Best Benjamin Carcich Podcasts (2025)

1
E86: Why User Acquisition Isn't Just For Mobile Anymore with Matej Lančarič 1:09:46

6d ago1:09:46

1:09:46

Building a great game is hard—but getting players to actually discover and play it? That’s often harder. In this episode of Building Better Games, Ben sits down with user acquisition expert Matej Lančarič, whose decade of experience spans mobile, PC, Steam, and cross-platform launches. Together, they dive deep into the realities of user acquisition…

1
E85: Why Your Game Vision Sucks (And Why You're Not Alone!) with Graham McAllister 1:31:13

20d ago1:31:13

1:31:13

In this episode, we welcome back organizational psychologist Graham McAllister for part 3 of our deep dive into one of the most critical challenges in game development—game vision. If you're a game developer, leader, or aspiring leader, this is an essential conversation that exposes why studios struggle to align on vision and how that misalignment …

1
E84: The Real Cost Of Founding A Game Startup with Joseph Kim 1:06:33

1M ago1:06:33

1:06:33

The gaming industry is changing rapidly, and the global landscape is shifting in ways many studios aren’t prepared for. Are Western game studios becoming too complacent? What role will international development play in the future of game creation? In this episode, Joseph Kim, CEO of Lila Games, shares hard-earned lessons about building a game studi…

1
E83: 3 Steps To Leading Well In Game Development 42:59

2M ago42:59

42:59

What does it take to lead effectively in the gaming industry? Many leaders in game development step into their roles without formal training—learning through trial and error. In this episode, we break down what real leadership looks like, how to avoid common pitfalls, and how to drive meaningful change without falling into the trap of just "managin…

1
E82: The Art & Science of Game Prototyping with Leif Johansen 1:21:55

2M ago1:21:55

1:21:55

What if everything you thought about prototyping was wrong? Many teams rush to validate an idea too soon, but what if the real secret to success is building a studio that learns better? In this episode, Leif Johansen breaks down the myths of prototyping and how studios can create a structured approach to experimenting with game ideas. Key Takeaways…

1
E81: Why You Aren’t Ready for Where Game Dev Is Going with Leif Johansen 36:59

3M ago36:59

36:59

Is the games industry maturing or collapsing? How have our old models and comparisons hurt how we develop? In this episode, Leif walks us through how game dev has shifted, and how you need to think differently to stay relevant. Enjoy! Key Takeaways: Playtesting and Leadership: How leaders set the tone for playtesting with their behavior, not their …

1
E80: How UGC Is Transforming The Games Industry with Bungie and Look North World Founder Alex Seropian 57:11

3M ago57:11

57:11

Why did Bungie's founder leave the AAA world to start building games in UEFN? What are the advantages and challenges of UGC platforms? Today, we talk with Alex Seropian, veteran game designer and founder of Bungie and Look North World, about the future of our industry. Enjoy! Key Takeaways: UGC Platforms Provide Some Serious Advantages: Tools like …

1
E79: Why AAA is Failing and How to Recover and Other Questions - Our First Q&A Episode! 1:18:34

3M ago1:18:34

1:18:34

No guests today! Instead, I'll be taking questions from the Building Better Games discord and answering them. I cover10 questions including the challenges with AAA dev, the rise of co-dev, and what production careers look like. Enjoy! Question #1 : How do you ensure that you (the royal you) are making a game that will be fun for players, not just f…

1
E78: How to Lead Game Dev in Uncertain Times, with Omar Kendall 53:48

4M ago53:48

53:48

There’s a ton of knowledge about how we sustain games, but the art of creating something new remains mysterious, even to veteran developers. In this episode, Omar Kendall returns to talk about unknowns, product vs design, and how our industry is relating to risk. Enjoy! Key Takeaways: Embrace Uncertainty: Build teams ready to solve the riskiest pro…

1
E77: How You Know Which Game To Make, with Omar Kendall 55:49

4M ago55:49

55:49

Figuring out a novel game idea is HARD. You can’t just hope the mishmash of ideas in your head are going to come together - history shows they often don’t. So how do you pick your target? Omar Kendall is here to help you out with that. Enjoy! Key Takeaways: Learn how Elden Ring and FromSoftware’s iterative approach shaped success. Discover why leve…

