Shows
Playing With InferenceEp 13: Current State of GenAI in Games (July 2025)Welcome to 'Playing with Inference,' a podcast at the crossroads of AI and gaming. In this episode, hosts sit down with Eric Kress, co-host of Deconstructor of Fun and game industry consultant.
We break down what's going on in the space here in the summer of 2025, taking a look at the trend of the industry and GenAI companies playing in the space. Eric breaks down all the current industry challenges, and opportunities, and gives his critical voice to the pitfalls and opportunities in the space.
Eric is a great view on this because while h...2025-07-2258 minPlaying With InferenceEp 13: Current State of GenAI in Games (July 2025) (AUDIO ONLY)Welcome to 'Playing with Inference,' a podcast at the crossroads of AI and gaming. In this episode, hosts sit down with Eric Kress, co-host of Deconstructor of Fun and game industry consultant.
We break down what's going on in the space here in the summer of 2025, taking a look at the trend of the industry and GenAI companies playing in the space. Eric breaks down all the current industry challenges, and opportunities, and gives his critical voice to the pitfalls and opportunities in the space.
Eric is a great view on this because while h...2025-07-2258 minPlaying With InferenceEp 12: Rethinking AI Integration in GamingWelcome to 'Playing with Inference,' a podcast at the crossroads of AI and gaming. In this episode, hosts sit down with Rich Sun, CTO of Playful AI and former leader at Netflix Games and Meta.
Rich shares his unique perspectives on the role of AI in the gaming sector, reflecting on his extensive career in the industry. From discussing generative AI's potential to transform game development to the challenges of integrating AI into existing workflows, the conversation covers a range of critical topics. Rich also explores the investment landscape, the need for cheat-smart design, and the i...2025-07-151h 03Playing With InferenceEp 12: Rethinking AI Integration in Gaming (AUDIO ONLY)Welcome to 'Playing with Inference,' a podcast at the crossroads of AI and gaming. In this episode, hosts sit down with Rich Sun, CTO of Playful AI and former leader at Netflix Games and Meta.
Rich shares his unique perspectives on the role of AI in the gaming sector, reflecting on his extensive career in the industry. From discussing generative AI's potential to transform game development to the challenges of integrating AI into existing workflows, the conversation covers a range of critical topics. Rich also explores the investment landscape, the need for cheat-smart design, and the i...2025-07-151h 03Playing With InferenceEp 11: Using Machine Learning to Create Emergent FunIn this episode, we dive into the integration of broader machine learning within game development, featuring Jorge Val, co-founder and CEO of Latent Technology. Jorge discusses his journey from academia and research into game development, specifically focusing on generative AI for real-time physics-based animations. Highlights include an exploration of Jorge's background, the inception of Latent Technology, and their work in creating emergent physical behaviors in games. We touch upon the challenges and potential of using machine learning models for non-humanoid creatures, the future of AI in games, and how Latent Technology can enhance immersive gameplay experiences.
New...2025-07-081h 04Playing With InferenceEp 11: Using Machine Learning to Create Emergent Fun (AUDIO ONLY)In this episode, we dive into the integration of broader machine learning within game development, featuring Jorge Val, co-founder and CEO of Latent Technology. Jorge discusses his journey from academia and research into game development, specifically focusing on generative AI for real-time physics-based animations. Highlights include an exploration of Jorge's background, the inception of Latent Technology, and their work in creating emergent physical behaviors in games. We touch upon the challenges and potential of using machine learning models for non-humanoid creatures, the future of AI in games, and how Latent Technology can enhance immersive gameplay experiences.
New...2025-07-081h 04Playing With InferenceEp 10: GenAI Advances in 3D Character AnimationIn this episode, we chat with Viren Tellis, CEO and co-founder of Uthana, about the transformative potential of generative AI in the 3D animation pipeline for games. Viren explains Uthana's journey from its inception to its current state, focusing on its ability to generate real-time, on-demand animations.
Key topics include the evolution and speed of AI integration in animation, the challenges and potential of AI models, and the future landscape of real-time generative animation. Whether you're a game developer, animator, or someone interested in the cutting-edge of AI, this episode offers deep insights into how technology is r...2025-07-0154 minPlaying With InferenceEp 10: GenAI Advances in 3D Character Animation (AUDIO ONLY)THIS IS THE AUDIO ONLY VERSION OF THE EPISODE
In this episode, we chat with Viren Tellis, CEO and co-founder of Uthana, about the transformative potential of generative AI in the 3D animation pipeline for games. Viren explains Uthana's journey from its inception to its current state, focusing on its ability to generate real-time, on-demand animations.
Key topics include the evolution and speed of AI integration in animation, the challenges and potential of AI models, and the future landscape of real-time generative animation. Whether you're a game developer, animator, or someone interested in th...2025-07-0154 minPlaying With InferenceEp 9: Lessons from the Release and Success of Suck Up!In this episode of 'Playing With Inference,' we delve into the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and games with Ran Mo, the CEO and founder of Proxima, the creators of the groundbreaking game 'Suck Up.' Ran discusses Proxima's journey from its 2022 inception to the release of 'Suck Up,' one of the first games to integrate generative AI and machine learning into its gameplay.
