts on MR[38:15] Pokemon and Taiwan arcades[40:19] Potential threats to the gaming industry[42:30] What he’s most excited about now[46:02] Privacy, COPPA & GDPR[47:29] The wild Alex St. John’s DirectX launch party[50:17] E3 party wars[52:41] Games he’s catching up on now[54:54] The essence of WildWorks and a crisis they faced after launching Animal Jam[56:59] Where to find Clark on social media[57:34] Clark’s last piece of advice for people in the game development industry[1:01:39] Outro Show Links:*Follow Clark on Twitter*Follow Clark on Instagram*Fer.al*WildWorks*Animal Jam*Unity*Redline*Pokémon Tretta*COPPA*GDPR*E3 Shrinks After Excess*Control*Borderlands 3*DirectX Launch Party*The Last of Us Part II*Pokémon GO Game Dev Advice:*New: Game Dev Advice Patreon*Game Dev Advice Twitter*Game Dev Advice Email*Game Dev Advice Website*Level Ex Website - we’re hiring for all kinds of roles*Game Dev Advice Hotline: (224) 484-7733 – give a call and ask a question*Don't forget to subscribe and go to www.gamedevadvice.com for full show notes with links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode, we welcome guest Chris Hewish, President of Xsolla. We start by discussing Chris’s take on the effects of coronavirus, his new role at Xsolla, and how he got started in the game industry, offering insight into what he wishes he had known at the beginning. He then shares valuable advice for people entering the industry and for people trying to advance their careers in Design or Production – hint: bootstrapping your way in and learning emotional intelligence can help.Chris divulges a few of his favorite games he’s worked on and what he’s excited about, including the evolution of cross-platform play and games becoming their own social platforms. We discuss some potential threats to the game industry and share candid thoughts on AR/VR/MR technology. Some funny stories are shared, a few including odd pets, and Chris talks about his current game of choice keeping him up. The episode wraps up with an overview of Xsolla’s platform, along with some more powerful advice for people currently working in the game industry.“I wish I had known that sometimes there’s more power, not power in a control sense, but there’s more power in being able to move things forward by listening than there is by telling.”                                       - Chris HewishChris Hewish is a multifaceted leader who's worked in both the developer and publisher sides of the business; having been directly involved in designing or producing over 50 Console, PC, Mobile, and VR games. His unique skill-set combines the design and production skills of a developer, with the business and strategic acumen of a publisher; all supported by a servant leader mentality. He’s managed individual game teams, operated multi-game studios, and run worldwide interactive business units at companies like Activision, DreamWorks Animation, Survios, and Skydance Interactive. He loves creating concepts, building prototypes, establishing roadmaps, managing production, owning P&L’s, and being a strategic thinking vision holder who brings the best out of the teams he works with.Visit Chris’s websiteFollow him on Twitter Discussion Details:[01:02] Introducing Chris Hewish[01:30] Dealing with COVID-19 both personally and professionally[04:08] Chris’s new role as President at Xsolla[05:19] How he got started in the industry[11:15] What do you wish you had known when you started?[14:48] Advice for someone looking for their first job in the industry[18:41] Advice for someone trying to advance their career in Design or Production[26:02] Chris’s favorite games to work on[28:38] What Chris is excited about[34:18] Potential threats to the gaming industry[38:08] Thoughts on VR/AR/MR technology[41:13] Some funny stories including one with a pet spider[49:02] Games Chris plays now[50:14] Some details about Xsolla[54:45] Best piece of advice for people working in the industry right now[57:12] Outro Show Links:*Games Workshop*Sid Meier*Bruce Shelley*Vampire the Masquerade*Travis Scott in Fortnite*Creating in Roblox*EQ*MicroProse*Apex Legends*Xsolla Game Dev Advice:*New: Game Dev Advice Patreon*Game Dev Advice Twitter*Game Dev Advice Email*Game Dev Advice Website*Level Ex Website - we’re hiring for all kinds of roles*Game Dev Advice Hotline: (224) 484-7733 – give me a call and ask a question*Don't forget to subscribe and go to www.gamedevadvice.com for full show notes with links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode we welcome guest Bill Roper, Chief Creative Officer at AuthorDigital and Adept Games. We start by discussing the impacts of COVID-19 on work and personal life and rising to the challenge of digitalizing our lives in completely unusual circumstances. Bill emphasizes the importance of taking time for yourself, focusing on mental health and being “family first”. “Games are an amazing way for people to connect via distance, it’s what videogames were designed to do.”  - Bill Roper Bill then talks about bringing his vision of empowering storytellers and giving them the ability to bring their craft into new digital spaces into a reality. He shares about his new role as co-founder of AuthorDigital and his work with Blizzard. He reflects on what he wishes he had known when he started his journey in the game developing industry, as well as advice for people who are in it right now. Bill happily divulges some of his favorite games to work on, aspects of the industry that he’s currently curious about, and even threats he sees. He then shares thoughts on AR and VR, games he’s excited about, and tells a few hilarious stories that he’s collected over the years. “There is no greater return on your entertainment dollar, than a videogame.”  - Bill Roper Bill Roper has been a well-known figure in the global gaming industry for 25 years. Since starting out at Blizzard Entertainment doing sound, music, and voice-over, he has basically done it all. From his nine years at Blizzard Entertainment dating back to 1994, to overseeing Design at Cryptic Studios, to the launch of Disney Infinity, he even co-founded multiple companies, including AuthorDigital. Bill is currently working on his passion of turning storytellers into game developers. Connect with him on LinkedInFollow him on Twitter Discussion Details:[01:04] Introducing Bill Roper[02:19] Addressing COVID-19 and its impacts on work and personal life[05:35] Making the separation of work and personal life + taking time for yourself[08:13] Bill’s new role as co-founder of AuthorDigital[14:10] Work at Blizzard in the early days[20:04] Passion & Money[27:00] What do you wish you had known when you started?[33:29] Advice for people in the industry[38:58] Bill’s favorite games to work on[55:13] What are you curious about right now regarding the industry?[59:32] Threats to videogames[1:09:38] Thoughts on AR & VR[1:12:34] Games Bill is excited about[1:17:10] Funny and odd stories of working in the industry[1:27:20] Last piece of advice for people[1:28:30] Outro Show Links:*AuthorDigital*Adept Games*Blizzard Entertainment*Warcraft II*Diablo*Disney Infinity*Fantasia: Music Evolved*Animal Talking with Gary Whitta*Animal Crossing*Kards*Townscaper Game Dev Advice:*New: Game Dev Advice Patreon*Game Dev Advice Twitter*Game Dev Advice Email*Game Dev Advice Website*Level Ex Website - we’re hiring for all kinds of roles*Game Dev Advice Hotline: (224) 484-7733 – give me a call and ask a question*Don't forget to subscribe and go to www.gamedevadvice.com for full show notes with links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin Mohlman has many skills and projects. With over 17 years in the industry, he’s a seasoned game developer currently working as a Game Development Producer at Epic Games. Hear about his many positions ranging from art instructor, co-owner of a tattoo shop, to managing the social media of Metallica’s bassist. Learn how he got his start in the industry, his projects at Epic Games, Heavy Metal magazine, some advice for current 3D artists, and his favorite projects, like Tony Hawk and Mortal Kombat. Hosted by John ‘JP’ Podlasek (See gamedevadvice.com for in-depth show notes and links.)In This Episode We Discuss:[01:03] Introductions[01:13] Justin’s current projects at Epic Games[03:30] Artist career paths and Epic’s goal[05:46] Justin’s teaching roles[06:49] Code of conduct at the tattoo shop[07:14] Creative Director at The Rookies[11:46] Contributing Editor at Heavy Metal[12:59] Managing Robert Trujillo of Metallica’s social media[14:44] Finding a way to visually problem solve[15:28] Justin’s photography ventures[16:57] How Justin got started in game development[27:09] Advice for 3D Artists working in the field now[32:18] Justin’s favorite projects[36:03] What he’s curious in the game industry[39:40] Possible threats to the game industry[42:31] Funny game industry story[45:40] Games he’s excited about[47:27] Finding Justin onlineResources:* Justin Mohlman Instagram* Justin Mohlman Twitter* Justin Mohlman LinkedInGame Dev:*New: Game Dev Advice Patreon*Game Dev Advice Twitter*Game Dev Advice Email*Game Dev Advice Website*Level Ex Website - we’re hiring for all kinds of roles*Game Dev Advice Hotline: (224) 484-7733 – give a call and ask a question*Don't forget to subscribe and go to www.gamedevadvice.com for full show notes with links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Johner Riehl, Vice President and PR Lebowski at Wonacott Communications joins me on this episode. Johner has been in the industry for over 23 years and shares about the Public Relations side of videogames. Hear about his PR experience doing launches for the Neo Geo Pocket Color, GameCube, Game Boy Advance, Pokemon, Pikmin, working with Nintendo, Microsoft, and Midway, plus writing books and running a website. Learn how he got started in the industry, working at Wonacott, advice on getting PR for a game, working with influencers and streamers, and thoughts on future opportunities. Hosted by John ‘JP’ Podlasek (See gamedevadvice.com for in-depth show notes and links.)In This Episode We Discuss:[01:02] Introductions[01:10] Johner’s current role as Vice President and PR Lebowski[02:44] Working on PR for Polyarc[03:41] How to reach out for PR and spread the word on new games[05:31] Adjustments and challenges of work during COVID-19[06:30] The impact of GDC, E3, and the PAXs cancelations on indie developers[07:11] Johner’s start in the industry and moving out west[11:25] What he wishes he’d known before getting in the industry[12:38] Advice for someone wanting game exposure and PR[14:37] The