The Puzzle of Puzzle Games: Navigating Game Development With Laura Taranto

Laura 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 Dash. Beyond her work in product management, Laura also contributes actively as a writer and podcast host at Deconstructor of Fun, a leading source of insights into the game industry. In this episode… Puzzle games have long captivated players with their addictive gameplay and brain-teasing challenges. Behind the scenes, game developers continuously strive to innovate and refine their creations to meet the evolving preferences of players. How can aspiring gaming professionals break into the intricate world of puzzle game development? Seasoned game developer Laura Taranto highlights one key aspect: the importance of analyzing player feedback in shaping puzzle game development. By closely examining player comments, reviews, and suggestions, developers gain valuable insights into what aspects of the game resonate with players and identify areas for improvement. This feedback-driven approach allows developers to tailor puzzle games better to meet the expectations and preferences of their audience. Join Lizzie Mintus on today's episode of the Here's Waldo Podcast as she interviews Laura Taranto, Senior Director of Product Management at Big Fish Games. Laura discusses her pivotal role at Big Fish, offering insights into the process of analyzing player feedback for game development. Additionally, she shares recent shifts in the gaming industry, providing listeners with valuable perspectives on emerging trends and innovations.