Game Dev Unchained

Game Dev Unchained
Our podcast breaks the mold of don't ask don't tell about the video game industry. We give everyone the real inside look at what its like to be a professional game developer, Every week we'll interview pro and indie developers, we'll talk jobs, studios, salaries and of course crunch horror stories. Tune in!
Hosted by Brandon Pham

All Episodes

Magic Mind is offering a saving of 48% for unchained listeners. This is their best offer yet and it won't last long! Give that brain a boost and start your day with Magic Mind. Go to ⁠⁠https://www.magicmind.com/DEVUNCHAINED20⁠⁠ About this episode: Shawn Beck is from an award-winning Malaysian game studio, Weyrdworks, introduced his studio's philosophy and shared insights into the Malaysian game development scene. The discussion also focused on the development and potential of their virtual pets game, the evolution of the video game industry, and strategies for developing a free-to-play game. ⁠Weyrdlets on Steam (steampowered.com) Weyrdworks - Award Winning Game Development Studio Shawn Beck | LinkedIn Connect with us: • 🖥 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://gamedevunchained.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • 🎞️ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/GameDevUnch...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • ✉️ info@gamedevunchained.com • 💰 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/gamedevunchained/su...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ •📸 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/gamedevunchained⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Jul 9

57 min 51 sec

Magic Mind is offering a saving of 48% for unchained listeners. This is their best offer yet and it won't last long! Give that brain a boost and start your day with Magic Mind. Go to ⁠https://www.magicmind.com/DEVUNCHAINED20⁠ About this episode: We discussed the current challenges and future outlook for the game industry. Oli suggested that while the industry is experiencing a delayed effect from the Covid-19 pandemic, it is still an exciting area with significant attention from investors. However, Oli noted that larger funds are now participating in earlier stages of funding, which is causing more competition and reducing accessibility for exciting deals. Despite this, Oli remained optimistic, citing the industry's history of thriving during times of financial constraint. Brandon emphasized the importance of collaboration and the ongoing challenges of remote work in the aftermath of Covid-19. Collaborative Art Software: Draw Together on Magma (2) Oli Strong | LinkedIn Connect with us: • 🖥 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://gamedevunchained.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • 🎞️ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/GameDevUnch...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • ✉️ info@gamedevunchained.com • 💰 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/gamedevunchained/su...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ •📸 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/gamedevunchained⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Jun 27

54 min 48 sec

About this episode: Ray and I discussed various challenges and trends in the game development industry, including funding issues, layoffs, and the impact of streaming services like Game Pass and Netflix. We also critiqued the current state of publishing and movie industries, and the trend of game publishers and developers moving towards subscription services. Lastly, we discussed the evolving PC gaming industry, the issue of library account ownership, and the extended tenure of Phil Spencer at Microsoft. ⁠Raymond Graham (@Wadarass) / X (twitter.com)⁠ Connect with us: • 🖥 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://gamedevunchained.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • 🎞️ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/GameDevUnch...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • ✉️ info@gamedevunchained.com • 💰 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/gamedevunchained/su...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ •📸 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/gamedevunchained⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Jun 13

1 hr 12 min

Magic Mind is offering a saving of 20% for unchained listeners. This is their best offer yet and it won't last long! Give that brain a boost and start your day with Magic Mind. Go to https://www.magicmind.com/DEVUNCHAINED20 About this episode: In this episode, I welcome Xalavier Nelson Jr., founder of Strange Scaffold, discussing his game "Life Eater" tackling moral ambiguity and intrusion testing. We explored geolocation risks and online security concerns, and discussed cultural sensitivity and sustainable practices in game development. Life Eater on Steam (steampowered.com) Home - Strange Scaffold Xalavier Nelson Jr. @ XP Game Summit (@WritNelson) / X Connect with us: • 🖥 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://gamedevunchained.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • 🎞️ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/GameDevUnch...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • ✉️ info@gamedevunchained.com • 💰 ��⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/gamedevunchained/su...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ •📸 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/gamedevunchained⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Jun 4

55 min 43 sec

Subscribe to Game Dev Unchained! Get access to subscriber-only episodes for a monthly subscription. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamedevunchained/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ About this episode: In this episode, we dive into the transformative role of AI in the gaming industry. We explore how AI enhances creativity, streamlines game development, and empowers smaller teams to produce high-quality games. The discussion also addresses ethical concerns and job security issues, emphasizing the balance between embracing new technology and preserving artistic integrity. Join us as we unpack the future of game development in the age of AI. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Benjamin James | LinkedIn Atlas Connect with us: • 🖥 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://gamedevunchained.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • 🎞️ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/GameDevUnch...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • ✉️ info@gamedevunchained.com • 💰 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/gamedevunchained/su...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ •📸 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/gamedevunchained⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

May 28

54 min 59 sec

Subscribe to Game Dev Unchained! Get access to subscriber-only episodes for a monthly subscription. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamedevunchained/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ About this episode: James Montagna discusses the challenges and creative processes behind reimagining classic games like 'Yar's Revenge' for modern audiences. He highlights the balance between maintaining the original's spirit and introducing innovative gameplay mechanics, such as hacking elements and side-view exploration. Montagna also reflects on WayForward's success, emphasizing the studio's passion, adaptability, and deep reverence for gaming history. ⁠Highlights by James Montagna (@JamesPopStar) / X James Montagna | LinkedIn Connect with us: • 🖥 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://gamedevunchained.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • 🎞️ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/GameDevUnch...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • ✉️ info@gamedevunchained.com • 💰 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/gamedevunchained/su...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ •📸 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/gamedevunchained⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

