See why 80% of the top-grossing game studios rely on the Player Insights Platform™ to ensure a game's success (before it's even released).We are proud to announce PlaytestCloud as our key partner in 2025 and offer a FREE TRIAL here: https://start.playtestcloud.com/riseIn this episode, co-host Nina Kim interviews Alicia Fortier, lead game designer at SpryFox. Alicia discusses the differences between AAA and indie game development, the importance of having mentors, and fostering a supportive work environment. She emphasizes self-belief, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the crucial role of leaders in nurturing team dynamics. Alicia provides valuable advice on maintaining a sustainable career, finding motivation, and how understanding oneself can guide professional growth, whether you are growing to a leadership position or keep growing your leadership skills.02:42 Meet Alicia Fortier: Lead Game Designer03:24 Early Signs and University Days06:57 AAA vs Indie: Team Dynamics10:21 Mentorship and Personal Growth13:35 Advocating for a Healthy Work Environment18:50 Navigating Feedback and Community Support26:34 The Importance of Mentorship and Advocacy42:56 Finding Motivation and Leadership Values47:26 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThanks for listening to Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

We are proud to announce PlaytestCloud as our key partner in 2025 and offer a FREE TRIAL for our listeners here: https://start.playtestcloud.com/riseIn this episode, host Sophie Vo is joined by Bibbi Wikman, Head of Brand and Business at Aurora Punks and Founder of PlayCap, the first angel network for women in the gaming industry. Together, they dive into Bibbi's leadership journey, her motivations for creating PlayCap, and the unique opportunities the network provides to elevate women in the games industry as investors and game changers.What we cover in this episode:* The Journey to PlayCap: Bibbi shares her inspiration behind PlayCap, the challenges of launching a women-centered investment network, and the powerful response it received from industry leaders.* Why PlayCap Matters: Exploring the gaps PlayCap fills in the investment ecosystem, from creating a safe space for women to learn about investments to fostering a power network of experienced professionals.* Playcap Today: Insights into the network's rapid growth, the diversity of its members, and its collaborative approach to investments.* Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration: The importance of PlayCap's active knowledge-sharing sessions and its impact on both new and seasoned investors.* Future of PlayCap: Sneak peeks into the exciting possibilities for expanding Playcap’s influence in the industry.How PlayCap differs from traditional angel syndicates:* Investment is about more than capital; it’s about knowledge, collaboration, and fostering diversity.* PlayCap empowers women to confidently enter the investment space with support and resources tailored to their needs.* The gaming industry benefits from diverse voices in investment and on the cap table, shaping a more inclusive and dynamic future.Join the Movement 🔥: Interested in joining PlayCap or submitting your new venture or studio for investment? Visit PlayCap's website to apply or learn more.See why 80% of the top-grossing game studios rely on the Player Insights Platform™ to ensure a game's success (before it's even released).We are proud to announce PlaytestCloud as our key partner in 2025 and offer a FREE TRIAL here: https://start.playtestcloud.com/riseThanks for listening to Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this episode, host Sophie Vo Vo engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Allan Cudicio, an Italo Ghanaian game developer, about his journey of founding Twin Drums in 2019 and eventually closing it in 2024, as the studio behind The Wagadu Chronicles. Allan provides an intimate look at the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial venture, discussing the challenges of raising funds as an indie and innovative IP studio, the importance of diverse cultural representation in gaming, and the emotional toll of shutting down his company. We delve into the difficulties and learnings from innovating with a niche and culturally rich IP, and the broader implications for underrepresented founders in the gaming industry. The episode also highlights the essential role of mentors, the inevitability of failure as a part of growth, and the ongoing quest to bridge cultural stories with modern technology.Closing a studio marks the end of a business, but it doesn’t have to signify the end of the movement to bring more cultural representation into games. There is a growing demand among the gaming audience to discover such content and stories. If you’d like to explore this further, get in touch with Allan.01:40 Meet Allan Cudicio: From Berlin to Ghana02:01 The Birth of Twin Drums and Wagadu Chronicles03:42 Challenges and Learnings as an Entrepreneur12:46 The Importance of Representation in Gaming21:44 Building and Scaling a Remote Team24:38 Testing and Early Feedback25:08 Navigating Market Changes and Innovation Challenges27:17 Financial Struggles and Fundraising Hurdles28:32 The Emotional Toll of Shutting Down30:06 Reflecting on the Entrepreneurial Journey34:18 Embracing Failure and Looking Forward39:13 Cultural Heritage and Future Aspirations43:50 Final Thoughts and Advice for EntrepreneursWe are thrilled to be working with PlaytestCloud as our key partner in expanding Rise and Play’s impact in 2025! Greetings from Berlin from Sophie and Dana 👋 🇩🇪Thanks for reading Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

