Episode 7: Egil Strunke

Summary In this episode of the Game Changers Podcast, Lars Janssen interviews Egil Strunke, a veteran of the games industry. Egil shares his journey from working at Electronic Arts and Panvision to joining Embracer Group and starting his own consulting company. He also discusses his new role at Starbreeze Studios and his dreams of creating a story-driven adventure game. The conversation touches on topics such as the impact of AI on the games industry, the challenges of standing out in a crowded market, and the importance of listening to the audience. Overall, Egil's insights provide valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of the games industry. Takeaways The games industry has seen significant growth and change over the years, with new opportunities and challenges emerging. AI has the potential to revolutionize game development, making it faster and more efficient, but it also requires careful consideration and planning. Standing out in a crowded market is a challenge, and studios need to listen to their audience and adapt to their feedback to create successful games. Building a strong community and engaging with players early on in the development process is crucial for success. Egil's aspirations include running his own studio and creating a story-driven adventure game that captivates players. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:00 Working at Electronic Arts and Panvision 08:06 Joining Embracer Group and Starting a Consulting Company 09:20 Joining Starbreeze Studios 10:11 Favorite Gaming Characters 11:21 Games Egil Would Have Loved to Work On 13:14 Impact of AI on the Games Industry 19:35 Business Challenges in the Games Industry 22:17 The Future of AI in Gaming 27:52 Challenges as a Game Enabler 32:46 Dreams and Aspirations for the Future 34:36 Closing Remarks