May 21

49 min 53 sec

Subscribe to Game Dev Unchained! Get access to subscriber-only episodes for a monthly subscription. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamedevunchained/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ About this episode: Damien Evans and I discussed the ongoing struggles in the video game industry, particularly the recent layoffs and their impact on employees. We expressed concerns about the job market's unpredictability, the push for higher profits, and the lack of job security, with Damien advocating for the formation of a union to provide a voice for workers. They also explored potential solutions, such as an opt-in, opt-out insurance membership scheme and a company-sponsored fund for employees, and planned for a follow-up discussion to contribute to positive changes in the industry. Damien Evans | LinkedIn Connect with us: • 🖥 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://gamedevunchained.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • 🎞️ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/GameDevUnch...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • ✉️ info@gamedevunchained.com • 💰 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/gamedevunchained/su...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ •📸 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/gamedevunchained⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

May 14

1 hr 16 min

Subscribe to Game Dev Unchained! Get access to subscriber-only episodes for a monthly subscription. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamedevunchained/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ About this episode: We discussed the challenges of the job market and game industry layoffs., the success of smaller teams and the importance of building a community around a game. We examined the trend of remastering and sequels, and the dynamics of team size on game quality. Raymond Graham (@Wadarass) / X (twitter.com) Connect with us: • 🖥 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://gamedevunchained.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • 🎞️ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/GameDevUnch...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • ✉️ info@gamedevunchained.com • 💰 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/gamedevunchained/su...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ •📸 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/gamedevunchained⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

May 7

1 hr 33 min

Subscribe to Game Dev Unchained! Get access to subscriber-only episodes for a monthly subscription. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamedevunchained/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ About this episode: Read Article: https://wp.me/pcB0ew-1gR Francisco discussed the development, funding, and challenges of their game 'Lullaby of Life', including the importance of music and sound in the gaming experience. We also touched on the ongoing layoffs in the game development industry, the concept of early access, and the potential of new technologies such as the Steam Deck. Lastly, we shared advice for aspiring developers and discussed the balancing act between passion and business savvy. Save 34% on The Lullaby of Life on Steam (steampowered.com) The Lullaby Of Life - 1 Simple Game Francisco Lara Sikorski | LinkedIn Connect with us: • 🖥 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://gamedevunchained.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • 🎞️ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/GameDevUnch...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • ✉️ info@gamedevunchained.com • 💰 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/gamedevunchained/su...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ •📸 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/gamedevunchained⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Apr 30

1 hr 1 min

Subscribe to Game Dev Unchained! Get access to subscriber-only episodes for a monthly subscription. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamedevunchained/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ About this episode: full article: Character Craft: Didimo’s Journey in AI Artistry with Veronica Orvalho – Game Dev Unchained Join us in this fascinating episode as Veronica shares her journey from 3D artist to tech pioneer with Didimo, the company transforming character art with AI in the gaming industry. Discover how Veronica secured substantial EU funding to push the boundaries of game development and learn about the evolution of character pipelines that are reshaping the industry. Listen to the challenges of scaling creative projects, the importance of team dynamics, and the power of personal relationships in achieving business success. Veronica also dives into future collaborations and strategic partnerships that are set to accelerate Didimo's growth. Tune in to gain unique insights from the intersection of art and innovation in the fast-paced world of game development. Veronica Costa Orvalho | LinkedIn Didimo - Ultimate 3D Character Creation Technology for Game Developers Connect with us: • 🖥 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://gamedevunchained.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • 🎞️ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/GameDevUnch...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • ✉️ info@gamedevunchained.com • 💰 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/gamedevunchained/su...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ •📸 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/gamedevunchained⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Apr 23

55 min 51 sec

Subscribe to Game Dev Unchained! Get access to subscriber-only episodes for a monthly subscription. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamedevunchained/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ About this episode: Ray and I had a comprehensive discussion about the current state of the industry, expressing concern about the unsustainable practices and lack of unionization. We also reflected on GDC 2024, sharing their experiences and opinions, as well as the impact of Epic layoffs on the show floor. Lastly, we discussed the marketing strategies of various companies, with a particular focus on Unity and its booth, which they found to be unimpressive. Connect with us: • 🖥 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://gamedevunchained.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • 🎞️ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/GameDevUnch...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • ✉️ info@gamedevunchained.com • 💰 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/gamedevunchained/su...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ •📸 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/gamedevunchained⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Mar 26

1 hr 25 min

Subscribe to Game Dev Unchained! Get access to subscriber-only episodes for a monthly subscription. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamedevunchained/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ About this episode: In this episode, I discussed Tav Shande's recent work in his game on project UEFN and his long-standing career in game development. They also talked about the gaming industry, criticizing Epic's management and discussing the importance of adaptability and diversifying income streams. The conversation shifted to Fortnite and the potential for financial investment and starting a studio. We also discussed the growing influence of user-generated content, the challenges of managing it, and the business strategies of gaming companies. Towards the end, we debated the future of gaming, the challenges of finding a unique identifier for content, and the direction Activision/Blizzard after its acquisition by Microsoft. fortnite.com/@artbytav Welcome to TavShande.com – Story-driven Art meets new, emerging tech & design Tav shande (@artbytav) / X (twitter.com) Content by Tav - UE Marketplace (unrealengine.com) Connect with us: • 🖥 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://gamedevunchained.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • 🎞️ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/GameDevUnch...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • ✉️ info@gamedevunchained.com • 💰 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/gamedevunchained/su...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ •📸 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/gamedevunchained⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Feb 20

1 hr 26 min