We are back in 2025! In this episode, new host Tiffany Keller interviews Emily Yim, the co-founder and CEO of Superbloom, a studio dedicated to developing lifestyle games that empower women and have successfully launched their first home decor game, Venue. Her career spans 15 years across mobile gaming at Dots and Glu, where she helped scale hit games that resonate with millions worldwide. At Superbloom, Emily is driving a new wave of gaming experiences that blend creativity, connection, and inclusivity to redefine entertainment for women.Since coming on the podcast as one of our first guests two years ago, her mission as a first time founder uncovered some surprising revelations about motherhood mixing with executive management. She doles out lessons in leadership on the startup rollercoaster, straight from the startup playbook no one teaches you.Emily divulges her secret to remaining authentic in how she designs games for women, by women. Her studio is majority femme staffed, more than doubling the average for the industry despite not screening for women, just those equipped to best serve the female gaming market.Her go to market strategy approaches from a different angle, bridging the gap between digital and real world designer goods. While Roblox have changed the gaming landscape with their Shopify integration and creator economy, it remains tough for standalone mobile games to venture into white labelling or merchandise big ticket items such as furniture. Leveraging well known brands within your investors' network is fair game however, as she conveys the value of the Chainsmokers' collaboration to her launch of Venue.Download Venue today and put your home decor skills to the test at: https://www.venuegame.co/Get your 2025 guide to hybrid monetization strategy born from new research done by Tiffany with AdInMo in the Hybrid Monetization 2024 Trends Report and with Appsflyer in the 2024 State of App Monetization Report!Thanks for reading Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work.We are thrilled to announce PlaytestCloud as our key partner in expanding Rise and Play’s impact in 2025! Stay tuned for future events and insights ✨ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this new episode, host Sophie Vo interviews Nicola Mizon, co-founder of VIZTA DGTL, who dives into her journey from game design to becoming a startup founder in the gaming industry.Nicola shares insights on the challenges of raising pre-seed funding, the importance of adapting your pitch to your audience, and the significance of innovation in the fashion gaming space. She emphasizes the need for more female founders in the industry and encourages women to be brave and execute their ideas. Throughout the conversation, Nicola discusses the integration of fashion and gaming, the evolving market, and VIZTA DGTL ambitions for the future with Kutur Runway, the NextGen Fashion game.01:38 Introducing Nicola Vizon and Vizta Digital03:06 Nicola's Journey in the Gaming Industry05:42 The Inspiration Behind Fashion Games Leading To Kutur Runway16:47 Founding Vizta Digital and Overcoming Market Challenges24:17 Innovating in the Fashion Gaming Space26:30 Fundraising State and Future Plans40:24 Encouraging More Female Founders To Break Entrepreneurial Barriers42:07 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsLearn more about Kutur Runway and join their BETA list here: https://www.kuturrunway.com/Thanks for reading Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this new episode, Sophie Vo Vo interviews Ludovic Bodin, a serial entrepreneur, investor, and author of the book 'Atomic Scaling.' Ludovic shares his journey from starting his first tech company in France at age 20 to becoming an influential figure in the gaming industry and a successful investor. He emphasizes a shift from traditional blitzscaling to a model he calls Atomic Scaling, which focuses on keeping teams small, leveraging AI and automation, and maintaining a strong sense of community and user-centric approach. Ludovic also reflects on his personal motivations evolving from seeking entrepreneurial success (i.e. becoming a billionaire) to prioritizing freedom, impact, and supporting the rise of women in leadership roles. This intimate conversation offers insights into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, the importance of aligning with one's values, and a vision for a more inclusive and community-focused business world, instead of profit-focused.To learn more, order the book Atomic Scaling: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Scaling-Small-Create-Growth/dp/154454499501:36 Meet Ludovic Bodin: Serial Entrepreneur and Investor03:15 Ludovic's Early Entrepreneurial Journey06:54 Venturing Abroad and New Beginnings09:28 The Shift to Gaming and Building CMUNE15:42 Investment Journey and New Goals17:40 Redefining Success and Freedom19:46 The Concept of Atomic Scaling21:05 Writing the Book: Atomic Scaling22:38 Entrepreneurial Struggles and Advice23:28 Implementing the Supercell Model24:47 COVID-19 and Investment Strategies25:34 Writing Atomic Scaling27:52 Publishing Journey and Book Launch30:02 Key Concepts from Atomic Scaling33:13 Navigating Business with Atomic Scaling42:32 Empowering Women in Entrepreneurship46:54 Final Thoughts and Future VisionThanks for reading Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this