The Talent Game Podcast

The Talent Game Podcast

by Joe Burridge
CareersVideo Games
Season 2

Jon Warner (Senior VP at Hyper Hippo | Chief of Staff at BioWare | EA | Disney | Microsoft)

In this episode of The Talent Game Podcast, I sat down with Jon Warner, a seasoned executive with over two decades in the video game industry. Jon shares his unconventional path from military intelligence to gaming, beginning in QA before rising through the ranks at major studios like Microsoft and BioWare. We explore the importance of aligning teams with a shared vision, the unique challenges of mobile vs. console development, and the evolving landscape of the industry. Jon also reflects on the critical role of talent, resilience, and learning from failure in building successful teams and projects. A Clear Vision Drives Success – Aligning teams on a shared vision empowers autonomy and creativity, leading to stronger project execution. Talent and Culture Matter Most – Success in gaming hinges on fostering great talent, creating a positive culture, and treating people well. Failure Fuels Growth – Setbacks are invaluable learning experiences that shape both personal and professional development.
S2 · E7
Feb 27, 2025
41:46

Matt Hearnden (ex - Senior Recruiter at Activision Blizzard King)

Apologies, parts of this episode includes echo that I couldn't remove in editing. I hope it doesn't take away from all of the fantastic insights that Matt shares! In this episode of The Talent Game Podcast, I speak to Matt Hearnden, a former senior recruiter at Activision Blizzard King, about breaking into the gaming industry, personal branding and job-seeking strategies in a competitive market. We explore the power of networking, content creation on LinkedIn and the importance of finding one’s voice. Matt shares insights on how simple, engaging content can boost visibility, how leveraging brand recognition aids career growth and how authenticity fosters meaningful connections. Personal branding and content creation: Establishing a strong LinkedIn presence and sharing valuable insights can open doors in the gaming industry. Networking and engagement: Proactive networking and being part of industry communities create more career opportunities. Authenticity and simplicity: Genuine content, bite-sized posts, and well-designed interview questions resonate more with job seekers and hiring teams.
S2 · E6
Feb 20, 2025
46:34

Vanessa Mullin (VP Sales at Scenario | Agora | Unity)

In this episode of The Talent Game, I speak with Vanessa Mullin, VP of Sales & Marketing at Scenario, about her journey from travel to tech, the evolving role of AI in gaming, and the challenges of balancing parenthood with a fast-paced career. We explore the shifting cultural landscape in the gaming industry, the importance of diversity in hiring, and the contrast between working at startups and big tech companies. Vanessa shares her insights on sales strategies, the introversion-extroversion spectrum in sales, and the power of storytelling in interviews. Key Takeaways: AI & Diversity in Gaming – AI is becoming a widely accepted tool in game development, and diverse teams drive innovation and better decision-making. Sales & Hiring Strategies – Selling to developers requires a thoughtful, non-extroverted approach, and hiring for "culture fit" can sometimes limit diversity and fresh perspectives. Startups vs. Big Tech – Startups offer more flexibility and trust, allowing for greater experimentation, while big tech companies often have more rigid structures.
S2 · E5
Feb 13, 2025
48:30

Charlie Ruck (Head of Games at True Search)

In this episode of The Talent Game podcast I chat with Charlie Ruck, Head of Games at True Search, about his transition from finance to gaming, the nuances of executive search in the industry and the vital role passion and culture play in leadership. We explore how building strong relationships, understanding corporate goals and fostering creativity are key to successful hires in the competitive gaming landscape. Takeaways Passion & Culture Matter: Hiring leaders from outside gaming requires a strong cultural fit and genuine passion for the industry—traits that often outweigh traditional experience. Executive Search Nuances: Executive searches in gaming are relationship-driven, averaging 120 days to close and require balancing creativity with corporate objectives. The Power of Connection: Gaming isn’t just about products; it's about people and the lasting connections they create, both in-game and within teams.
S2 · E4
Feb 6, 2025
36:54

Liat Barer (Chief Product Officer at ODEEO / Senior Product Manager at Yahoo / VP at StartApp)

In this episode of The Talent Game podcast, I sit down with Liat Barer, Chief Product Officer at Odeeo, to explore her journey through the ad tech and gaming industries. They discuss the rapid evolution of mobile gaming, the challenges of hiring in high-growth startups and the contrasting dynamics between corporate and startup cultures. Liat shares valuable insights on what makes an effective hiring process, the importance of understanding team dynamics and the key qualities to look for in candidates. The conversation emphasises adaptability, continuous learning and how real-world experience shapes both product leadership and talent strategy. Takeaways Hiring for more than skills – The best hires aren’t just technically strong; they fit the culture, adapt quickly and bring problem-solving abilities. Corporate vs. Startup Mindset – Corporates require patience and structure, while startups demand agility, resilience and a willingness to fail fast. The power of real-life examples – Asking candidates for real-world stories reveals deeper insights into their strengths and thinking process. Stakeholder management is key – Great product leaders balance the needs of diverse teams, from engineering to business. Continuous learning wins – Both hiring and leadership are ever-evolving skills that require adaptability and growth.
S2 · E3
Jan 30, 2025
35:49

John Wright (VP Mobile Games at Kwalee / Unity / Luna Labs / ironSource)

In this episode of The Talent Game I interview John Wright, Vice President of Mobile Games at Kwalee. We dive into John’s unique career journey from accounting to gaming, the challenges and opportunities of launching mobile games and the critical role of culture in workplace success. John shares his thoughts on the value of persistence, passion and mentorship in career growth, while advocating for a culture of action, trust and hiring for potential rather than credentials. Our conversation offers actionable advice for navigating career transitions, building strong teams and thriving in the dynamic gaming industry. Takeaways Persistence and Passion Drive Success – Pursuing what you love and staying determined can lead to career fulfillment, even in challenging transitions. Culture and Trust are Essential – Aligning teams toward shared goals, managing by outcomes, and fostering a supportive environment are critical to startup success. Hire for Potential, Not Credentials – Work ethic, determination, and a genuine passion for gaming often outweigh formal qualifications in building high-performing teams. Mentorship Fuels Growth – Support from mentors can play a transformative role in navigating career transitions and achieving long-term success. A Culture of Action Creates Momentum – Encouraging teams to focus on getting things done while leading by example fosters productivity and builds trust.
S2 · E2
Jan 23, 2025
45:38

Amir Satvat (Amir Satvat's Games Community, Tencent, Amazon Games)

In this episode of The Talent Game Podcast, I chat with Amir Satvat, Business Development Director at Tencent Games and founder of a thriving community that has supported over 3,000 individuals in finding roles in the gaming industry. Amir shares his late-blooming journey into gaming at the age of 38, the transformative power of networking, and the critical role of empathy in both personal and professional interactions. We dive into his creation of a comprehensive job resource, fueled by community feedback and data analytics, that is shaping how job seekers navigate the hyper-competitive gaming job market. Amir also provides insights into the future of gaming talent hubs and the importance of building long-term, meaningful relationships in this dynamic industry. Takeaways Community-Driven Success: Amir’s community has helped thousands of job seekers by combining empathy, data analytics, and collective insights to navigate career challenges in the gaming industry. Networking is Key: Building authentic, long-term relationships—not transactional ones—is vital for job seekers to succeed in the gaming world. The Power of Empathy: Empathy during interviews and interactions reveals deeper candidate values and fosters more meaningful professional relationships. Adaptability in a Competitive Market: The gaming job market is tough, especially for entry-level positions, but diversifying applications and leveraging data can improve outcomes. Global Talent Trends: Emerging markets are shifting the geographic landscape of gaming talent hubs, opening new opportunities worldwide.
S2 · E1
Jan 16, 2025
41:46
Season 1

Andy Ross (Co-Founder of Studio Vision)

In this episode of The Talent Game Podcast, I speak to Andy Ross, an experienced recruiter with over 13 years in the tech and gaming industries. Andy discusses his career journey, from working with tech startups to transitioning to leading a headhunting firm in the rapidly growing video games sector. The conversation dives into the nuances of hiring in tech versus games, the evolving traits of top talent, and the industry's future, highlighting trends like web gaming, AI, and the democratization of game development tools. Andy also shares his perspectives on fostering creativity, collaboration, and adapting to the changing landscape of recruitment and technology in gaming. Key Takeaways Top talent values empowerment, ownership, and autonomy, with hiring practices differing significantly between tech startups and game studios. The games industry is shifting from a historically secretive culture towards greater collaboration and accessibility. Trends like web gaming, AI, and cloud technology are reshaping the future of gaming and game development. Andy focuses on strategic recruitment and advisory roles, using open-ended questions to uncover candidates’ career stories.
S1 · E10
Nov 28, 2024
33:42

Emma Gomersall (Lead Talent Partner at The Multiplayer Group)

In this episode of The Talent Game, we hear from Emma Gomersall, Lead Talent Partner at Multiplayer Group (MPG) and member of their Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee. Together, we explore practical steps companies can take to foster a diverse and inclusive culture in gaming, emphasising how even small actions can make a significant impact. Emma shares examples of both cost-effective and budgeted initiatives that help drive inclusion, like using gender decoders in job descriptions and establishing employee resource groups. The conversation underscores how MPG’s approach to diversity not only cultivates a more equitable environment but also supports higher productivity and profitability. Takeaways Building a culture of diversity, inclusion, and belonging is essential in the gaming industry to drive innovation, creativity, and employee well-being. Simple and affordable initiatives, such as applying gender decoders in job descriptions and forming employee resource groups, can promote inclusivity. Data indicates that gaming companies with gender-diverse leadership are 21% more likely to see improved profitability and productivity compared to less diverse competitors. An inclusive culture significantly boosts employee retention, satisfaction, and productivity, ultimately benefiting the company’s financial performance. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are increasingly valued by candidates, with 76% of job seekers prioritizing these factors when evaluating job offers.
S1 · E9
Nov 21, 2024
27:48

Ido Naim (Zynga, Tripledot, Voodoo, Playtika)

In this episode, we hear from Ido Naim (currently Senior Director of Monetization at Zynga/Gram Games) and explore his strategies for building high-performing teams. Ido reflects on his time in the Israeli military and his transition into the gaming industry, drawing parallels between both fields. He highlights the need to balance data-driven decisions with creative vision in game development and underscores the value of continuous learning. Emphasising the importance of surrounding oneself with a diverse team united by shared values, Ido also advocates for openness and humility as essential qualities in the gaming industry. The episode wraps up with Ido's go-to interview question, aimed at uncovering a candidate’s critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Key Takeaways Balancing data with creativity is vital to innovative game development. A commitment to lifelong learning propels individual and team growth. High-performing teams are built with diverse individuals who share core values. Open-mindedness and humility foster effective collaboration and drive innovation. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are fundamental for success in the gaming industry.
S1 · E8
Nov 14, 2024
35:43
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