Shows
The Here's Waldo PodcastNavigating Compliance and Building Safer, Kid-Friendly Gaming with Kieran Donovan of k-IDKieran Donovan is the CEO and co-founder of k-ID, the first-of-its-kind global compliance engine designed to make online safety and privacy seamless for kids, teens, game developers, and parents alike. With a decade of experience at the forefront of data protection and online safety, Kieran has advised major online platforms and been named Privacy Lawyer of the Year multiple times. In this episode, he shares his journey from leading privacy lawyer to entrepreneur, the challenges game developers face in creating engaging yet compliant experiences, and how AI is transforming the landscape of child safety online. Whether you’re...
2025-03-2538 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastRevolutionizing Gaming Highlights into Playable Content with Zero Friction | Asaf Gazit of LudeoAsaf Gazit is the co-founder and CEO of Ludeo, a groundbreaking platform that’s reshaping the way players engage with video games. Founded alongside his brother, Ludeo was built with a bold vision: to remove the friction in gaming and make discovering and jumping into new games as seamless as scrolling through TikTok. Drawing on their lifelong passion for gaming and a deep understanding of industry challenges, they transformed a simple elevator pitch into one of the most exciting drivers of growth in the gaming industry. Tune in to discover how Ludeo is transforming gameplay highlights into pl...
2025-02-2533 min
The Valued Cultures PodcastLizzie Mintus of Here's Waldo: Talking to People is Her SuperpowerToday Daryl Ogden and Mike Merrill speak with Lizzie Mintus, founder of the boutique placement firm Here’s Waldo, now celebrating their 4-year anniversary. Lizzie explains how an off-handed conversation led her to a career in recruiting and to eventually founding her own firm, one based in the deeply customer-centric experience that she learned in her early work at Nordstroms.
Daryl and Mike explore with Lizzie what she’s seen in the four years of Here’s Waldo’s existence: From incredible growth during the height of the COVID pandemic, to a slowing market now, and why and h...
2025-02-2029 min
Lead Like a WomanTake the PlungeLizzie Mintus is the Founder and CEO of Here's Waldo Recruiting, a boutique technical recruiting firm specializing in the video game space. Before founding her agency, Lizzie was a technical recruiter for Verticalmove, Inc. She received a certificate in Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership from the University of Washington to enhance her leadership skills and grow her agency. Lizzie is also an ambassador at Women in Games, a platform empowering women in the gaming industry, and an active member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization. In this episode… Every entrepreneur knows that starting and managing a business means navigating ma...
2025-02-2028 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastBurnout, Feedback, and Leadership Growth in Gaming with Zoe Curnoe of Lumina LeadershipZoe Curnoe is the founder and executive coach at Lumina Leadership, a boutique executive coaching and training firm. With over 20 years of leadership experience at companies like Electronic Arts, Riot Games, The Coalition (an Xbox studio), and co-founding Timbre Games, Zoe specializes in helping leaders navigate complex challenges and drive meaningful change. In this episode, Zoe shares lessons learned from burnout while leading Gears of War 4 at The Coalition and how coaching helped her build self-awareness. She discusses current leadership trends in high-pressure environments, the importance of feedback, and staying aligned with company values. Tune in for...
2025-02-1135 min
Growth Stage by FastSpringHow SMB Digital Brands Can Win the Best Talent With Lizzie Mintus of Here’s Waldo RecruitingConversation with Here’s Waldo Recruiting’s Founder and CEO Lizzie Mintus about how to compete with large brands to recruit the best talent.If you're running a smaller digital business, you may find it challenging to hire great talent. Larger technology companies can pay more, offer more benefits, and provide a more marketable brand on a candidate's resume. So how are smaller companies supposed to compete with large brands for the best talent?In this episode of Growth Stage, we interview Lizzie Mintus — Founder and CEO of Here's Waldo Recruiting and host of The Here’s...
2025-02-0629 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastReinventing Remote Work with the Ultimate "Smart" Virtual Workspace with Vishal Punwani of SoWorkVishal Punwani is the CEO and co-founder of SoWork, the world’s first generative AI-enhanced virtual workplace platform. Founded at Harvard's Innovation Labs, SoWork transforms team productivity and collaboration by seamlessly integrating work tools, social spaces, and gamification. As businesses adapt to hybrid and remote-first environments, Vishal discusses how SoWork bridges the gap between traditional office settings and the evolving needs of modern workforces. In addition to his leadership role at SoWork, Vishal is a medical doctor, Entrepreneur-in-Residence with Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs, and a mentor at Oxford, MIT, and Hollywood startups. He has also worked at the Wo...
2025-02-0436 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastAuthentic D2C Strategies for Sustainable Growth in Gaming with David Vogelpohl of FastSpringDavid Vogelpohl is the Chief Marketing Officer at FastSpring, a platform enabling direct-to-consumer (D2C) monetization for video games and digital products. With over two decades of experience in digital strategy and e-commerce, David offers valuable insights into creating meaningful player relationships, navigating platform regulations, and building sustainable revenue models in the gaming industry. In this episode, David discusses driving growth through direct player engagement and crafting a successful D2C strategy. He covers balancing value across platforms, discounts, and webshops while staying authentic to the player experience. Listeners will also hear his thoughts on app store...
2025-01-2833 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastPushing Fashion's Potential in Gaming with Nicola Mizon of VIZTA DGTLNicola Mizon is the co-founder of VIZTA DGTL, a Berlin-based game studio on a mission to reshape the intersection of gaming, fashion, and commerce. She is passionate about creating engaging, inclusive experiences that redefine industry norms. In this episode, she discusses the evolution of fashion gaming, opportunities for brand collaborations, and the impact of user-generated content. She also shares insights into VIZTA DGTL’s flagship platform, Kutur Runway, which aims to be the leading and largest digital fashion hub, and invites you to join the Alpha test.
2025-01-2136 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastThe Secrets Behind Iconic MMOs, Strong Remote Culture, & AI's Impact with Rich Vogel of T-Minus Zero EntertainmentRich Vogel is an award-winning executive producer with over 25 years of experience in the gaming industry. Today, he is the founder and studio head of T-Minus Zero. Before this, Rich built and led three major studios—Sony Online Entertainment Austin, Bioware Austin, and Bethesda Game Studio Battle Cry—together generating an impressive $3 billion in revenue. He’s also been a key player in running live operations for critically acclaimed MMORPGs like Meridian 59, Ultima Online, Star Wars Galaxies, and Star Wars: The Old Republic. In this episode of the Here's Waldo Podcast, Rich takes us through the journey of fou...
2025-01-1447 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastBuilding Cultures That Power Great Games Post-Pandemic with Daryl Ogden of Valued CulturesDaryl Ogden is the co-founder of Valued Cultures, a startup dedicated to building healthy, sustainable, and innovative cultures in the gaming industry. With over a decade of experience advising leaders from top Fortune 500 companies and iconic game studios, Daryl is an expert in aligning leadership, investing in talent, and navigating critical transitions—all while safeguarding a studio’s unique identity. In this episode of the Here's Waldo Podcast, Daryl shares actionable insights and real-world examples on the role of intentional culture-building in driving creative and operational success. Topics include challenges faced by game studios, adapting to remote work...
2025-01-0742 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastThe Rise of Slovakia’s Game Development Scene with Peter Nagy of Grindstone Peter Nagy is a prominent figure in the video game industry and a pioneer in Central Europe and Slovakia’s game development ecosystem. As the co-founder of Slovakia's oldest game development studio, Games Farm, Nagy brings over 20 years of experience in creating engaging, story-driven RPG games. He is also the founder of Grindstone, the country’s first publishing company focused on business development and support for indie game developers. In addition to these roles, he founded Game Dev Košice, an international conference for game developers, and co-founded the Slovak Game Developers Association, initiatives aimed at fostering colla...