episode, host Sophie Vo is joined by Derk, former CEO and co-founder of Paladin Studio, and co-host Tiffany Keller , a product leader with extensive experience in the gaming industry, to discuss the powerful impact of leadership retreats. They share personal stories and insights on the value of retreats, ranging from medicinal ceremonies in Colombia to silent meditation retreats in Peru, exploring different practices and their benefits. Whatever type of retreat resonates with you, the conversation emphasizes the necessity of taking intentional breaks to reconnect with oneself, manage stress, and foster personal growth. Accessible recommendations are provided for those new to the concept, including yoga, meditation, and breathwork.Tune in this special episode, which will broaden your perspectives on self-care and take a step back with retreats.01:21 Personal Experiences with Retreats04:01 The Impact of Retreats on Personal and Professional Life07:49 Defining and Understanding Retreats09:35 Triggers and Motivations for Intense Retreats16:55 The Process and Benefits of Medicinal Retreats29:36 Accessible Practices for Everyday Life30:21 Introduction to Self-Reflection Techniques30:45 Exploring Physical Activities for Stress Relief31:20 The Power of Ecstatic Dance32:21 Diverse Spiritual Practices35:05 Personal Meditation Practices35:58 The Importance of Retreats41:24 Challenges in the Gaming Industry49:35 The Value of Self-Awareness55:59 Conclusion and Future PlansThanks for reading Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this episode, we reconnect with gaming industry veteran Steve Cuss to discuss his journey from traditional to liberated leadership, starting The GamePlan Consultancy and publishing his first book, Liberated Leadership. Steve shares his insights on the challenges and rewards of fostering a more inclusive and authentic workplace, exploring the significance of authenticity, vulnerability, and emotional intelligence for creative leaders.Steve emphasises the importance of self-awareness for leaders and the opportunities for self-transformation through retreats and personal inner work. We delve into the significance of creating psychological safety, balancing control with autonomy, and aligning personal and organisational values to find a deeper purpose in leadership.01:46 Steve Cuss’s Journey Over the Past Year04:05 Challenges and Insights in Leadership Training09:34 The Evolution of Leadership in the Gaming Industry10:51 The Concept of Liberated Leadership15:12 Personal Growth and Authenticity in Leadership26:45 The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership27:40 The Importance of Deliberate Pauses29:09 Creating Psychological Safety30:10 The Need for Feedback in Leadership31:39 Integrating Values and Purpose38:22 Challenges in Leadership and Gender Differences43:20 The Business Case for Emotional Intelligence48:21 Practical Steps for LeadersThis conversation is a follow-up to a discussion we had with Steve a year ago, introducing the concept of Liberated Leadership, and its genesis. You can listen to that episode here:You can buy the book “Liberated Leadership” here: https://amzn.eu/d/6lHxbAW Thanks for listening to Rise and Play! Subscribe to receive new posts and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this episode, host Sophie Vo interviews Eric Tan, a highly experienced executive with 17 years in the entertainment and music industries. Eric shares his journey from being a business executive to embracing his role as a creative executive, his experiences and struggles in the gaming and music industries, and his insights on the importance of music partnerships in gaming. They discuss Eric's career highlights, including his roles at Riot Games, Sony Music, and his own company, Fifth Journey Limited. Eric also shares his vision for the future of music in games and offers advice for entrepreneurs navigating similar paths.Interested in exploring a music partnership? Reach out to Eric here: https://calendly.com/erictanhk/call-with-eric 01:34 Introducing Eric Tan: A Music and Gaming Executive03:55 Eric's Journey into Music and Gaming05:38 The Evolution of Music in Games07:41 Music Marketing Strategies in Gaming10:38 Challenges and Opportunities in Music Partnerships20:04 Reflecting on Fifth Journey Limited24:21 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward31:17 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThanks for listening to Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this episode hosted by Nina Kim, we delve into the leadership journey of Amy Graves, an experienced marketing strategy specialist who has led social media marketing for game studios such as Natural Motion, Epic Games, the Irregular Corporation and Square Enix. Amy discusses her transition from film to games, her journey from a behind-the-scenes role to taking on significant leadership responsibilities, the lessons she learnt on taking new roles, and her career transitions. Amy shares powerful stories on how she has built a culture of constructive feedback in her teams, adapted leadership styles across different cultures, and embraced leading with effective empathy.01:41 Meet the Guest: Amy Graves02:34 Amy's Journey from Film to Games08:06 Challenges and Learnings in Leadership15:05 Adapting Leadership Styles28:41 The Importance of Feedback39:58 Values and Future Aspirations43:02 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThanks for listening to Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com