1
E76: How to Market Your Game with Chris and Joe from Ignition Facility 37:18

5M ago37:18

37:18

Marketing games is tough. The world is twisting under our feet right now, as big and small studios struggle to reach players. The world is changing, but there are things you can do. We’ve got Chris and Joe here to help you better market your game. Enjoy! Key Takeaways: Navigating Niche Marketing: How targeting specific communities can yield better …

1
E75: Why It’s So Hard To Get Players To Play Your Game, with Joe and Chris from Ignition Facility 51:40

5M ago51:40

51:40

In this episode, Ben sits down with Chris Heintz and Joe Blancato, co-founders of Ignition Facility, to discuss the challenges and strategies in game marketing today. As game industry veterans with deep experience in marketing for top studios like Riot Games, Chris and Joe share insights on why traditional marketing models often fall short in a cro…

1
E74: How To Write Compelling NPCs For Space Marine 2 with Matthew Garcia-Dunn 51:14

6M ago51:14

51:14

Narrative is often overlooked in game dev. We want to explore what you might be missing if you skip writers, storytellers, and worldbuilders, and what to look for when working with them. We are joined by Matthew Garcia-Dunn, who most recently wrote for Space Marine 2. Enjoy! Key Discussion Points: The role of narrative in game development and why i…

1
E73: The Challenges Game Studios Face And Saying Goodbye with Aaron Smith 35:21

6M ago35:21

35:21

Welcome to the BBG podcast! In this special episode of Building Better Games, co-host Aaron Smith returns to share his insights on game development, leadership, and the state of the industry. Aaron opens up about the challenges facing AAA studios today, the impact of the pandemic on his career, and his recent decision to step back from the podcast …

1
E72: How to Engage Players and Improve Retention through Flow with Kevin Scheepers 33:51

7M ago33:51

33:51

Welcome to Episode 72 of the Building Better Games Podcast! We’re getting back into flow, this time focusing on players and game design. Kevin Scheepers, the founder of FlowMate and GameWell, will be talking about how you can build flow into your games to improve engagement. Have you ever felt completely immersed in a game, losing track of time and…

1
E71: How Baldur’s Gate 3’s Story And Cinematics Were Built with John O’brien and Greg Lidstone 40:53

7M ago40:53

40:53

Welcome to the BBG podcast! Today, we venture into the heart of Larian Studios, the creative minds behind the critically acclaimed Baldur's Gate 3. John O'Brien and Greg Lidstone unveil the culture and processes behind the game’s cinematic development, offering insights into adapting to an evolving story and nurturing a collaborative environment. K…

1
E70: How to Move Faster With Flow in Game Dev with Kevin Scheepers 39:24

8M ago39:24

39:24

Welcome to the BBG podcast, episode 70! In today’s episode, Ben dives deep into the concept of flow with Kevin Scheepers, founder of FlowMade and GameWell. If you’ve ever wondered how to enhance collaboration in your dev teams or struggled with balancing a chaotic calendar, this episode is for you. Kevin shares his passion for creating high-functio…

1
E69: How Product Thinking Can Help Your Game with John Cutler 43:23

8M ago43:23

43:23

Welcome to another episode of Building Better Games! Today, we are thrilled to have John Cutler, a capable and experienced product leader with a background in tech (with some game development and music thrown in). John will share his insights on fostering a healthy product culture, maintaining vision, and avoiding common pitfalls in the industry. K…

1
E68: How to Create an Effective Game Vision with Graham McAllister 42:51

9M ago42:51

42:51

Graham McAllister Returns! We dive deeper into the challenges of vision alignment in game development, helping you improve vision at your studio. Discover practical advice for game dev leaders, the impact of misaligned visions, and strategies to foster better communication and unity within teams. Whether you're a developer or a publisher, this epis…

1
E67: The #1 Reason Game Dev Fails with Graham McAllister 42:11

9M ago42:11

42:11

In this episode, Ben Carcich and Dr. Graham McAllister explore the concept of vision in game development, highlighting the common challenges and misalignments that teams face. They discuss the importance of a unified vision, how it impacts the final product, and the friction that arises when vision is unclear or miscommunicated. Join us as we delve…

1
E66: How to Optimize Game Development with Patric Palm, Founder of Favro 36:10

10M ago36:10

36:10

Welcome to another episode of "Building Better Games." In this episode, Ben sits down with Patric Palm, CEO and founder of Favro, to delve into the intricacies of game development and how modern tools and practices can revolutionize the process. Patric shares his vast experience and provides insights on improving game production, enhancing collabor…

1
E65: How To Do Game Design During Ideation with Greg Street 42:42

10M ago42:42

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…

1
E64: Why Estimation In Game Dev Is So Hard 44:52

10M ago44:52

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…

1
E63: People, Products, And Playtests: Staying Connected To Your Players (Republish of Episode 1) 1:00:44

11M ago1:00:44

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…

1
E62: What Leadership Skills Matter Most in Game Development? 47:54

11M ago47:54

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 …

1
EP61: How to Get Promoted in Game Dev 48:04

12M ago48:04

48:04

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…

1
EP60: Breaking Down GDC 2024 - Upcoming Trends, Triumphs, and Tribulations 44:51

1y ago44:51

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…

1
EP59: Should You Be a Servant Leader in Game Development? 47:16

1y ago47:16

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…

1
EP58 Why Your Favorite Games Are Getting More Expensive to Make 42:16

1y ago42:16

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…

1
EP57 Addressing the Real Issues of Today's Games Industry 42:33

1y ago42:33

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…

1
E56 Solving Despair and Burnout in Game Development with Greg Street 46:13

1y ago46:13

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…

1
E55 How to fix the Friction Between Creative Directors & Producers 53:18

1y ago53:18

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 …

1
E54 How to Design for Live Service Games w/ Head of League of Legends Andrei Van Roon 44:02

1y ago44:02

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…

1
E53 How Often Should You Release in Game Dev with Josh Thaler 44:24

1+ y ago44:24

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…

1
E52 How to do User Research in Game Dev with Steve Bromley 44:27

1+ y ago44:27

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…

1
E51 How to Spot a Great Product Manager with Paul Gebel 44:04

1+ y ago44:04

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…

1
E50 How to Launch a Live Service Game with Serge Knystautas 40:55

1+ y ago40:55

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…

1
E49 How to Solve Communication Problems at Your Game Studio 42:55

1+ y ago42:55

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…

1
E48 Why Agility in Game Dev Is Failing Your Team 42:12

1+ y ago42:12

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 …

1
E47 The 3 Skills You Need to be a World-Class Game Producer 41:49

1+ y ago41:49

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…

1
E46 The 3 Ways Game Producers Fail and How YOU can Avoid Them 43:03

1+ y ago43:03

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…

1
E45 How to Become an S-Tier Manager in Games 45:04

1+ y ago45:04

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 …

1
E44 How to Build Your Game Better in a Live Service World 40:56

1+ y ago40:56

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…

1
E43 Why You're Struggling with Collaboration with Jim Benson 43:45

1+ y ago43:45

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…

1
E42 Why You Should (And Shouldn't) Use Unreal, Unity, or Something Else for Game Dev with Jean-Eric Khalife 41:26

1+ y ago41:26

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 …

1
E41 How a Toxic Relationship Between Publishing and Game Dev is Hurting Us All with Joel McGinnis 40:22

1+ y ago40:22

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…

1
E40 How to Make Tough Decisions Fast in Game Dev with Linda Fane 38:14

2y ago38:14

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 …

1
E39 How to Drive Real Change as a Game Producer with Leslee Sullivant 40:49

2y ago40:49

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 …

1
E38 How AI Can Help You Lead Game Dev with Bill Frischling 38:56

2y ago38:56

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…

1
E37 How to Stop Cheaters in Video Games with Paul Chamberlain 35:42

2y ago35:42

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…

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