The Three Thousands present Play List

What is it really like working in the games industry—and how do you actually get a job in game development? In this episode, we sit down with Danielle Walker, an HR professional in the video games industry, to talk about careers in gaming, breaking into the industry, and what it’s really like working behind the scenes at a game studio. We cover everything from Dani’s unconventional path into games to the realities of HR in game development and common misconceptions about the industry.Alongside all the career talk, we also get into Dani’s love for games - from her obsession with immersive single-player titles like The Legend of Zelda, her most replayable favourites, and the ones that seriously tested her patience. We chat about the evolution of games to big screen adaptations like Assassin’s Creed, Halo, and Fallout, and where the line sits between realism and actually having fun. If you’ve ever wondered how to get a job in games, this episode is packed with practical advice on standing out, networking effectively, and crafting a resume that works. Whether you’re trying to break into the industry or just love talking about games, there’s plenty here to relate to.

Step inside the mind of a game designer in this insightful and deeply human episode featuring Penelope Murphy - Senior Games Designer at The Three Thousands Studios, industry mentor, and lifelong lover of games. From nostalgic childhood memories to professional design philosophy, this episode explores what it really means to build a career in game design - and how games shape the way we can understand life itself. Pen shares her journey from growing up in Canberra to moving to Melbourne’s thriving games industry, revealing the often non-linear path into becoming a designer. What starts as a love for games evolves into a nuanced exploration of video game careers, creative identity, and the challenge of defining what “design” actually is in a professional studio environment .Through stories of early gameplay experiences from the Fable franchise to The Sims, this episode uncovers powerful parallels between game mechanics and real-world emotions. Pen reflects on how systems in design can teach us about relationships, decision-making, and even loss, highlighting the power of video games in understanding complex human experiences .Whether you’re an aspiring developer, a seasoned designer, or simply curious about how games influence the way we find meaning in systems, creativity, and play, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode, Executive Producer Lu Gigliotti takes us on a journey through his incredible career in the gaming industry —from his early work on the cult classic Earthworm Jim to shaping iconic titles like The Neverhood and DmC. Lu shares insights into the creative process of game development and dives into the evolution of gaming, the rise of AI, and the future of interactive entertainment.

What happens when sound meets storytelling in the gaming world? Benjamin Dawe and composer Samuel Shepherd unpack the journey of Sam’s musical project Parade Music, reflect on the indie artist grind, and break down why the right soundtrack can completely transform a game. They touch on the haunting beauty of Silent Hill 3, the cult-classic charm of Evergrace, and how Japanese music has left a global imprint on gaming. Trip-hop, Hyperpop, and more—we’re talking deep cuts and fresh takes.

The Three Thousands present Play List Ep. 04 - From TF2 to EA and Beyond: How Sam Kayler-Thomson Turned Passion into a Pro Game Dev Career.In this episode, we sit down with Game Designer Sam Kayler-Thomson, who went from modding Team Fortress 2 in his bedroom to working at EA Designing Real Racing 3 and now at The Three Thousands. We cover everything from turning uni projects into paid gigs, surviving game dev deadlines, the real deal with esports + AI taking over car culture.What you'll learn:How modding TF2 kickstarted Sam’s careerThe power of community feedback in game designWhy QA might be the secret weapon in devHow AI is changing the game (literally) in car culture

Sean Reynolds, known as the 'Ghost Signs guy', shares his journey to becoming a Cultural Archaeologist, exploring the stories behind faded advertisements in Melbourne, Australia. He discusses the influence of video games on his life, particularly titles like Chrono Trigger, Maniac Mansion, and Mortal Kombat, and reflects on his experiences working in Hollywood. The conversation also touches on his transition to Australia, the vibrant culture of Melbourne, and the release of his book, 'Melbourne Ghost Signs', which delves into the history,  significance and stories behind these signs in the community.

The Three Thousands bring you Play List Ep. 02 with Experience Design Director Guy Walshe. We dive into the evolution of gaming through Guy’s lens—growing up in Hong Kong and shaping titles at Electronic Arts in Australia, Ubisoft in Toronto, and Ken Levine’s Ghost Story Games in Boston. He shares insights on adapting to Australia’s culture, the early days of online gaming with BBS, and the clever mechanics of underrated titles like Phantom Crash and Solar Winds. From his shift from art to experience design, Guy reflects on pivotal moments with classics like Shadow of the Colossus and Bioshock. It’s a sharp, thoughtful convo—give it a listen!

From Atari to AI: 25 years in gaming with Mauro Fiore! Join host Benjamin Dawe on Episode 01 of  the Play List podcast as he chats with veteran Game Director and Creative Director Mauro Fiore (ex-Rockstar Games, Zynga & Electronic Arts). Hear Mauro’s favorite games of all time, tales from the trenches of Game Development, the evolution of Game Design, and Mauro's take on the future of play.