The Here's Waldo Podcast

Kieran 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 a game developer, parent, or simply curious about the future of online safety, be sure to tune in to this week's episode of the Here's Waldo Podcast!

Asaf 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 playable moments. Players can jump straight into iconic scenes without the hassle of downloads or installs- just pure, frictionless play. Their goal? To become the "Playable YouTube" for games, bridging the gap between content consumption and interaction.

Zoe 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 advice on finding the right coach, leading with empathy, and managing crises while staying true to your values.

Vishal 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 World Health Organization and was one of Khan Academy's highest-rated teaching fellows in health and medicine. Tune in to learn how SoWork is revolutionizing remote work dynamics by reducing costs, boosting productivity, and enhancing workplace culture with exciting new features, such as in-app gaming and immersive team-building experiences!

David 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 openness, new regulations, and their impact on game publishers. Tune in for actionable insights on building a monetization strategy that resonates.

Nicola 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.

Rich 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 founding T-Minus Zero and the experience of running a remote-first studio. He talks about the importance of building a strong company culture, shares his insights from live game operations, and explores how AI is transforming the future of game development. From overcoming the challenges of creating efficient content pipelines to understanding the vital role of community management in a game's success, Rich offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to thrive in the world of online games.

Daryl 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 dynamics, fostering cohesive teams, and the tangible impact of culture transformation on game development outcomes. 

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 collaboration and growth within the industry. Tune in to learn about Peter's remarkable journey from starting a game studio at 18 to expanding into publishing, the challenges of developing games in an underdeveloped Slovakian market, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the gaming sector.

In 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—while emphasizing the importance of avoiding the crunch culture that often plagues the gaming industry.

Jen 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 and Gen Alpha, exploring their unique preferences and how to capture their attention. Jen also highlights the importance of fostering clear values and principles in startups and explains how Dragon Snacks Games aims to fill critical gaps in the gaming industry.

Nancy 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 "Play to Win" experience. Since joining in 2021, she has revitalized the brand by doubling its real-money player base and tripling cash entry fees, solidifying WorldWinner's leadership in the competitive skill gaming space. Tune in as Nancy shares her extensive journey and insights, including building major brands, the rapid growth of the skill gaming industry, and her unique reflections on entrepreneurship and leadership in the gaming industry.

Robin 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 technology, strategies for building and managing a remote team, and his vision for the future of video game hardware.

In 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 shaped social interactions in online gaming and how experimentation led to the growth and success of High Rise. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about growing up in the Soviet Union to founding multiple successful companies. Anton reflects on his entrepreneurial journey and offers valuable insights into user acquisition, engagement strategies, and the importance of social connection in virtual spaces. 

In 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 design approach. He shares insights on balancing quality with deadlines, the importance of iterative development, and focusing on core features that deliver "the fun."

Joe 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 related to desires, motivations, values, and personality traits. Joe and his team empower developers to understand player behavior, enhance personalization, and effectively target market segments. Their mission is to create games that resonate deeply with players, fostering emotional connections and driving engagement.

Garrett 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, discussing the critical role of playtesting, his insights on emerging industry trends, and reflections on the key elements that have driven the success of legendary titles.

Heidi 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 a safer and more positive environment for children. Whether you're a parent, gamer, or entrepreneur, tune in for valuable insights on the positive impact of gaming on kids, the evolution of technology, and how to navigate new industries with confidence.  

John 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 that fueled Unity Asia's success, his approach to nurturing international partnerships, and his vision for the future of cloud gaming.

Chris 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 markets and the importance of networking and mentorship in building successful careers in gaming.  

Sami 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 the importance of early user feedback and the impact of innovative game designers like Vlado on Ramly's approach to game design.

Neel 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 how he changed game marketing from transactional to compelling storytelling. 

We'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 Monkey Island, as well as cutting-edge VR experiences. Today, Noah applies his vast experience as the founder of The Inspiracy, advising and consulting on the integration of game technology with health. Tune in to explore how games are revolutionizing medical training and health improvement, the future of VR and AR in healthcare, and the invaluable lessons Noah has learned over four decades in the industry.

