Building Better Games is about helping leaders create better video games through holistic leadership. If you’re a leader in games and game dev, you are who we make this podcast for. Making games is hard, no two ways about it. Only 5% of video games that enter production turn a profit. We aim to increase that number. Through our own successes and failures we (and our guests) have learned lessons that will help you create better teams and better games. Leadership matters, so let’s get better a ...
…
continue reading
From the lull state to the pog state, welcome to The Pog State, the official LCK Global podcast. The Pog State is the place to be to catch up on what’s going on in the LCK through the eyes of the international LCK Global team. Hope you enjoy the episodes and stay tuned for more. Come join the fun! Stay classy.
…
continue reading
Roflgator, former competitive Leage of Legends player, retired professional Overwatch player and team coach now fulltime livestreamer on Twitch invites friends to discuss video gaming and things in general.
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
THE POG STATE | EP 65 - Who's the New Guy? DGON! DGON! DGON!
1:13:08
1:13:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:13:08
Welcome Poggers! Today we are joined by the great and powerful Dgon! Dgon! Dgon!By Riot Games Korea
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E65: How To Do Game Design During Ideation with Greg Street
42:42
42:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:42
In this episode of "Building Better Games," Benjamin Carcich and Greg Street, also known as Ghostcrawler, delve into the intricacies of game design during the ideation phase. Greg shares his extensive experience from his time working on League of Legends, World of Warcraft, Age of Empires, and his current venture at Fantastic Pixel Castle. Key Disc…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
THE POG STATE | EP 64 - Summer is Back, Baby!
1:11:07
1:11:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:11:07
Welcome back Poggers! Summer is here!
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E64: Why Estimation In Game Dev Is So Hard
44:52
44:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:52
In this episode of "Building Better Games," hosts Benjamin Carcich and Aaron Smith dive into the complex and often frustrating topic of estimation and planning in game development. They address the challenges, misconceptions, and emotional reactions surrounding estimation, drawing on their extensive experience in the industry. The episode also cove…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E63: People, Products, And Playtests: Staying Connected To Your Players (Republish of Episode 1)
1:00:44
1:00:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:44
Episode 63: People, Products, Playtests (Republish of E1 of BBG) Welcome to Building Better Games! Due to Ben's recent knee surgery, we're revisiting one of our most popular episodes from season two. In this episode, originally titled "People, Products, Playtests," we dive deep into the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with the games…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E62: What Leadership Skills Matter Most in Game Development?
47:54
47:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:54
Are you leveraging the full potential of your leadership role in game development? Or are you stuck in the traditional tech-driven mindset? In this episode of the Building Better Games podcast, hosts Ben and Aaron dissect the common leadership missteps in game development and offer a fresh perspective on what effective leadership really looks like …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
THE POG STATE | EP 63 - MSI 2024 Talk with Aux!
1:12:42
1:12:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:12:42
Welcome Poggers! In this episode we have the privilege of talking with Aux about MSI and have some whacky fun with a tier list!
…
continue reading
Titles and seniority impact your ability to drive positive change. It’s worth knowing what promotion looks like so you can have the maximum impact possible. In this episode of the Building Better Games podcast, join hosts Ben and Aaron as they delve into strategies for climbing the career ladder in game development. They explore the often overlooke…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EP60: Breaking Down GDC 2024 - Upcoming Trends, Triumphs, and Tribulations
44:51
44:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:51
In this episode of the Building Better Games podcast, join hosts Ben and Aaron as they recap GDC 2024, diving deep into the heart of game development, user-generated content (UGC), and the role of AI. Ben and Aaron dissect the changing dynamics of game creation, pondering the sustainability and success of non-lifestyle games amidst a sea of thousan…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
THE POG STATE I EP 62 - Finals Week
1:11:30
1:11:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:11:30
Welcome back poggers!By Riot Games Korea
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
THE POG STATE I EP 61 - Regular Season Recap
1:14:19
1:14:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:14:19
Welcome Poggers! In this episode the gang goes over the regular season and find out who is the biggest loser.By Riot Games Korea
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EP59: Should You Be a Servant Leader in Game Development?
