The Talent Game Podcast

This episode explores how the COO role in game development operates as a highly adaptive, execution-focused function that bridges strategy and day-to-day operations. Through perspectives from Viki Freeman (Airship) and Katya Dolgova (Redhill Games), it highlights how COOs oversee production health, talent development, and operational infrastructure while translating the CEO’s vision into actionabl...

In this episode of the Talent Game Podcast, host Joe Burridge engages with three HR professionals from the gaming industry, discussing their diverse career paths, the evolving role of HR, and the importance of culture and psychological safety in organizations. They share insights on strategic HR practices, the significance of adaptability and curiosity in career growth, and the metrics that define...

In this episode of the Talent Game podcast, a group of CEOs from various gaming companies share their personal stories, insights into the gaming industry, and the challenges they face in their roles. The conversation covers topics such as gaming nostalgia, the impact of generative AI on game development, and the balance between work and personal gaming time. Each guest shares their unique journey...

In this episode of the Talent Game Podcast, host Joe Burridge engages with CFOs Edo and Francesco to explore the multifaceted role of a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in the gaming industry. They discuss their career paths, the importance of industry knowledge, and the various types of CFOs. The conversation delves into the perception of finance, what makes it exciting, and the essential qualities...

In this episode of the Talent Game podcast, Joe Burridge discusses the role of a Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) in the gaming industry with guests Paul Bowen and Dan. They explore the definition of a CRO, career paths to the position, the differences between B2B and B2C gaming companies, and the evolving responsibilities of CROs in larger organizations. The conversation also covers key considerations...

In this episode of The Talent Game Podcast, host Joe Burridge engages with three experienced CTOs from diverse backgrounds in the gaming industry. They discuss their unique paths to becoming CTOs, the essential traits that define successful technology leaders, and the importance of hiring practices that align with company values. The conversation also delves into the evolving role of the CTO, emph...

In this episode of the Talent Game Podcast, host Joe Burridge engages in a panel discussion with games industry veterans Tristan and Robert about the evolving role of a studio head in the gaming industry. They explore the diverse paths to leadership positions, the definition of success in these roles, and share insights on effective interview questions that reveal the core of a candidate's charact...

In this episode of The Talent Game podcast, I speak with Nick Button-Brown, a gaming industry veteran with nearly 30 years of experience. We explore Nick’s journey from accounting to gaming, his role as an angel investor, and what makes a startup investable. The conversation covers balancing creativity with delivery in game development, the impact of leadership on team culture, and the evolving ro...

In this episode of The Talent Game Podcast , I speak with Olivia Yu about her transition from the entertainment industry to gaming and tech. We explore the role of partnerships in business, shifting workplace cultures, and the impact of leadership and mentorship. Olivia highlights the importance of inclusivity, particularly for women in the industry, and shares insights on how technology can drive...

In this episode, I speak with Bruce Grove, CTO of Avantis Education, about his journey from gaming to EdTech. Bruce shares his experience working at Sun Microsystems, Dell, OnLive, and Polystream, highlighting the evolution of cloud gaming and how VR and gamification are transforming education. He discusses the challenges of building startups, the importance of trust and co-founder chemistry, and...

In this episode of The Talent Game Podcast , I sat down with Jon Warner, a seasoned executive with over two decades in the video game industry. Jon shares his unconventional path from military intelligence to gaming, beginning in QA before rising through the ranks at major studios like Microsoft and BioWare. We explore the importance of aligning teams with a shared vision, the unique challenges of...

Apologies, parts of this episode includes echo that I couldn't remove in editing. I hope it doesn't take away from all of the fantastic insights that Matt shares! In this episode of The Talent Game Podcast , I speak to Matt Hearnden, a former senior recruiter at Activision Blizzard King, about breaking into the gaming industry, personal branding and job-seeking strategies in a competitive market....