The conversation covers the complexities of game development using AI, the challenges of building scalable in-game systems, and the broader implications of AI on the gaming industry. They also explore how A...2025-06-2455 minPlaying With InferenceEp 9: Lessons from the Release and Success of Suck Up! (AUDIO ONLY)THIS IS THE AUDIO ONLY VERSION
In this episode of 'Playing With Inference,' we delve into the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and games with Ran Mo, the CEO and founder of Proxima, the creators of the groundbreaking game 'Suck Up.' Ran discusses Proxima's journey from its 2022 inception to the release of 'Suck Up,' one of the first games to integrate generative AI and machine learning into its gameplay.
The conversation covers the complexities of game development using AI, the challenges of building scalable in-game systems, and the broader implications of AI o...2025-06-2455 minPlaying With InferenceEp 8: GenAI as Development AccelerantIn this episode, we talk with Irena Pereira about her dual role in running Unleashed Games and Infinite Realms. Irena shares insights into how she is using AI to accelerate game development in a way that she believes ensures job security for developers. We talk a lot about how she's used GenAI with her small team to deliver outsized results, and how it compares to her experiences with larger teams on games like World of Warcraft. We talk a lot about the core of the idea at Infinite Realms, using GenAI to do rapid preproduction on written IP's that...2025-06-171h 06Playing With InferenceEp 8: GenAI as Development Accelerant (AUDIO ONLY)AUDIO ONLY VERSION
In this episode, we talk with Irena Pereira about her dual role in running Unleashed Games and Infinite Realms. Irena shares insights into how she is using AI to accelerate game development in a way that she believes ensures job security for developers. We talk a lot about how she's used GenAI with her small team to deliver outsized results, and how it compares to her experiences with larger teams on games like World of Warcraft. We talk a lot about the core of the idea at Infinite Realms, using GenAI to...2025-06-171h 06Playing With InferenceEp 7: Exploring Player Experience with GenAI (AUDIO ONLY)THIS IS THE AUDIO ONLY VERSION
Join the 'Playing with Inference' podcast as hosts explore the real value of generative AI in the gaming industry. Featuring Shawn Faust, COO of Fortis Games, this episode dives into how Gen AI transforms game development and enhances player experiences. Shawn shares his extensive hands-on journey, discusses the potential of generative AI to create new game genres, and examines critical aspects like accessibility, cost, and innovation. Learn about the impact of AI-driven content, the application of LLMs in game design, and the future of deep social connections in gaming. T...2025-06-101h 00Playing With InferenceEp 7: Exploring Player Experience with GenAIJoin the 'Playing with Inference' podcast as hosts explore the real value of generative AI in the gaming industry. Featuring Shawn Faust, COO of Fortis Games, this episode dives into how Gen AI transforms game development and enhances player experiences. Shawn shares his extensive hands-on journey, discusses the potential of generative AI to create new game genres, and examines critical aspects like accessibility, cost, and innovation. Learn about the impact of AI-driven content, the application of LLMs in game design, and the future of deep social connections in gaming. This episode offers a comprehensive look at the promises and...2025-06-101h 00Playing With InferenceEp 6: AI & Digital Improvisation in EntertainmentJoin the 'Playing with Inference' podcast as hosts dive into the role of generative AI in digital improvisation experiences, featuring guest Stephen Piron, co-founder of Pickford AI. The episode explores the challenges and potential of using AI for creating interactive improv in comedy, theater, and gaming. Stephen shares his experiences with notable projects, including a deep fake of Joe Rogan that went viral and attracted international intelligence agencies' attention. The conversation also touches on the evolution of AI in Hollywood, the importance of narrative control, and the ethical considerations around intellectual property in AI-generated content. Don't miss this engaging...2025-06-031h 07Playing With InferenceEp 6: AI & Digital Improvisation in Entertainment (AUDIO ONLY)NOTE: This is the Audio Only version.
Join the 'Playing with Inference' podcast as hosts dive into the role of generative AI in digital improvisation experiences, featuring guest Stephen Piron, co-founder of Pickford AI. The episode explores the challenges and potential of using AI for creating interactive improv in comedy, theater, and gaming. Stephen shares his experiences with notable projects, including a deep fake of Joe Rogan that went viral and attracted international intelligence agencies' attention. The conversation also touches on the evolution of AI in Hollywood, the importance of narrative control, and the ethical c...2025-06-031h 07Playing With InferenceEp 5: On-device Inference in GamesIn this episode we talk with Piero Molino of Studio Atelico about his research and work in fine-tuning, quantization of models, and moving towards a future where inference happens on-device in real time at game-latency speeds. He also shares his perspective of coming into games from a ML background and what he's learned along the way.
New episodes of Playing With Inference go up every Tuesday.
Join our discord: https://buff.ly/1snI95H
Tags: #podcast #artificialintelligence #gaming #techtrends #futureofgaming #AIinnovation #gamingpodcast #machinelearning #techpodcast
2025-05-271h 08Playing With InferenceEp 5: On-device Inference in Games (AUDIO ONLY)This is the Audio Only version of this episode.
In this episode we talk with Piero Molino of Studio Atelico about his research and work in fine-tuning, quantization of models, and moving towards a future where inference happens on-device in real time at game-latency speeds. He also shares his perspective of coming into games from a ML background and what he's learned along the way.
New episodes of Playing With Inference go up every Tuesday.
Join our discord: https://buff.ly/1snI95H
Tags: #podcast #art...2025-05-271h 08Playing With InferenceEp 4: Playful CreationIn this episode we talk with Andy Mauro of Storycraft about how Generative AI enables a new pattern for games. Playful Creation is a way that many folks have described interacting with GenAI, and we look at that context in games -- where it works, where it creates friction, and how this could be a great new kind of game for players moving forward.
New episodes of Playing With Inference go up every Tuesday.
Join our discord: https://buff.ly/1snI95H
2025-05-2059 minPlaying With InferenceEp 4: Playful Creation (AUDIO ONLY)In this episode we talk with Andy Mauro of Storycraft about how Generative AI enables a new pattern for games. Playful Creation is a way that many folks have described interacting with GenAI, and we look at that context in games -- where it works, where it creates friction, and how this could be a great new kind of game for players moving forward.
New episodes of Playing With Inference go up every Tuesday.
Join our discord: https://buff.ly/1snI95H
2025-05-2059 minPlaying With InferenceEp 3: Bridging GenAI & Game Engineering TechniquesEp 3: Bridging GenAI & Game Engineering Techniques
In this episode we talk with Timothy Johnson of Little Umbrella (makers of Death by AI) about how Generative AI and Game engineering disciplines interact with each other to create a complex problem set.
New episodes of Playing With Inference go up every Tuesday.
Join our discord: https://buff.ly/1snI95H
2025-05-1358 minPlaying With InferenceEp 3: Bridging GenAI & Game Engineering Techniques (AUDIO ONLY)In this episode we talk with Timothy Johnson of Little Umbrella (makers of Death by AI) about how Generative AI and Game engineering disciplines interact with each other to create a complex problem set.
New episodes of Playing With Inference go up every Tuesday.
Join our discord: https://buff.ly/1snI95H
2025-05-1358 minPlaying With InferenceEp 2: GenAI and Dynamic Narratives (AUDIO ONLY)This Episode: The crew is joined by Nick Walton of Latitude, makers of AI Dungeon, to talk about why the idea of D&D run by LLMs is so ubiquitous, what we've learned about actually implementing that, and what player (and developer) value is there.
Playing With Inference is a new podcast tackling the intersection of generative AI and games. We are talking with folks who are actively building and exploring in the space to get past the hype and noise and look at what's actually possible today, where is the space going, and what d...2025-05-061h 01Playing With InferenceEp 2: GenAI and Dynamic NarrativesThis Episode: The crew is joined by Nick Walton of Latitude, makers of AI Dungeon, to talk about why the idea of D&D run by LLMs is so ubiquitous, what we've learned about actually implementing that, and what player (and developer) value is there.
Playing With Inference is a new podcast tackling the intersection of generative AI and games. We are talking with folks who are actively building and exploring in the space to get past the hype and noise and look at what's actually possible today, where is the space going, and what d...2025-05-061h 01Playing With InferenceEp 1: Current State of Gen AI in Games with Nabeel HyattThis episode: The crew is joined by Nabeel Hyatt of Spark Capital to talk about what they saw at GDC, as well as their reflections on what is the current state of GenAI in Games (and why).
Playing With Inference is a new podcast tackling the intersection of generative AI and games. We are talking with folks who are actively building and exploring in the space to get past the hype and noise and look at what's actually possible today, where is the space going, and what does it take to build with these tools. 2025-05-061h 15Playing With Inference(AUDIO ONLY) Ep 1: Current State of GenAI in Games with Nabeel HyattThis episode: The crew is joined by Nabeel Hyatt of Spark Capital to talk about what they saw at GDC, as well as their reflections on what is the current state of GenAI in Games (and why).
Playing With Inference is a new podcast tackling the intersection of generative AI and games. We are talking with folks who are actively building and exploring in the space to get past the hype and noise and look at what's actually possible today, where is the space going, and what does it take to build with these tools. 2025-04-291h 15Playing With Inference(AUDIO ONLY) Ep 0: What is this podcast?This episode: We cover what this podcast is, who the hosts are, and basic information for the upcoming season! This is the ever-green intro to the podcast if you're curious what this show is all about.
Playing With Inference is a new podcast tackling the intersection of generative AI and games. We are talking with folks who are actively building and exploring in the space to get past the hype and noise and look at what's actually possible today, where is the space going, and what does it take to build with these tools.
2025-04-2702 minPlaying With InferenceEp 0: What Is This Podcast?In our evergreen introductory episode, we explain what this podcast is and why we're doing it. We also introduce the common hosts to the show. This is always the best place to start listening!
2025-04-2202 min