47:16
47:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:16
Is true leadership about wielding power, or is it the art of empowering others? In this episode, Ben and Aaron tackle the often misunderstood concept of servant leadership within the game development arena. They dissect the myths surrounding the philosophy, highlighting the difference between being a mere servant to the team and truly leading by se…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EP58 Why Your Favorite Games Are Getting More Expensive to Make
42:16
42:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:16
Why are your favorite games getting more expensive to make? In this episode, Ben and Aaron dive into the escalating dynamics of game development costs and the transformative shift towards user-generated content and indie gaming success. They explore the astronomical budgets of AAA games, touching on examples like GTA 6's rumored $2 billion developm…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
THE POG STATE I EP 60 - Round 1 Recap
1:09:45
1:09:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:09:45
Welcome back Poggers! In this episode the boys look back on Round 1 and Atlus gets even closer to making the worst predictions yet again.By Riot Games Korea
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EP57 Addressing the Real Issues of Today's Games Industry
42:33
42:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:33
In this episode, Ben and Aaron navigate the intricate landscape of leadership within the gaming industry. They tackle the dichotomy between mobile and traditional gaming leadership, the economic shocks shaking the foundation of game studios, and the contentious monetization strategies dividing industry veterans. Delving deeper, the conversation ill…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E56 Solving Despair and Burnout in Game Development with Greg Street
46:13
46:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:13
Despair and burnout are commonplace in game development. As leaders, what can we do about that, both to prevent it and solve it when it’s present? In this episode, we're joined by Greg Street, a veteran in the game development industry, currently serving as the Studio Head and Game Director at Fantastic Pixel Castle Greg shares his valuable experie…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E55 How to fix the Friction Between Creative Directors & Producers
53:18
53:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:18
In this episode, Ben and Aaron delve into the complex interplay between creative direction and executive production in game development. They explore the challenges and pitfalls of aligning creative vision with operational efficiency, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between different leadership roles. The discussion includes real-world …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
THE POG STATE I EP 59 - Atlus Gets Yutted
1:11:13
1:11:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:11:13
Welcome back Poggers! In this episode Atlus gets yutted hard by the boys, while Valdes gets a chance to spreads his wings, Chronicler walks out, and Wolf drops some Korean knowledge, all while playing a cut-throat game of Yut-Nori.By Riot Games Korea
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
THE POG STATE I EP 58 - 2024 LCK SPRING KICK OFF
1:16:15
1:16:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:16:15
Welcome back POGGERS! NEW YEAR NEW SEASON NEW PREDICTIONS - come ring in the new year with the @PogState and listen to what has happened and what is to come in 2024 LCK Spring!By Riot Games Korea
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E54 How to Design for Live Service Games w/ Head of League of Legends Andrei Van Roon
44:02
44:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:02
In this episode, Andrei Van Roon, the Head of League Studio at Riot Games joined Ben and Aaron to discuss the emergence of live service and gameplay in the gaming industry and how it has become the default expectation for players. Andrei shares insights on the importance of regular updates and content expansion to keep players engaged. He emphasize…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E53 How Often Should You Release in Game Dev with Josh Thaler
44:24
44:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:24
In this episode, Josh Thaler discusses the mindset and skills required to build successful live service games. He emphasizes the importance of total ownership, where every team member takes responsibility for the features they develop. Josh also highlights the need for empathy and grit in the team, as well as the importance of building a strong tec…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E52 How to do User Research in Game Dev with Steve Bromley
44:27
44:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:27
Steve Bromley, a games user research consultant, joins Ben and Aaron to discuss the importance of user research in game development. He emphasizes the need for teams to understand their target players and their needs, and to integrate player insights throughout the development process. He also highlights the value of early playtesting and the benef…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E51 How to Spot a Great Product Manager with Paul Gebel
44:04
44:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:04
Paul Gebel, a product leader with over 20 years of experience, joins Aaron and Ben to discuss the importance of product management in game development. They explore the difference between good and bad product managers, the challenges of the role, and the impact a great product manager can have on a team. They also touch on the need for empathy, com…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E50 How to Launch a Live Service Game with Serge Knystautas
40:55
40:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:55
Join us in this enlightening episode where Serge Knystautas, a seasoned technologist with extensive experience in the gaming industry, dives into the art of crafting outstanding live services and assembling stellar technology teams. As a leader in game development, Serge brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, discussing the intricate challenges…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Divephoria State Worlds 2023 | Episode 5 | Finals, Faker & Frogs
1:32:49
1:32:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:32:49
Welcome to the 5th and final episode of The Divephoria State for Worlds 2023 where Drakos, Azeal, Kobe & Chronicler discuss off-season roster changes, making a GOATed team and their predictions for finals.By Riot Games Korea
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Divephoria State Worlds 2023 | Episode 4 | Quarter Finals Recap
1:20:12
1:20:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:20:12
Welcome to the 4th Episode of The Divephoria State for Worlds 2023 where Drakos, Azeal, Kobe & Chronicler recap all the quarter finals action and look ahead to the showdown of our 4 semi finalists.By Riot Games Korea
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E49 How to Solve Communication Problems at Your Game Studio
42:55
42:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:55
Communication challenges are a common concern in game development studios, but are they the real root issue? In this episode, Aaron and Ben argue that the crux lies in collaboration and the intended outcomes of communication. It's not just about relaying information; it's about the response and actions it triggers. The hosts caution against an exce…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Divephoria State Worlds 2023 | Episode 3 | Orianna/Shaco Combo at Worlds??