2024-12-1739 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastGame Accessibility and Leading Creative Teams with Kevin Johnson of Double Fine ProductionsIn this episode, Lizzie Mintus interviews Kevin Johnson, Director of Development at Double Fine Productions (now part of Xbox Games Studios), about his journey through the game industry and his role in fostering the studio’s collaborative and innovative culture. Kevin takes us behind the scenes of the making of Psychonauts 2, sharing how the team brought their vision to life while prioritizing mental health representation, accessibility, and deeply immersive storytelling. He also offers insights into the art of thriving within constraints, the power of proactive problem-solving, and what it takes to balance creative ambition with production demands—whil...
2024-12-1044 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastMeeting the Needs of Gen Z & Gen Alpha’s Gaming Preferences with Jen MacLean of Dragon Snacks GamesJen MacLean, co-founder and CEO of a new studio, Dragon Snacks Games, is building social role-playing experiences that resonate with younger audiences. Formerly Xbox's General Manager of Creator Partnerships, she managed top partner relationships and co-led content strategies. With a passion for gaming, she also held senior roles in game development, driving worldwide business development at AWS and serving as Executive Director for the IGDA and IGDA Foundation. In this episode, Jen shares her journey in the gaming industry and the vision behind Dragon Snacks Games. She offers insights into designing safe, engaging games for Gen Z...
2024-12-0343 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastThe Mastermind Behind Skill Gaming's Growth with Nancy MacIntyre of WorldWinnerNancy MacIntyre is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of leadership in the gaming and digital entertainment industry. She has an outstanding track record, having launched over 100 games, including 11 No. 1 titles, collectively generating more than $2 billion in revenue. Nancy has held pivotal roles at top companies such as LeapFrog, LucasArts, Atari, and Hasbro. She also co-founded and served as CEO of Fingerprint, a global provider of digital content for kids that reached millions before being acquired by Sandbox Group. Currently, Nancy leads WorldWinner (formerly Game Taco) as its CEO, steering the skill gaming platform known for its "...
2024-11-2643 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastBringing Nostalgic Games to the Latest Consoles with Robin Lavallée of Implicit ConversionsRobin Lavallée is the CEO and Co-Founder of Implicit Conversions, a company dedicated to bringing nostalgic games back to life by porting beloved classics to modern consoles using cutting-edge emulation technology. Their innovative software ensures that timeless games run seamlessly on today’s platforms like the PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, preserving gaming history for future generations. In this episode, Robin shares his journey from working at industry giants like Ubisoft and Meta to founding his own company. Tune in to discover insights into his unexpected leap into entrepreneurship, the challenges and rewards of developing emulation tec...
2024-11-1940 minThe Here's Waldo Podcast45M Users & 10K Creators- The Future of Social Gaming with Anton Bernstein of Pocket WorldsIn this episode of the Here's Waldo Podcast, Lizzie Mintus sits down with Anton Bernstein, the CEO and founder of Pocket Worlds, the fast-growing Y Combinator-backed company that has connected over 45 million users and 10,000 creators through shared virtual experiences. Pocket Worlds is the parent company behind two major platforms: High Rise and Everskies. High Rise is the leading virtual world where users create avatars, express themselves, and forge deep friendships through shared experiences. Meanwhile, Everskies offers a creative space for users to dress up pixel dolls and interact with their community. Anton shares how these platforms have...
2024-11-1241 minThe Here's Waldo Podcast60 Titles in 30+ Years: Secrets to Creating Fun Games with William Schmitt of Proof of PlayIn this episode of the Here's Waldo Podcast, Lizzie Mintus chats with William Schmitt, the Head of Studio at Proof of Play, a company on a mission to shepherd games into Web3's on-chain universe through uncompromisingly fun games. With over 32 years in the gaming industry, William has held key leadership roles at Disney Interactive, Scopely, THQ, Activision, and more. He has launched 60 titles across 23 platforms, including Tetris Worlds, South Park: The Stick of Truth, Spider-Man, and Madden Football. Tune in to explore William's "fail fast" philosophy and how rapid prototyping and player feedback shape his game...
2024-10-2942 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastImplementing Psychology as the Cornerstone of Game Development Success with Joe Schaeppi of SolstenJoe Schaeppi is the CEO and co-founder of Solsten and is on a mission to fundamentally change the way that humans connect. With a strong background in psychology, he leverages his expertise in human behavior and motivation—gained from leading UX strategy at McCann and his impactful work as an adventure-based psychotherapist—Joe is pioneering the use of video games for cognitive assessment, which opens up new possibilities for patient retention, preventative care, and even mental health diagnostics and treatment. 🎮 Tune in to discover how Solsten's data-driven insights reveal what truly makes players tick, capturing 400+ psychological data points...
2024-10-2246 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastFrom DOOM and Forza Legacy to the Next Big Hit: DEFECT with Garrett Young of Empty VesselGarrett Young is a 25+ year game industry veteran who led development teams at major companies, including Microsoft, Activision, Disney, and Id Software, contributing to the creation of iconic franchises such as DOOM, Quake, and Rage. He also played a pivotal role in launching the Forza Motorsport and Project Gotham Racing franchises, along with delivering numerous other AAA titles.Today, Garrett brings his extensive expertise to lead Empty Vessel, where excitement is building for their upcoming game, Defect, which has already garnered over 1.9 million views on its YouTube trailer. Tune in as we explore Garrett Young's remarkable career...
2024-10-1556 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastEmpowering Parents Foster a Positive Gaming Space for Kids with Heidi Vogel of GuardianGamer AIHeidi Vogel is a seasoned entrepreneur with over five companies under her belt, and today she shares her incredible journey from tech pioneer to gaming innovator. As a mother of four, she faced challenges managing her children's digital playground, which inspired her to develop GuardianGamer's monitoring solution. Her latest venture, GuardianGamer AI, seeks to bridge the gap between parents and kids in the gaming world by equipping parents with the tools they need to understand and connect with their children's gaming experiences. Through this initiative, Heidi is not only transforming the way families engage with gaming but also fostering...
2024-10-0834 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastThe Rise of Unity Asia and the Evolution of Cloud Gaming with John Goodale of Jam.ggJohn Goodale was employee #60 at Unity in 2010, where he launched and rapidly expanded Unity Asia. Under his leadership, he transformed Unity into the preferred platform for game developers across the region, driving exceptional growth and establishing the company as a dominant force in the gaming industry. Having also held key positions at Sega and Activision, John now serves as the CEO of Jam.gg, where he leads an innovative B2B cloud gaming service that offers developers powerful white-label solutions. Tune in for exclusive insights into John’s early days at Unity, the leadership strategies th...
2024-10-0149 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastInnovating the African Gaming Market and VC Insights with Chris Quaidoo of Carry1stChris Quaidoo is the Content Acquisition Lead at Carry1st, a leading African mobile games publisher backed by investors like Bitcraft and A16Z. He's also a Venture Partner at Griffin Gaming Partners and hosts Venture Games, a podcast where he interviews key players in gaming and venture capital. Tune in to this episode of the Here's Waldo Podcast to gain valuable insights into the African gaming market, highlighting its challenges, growth potential, and how Carry1st is driving innovation with local payment solutions. Chris also shares his perspective on what makes a game thrive in emerging...
2024-09-2439 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastInnovating Chess and Strategy Games with Sami Ramly of Echo Chunk AISami Ramly, founder of Echo Chunk AI and creator of the viral game Echo Chess, takes us on a journey from his early days learning chess at just 3 years old to the development of Echo Chess—a viral puzzle game that combines chess mechanics with real-time AI-driven obstacles. Recently, he raised $1.4M pre-seed to take Echo Chess and his vision for the company to the next level. Tune in to dig into Ramly's iterative design process, his vision for blending puzzle and strategy games, and the role of AI in game development. The episode also touches on th...
2024-09-1741 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastPioneering Story-Driven Marketing Strategies in Gaming with Neel UpadhyeNeel Upadhye is an award-winning writer, director, and transmedia storyteller with over 15 years of experience in the video game industry. After starting as an assistant editor, he rose to become the marketing creative director at Electronic Arts (EA), where he played pivotal roles in marketing and narrative development. His contributions included multiple internet-breaking shorts for Apex Legends and the production of Star Wars: The Old Republic and Squadrons - "Hunted," which won the Silver Pencil. Today, Neel runs a thriving consultancy, collaborating with major clients like Scopely and Giant Skull. Tune in to hear the behind-the-scenes on h...