In this episode of The Talent Game , I speak with Vanessa Mullin, VP of Sales & Marketing at Scenario, about her journey from travel to tech, the evolving role of AI in gaming, and the challenges of balancing parenthood with a fast-paced career. We explore the shifting cultural landscape in the gaming industry, the importance of diversity in hiring, and the contrast between working at startups...

In this episode of The Talent Game podcast I chat with Charlie Ruck, Head of Games at True Search, about his transition from finance to gaming, the nuances of executive search in the industry and the vital role passion and culture play in leadership. We explore how building strong relationships, understanding corporate goals and fostering creativity are key to successful hires in the competitive g...

In this episode of The Talent Game podcast, I sit down with Liat Barer, Chief Product Officer at Odeeo, to explore her journey through the ad tech and gaming industries. They discuss the rapid evolution of mobile gaming, the challenges of hiring in high-growth startups and the contrasting dynamics between corporate and startup cultures. Liat shares valuable insights on what makes an effective hiri...

In this episode of The Talent Game I interview John Wright, Vice President of Mobile Games at Kwalee. We dive into John’s unique career journey from accounting to gaming, the challenges and opportunities of launching mobile games and the critical role of culture in workplace success. John shares his thoughts on the value of persistence, passion and mentorship in career growth, while advocating for...

In this episode of The Talent Game Podcast , I chat with Amir Satvat, Business Development Director at Tencent Games and founder of a thriving community that has supported over 3,000 individuals in finding roles in the gaming industry. Amir shares his late-blooming journey into gaming at the age of 38, the transformative power of networking, and the critical role of empathy in both personal and pr...

If you made it all the way through season 1 and to this recap episode then thank you so much! 🥳 In this short bonus episode, I reflect on the journey of the first season of this podcast, sharing insights from the diverse guests in the gaming industry, discussing key themes such as psychological safety and career growth, and looking forward to an exciting season 2 with new guests and topics.

In this episode of The Talent Game Podcast , I speak to Andy Ross, an experienced recruiter with over 13 years in the tech and gaming industries. Andy discusses his career journey, from working with tech startups to transitioning to leading a headhunting firm in the rapidly growing video games sector. The conversation dives into the nuances of hiring in tech versus games, the evolving traits of to...

In this episode of The Talent Game , we hear from Emma Gomersall, Lead Talent Partner at Multiplayer Group (MPG) and member of their Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee. Together, we explore practical steps companies can take to foster a diverse and inclusive culture in gaming, emphasising how even small actions can make a significant impact. Emma shares examples of both cost-effective...

In this episode, we hear from Ido Naim (currently Senior Director of Monetization at Zynga/Gram Games) and explore his strategies for building high-performing teams. Ido reflects on his time in the Israeli military and his transition into the gaming industry, drawing parallels between both fields. He highlights the need to balance data-driven decisions with creative vision in game development and...

In this episode we hear from Kate Booth, COO of Cooperative Innovations, exploring her journey into the gaming industry, her insights on company culture and the role of a COO in game development. Kate shares her experiences with indie games, the importance of aligning business models with creative ambitions and her approach to hiring and team building. The discussion highlights the significance of...

In this episode of The Talent Game Podcast , we hear from John Clark who brings over 27 years of experience in the games industry to the discussion. We delve into John’s career path and the transformative shifts within the gaming industry. John shares his experiences managing imposter syndrome, navigating the rise of indie games, and adapting to the digital transformation of gaming. The conversati...

In this episode of The Talent Game , Erla Gunnhildardóttir shares her inspiring journey into the gaming industry, starting with her love for board games and leading to her role at CCP Games. She opens up about her experience with layoffs at CCP, providing valuable insights into navigating financial planning and the emotional challenges during such times. Erla praises the leadership at CCP for thei...

In this episode, Nic Walker, former COO of Space Ape Games, shares his extensive experience in the games industry and his deep commitment to sustainability. He delves into the environmental impact of the gaming sector and highlights the urgent need for sustainability initiatives. The conversation spans diverse topics, including neurodiversity in the workplace, the critical role of culture in build...