54:45
54:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:45
Welcome to the 3rd Episode of The Divephoria State for Worlds 2023 where Medic, Dagda, Kobe & Chronicler talk about the upcoming Quarterfinals.By Riot Games Korea
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Divephoria State Worlds 2023 | Episode 2 | Gen.G vs. JDG Final??
1:28:26
1:28:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:28:26
Welcome to the 2nd Episode of The Divephoria State for Worlds 2023 where Atlus, Vedius, Kobe & Azael talk about the Swiss stage.By Riot Games Korea
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E48 Why Agility in Game Dev Is Failing Your Team
42:12
42:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:12
In this episode, Aaron and Ben address the prevailing frustration and cynicism within the game development industry concerning Agile methodologies. They stress the importance of acknowledging the evolving landscape, characterized by a shift from defined to empirical work methods. To facilitate this transition, they introduce the concept of the Six …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Divephoria State Worlds 2023 | Episode 1 | Swiss Stage and Predictions
1:47:41
1:47:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:47:41
Welcome to the 1st Episode of The Divephoria State for Worlds 2023 where Atlus, Vedius, Chronicler & Azael look at the upcoming Swiss stage.By Riot Games Korea
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E47 The 3 Skills You Need to be a World-Class Game Producer
41:49
41:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:49
In this episode, Aaron and Ben delve into their winning model for exceptional game production, highlighting the skills that define successful production. Their perspective: leadership, influence, and systems building are the pivotal yet often overlooked skills to acquire for the “Game Producer” role. Discover the essence of production, which extend…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E46 The 3 Ways Game Producers Fail and How YOU can Avoid Them
43:03
43:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:03
In this episode, Ben and Aaron delve into the critical role of game production and shed light on common misconceptions and pitfalls often encountered by producers. The discussion uncovers three distinct categories of production traps: suboptimizers, unskilled supporters, and the actively dangerous. Ben and Aaron underscore the importance of steerin…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E45 How to Become an S-Tier Manager in Games
45:04
45:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:04
Aaron and Ben discuss the challenges of poor management practices in the gaming industry. They explore the lack of transparency, the flawed promotion system, and the need for managers to prioritize their role as people managers. They introduce four principles of being a good boss: growth, integrity, accountability, and advocacy. They emphasize the …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E44 How to Build Your Game Better in a Live Service World
40:56
40:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:56
Ben and Aaron discuss the importance of understanding where your game falls on the live service spectrum and how that impacts your development process. They emphasize the need to build live service stewardship into the culture of your teams and train new employees to think about the live service. They also stress the importance of setting clear exp…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
THE POG STATE I EP 57 - Finals Frenzy
1:09:18
1:09:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:09:18
Hello poggers! Welcome back with another episode of the POGSTATE! LCK Summer Finals are happening this weekend! Here’s everything you need to know before watching the LCK finals.By Riot Games Korea
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E43 Why You're Struggling with Collaboration with Jim Benson
43:45
43:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:45
“Most of the failures in any project that I've ever been on have been due to lack of communication, lack of coordination, lack of respect for other people, overemphasis on procedure, as opposed to being able to react elegantly to changes in the situation that you're in.” - Jim Benson This quote is from our guest on today’s episode Jim Benson, who h…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
THE POG STATE I EP 56 - Get Ready for Playoffs!