2024-09-1054 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastRevolutionizing Healthcare through Game Technology with Noah Falstein of The InspiracyWe’re entering a new era where games can be prescribed as part of medical treatment or used to train doctors more effectively than traditional lectures. In this episode, join host Lizzie Mintus and guest Noah Falstein, who was among the first 10 employees at Lucasfilm Games (later known as LucasArts), and has also worked with 3DO and DreamWorks Interactive. Noah served as the first elected chair of the International Game Developers Association and was Chief Game Designer at Google. His contributions include classic arcade games like Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade, The Fate of Atlantis, and The Secret of...
2024-09-0349 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastExclusive BTS of Creating of Diablo, Diablo II, and Battle.net with David Brevik of Skystone GamesIf you're a fan of Diablo I, Diablo II, and Battle.net, don't miss our latest episode featuring David Brevik, a 33-year gaming industry veteran behind these legendary titles and services. David takes us on a journey through his career, from co-founding Condor Inc., which later became Blizzard North, to the original Diablo pitch and its iconic sequel—one of the most influential action RPGs in gaming history. He also shares insights into pioneering the first looter shooter with Hellgate: London and developing Marvel Heroes as CEO of Gazillion Entertainment. Today, David continues to push the boundaries of...
2024-08-2744 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastFrom QA Tester to Gaming Exec: Intentional Career Insights with Mark Subotnick of ProbablyMonstersFun fact: Mark Subotnick, aka "Bot," began as an SF club promoter in the '80s-'90s before starting his game industry career in 1993 as a QA tester at SEGA of America, earning $9/hr. A longtime gaming and technology executive, Mark is renowned for his key roles at Intel, Microsoft, and SEGA, spanning multiple generations of technological innovation. He has worked in nearly every category of gaming—from production and business development to QA and marketing—and has credits in over 31 games with experience across 10 platforms and 8 platform launches. Today, he’s the SVP of Partne...
2024-08-2055 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastThe Art of Comedy in Gaming with Mike Fridley of Squanch GamesMichael Fridley is the CEO and studio director of Squanch Games. He has contributed to many titles since he started in the industry 26 years ago, including The Elder Scrolls, Morrowind and Oblivion, Fallout 3, Reckoning, Call of Cthulhu, PGA Tour, NBA Live, Dragonvale, and most recently Squanch Games' hit game, High on Life- the largest third-party launch on Xbox Game Pass. Tune in to learn about the unique culture at Squanch Games, where the focus is on creating narrative comedy games that resonate with players. He also opens up about the challenges and triumphs of running a fully remote studio...
2024-08-1339 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastUnlocking Multiplayer Success: Backend & Infrastructure Insights with Sid Dhulipalla of HathoraSid Dhulipalla is the CEO and co-founder of Hathora, the server orchestration platform powering Frost Giant Studios' new game, Stormgate. In this episode, listeners get a glimpse of Sid's journey transitioning from engineering management roles at Databricks and Palantir Technologies to founding Hathora. He also shares insights into the interplay between cloud and bare metal servers, the challenges of building a successful tech startup, and the critical role of industry connections in scaling Hathora. Tune in for insights on tackling multitasking challenges, optimizing costs, and building strategic partnerships in the gaming industry, including collaborations with industry leaders like Tim...
2024-08-0646 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastThe Next Big RTS Game, Stormgate with Tim Morten of Frost Giant StudiosTim Morten is the CEO and Production Director of Frost Giant Studios. From his early days at Activision in 1994 to leading major teams at EA and Blizzard, Tim has seen it all. Now, he’s steering Frost Giant Studios as they launch their highly anticipated RTS game, Stormgate, which is now available for Early Access! Stormgate builds on the legacy of StarCraft 2 with a brand-new universe, crafted with Unreal Engine 5 and innovative tech. Recent playtests and demos suggest it’s shaping up to be a major hit. In this episode, Tim reveals the behind-the-scenes challenges and strategies of de...
2024-07-3039 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastTransforming Video Games into Theme Park Adventures with David Elton, Fractional COODavid Elton brings nearly three decades of expertise in the game industry, having worked with top studios like Electronic Arts, Microsoft, Zynga, and Capcom. He has held diverse roles from Vice President - Product to Creative Director, contributing to a wide array of titles from Microsoft's Solitaire to iconic franchises like Need For Speed and SSX. Today, David serves as the Fractional COO at Dave Elton Consulting, guiding studios in striving for operational excellence while they develop their best games possible. Join us to explore David's role as a fractional executive, his insights on game development and...
2024-07-2346 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastThe Vision for Authentic Virtual Worlds with Yon Raz-Fridman of Supersocial, Inc.Yonatan Raz-Fridman is the CEO and founder of Supersocial, Inc., a pioneering studio that builds boundary-pushing virtual worlds on immersive social platforms like Roblox. Roblox is the most engaging platform on the Internet, with its 72 million daily active users spending an average of 2.4 hours per day—three times more than TikTok and five times more than Instagram. Brands are racing to tap into these immersive gaming experiences, and Supersocial is at the forefront, setting new standards in interactive and engaging digital experiences for the next generation. Discover Supersocial's innovative collaborations with influential brands like NARS Cosmetics and GU...
2024-07-1646 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastThe Content Creator Effect in Gaming with Justin Sacks of NexusJustin Sacks has worn many hats in his 15+ years in the game industry—from competitive gamer to content creator to leading business development for a global multimedia game company. Today, he serves as the CEO of Nexus, a platform specializing in building and managing creator programs for the world's top live service games. Nexus provides a comprehensive platform that not only supports creators but also offers publishers key insights into their performance. Tune in to learn about the evolution of game marketing, the significant impact and potential of content creators, and effective strategies for incentivizing creators to auth...
2024-07-0948 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastLeading Amazon Prime Gaming to Executive Coaching with Ethan EvansEthan Evans is a career development expert dedicated to helping professionals overcome career blockages and advance to the next level. After retiring as VP from Amazon, where he built Prime Gaming, managed Amazon's first game studio, and contributed to Twitch, he shifted his focus to paying forward his good fortune by assisting clients from top US companies. With 70+ patents, over 10,000 resumes reviewed, more than 2,500 interviews conducted, and experience leading global teams of 800+, Ethan offers a wealth of expertise. Join host Lizzie Mintus to explore his remarkable career journey, including insights on overcoming career challenges, the significance of proactivity and e...
2024-07-0252 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastEmpowering Talent, Embracing Challenges with Multi-Startup Founder, Shawn Foust of Fortis GamesShawn Foust is the Co-founder and COO of Fortis Games, a global game studio with a mission to create worlds that matter – that challenge minds, build connections, and inspire communities. Before founding Fortis, Shawn was VP of Central Operations at WB Games after its acquisition of PlexChat, which he co-founded and led as CEO. Prior to that, he served as SVP of Business Operations at Machine Zone following its acquisition of Quark Games, where he was also CEO. Tune in to learn about his journey from a lawyer to an executive and founder of multiple studios. The epi...
2024-06-2851 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastThe Rise of Iron Galaxy Studios from 13 to 270+ Employees with Chelsea Blasko of Iron Galaxy StudiosChelsea Blasko, co-CEO and Partner of Iron Galaxy Studios, started as the company's 13th employee and quickly became the catalyst behind the studio’s incredible expansion across multiple locations. She has been instrumental in guiding the studio’s leaders through product development and collaboration. She also established Iron Galaxy’s career coaching program, ensuring every employee has a senior mentor to support their career growth and interests. Tune in for exclusive insights on cultivating a values-driven culture and understanding the crucial role of diversity and mentorship in building a successful game studio.