If 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 game design and development, mentoring the next generation of game creators while working on exciting new projects as President of Graybeard Games and Skystone Games. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at his transition from big corporate projects to indie development and the valuable lessons he's learned along the way.

Fun 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 Partnerships at ProbablyMonsters, where his roles encompass partnerships, operations, business development, developer relations, live services, and more. Mark emphasizes that recognizing the value of fostering connections has been crucial to his career growth. Tune in to hear about his unconventional journey, the evolution and challenges of the gaming industry, and the importance of nurturing relationships on the Here's Waldo Podcast.

Michael 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, his distinctive approach to leadership, and more.   

Sid 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 Morten for Stormgate.  

Tim 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 developing Stormgate, the vital role of player feedback, and the complex world of venture capital and crowdfunding. Tune in to discover how Frost Giant Studios is setting new standards in the RTS genre. And mark your calendars: Stormgate will be available for free-to-play on August 13th!

David 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 business development, and his contribution to Mario Kart Bowser's Challenge for Universal Studios, the first major attraction to incorporate AR. The discussion highlights the intersection of virtual and physical worlds in gaming and theme parks, offering a glimpse into the future of interactive entertainment.

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 GUCCI, and learn about Yon's vision for shaping the future potential of Roblox as a platform for gaming, social interaction, and commerce.  

Justin 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 authentically engage with games they truly love, fostering long-term partnerships and sustainable content creation.

Ethan 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 emotional intelligence, and practical advice for advancing your career.

Shawn 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 episode also touches on Sean's personal experiences with layoffs from both perspectives, scaling global remote teams, and navigating the ups and downs of startup life.

Chelsea 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.

🎮 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 'The Art of Video Games Exhibition', showcases his dedication to highlighting the cultural, technological, and educational value of video games. Every play counts, every story matters, and every game can leave a lasting imprint on human experience. Tune in to discover insights shedding light on the past, present, and promising future of video gaming as a creative and impactful medium.

Join 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, and the innovative strategies that propelled Keywords Studios to the forefront of the game industry.

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 about Jordan's journey and the key lessons he's learned along the way.

Alyssa 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 to underrepresented and marginalized developers and individuals building their careers within the game industry. Listen in for more on the art of deal making, advice for smaller companies and indie developers, and insights into board membership and advisory roles.

Wondering 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 served as CCO at Improbable World in London and co-founded Author Digital in Washington. Now the CEO of Lunacy Games, Bill Roper shares invaluable advice on turning vision into reality. Learn about handling adversity, building strong teams, and creating a lasting impact in the gaming industry.

In 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 success of renowned titles like Bioshock, Borderlands, and Civilization, as Sarah provides a behind-the-scenes look at her impactful contributions to the gaming world.

Join 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. Tune in to gain valuable insights into branding, differentiation, strategic partnerships, crisis management, and the evolution of the gaming industry, along with a glimpse into Perrin's impactful nonprofit work through Saving Great Animals, a large active nonprofit rescuing and having homed more than 9000 dogs.

Join 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 and a passion for tech innovation, Jeri continues to enhance gaming experiences worldwide by pushing boundaries in AR. Listen in to this week's episode of the Here's Waldo Podcast to explore Jeri's early adventures to breaking into Silicon Valley and her take on the future of AR in games.

Join 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 for VR game development, including navigating technical challenges, creating immersive experiences, and balancing gameplay mechanics.

Jen 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 significance of company culture, employee treatment, and the role of diversity and allyship in creating a thriving workplace.

Join 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.  

🎮💡 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 syndrome, navigating board positions, and Trinidad's personal cheat codes for success.

Join 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 importance of having a growth mindset, understanding data literacy across gaming roles, and navigating career paths both within and outside the gaming industry.

Join 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 and employer obligations, brand IP and M&A strategies, AI and copyright Issues, the Epic Games vs Apple antitrust lawsuit, and more.

Join 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."

Jon 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, content creation, and online communities to shape the next generation of the game industry.