1:03:56
1:03:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:56
Hello poggers! Welcome back with another episode of the POGSTATE! IT’S LCK PLAYOFFS WEEK! 👏 IT’S LCK PLAYOFFS WEEK! 👏 IT’S LCK PLAYOFFS WEEK! 👏 Come find out what the guys think about how the playoffs will unfold! But before that, one of them got Comic Sans’d for his poor prediction skills.By Riot Games Korea
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E42 Why You Should (And Shouldn't) Use Unreal, Unity, or Something Else for Game Dev with Jean-Eric Khalife
41:26
41:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:26
When it comes to saving money, working efficiently or creating value for players, what should take priority in game dev? No matter what your opinion is, tools are a possible solution to all of these problems. In this episode, we’re joined by Jean-Eric Khalife, product manager at Hypixel Studios, to talk about what happens when tools are overlooked …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
THE POG STATE I EP 55 - LCK Cards Unboxing!
1:02:41
1:02:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:41
Hello poggers, welcome back with another episode of the POGSTATE! On this episode, we got our hands on the LCK LEGENDARIES aka LCK Digital Cards. And we talk a lot about video game called league of legends, of course. Finally, LCK is moving to a new patch… How will it shift the Playoffs contention?
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E41 How a Toxic Relationship Between Publishing and Game Dev is Hurting Us All with Joel McGinnis
40:22
40:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:22
There was an unusually high number of low-quality games released in 2022, and we think we know why. The disconnect between the money and development sides often lead to rushed deadlines and games that don’t live up to their promises, resulting in an oversaturated market and subpar products in competition with each other. That’s why we have Joel McG…
…
continue reading
Hello poggers, welcome back with another episode of the POGSTATE! We’re half way through the LCK Summer and it’s time to adjust our season prediction and also say goodbye to Laure for now.By Riot Games Korea
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E40 How to Make Tough Decisions Fast in Game Dev with Linda Fane
38:14
38:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:14
Is your organization struggling with making decisions, from a lack of consensus or clarity on who the key decision makers are, or something else entirely? The RAPID decision-making framework might be your solution. Joining us on this episode to discuss the RAPID Decision-Making Matrix is Linda Fane, a consultant, coach and organizational expert in …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
THE POG STATE I EP 53 - Aux & Laure Join LCK!
1:09:33
1:09:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:09:33
Hello poggers, welcome back with another episode of the POGSTATE! On this episode, we’re joined by the new faces of the LCK Global, Aux and Laure. Please tune in and send them a warm welcome in the comments!By Riot Games Korea
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E39 How to Drive Real Change as a Game Producer with Leslee Sullivant
40:49
40:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:49
Having opposing views from your team or struggling to communicate with senior leaders and stakeholders are just a couple of common issues game producers have when trying to make changes to improve the game dev process. That’s why it’s crucial for leaders to understand what it takes to drive change in a positive direction, and to make sure everyone …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
THE POG STATE I EP 52 - LCK SUMMER TIME!
1:10:11
1:10:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:11
Hello poggers, welcome back with the first episode of the 2023 LCK Summer. Let’s see how this new season unfolds. Enjoy, support, follow, and subscribe! Another Pog in the books!By Riot Games Korea
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E38 How AI Can Help You Lead Game Dev with Bill Frischling
38:56
38:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:56
AI is on the tip of everyone’s tongue right now. You’ve probably seen headlines in the news, on social media, maybe even heard conversations in the workplace. So, what’s the big deal with AI, and how does it affect game dev? In this episode of Building Better Games, AI expert Bill Frischling defines AI and what it’s currently capable of doing. He a…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E37 How to Stop Cheaters in Video Games with Paul Chamberlain
35:42
35:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:42
What defines cheating in games? Is it exploiting existing bugs, using automation or macro tools? What about installing third-party mods that unlock special features in the game? Building Better Games is joined by game developer and anti-cheat expert, Paul Chamberlain, on this episode to discuss cheating and creating an anti-cheat strategy. Cheating…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E36 Work Systems: How to Build Process that Leads to Better Results
41:04
41:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:04
Things like meetings, reports and team structure are in place to help the game dev process go smoother, and create cohesion among team members. But are these work systems actually having a positive effect? If not, you probably have an alignment issue. In this episode, we dive into this topic and offer tips to build a system that inspires autonomy, …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E35 How to Create a Reliable Game Roadmap: Managing Uncertainty, Risk, and Team Readiness
40:56
40:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:56
The truth is, most people underestimate how long a task will take. This is especially true in game dev, where new developments and problems are inevitable even with the guidance of a roadmap. During this episode, the hosts of Building Better Games dive into the misuse of roadmaps and 5 key areas leaders should focus on more. We discuss prioritizati…
…
continue reading