2024-06-2544 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastExploring the Art and Immense Potential of Gaming with Chris Melissinos, Game Evangelist of AWS🎮 Ever wondered how video games made it to the Smithsonian? What does it mean to be a Game Evangelist? How do you figure out what gamers really want? In this episode of the Here's Waldo Podcast, Chris Melissinos, the Principal Evangelist for Video Games at AWS, shares his profound passion, rooted in the belief that video games are among the most significant art forms of our time, offering immersive, interactive experiences that connect people, convey powerful stories, and explore complex themes. Melissinos' work, from his role as Chief Gaming Officer at Sun Microsystems to his involvement with the Smithsonian on...
2024-06-1858 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastThe 'Secret Sauce' of Sustainable Growth & Strategic Partnerships with Mike Wallen of Keywords StudiosJoin us as we dive into the secrets of driving business growth with Mike Wallen, Chief Commercial Officer at Keywords Studios. With over 29 years of experience, Mike's career has been a fascinating journey from recruiter and agent to VP at Lakshya Digital, and now Global Business Development Director at Keywords. His key insight? Understanding the fundamental importance of client-centric leadership. Since joining Keywords, Mike has played a pivotal role in scaling the company by 500% across 70 studios in over 25 countries. Tune in to learn more about his approach to business development, the importance of culture and values in scaling companies...
2024-06-1443 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastThe Secrets of Serial Success with Jordan Weisman of Endless Adventures Inc.Jordan Weisman is a 40-year industry legend with four entrepreneurial company exits to Disney, Microsoft, Topps, and Paradox Interactive. His achievements include winning over 100 awards, becoming a New York Times bestselling author, and co-creating iconic tabletop games such as BattleTech, Shadowrun, MechWarrior, and Earthdawn. Today, he is the CEO of Endless Adventures Inc., a no-code game creation platform designed to empower game designers, storytellers, authors, and artists to create their own narrative video games and drive innovation. From founding groundbreaking companies like FASA to spearheading innovative projects at Microsoft and launching Endless Adventures, tune in to learn a...
2024-06-1147 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastNavigating Big Partnerships and Indie Success with Alyssa Walles of Midwest GamesAlyssa Walles is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in entertainment, gaming, tech, and publishing. Known for catalyzing innovation and driving revenue growth, she has played a key role in launching the Walt Disney gift catalog, Sony PlayStation, and negotiating National Sports League agreements for the video game franchise Backyard Sports with the NFL, MLB, and NBA. In addition to her new role as the COO of Midwest Games, an indie game publisher, Alyssa serves as an executive director with the International Game Developers Association Foundation, a global charitable organization that provides professional development programs t...
2024-06-0445 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastFormula to Game Franchises and Startup Success with Bill Roper of Lunacy GamesWondering what it takes to build successful game franchises or start your own game studio? 🎮 🎮 Join host Lizzie Mintus on the latest episode as she chats with Bill Roper, a gaming industry veteran behind iconic franchises like Warcraft, Starcraft, and Diablo. Starting as employee #17 at Blizzard Entertainment, Bill's journey took him from voice actor and writer to Vice President in just nine years. His impressive career includes roles as CEO and co-founder of Flagship Studios, CCO at Cryptic Studios, and VP GM of Core Games and Head of Disney Interactive Central Creative at the Walt Disney Company. He also...
2024-05-311h 21The Here's Waldo PodcastCreating Marketing Magic in Gaming with Sarah Anderson of Amazon GamesIn this episode of the Here's Waldo Podcast, host Lizzie Mintus sits down with Sarah Anderson, Head of Global Marketing and Partnerships at Amazon Games. With over 30 years of experience in the gaming industry, Sarah has held strategic roles at Sega, Canopy, 2K Games, and now Amazon Games, where she leads growth initiatives and fosters community for major titles like New World and Lost Arc, along with overseeing upcoming releases. Join us as we uncover Sarah's career journey, gain insights into building effective teams and nurturing talent, and uncover the authentic marketing strategies that have shaped the...
2024-05-2855 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastNavigating Video Game Marketing & Branding with Perrin Kaplan of Zebra PartnersJoin host Lizzie Mintus in this episode of the Here's Waldo Podcast as she sits down with Perrin Kaplan, a global strategic marketing and communications C-level executive known for her award-winning work in tech, entertainment, consumer products, gaming, mixed reality, AI, and more. Noted in several books, documentaries, and publications, Perrin co-founded female-owned Zebra Partners, a global communications and integrated marketing firm following her role as Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Affairs for Nintendo. Perrin shares her remarkable journey, from her early career in government to becoming a pivotal force in video game marketing. T...
2024-05-2155 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastBringing Games to Holographic Life with Jeri Ellsworth of Tilt FiveJoin host Lizzie Mintus as she interviews inventor and entrepreneur Jeri Ellsworth, co-founder of Tilt Five, the world's first augmented reality tabletop gaming system. 🏁 From building race cars and owning a computer store chain to creating toys for millions, her early achievements set the stage for a groundbreaking career. She then moved on to creating an entire Commodore 64 into one of its iconic joysticks 🕹️, played a pivotal role in creating components found in most VR headsets today, and even convinced the legendary, Gabe Newell at Valve to sell her the technology that is now Tilt Five. Driven by grit...
2024-05-1754 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastCTO's Guide to VR Game Development Success with Charles 'Chuck' TolmanJoin host Lizzie Mintus as she sits down with Charles 'Chuck' Tolman, a seasoned CTO/CIO with a rich history in the video game industry. Chuck's career began at Atari in 1993, and he has since made significant contributions to over 30 games, including major franchises such as titles like Spider-Man, Call of Duty, and The Walking Dead. In this episode, Chuck shares his journey beginning with his unexpected start in game development to becoming CTO at studios like The Workshop, acquired by Skydance. Discover Chuck's insights on how his leadership propelled Skydance's success in VR gaming, and explore valuable tips...
2024-05-1449 min
Pixel Retentive PodcastRecruiting and Business in the Game Industry with Lizzie MintusEpisode Overview: Lizzie Mintus, as the founder of Here's Waldo, embodies the essence of personalized recruitment, where candidates are not just numbers but individuals with unique career aspirations. Specializing in the video game industry, Here's Waldo under Mintus's guidance ensures a tailored approach, connecting candidates with opportunities that resonate with their long-term goals. Lizzie and her team navigate the ever-evolving industry landscape, ensuring that relationships forged endure amidst market fluctuations. What You'll Learn: Strategies for standing out in the competitive job market Tips for adapting to industry fluctuations and career shifts Key principles...
2024-05-1346 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastLeveling Up Game Marketing, Mentorship, and Impact with Jen Donahoe of Jade Inferno ConsultingJen Donahoe is a publishing, marketing, and growth leader with over 20 years of experience in the game, toy, and entertainment industries. She started her career in the toy industry at Hasbro, Disney, and Mattel before moving to the game industry, where she led marketing and growth teams at EA, Zynga, Scopely, and Riot. Today, she is a strategic marketing consultant at Beta Hat and Jade Inferno Consulting. Tune in for insights on the importance of integrating marketing strategies early in the game development process, highlighting the impact on consumer insights and overall success. We also discuss the...
2024-05-0752 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastBlueprint for Live Game Success with Scott Hartsman, Games Angel & AdvisorJoin host Lizzie Mintus, and guest Scott Hartsman, as they dive deep into the secrets to creating successful live games, streamlining hiring processes, and making tough decisions as a leader. Scott's extensive track record speaks for itself, with a portfolio of successes dating back to the early days of online gaming. From EverQuest 1 and 2 to Rift, Trove, ArcheAge, Gemstone, Scepter, and even online Warcraft, his contributions have generated billions in revenue and engaged hundreds of millions of players. Currently, he serves as an advisor at Brain Jar Games and is an active investor in various companies.
2024-05-031h 03The Here's Waldo PodcastRedefining DEI Strategies through Empathy with Trinidad Hermida-Black of the BIG Foundation🎮💡 Unpopular Opinion: #DEI isn't just one person's job! Hiring a DEI specialist or expecting marginalized employees to carry the burden of change isn't going to magically transform your culture. So how can we truly promote positive DEI change? Join us as we sit down with Trinidad Hermida-Black, the Executive Director of Black in Gaming Foundation and CEO of The Hermida Company, focusing on "Building Equity through Empathy." Her work includes shaping inclusive strategies at billion-dollar corporations, launching Niantic's Black Developers Initiative, and so much more. Listen now for insights on hiring for potential, fostering genuine internal communities, overcoming imposter syndrom...