price of User Acquisition going through the roof[19:26] Working on console launches, Pokemon, Pikmin, and other games[23:12] What Johner is curious about right now in the industry[29:12] Opportunities around streamers and influencers[30:15] Positive effects of videogames during COVID-19[31:51] Johner’s thoughts on VR and working on Moss[34:50] The importance of frame rate in games and VR[35:59] Funny stories from working in PR and live events[38:20] The games Johner is playing now[39:36] What it takes to make a podcast and run an editorial website[40:30] Supporting small game sites and treating people with respect[42:30] Finding Johner online and reaching outResources:*Johner Riehl Twitter*Wonacott Communications Website*Wonacott Communications Email*Johner Riehl Hats*LA Times VR Article MentionedGame Dev:*New: Game Dev Advice Patreon*Game Dev Advice Twitter*Game Dev Advice Email*Game Dev Advice Website*Game Dev Advice Hotline: (224) 484-7733 – give a call!*Level Ex Website - hiring for all kinds of roles*Don't forget to subscribe and go to www.gamedevadvice.com for full show notes with links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Game industry veteran Richard Lico joins me on this episode to discuss his career. Hear how he got started in the industry going from SCAD’s 3D Computer Art program to now being the Studio Animation Director at Polyarc 20 years later. Richard talks about working on Triple-A games like Halo, Destiny, and more recently, the indie VR hit, Moss. Learn about working at Bungie, advice to fellow animators and artists, his excitement around VR, a few wild stories, and his online animation school. Hosted by John ‘JP’ Podlasek (See gamedevadvice.com for in-depth show notes and links.)In This Episode We Discuss:[01:07] Introductions[02:19] Richard’s current role as the Studio Animation Director[03:41] How Polyarc started and evolved[04:12] His story getting into the industry[07:47] What he wishes he’d known before getting started[10:47] Advice for someone looking to get a first job[14:42] Career advice for fellow animators on how to bring characters to life[18:11] Richard’s favorite project so far[19:16] What Richard’s curious about right now in the industry[19:44] Concerns around the industry and crunch culture[25:59] Thoughts on opportunities for the game industry[29:40] Glimpse into the VR creation process[32:34] Wild West game development and SWAT teams[37:38] Discussion about Final Fantasy 7, and the nostalgia that follows[38:16] The secret weapon of AR and VR, including Half-Life[40:40] Finding Richard online, including Animation SherpaFull Bio:Annie and D.I.C.E nominated animation director at Polyarc with 20 years of experience making games. Previously animation lead at Bungie and Monolith Productions. Richard's latest adventures have been in VR, animating Moss. As well as opening an animation school, "Animation Sherpa".Resources:*Richard Lico Twitter*Richard Lico Vimeo portfolio*Animation Sherpa website*Polyarc website*Polyarc TwitterGame Dev:*New: Game Dev Advice Patreon*Game Dev Advice Twitter*Game Dev Advice email*Game Dev Advice website*Level Ex website - we’re hiring for all kinds of roles*Game Dev Advice Hotline: (224) 484-7733 - give me a call and ask a question for the show*Don't forget to subscribe and go to www.gamedevadvice.com for full show notes with links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Richard Khoo, Co-Founder and Game Director of indie studio Khookey joins me on this episode. He shares how he went from a Modder to Designer to Co-Founder working at places like Blizzard, Riot Games, Wargaming, and Pocket Gems. We talk about being recruited by Blizzard in 2004, advice for getting into the industry, furthering your career after you’re in, favorite projects, a few funny stories, growing remote teams, COVID-19 and mental health, along with his upcoming game, Magehunter. Hosted by John ‘JP’ Podlasek (See gamedevadvice.com for in-depth show notes and links.)In This Episode We Discuss:[01:11] Introductions[02:11] Richard’s current role as Co-Founder and Game Director[03:47] Advantages of developing in Unity[04:30] Getting started in the industry[08:35] What he wishes he’d known before getting in the industry[10:44] Advice for someone looking to get a first job[13:34] The three tracks for advancing your current career[19:28] Richard’s favorite project so far[21:56] Thoughts on nostalgia and the game industry[23:54] Advantages around building remote teams[27:31] Concerns around the Free-to-play model and what can replace it[29:42] Thoughts on opportunities in the market[33:56] Working on Heroes of the Storm at Blizzard[39:35] Discussion about Animal Crossing, especially during times like now[43:02] Streaming recommendations[46:00] Mental health and personal development during COVID-19[50:43] Finding Richard onlineResources:*Khookey website*Magehunter website*Richard Khoo LinkedIn*Magehunter Twitter*Magehunter DiscordGame Dev:*New: Game Dev Advice Patreon*Game Dev Advice Twitter*Game Dev Advice email*Game Dev Advice website*Level Ex website - we’re hiring for all kinds of roles*Game Dev Advice Hotline: (224) 484-7733*Don't forget to subscribe and go to www.gamedevadvice.com for full show notes with links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices