Deniz Gezgin Shares Pro Tips for Launching a Video Game Company

Deniz 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 combining NFTs and digital collectibles. Despite launching at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has been able to scale rapidly in its few short years. If you're considering starting a video game company, there are various logistics that you should consider.  The foundation of any startup is a solid business plan that includes the company's mission, vision, goals, and a detailed product description. After establishing a course of action, Deniz Gezgin, a seasoned game developer and entrepreneur, recommends designing a prototype before securing funding. A prototype allows developers to present it to industry events and investors. However, it is crucial to avoid expanding the team too quickly, as the market could change or fundraising could decrease. You can also save on overhead by hiring a remote team of game developers, artists, designers, and marketers. Additionally, employing a virtual team increases productivity and retention levels. Starting a video game company is challenging and competitive. By planning accordingly, staying current with the latest trends and technologies, and building a diverse top-tier team, the chances of success significantly increase.  Join Lizzie Mintus in today's episode of the Here's Waldo Podcast, as she interviews Deniz Gezgin, Founder and CEO of 5X5 Gaming, about the process of launching a video game startup. Deniz shares advice on securing financing, the challenges of starting a company, and the benefits of managing a multicultural team.