2024-04-2953 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastGrowth, Grit, and Gaming with Russell Ovans of East Side GamesJoin us as we sit down with Russell Ovans, Board Member at East Side Games (ESG). Russell is a free-to-play games executive with a Ph.D. in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence). His diverse career includes founding Backstage Technologies, teaching college, holding executive roles in a tech incubator, and owning a brewery. In 2018, he returned to ESG, where he played a pivotal role in quadrupling the company's revenue and leading it through its IPO. Russell is also the author of "Game Analytics, Retention and Monetization in Free to Play Mobile Games. Tune in to explore key topics such as the i...
2024-04-2351 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastFrom 'Pizza Attack' to Gaming's Future: Legal Insights with Don McGowanJoin us as we sit down with Don McGowan, former General Counsel at Bungie. If you're in the game industry, you've likely heard about Bungie's groundbreaking lawsuit protecting employees from online threats, aka the "Pizza Attack." Don orchestrated the whole process and is here to share the behind-the-scenes details in full. Don's career in the entertainment industry also included stops at The Pokémon Company International and Xbox Game Studios Publishing, where he launched some of the biggest IPs in gaming. Tune in as we dive into the legal side of the gaming industry, discussing topics like employee safety a...
2024-04-1954 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastThe Power of Leading with Empathy in the Game Industry with Mitch GitelmanJoin us as we sit down with Mitch Gitelman, a 30-year veteran of the game industry and former CEO of Harebrained Schemes, known for hits like the Shadowrun Returns and Battletech. He also played key roles as a founding member and studio head for Microsoft Games, leading the Xbox Live Arcade business during its heyday. In this episode, Mitch shares wisdom on navigating layoffs with compassion, fostering meaningful industry connections, offering tips on maintaining culture through acquisitions and starting a game company, and discussing his exciting plans for the future as he enters his "act three."
2024-04-1657 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastBridging Creativity and Generative AI for Next-Gen Gaming with Jon Radoff of BeamableJon Radoff is the co-founder and CEO of Beamable, an extensible server platform that enables developers to create online games and virtual worlds in minutes. His journey began at NovaLink, where he developed Legends of Future Past, one of the first MMORPGs. Jon went on to found Eprise Corporation, GamerDNA, and Disruptor Beam, reaching over 20 million players with games like Game of Thrones Ascent and Star Trek Timelines. Join us as Jon shares his insights on the future of gaming, exploring the transformative potential of generative AI and immersive technologies, and how they intersect with social networking...
2024-04-0948 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastFostering Employee Growth Through Effective Leadership by Joshua Howard of OtherSide EntertainmentJoshua Howard is the COO of OtherSide Entertainment, a company focused on providing players with innovative gameplay, immersive worlds, and engaging narrative. His focus extends beyond creating great games; he fosters positive team cultures, cultivates future leaders, and prioritizes employee well-being as the foundation for exceptional player experiences. Joshua's experience spans leadership roles in companies like Microsoft, Crytek, and Big Fish. He actively consults, coaches, and writes on leadership and management within the video game industry. A passionate board gamer himself, Joshua believes the principles of game design can be effectively applied to real-world management challenges. In...
2024-04-0559 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastCommunity Management in Games From Crowfall and Eve Online Veteran Valerie MasseyValerie Massey is a gaming veteran and community management expert. With more than two decades developing and fostering multiplayer online games, Valerie Massey has worked extensively in public relations, community building, and customer care. She has experience with businesses such as Consortium9, ArtCraft Entertainment, CCP Games, and Leap Motion. Valerie helped build and establish the Eve Online community from pre-beta through its launch and managed community relations for Crowfall. Her competencies include stellar written and verbal communication skills, crisis strategy, talent management, social media, technical writing, and community building. In this episode… Creating a g...
2024-04-021h 07The Here's Waldo PodcastHow To Get Investment in Your Game Studio by Moritz Baier-Lentz of LightspeedMoritz Baier-Lentz, is a Partner and Head of Gaming at Lightspeed Gaming, a company that partners with extraordinary founders in the gaming sector. In this position, Moritz has spearheaded investments in groundbreaking ventures, including Fortnite and League of Legends creators. With extensive experience at BITKRAFT and Goldman Sachs, he has advised on over $300 billion in transactions. As a former Diablo II global #1 player, Moritz holds an MBA and MA from Stanford. He is also recognized as a leader by Forbes and the World Economic Forum. Passionate about athletics and philanthropy, he raises funds for depression research through ultramarathons, having...
2024-03-2654 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastExpert Guidance for Navigating Layoffs and Transitions With Career Coach Dawn PinkneyDawn Pinkney is a Career and Executive Coach and the Founder of Marjorie Dawn Coaching, where she provides life coaching services to professionals, empowering them to perform at their best. With over 25 years of experience in the games industry, Dawn has worked extensively in production with renowned teams, contributing to the creation and publication of successful video games for companies like 2K, Activision Blizzard, Capcom, and Wargaming. Her impressive portfolio includes collaborations on beloved franchises such as James Bond, Skylanders, World of Tanks, PGA Tour, and Lego. In addition to her coaching endeavors, Dawn hosts the Hero of Circumstance...
2024-03-191h 02The Here's Waldo PodcastThe Influence of Writers on the Gaming Industry With Dean TakahashiDean Takahashi is the Lead Writer for GamesBeat at VentureBeat, a technology news website that provides news, analysis, features, interviews, and videos. He boasts over 28 years of experience as a tech journalist, with a dedicated focus on gaming. Joining VentureBeat in 2008, Dean previously contributed to esteemed publications such as The Mercury News, the Red Herring, the Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, and the Dallas Times-Herald. A prolific author, Dean has penned two acclaimed books, Opening the Xbox and The Xbox 360 Uncloaked. Additionally, he spearheads the organization of the annual GamesBeat and GamesBeat Summit conferences, cementing his role...
2024-03-1554 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastLaunching Potions: A Curious Tale With Renee GittinsRenee Gittins is the Creative Director and CEO of Stumbling Cat, an indie studio based in Seattle. With a diverse skill set encompassing business operations, software engineering, and creative direction, Renee leads her team with a unique blend of expertise. Before her role at Stumbling Cat, she served as the General Manager of Phoenix Labs in Vancouver and held the position of Executive Director at the IGDA. Renee is a dedicated advocate for diversity in the gaming industry, actively promoting initiatives to foster inclusivity and empower developers from all backgrounds. She also serves as the Chair of the IGDA...
2024-03-1252 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastLuck and Hard Work: The Intricate Journey of a Startup With Eric MarcoullierEric Marcoullier is a Fractional Co-founder and Early-Stage Startup Coach at BPM140 Consulting, where he guides first and second-time founders in the pursuit of finding a successful product-market fit. His journey in the tech industry began with the co-founding of IGN in 1996, where he led product and engineering until its sale three years later. Following this, Eric contributed to game development as a producer at Cyberlore Studios from 2001 to 2005, working on titles for Xbox, PlayStation, and PC platforms. With a diverse entrepreneurial background, Eric has founded multiple companies, some of which were acquired, showcasing his expertise in navigating the...
2024-03-051h 10The Here's Waldo PodcastThe Puzzle of Puzzle Games: Navigating Game Development With Laura TarantoLaura Taranto is the Senior Director of Product Management at Big Fish Games, a developer and distributor of casual games for computers and mobile devices. With 14 years of experience, Laura has traversed various phases of game development, with a particular emphasis on nurturing and growing live titles. In June of 2021, she joined Big Fish Games, where she spearheads new game development and oversees the popular game EverMerge. Before that, Laura held positions at esteemed companies, including Scopely, King, and Wooga, where she contributed to the success of titles such as Tuscany Villa, Farm Heroes Saga, Pearl's Peril, and Diamond...
2024-03-0154 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastImproving Talent Acquisition in the Gaming Industry With Jon WolheimJon Wolheim is the Volunteer Vice President of People and Culture at Games For Love, a nonprofit providing video games in children's hospitals and helping medical professionals to meaningfully integrate games into therapies. Jon's education runs through Stanford, USC, and MIT, where he got his start in core Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, ahead of leading some of the largest global HR and hiring teams at Apple and Amazon. Beyond being a top voice on LinkedIn, Jon is a competitive keynote speaker, a highly vocal advocate within the LGBTQ community, and a passionate voice for games and the brilliant...
2024-02-2757 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastLessons From a Gaming Industry Entrepreneur With Anthony CastoroAnthony Castoro is the Owner of Protagonist Games, an independent games and technology company specializing in multiplayer and online games. He is also the Founder and CEO of Simulation Theory, a proprietary technologies platform yielding incredible high-performance results for video games, AR/VR, real-time AI applications, and industrial simulations. A gaming industry veteran, Anthony has led teams in developing cutting-edge technologies and immersive gaming environments. With a passion for pushing the boundaries of interactive entertainment, he continues to drive innovation and deliver unforgettable experiences to gamers worldwide. In this episode… Entering the realm of gaming en...
2024-02-2057 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastThe Future of Remote Game DevelopmentŠtěpán Kaiser is the Co-founder and CEO of Remāngu, a cutting-edge platform designed to bridge the gap between remote individuals and prominent gaming studios. With a background in software engineering and a passion for innovation, Štěpán has spearheaded Remāngu's development of intuitive feedback management solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of modern enterprises. Under his leadership, Remāngu has emerged as a leader in the feedback management space, empowering businesses to leverage customer insights for strategic decision-making and continuous improvement. Štěpán's relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to driving customer success has...
2024-02-1650 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastInsights From a Venture Capitalist for Aspiring Gaming FoundersDavid Kaye is a General Partner at F4 Fund, a pioneering venture capital firm specializing in funding early-stage technology startups. With a passion for innovation and a keen eye for disruptive ideas, David leads F4 Fund in identifying and investing in high-potential ventures poised to impact their respective industries significantly. Leveraging his extensive experience in the startup ecosystem, he provides strategic guidance and support to portfolio companies, helping them navigate the complexities of growth and scale. Before founding F4 Fund, David held vital roles in startup ventures and established technology firms, gaining invaluable insights into the dynamics of entrepreneurship...
2024-02-131h 06The Here's Waldo PodcastNavigating the Gaming Industry With Sucker Punch’s Chris ZimmermanChris Zimmerman is the Co-founder of Sucker Punch Productions, a video game developer best known for creating action games for PlayStation consoles. A renowned figure in the video game industry, Chris has been instrumental in producing iconic titles such as Sly Cooper, inFAMOUS, and the critically acclaimed Ghost of Tsushima. Before his venture into Sucker Punch, Chris spent a decade at Microsoft, where he worked on various projects. In addition to his contributions to gaming, Chris has extended his expertise to the realm of programming wisdom. He authored The Rules of Programming, a book that distills Sucker Punch's programming...
2024-02-061h 11The Here's Waldo PodcastElevating Well-Being Through Gaming With Alina MatsonAlina Matson is the Co-founder and CEO of Glossbird, an innovative game studio creating lifestyle-improving games for untapped player markets. She is an award-winning designer, engineer, inventor, and startup consultant with a diverse portfolio ranging from flying cars to the latest VR headset at Metis. In her roles at Glossbird, Alina leads a team dedicated to evoking positive emotions and enhancing well-being through entertainment. With the spirit of a game studio and the efficiency of a tech startup, Glossbird is poised to revolutionize the game industry — redefining the process, player demographics, and creators’ diversity. In this episode…
2024-02-0249 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastUnifying Social Media and Gaming Through Generative AI With Negar ShaghaghiNegar Shaghaghi is the Co-founder and CEO of Auxuman, a game technology company with a mission to bridge the divide between social media and gaming. With a remarkable career trajectory, Negar served as an AI Product Leader for the past six years, showcasing her expertise and leadership in the dynamic intersection of artificial intelligence and product development. Under her guidance, Auxuman thrives as a pioneering force, shaping the future of interactive experiences and redefining the landscape where technology, gaming, and social engagement converge. In this episode… The convergence of social media and gaming represents a po...
2024-01-3036 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastBalancing Acts: Overcoming Startup Challenges for Moms With Terry RedfieldTerry Redfield is the Founder of a stealth mode startup, a company in its early stages of development and inspired by a game she created in 2015. With nearly three decades in the gaming industry, Terry embarked on her remarkable journey at 3DO as a junior artist. Her notable contributions include content creation for acclaimed games such as Psychonauts, Gardens of Time, and League of Legends. Throughout the years, Terry has refined her expertise across different specializations in the console, PC, and mobile platforms. In this episode… Embarking on an entrepreneurial path is demanding. Add the res...
2024-01-2349 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastStrategies for Inclusion and Diversifying Leadership in the Gaming Industry With Gina JosephGina Joseph is the Chief Strategy Officer at VentureBeat and GamesBeat, the leading sources for news, events, and groundbreaking research used to help leaders make intuitive decisions. Gina brings two decades of expertise in media and technology to her role. As a first-generation Afghan American woman, she actively champions diversity and inclusion, especially for women leaders. Gina is also the Founder of VentureBeat Lab, an innovative publishing arm focused on thought leadership, consultancy, and branded content. Additionally, she holds the distinction of being the first Afghan American board member for a games publisher in the US and i...
2024-01-1954 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastNavigating Mental Health in the Gaming Industry: Breaking the Stigma With Kate EdwardsKate Edwards is the CEO of Geogrify, a niche consultancy providing geocultural and geopolitical content strategy to help clients reach a global audience. She is also the Co-founder and Chief Experience Officer of SetJetters, which aims to revolutionize the film tourism experience with its location-based app. An award-winning gaming industry veteran, Kate’s career spans over 30 years working with premier companies, such as Microsoft, the International Game Developers Association, and Global Game Jam. In addition to serving on several boards and advisory roles, Kate is a geographer, corporate strategist, and writer. She’s been inducted into the Women...
2024-01-1656 minThe Here's Waldo Podcast50 Years of Dungeons and Dragons: An Iconic Fan-Favorite With Ray WinningerRay Winninger is a seasoned video game pioneer who began his career as a freelance designer in high school. His most recent role was as Executive Producer at Wizards of the Coast, where he managed a studio for Wizards’ Dungeons and Dragons. Ray’s career spans over 30 years, leading departments for prominent companies such as Sony, Viacom, Microsoft, and Amazon. In this episode… The popular tabletop role-playing Dungeons and Dragons celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and is played by more than 50 million people. How can established publishers like D&D maintain longevity and popularity? A...
2024-01-091h 03The Here's Waldo PodcastIndie Studio Startups: What Every Aspiring Founder Needs To Know With Raph KosterRaph Koster is the CEO of Playable Worlds, a computer games company specializing in gamification, online games, and game development. As a veteran game designer, he’s been professionally credited in almost every industry area. Raph was the lead designer and director of Ultima Online, one of the first MMOs to reach $1 billion, and Star Wars Galaxies. Raph is also the Founder of Metaplace, a metaverse company that he exited and sold to Disney Playdom. His book, A Theory of Fun for Game Design, recently revised for a 10th-anniversary edition, is an undisputed classic in the games field. Raph is...
2024-01-0500 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastRafael Brown on the Importance of Diversity in Leadership and How To Pivot During Slow SeasonsRafael Brown is the Founder and CEO of Symbol Zero, a video game studio developing interactive software across games, XR, virtual worlds, and concerts. As a seasoned veteran with 27 years of industry experience, he’s contributed his talents to over 37 projects. Before Symbol Zero, Rafael founded Digital Leaf Design, serving as the Creative Director for 22 years. His expertise has garnered him a reputation as a thought leader in the gaming world, and he’s spoken at various engagements such as SVVR, Samsung Next, VR Gaming Summit, and Augmented World Expo. In this episode… The unforeseen circums...
2024-01-0259 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastThe Power of Networking and Fostering Relationships for Career SuccessJoe Nickolls is the VP of Sumo Digital North America, a multi-genre video game platform featuring titles for major publishers, including Microsoft, Sony, Sega, and 2K. With 25 years of industry experience, he’s contributed his talents at various studios like Capcom and EA, where he led the MAXIS Studio, overseeing the Sims franchises. Joe is also the Co-founder and Managing Director of Timbre Games, a Vancouver-based company focusing on values, diversity, and inclusion, and a two-time Best Places to Work in Canada winner. In this episode… Although no scientific proof backs the percentage of jobs acqu...
2023-12-2643 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastAAA-Action Game Studio CEO Jerry Hook Shares Industry InsightsJerry Hook is the Founder and CEO of Jar of Sparks, a new studio committed to creating AAA action-adventure games. He has over 20 years in the industry and was a founding member of Xbox Live during his Microsoft tenure. Jerry also led the Destiny franchise at Bungie and headed the Design team for Halo Infinite at 343 Industries. While at 343 Industries, Jerry was the visionary behind progression, e-sports, and integration with the company’s business model and partners. In this episode… A commonality in the video game industry is developers who aspire to start a studio. Rega...
2023-12-261h 02The Here's Waldo PodcastTalofa Games: A Gaming Platform Invigorating Entertainment, Fitness, and Mental Health With Jenny XuJenny Xu is the Founder and CEO of Talofa, a video game platform inspired by her interests in running, fitness, and gaming. She hopes Talofa can help gamers improve their mental and physical health through play. Jenny is also the Founder and former CEO of JCSoft Inc., an independent game company that creates experimental horror-comedy mobile games. While at JCSoft, she collaborated with Niantic — the developer of Pokemon GO — to design new augmented reality and location-based gaming experiences for their platform. In addition to being named a 30 Under 30 Honoree by Forbes in 2018, Jenny is a member of Persistence, a prof...
2023-12-1948 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastGaming: An Ever-Evolving Industry With Gordon WaltonGordon Walton is the Chief Product Officer and Executive Producer at Playable Worlds, a computer games company specializing in gamification, online games, and game development. As a pioneer in the industry, Gordon started his career in 1977 and has executive-produced multiple MMO games. He has an extensive resume, working for companies such as ArtsCraft Entertainment (formally known as Crowfall), Monumental LLC, Playdom, and Sony Online Entertainment. Gordon oversaw the development of several MMOGs, including Air Warrior and Multiplayer Battletech at Kesmai Studios. Additionally, he’s personally developed over 30 games and led the development of more than 200 games. His num...
2023-12-1258 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastDavid Fox on Creating Groundbreaking Games at Lucasfilm Games and the Evolution of Virtual RealityDavid Fox is the Co-founder and Director of Electric Eggplant, specializing in new media and interactive design. In addition to his responsibilities at Eggplant, David decided to adapt his 2013 Rube Works: The Official Rube Goldberg Invention Game to XR. He is also a founding member of Lucasfilm Games as employee number two. During his 10-year tenure at Lucasfilm, he worked on Maniac Mansion, Zack McCracken and the Alien Mindbenders, and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. David recently collaborated with Ron Gilbert’s Terrible Toy Box team on Thimbleweed Park and is the Lead Programmer of Return to Monkey Isl...
2023-12-081h 02The Here's Waldo PodcastFostering Innovation and Accessibility in the Gaming Industry With Ben KvaloBen Kvalo is the Founder and CEO of Midwest Games, a regionally-focused video game publisher dedicated to championing disenfranchised developers in underrepresented regions, starting in the Midwest. He possesses over 12 years in the industry, including contributions to over 100 game titles and 50-plus films encompassing several of the entertainment industry’s most illustrious franchises. Ben is a former executive leader for 2K, Blizzard, and Netflix, where he led marketing and product development initiatives. Ben also sits on the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay’s board as an Advisor for Chancellor and Vice Chancellor for Advancement and the creation of the eSports Cent...
2023-12-0551 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastCareer Coach Sonia Michaels Explains Why “Soft Skills” Are Hard and Other Job and Interview TipsSonia Michaels is a career coach and consultant for gaming professionals in Greater Seattle. Additionally, she serves as the Department Chair of Humanities and Social Sciences at DigiPen Institute of Technology, where she’s taught communications, public speaking, and English for over 30 years. As a sought-after speaker, Sonia has presented at various conferences, including the GDC Number One Career Talk. She completed a three-year elected term on the IGDA Board of Directors in April, showcasing her involvement and commitment to the gaming industry. Sonia also received the Excellence in Teaching Award in June at the Indiecade Horizons Showcase.
2023-11-2859 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastUsing Social Design to Build Safer and Inclusive Gaming Communities With Carl KwohCarl Kwoh is the Co-founder and CEO of Jam & Tea Studios, a new multiplayer game startup focused on building player connections. He’s experienced in tabletop, web, mobile, PC, and console games. Before Jam & Tea, Carl developed the product management discipline at Phoenix Lab as the VP of Products. In 2017, he founded Ghostly Bear Games after spending six years as Riot Games’ Head of Talent Operations and Systems. Carl is deeply passionate about social design in games, fostering team dynamics, and elevating disenfranchised voices within the gaming industry. In this episode… Social design aims to solve...
2023-11-2158 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastThe Evolution of Massively Multiplayer Online and Why MMO Is Still Popular Over 25 Years LaterJess Mulligan is a consultant and troubleshooter for senior executives of online games operating in the US and Europe. Jess is a veteran in the industry with over 35 years of experience working in producer and leadership roles. Before offering their expertise as a consultant, Jess spent over five years at Travian Games in Munich, Germany, before exiting their dual role as Executive Producer and Game Director. Jess co-authored Developing Online Games: An Insider’s Guide, an overview of how to design, develop, and manage online games, published worldwide in over 10 languages, including Korean and Chinese. In this epi...
2023-11-1459 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastPatrick Ascolese on Video Game Entrepreneurship, Pricing Structure, and Virtual Reality Game DesignPatrick Ascolese is the Founder of Dark Arts Software, a Seattle-based independent virtual reality, gaming, and technology studio. Before his current venture, he lent his expertise as an AR/VR Design Consultant at Meta for nearly a year, where he contributed to the development of its upcoming AR headsets. Patrick began his career at Microsoft over 20 years ago, where he worked as a software development engineer and software designer for Xbox 360 Emulation and Kinect, respectively. He departed Microsoft in 2011 to work at Camouflaj, where he was a founding partner, and left the company after Meta acquired it. ...
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Financial ClarityScaling a Niche Recruiting Firm in the Gaming Industry With Lizzie MintusLizzie Mintus is the Founder and CEO of Here's Waldo Recruiting, a specialized recruiting firm that concentrates on the video game industry. With a commitment to quality over quantity, Here's Waldo prioritizes transparency, communication, and diversity in its recruitment process. Alongside her role at Here's Waldo, Lizzie serves as an ambassador for Women in Games, a globally recognized organization that aims to uplift and empower women within the gaming sphere. Lizzie's goal is to create a transformative recruitment experience where both clients and candidates feel authentically valued and understood. In this episode… Growing a niche re...
2023-11-0741 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastChanging the World Through Gaming With Irena PereiraIrena Pereira is the Founder and CEO of Unleashed Games, a video game startup developing games that unite players through cooperative gameplay. Irena is also the Owner of Digital Experiments, a company that specializes in helping gaming teams elevate user participation, putting the player first. A pioneer in user experience, Irena is a seasoned veteran in game development with a focus on connecting people. She’s worked in various roles across industry verticals, including as a user interface designer, chief creative officer, executive creative director, and product designer. A thought leader in gaming, Irena has been featured on Gaingels an...
2023-10-3145 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastVoidpet: The Next Generation Pokeman Rooted in Mental Health With Linda ShadLinda Shad is the Co-founder of Voidpet, a thoughtful multiplayer game where mental health meets Pokemon. Linda conceived the idea during the pandemic when she began using art as therapy — drawing monsters based on emotion. The concept quickly went viral, leading to a fanbase of over 100,000 members on Discord. Linda earned her BA in computer science from Boston College, where she worked as a lab and teaching assistant. In this episode… If you’ve been conceptualizing an idea for a video game that you’re excited to share, you’re not alone. Many entrepreneurs have ideas for...
2023-10-2453 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastCreating Opportunities and Advancement for Women in the Gaming Industry With Joanie KrautJoanie Kraut is the CEO at Women In Gaming International, a platform dedicated to cultivating resources for advancing economic equality and diversity in the global games industry. She has offered her talents in various tech and gaming verticals, including consulting studios, startups, and nonprofits. Joanie is a thought leader in finance, DEI, and the advancement of women in leadership. In 2019, CalCPA recognized her with the Women to Watch in Finance & Accounting, Experienced Leader Award, and in 2020, GCIF and Prism Events named her the Top 100 Global Leaders in Finance. Joanie was also recognized by CEO Monthly as the Most Influential...
2023-10-1758 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastCareer Tips From a Veteran Recruiter With Gina JaioGina Jaio is the Director of Recruiting at Dreamhaven, an Irvine, California-based video game developer and publisher. Gina is an 18-year veteran in the talent and acquisitions industry, lending her talents at Fortune 500 companies like Sony, Warner Bros., Disney, and Blizzard. In addition to leading the recruitment team at Dreamhaven, Gina provides TA support and strategies for various partner studios. In this episode… Career searching can be monotonous and discouraging when opportunities fall short. Fortunately, professional recruiters are willing to share their knowledge, so what steps should you take if you struggle to find employment?...
2023-10-101h 03The Here's Waldo PodcastLessons in Video Game Startups, Overcoming Rejection, and the Importance of Marketing With Andy TsenAndy Tsen is the Co-founder and CEO of Ramen VR, builders of the VR MMO Zenith: The Last City. Andy has held product and engineering roles at various top-grossing social and mobile free-to-play gaming studios, including Metamoki, GREE, Mobee, and Jana. Before Ramen, he was the CEO at TribeVR, a builder of multiplayer games that he helped co-found. From 2014-2016, Andy was a co-organizer for Boston VR, the second-largest VR community in the US. He is also an alum of Y Combinator, the world's leading startup accelerator. In this episode… Starting a video game studio is...
2023-10-0343 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastDeniz Gezgin Shares Pro Tips for Launching a Video Game CompanyDeniz Gezgin is the Founder and CEO of 5X5 Gaming, a San Francisco-based, mobile-first cross-platform video game studio. Deniz is a 15-year veteran in the gaming and digital collectibles industries. Before founding 5X5 Gaming, Deniz led Topps Company’s — one of the world’s largest and oldest collectibles companies — digital division as its General Manager. As an expert in product growth, he’s held various executive roles for companies such as Epics Digital Collectibles, Gazillion Network, Idle Games, Zynga, Machine Zone, and FunPlus. In this episode… 5X5 Gaming is a video game studio founded on the idea of...
2023-09-2643 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastBuilding a Gaming Community That Welcomes Everyone With Kelly WallickKelly Wallick is a Partner and Community Builder at 1Up Ventures, a venture capital fund supporting a diverse and inclusive community of independent game developers. She is also the Founder and CEO of Indie MEGABOOTH, a platform dedicated to promoting independent game developers at gaming expositions. Kelly has over 10 years of experience in the tech and video game industries. As a self-professed passionate believer in the impact of community in gaming, she’s sat on various boards, including Light Forge Games, advocating for creative, unique, and diverse voices. Kelly is also a former Chairperson of the Independent Games Festival, an...
2023-09-1950 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastHow to Improve Mental Health in the Video Game CommunityEve Crevoshay is the Executive Director at Take This, a mental health research, advocacy, and training nonprofit serving the game community. She’s a 20-year veteran in the nonprofit sector with experience in education, social services, and the arts. Eve sits on the advisory boards for the Fair Play Alliance, the Game Developers Conference (GDC), and The International Game Summit on Mental Health. In 2022, she received the inaugural GamesBeat Up and Comer award, and in 2022, Eve was awarded the Games for Change Festival Vanguard Award. In this episode… A July 2023 Statista reports that the total amou...
2023-09-1258 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastHow To Lead a Company and Build a Positive Work Culture With Paxton GalvanekPaxton Galvanek is the CEO of Studio Hermitage, a transmedia company that develops original IP for production across various formats. He has over 20 years of leadership experience as a serial entrepreneur, having founded and managed several companies, including The Chatham Group, a recruiting and talent acquisition firm; G&W Advertising Agency, a full-service creative and advertising agency; and Funcom, an interactive gaming center. Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Paxton volunteers at Activate Good, a nonprofit volunteer center, and guest lectures at the East Coast Gaming Conference. In this episode… Building a business entails research, a business pl...
2023-09-0554 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastHow To Acquire a Fanbase and Revenue With a Strategic Marketing Plan With Adam Lieb of GamesightAdam Lieb is the CEO of Gamesight, a technology platform driving revenue for games. As a seasoned entrepreneur in the gaming industry — building and selling his first website at the age of 11 — he’s developed products, services, and companies that reach billions of gamers. Before Gamesight, Adam was the Founder and CEO of Duxter, a social network for gamers that offered virtual currency for completed social and game-related goals. From 2007-2011, he was the Founder and CEO of Gaming Synergies, a network of over 20 websites servicing gamers with in-house assets, leveling, and coaching in the top MMO and FPS games...
2023-08-291h 02The Here's Waldo PodcastGaming: It’s More Than a Hobby With Tim Cullings of Global Game JamTim Cullings is a video games industry veteran and the Executive Director of Global Game Jam, the world’s largest game creation event empowering individuals worldwide to learn, experiment, and create. Tim is also the Executive Director and Board President at Seattle Indies, a nonprofit organization championing independent gamers who wish to pursue game development as a hobby or profession. Before joining GGJ, he was a Systems Engineer at Oculus and a QA Test Lead at Airtight Games. An experienced community builder, Tim serves as a chapter lead for the International Games Development Association (IGDA), the world’s la...
2023-08-2252 minThe Here's Waldo PodcastFrom Tech Executive to Video Game Founder With Gaming Industry Veteran Bernard YeeBernard Yee is the Founder of Windup Minds, an unannounced game startup dedicated to building games that make players feel joy and surprise. He was an executive producer at Oculus VR and a TPM at Meta, where he created seminal virtual reality experiences. He’s a gaming industry veteran, serving in development and publishing roles at Sony Online Entertainment, ESPN, Atari, Harmonix (Rock Band), and Disney Interactive. Bernard also taught game design as an Adjunct Professor at the Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. In this episode… Let’s face it! People play video...
2023-08-151h 14The Here's Waldo PodcastBuilding a Community of Game Developers Through Venture Funding With Ed Fries of 1UP VenturesEd Fries is the General Partner at 1Up Ventures, a venture capital fund supporting a diverse and inclusive community of independent game developers. An industry pioneer, he created his first video games for the Atari 800 in the early 1980s. Ed spent over 17 years at Microsoft as one of the early developers of Excel and Word. Before retiring as the company’s Vice President, he transferred from the Office team to interactive entertainment and launched his passion project — Microsoft Game Studios. Over an eight-year span, Ed published over 100 games, co-founded the Xbox project, and propelled Microsoft as a trailblazer in the...
2023-08-041h 05
The Shrimp Tank Podcast - The Best Entrepreneur Podcast In The CountryHow To Find a Career in the Gaming IndustryLizzie Mintus is the founder and CEO of Here’s Waldo Recruiting, a boutique recruiting firm with a niche focus in the video game industry.For more info, visit http://www.shrimptankpodcast.com/seattle/Check us out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshrimptankFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theshrimptank?lang=enCheck out Seattle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/shrimp-tank-episodes---seattle/
2023-06-0747 min