At Changing Gamedev Life, we showcase the stories and experiences of those from inside the industry, with the aim of giving listeners a peek into the joys and challenges of work in games. Our guests come from a wide array of backgrounds and disciplines, and illustrate multiple pathways into gameswork. Their narratives include useful tips and advice for those who may be aiming for careers in games, and offer insight into the non-traditional ways they found fulfilling careers. <br/><br/><a href="https://changinggamedevlife.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast">changinggamedevlife.substack.com</a>
Changing Gamedev Life Podcast
Claim This Podcastby Pejman Mirza-Babaei
6 episodes
Updated Weekly
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇨🇦
Podcast Overview
At Changing Gamedev Life, we showcase the stories and experiences of those from inside the industry, with the aim of giving listeners a peek into the joys and challenges of work in games. Our guests come from a wide array of backgrounds and disciplines, and illustrate multiple pathways into gameswork. Their narratives include useful tips and advice for those who may be aiming for careers in games, and offer insight into the non-traditional ways they found fulfilling careers. <br/><br/><a href="https://changinggamedevlife.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast">changinggamedevlife.substack.com</a>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
7/8/2024
1 verified contact email on file for Changing Gamedev Life Podcast
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Recent Episodes
August 20, 2024
Episode 6: Alexandra Orlando on Fostering Community in Gamedev
<p>Summary </p><p>In this episode, Pejman and Jen interview Alex Orlando, the community manager for Kitfox Games. Alex recounts her journey into the game industry, her day-to-day experiences in community management, and the importance of supportive workplaces. She highlights the necessity of community managers in building and nurturing player communities. Alex also addresses the challenges she and others face in her role, touching on the issues of harassment and toxicity on different platforms, and the need for better strategies and policies to address it. Alex also reflects on her career path and emphasizes the value of pursuing different experiences and not being afraid to try new things. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the future of the industry and the importance of community support for game success.</p><p>Key takeaways from this episode: </p><p>* The role of a community manager varies from job to job, but it often involves managing social media, online communities, and gathering feedback from players.</p><p>* A vibrant player community is essential for a game’s success, as it helps to generate excitement while providing support and feedback. </p><p>* With limited developer control over player forums, toxic environments can develop within communities on platforms like Steam.</p><p>* Despite its critical importance, the role of a community manager is often under-supported, and there is a need for better resources and mentorship for community managers in the industry. </p><p>* Supportive workplaces prioritize job security, work-life balance, and flexibility.</p><p>* The future of the gaming industry relies on studios being managed sustainably so that they can retain talent, refine their design ethos over time, and ultimately create better games.</p><p>About Alex</p><p>Alexandra Orlando is the community manager of Kitfox Games in Montreal, Canada. She has worked on launching Boyfriend Dungeon, Pupperazzi, and Dwarf Fortress on Steam, and is currently working on Dwarf Fortress’ Adventure Mode and Caves of Qud.</p><p>Keywords</p><p>game industry, community manager, supportive workplaces, gamer harassment, platforms, policies, community management, gaming industry, player communities, toxic communities, career journey, game development, community support</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://changinggamedevlife.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">changinggamedevlife.substack.com</a>
August 9, 2024
Episode 5: Atiya Nova on The Solace in Solidarity
<p>Welcome to Episode 5 of Changing Gamedev Life.</p><p>In this episode, Atiya discusses her decision to pursue a graduate degree in computer science, and how it has helped her in her career. She also talks about her passion for creating games as an art form and the positive impact it has had on her life. She emphasizes the importance of fostering healthy work environments and supporting each other in the industry. Atiya provides advice for students and aspiring game developers, highlighting the value of internships and the need to be prepared for the competitive nature of the industry.</p><p></p><p>Key takeaways from this episode:</p><p>* Choosing a program that aligns with your career goals and interests can be beneficial in gaining the necessary skills and knowledge for the game industry.</p><p>* Creating games as an art form allows for the exploration of serious topics and emotional connections with players.</p><p>* Supporting each other and fostering healthy work environments are essential for positive change in the game industry.</p><p>* Seeking advice from mentors and alumni can provide valuable insights and guidance for securing internships and standing out in the industry.</p><p>About Atiya</p><p>Atiya Nova (she/her) is a User Researcher at Ubisoft Toronto, credited on Far Cry 6, Mario and Rabbids: Sparks of Hope, and Assassin's Creed Mirage. She also loves creating games on her own. Last year she released “<a target="_blank" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2567170/Youre_Not_Family/">You’re Not Family</a>” on Steam, a game about familial conflict. As an avid fan of horror, JRPGs, and coffee, she's always looking forward to her next adventure.</p><p>Keywords</p><p>game industry, university degree, career goals, mentorship, work environment, art</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://changinggamedevlife.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">changinggamedevlife.substack.com</a>
July 30, 2024
Episode 4: Samantha Stahlke on the State of the Art(ist)
<p>Welcome to Episode 4 of Changing GameDev Life!</p><p>Summary</p><p>In this episode, Pejman and Jen interview Samantha Stahlke, a game artist at Jam City. Samantha shares her journey into the game industry, from her early passion for drawing to her exploration of various career paths. She discusses the importance of taking a gap year and how it allowed her to discover her true passion for art. Samantha also shares her experience as a freelancer and offers insights into balancing introversion with the business side of being an artist. We discuss the importance of saying no to projects and prioritizing personal life, the challenges for artists in the game industry, ethical concerns with generative AI models, and advice for students interested in game development.</p><p>Key takeaways from this episode: </p><p>* Taking a gap year can provide valuable time for self-discovery and exploration of different interests.</p><p>* Passion and love for the work are key motivators for consistently delivering high-quality results in multiple domains.</p><p>* Sharing your work and receiving positive feedback can provide validation and motivation to continue pursuing your creative career.</p><p>* Balancing introversion and the business side of freelancing requires finding ways to promote your work while staying true to yourself.</p><p>About Samantha</p><p>Samantha is an artist at Jam City, working on illustrations and art assets for casual mobile games. She has also worked on indie games including Cook Serve Forever, and takes pride in her very odd collection of smaller personal projects. One of those projects, in collaboration with her longtime colleague and friend Pejman, is <a target="_blank" href="https://gamedesignbook.substack.com">The Game Designer's Playbook</a>, published by Oxford University Press. She studied at Ontario Tech University, with an undergraduate degree in game development and a master's degree in computer science. If you'd like to learn more about her, you can check <a target="_blank" href="https://stahlke.art/">her website</a>, or find her and her mother doing improv comedy at your local chocolate shop. </p><p>Keywords</p><p>gamedev, art, self-discovery, passion, motivation, freelancing, illustrator</p><p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://changinggamedevlife.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">changinggamedevlife.substack.com</a>
6 total episodes available
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