Shows
This (Story) World ExistsKarol Severin: The Era of Attention InflationThe entertainment industry is going through a major transition right now. The players are the same, but new winners are emerging. So how did we get here? Here to guide us is Karol Severin, the co-founder and VP of data at MIDiA Research, a think tank that specializes in understanding media and entertainment markets and audiences through data-driven insight. We sat down with Karol to discuss:
The growing challenge of earning audience focus
The tension between entertainment and multitasking
The importance of engaging with fandom
And the cultural role of gaming in the 2020s.
2023-02-0948 min
This (Story) World ExistsHarold Dumur: From AI to XR to UGCWe've already talked about accessibility in Web3 – the notion of making the Metaverse more democratic. Our guest today is bringing us even closer to that (extended) reality. Harold Dumur is the founder and CEO of OVA, a software engineering studio dedicated to democratizing XR sandbox creation for every industry, every brand, and everyone. We sat down with Harold to discuss:
The unprecedented user-friendliness of their no-code platform, StellarX
What the future holds for UGC
The vital connection between AI and hyper-personalization
And our shared love of a world-building classic, Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2.
2022-12-1537 min
This (Story) World Exists Kelby May: The Rise of the StreamerFrom esports to Just Chatting, few creators are as influential as streamers. And few people know this better than Kelby May, EVP Partnerships at Loaded, a firm that specializes in talent management, brand strategy, and monetization – all through the lens of streaming and the creative class that's making it so wildly popular. I sat down with Kelby to discuss:
The history of streamers and streaming platforms
The ins and outs of managing this unique blend of talent
The evolving dynamic between streamers and the brands trying to activate with them
And the growing importance of authenticity, immersion, and play.
2022-11-2433 min
This (Story) World ExistsPearly Chen: Accessing the MetaverseWe’ve approached Web3 from a lot of different angles so far: co-creation, narrative design, decentralization… but today, we’re talking accessibility. Your metaverse, your rules. But how do we get there? Luckily, our guide today is Pearly Chen, Vice President at HTC heading Business Development & Content Partnerships. I sat down with Pearly to discuss:
Navigating the limitless potential of “the Viverse”
The important link between immersive experiences, creativity, and mental health
The innovation and partnerships helping bring this to life
And the rise of a new creative class that includes us all
2022-11-0836 min
This (Story) World Exists Dr. Stephen Yeager: Medieval Storytelling in Web3While it's tempting to focus on the future of Web3, this episode is all about metaversal storytelling, and for that we need to look all the way back to the middle ages. Here to help us unpack it all is our dungeon master, Dr. Stephen Yeager, Associate Professor of English at Montreal's Concordia University. Tune in as we dive into:
The history connections between digital culture, medieval fantasy, and games
The bridges built by Grail Quest, Necromancer, and Ready Player One
The importance of protological storytelling
And the enduring legacy of Arthurian Romance
2022-10-2533 min
This (Story) World ExistsInder Phull: The Music MetaverseSeeing the biggest bands perform on the biggest stage is the best, but we don't all get to sit front row. What if we could change that? What if we could all get front-row seats and, better still, co-create the concert experience with the artist? We sat down with Pixelynx CEO and Co-founder Inder Phull to chat about:
Pioneering immersive and interactive digital music experiences
Collaborating with EDM legends Richie Hawtin and deadmau5
The shifting dynamic between fans and performers
And the importance of co-creation in the music metaverse
2022-10-1235 min
This (Story) World ExistsErling Ellingsen: Live from Gamescom 2022From launching the trailer of their new game, Dune: Awakening, to producing the biggest live concert in Gamescom history it was an extremely exciting week for award-winning video game developer and publisher Funcom. We sat down with Funcom's Chief Marketing Officer Erling Ellingsen to chat about:
How Funcom acquired the Dune IP
Their approach to adapting its beloved storyworld
The dynamic with fellow IP owners and fans
And the studio's love letter to metal music with their game, Metal: Hellsinger
2022-09-2829 min
This (Story) World ExistsYan Cordeau: The Rise of Digital ArtistsNFTs are divisive to say the least, but there’s no denying their ability to turn artists-for-hire into coveted household names. So, what does this unprecedented new landscape look like, and how are digital artists navigating it? We sat down with LNDMRK Co-founder and Creative Directory Yan Cordeau to chat about:
Harnessing the power of art in digital spaces
How artists are using NFTs to create their own mythology
The shifting dynamic between brands and artists
And the importance of surrounding yourself by the right people
2022-09-0846 min
This (Story) World ExistsRabih Sebaaly: The Power of GamificationDid you know that there is a difference between games, gaming and gamification? Did you know that gamification can be applied across multiple industries? In this episode, Rabih Sebaaly, Co-Founder & Chief Growth Officer, talks about that and so much more:
Gaming ideology borrowed from the game industry
What is fandom?
How to create rewards based off interaction?
The many nuances between GAMES, GAMING, and GAMIFICATION
The importance of narrative design
What is a game loop?
and, Rabih's hot take on the Metaverse vs Web3
Learn more at YHP.CO2022-08-2332 min
This (Story) World ExistsThis (Story) World Exists is finally here!This (Story) World Exists is finally here! Check out our trailer and get inspired on all things storyworld. Powered by Alice & Smith, the first episode of our podcast launches August 23. Stay tuned.2022-08-1600 min