All Segments
a16z Podcast | Tech Trends Changing Gaming
25 segments available
We know that the gaming industry -- in some ways like but in other ways unlike the music industry -- has been changing due to the internet and especially technologies around crowdfunding, online discovery, and direct fan interaction. But how does this affect the creative process and studio model … especially when it comes virtual reality (the ability to craft more immersive experiences); systems tech (is there a tension between content-focused games there?); and the ease with which users -- not just a few rarified developers -- can mod the games themselves? In this episode of the a16z Podcast, listen in on the conversation between Tim Schafer, founder and CEO of Double Fine Productions (and designer of LucasArts’ Grim Fandango); Justin Bailey, COO of Double Fine; and Herman Narula (CEO of Improbable).
Segments Timeline
Welcome to the a16z Podcast
In this opening segment, Sonal introduces the guests Tim Schafer, CEO of Double Fine Productions, and Justin Bailey, COO of Double Fine, alongside Herman Narula, CEO of Improbable. They set the stage for a discussion on the evolving gaming landscape, particularly focusing on crowdfunding and its impact on game development.
"hi everyone this is sonal welcome to the a 6nz podcast i'm here today with tim schafer of Double Fine productions tim is the CEO and co-founder of Double Fine which just put out broken age which was a..."
The Crowdfunding Revolution
Tim Schafer shares insights on the transformative power of crowdfunding in the gaming industry, highlighting how it has granted developers greater creative control and a direct relationship with their audience. He reflects on the success of 'Broken Age' as a landmark in crowdfunding history.
"I know you is as the inventor of grim fandago which Oh aging myself but that's what I know about you know in space it's really recent we just remastered it okay and I'm here with Justin who's the chie..."
Changing Business Dynamics
The conversation shifts to the changing business dynamics in gaming, with Tim discussing how crowdfunding has altered the traditional gatekeeping role of large publishers. He emphasizes the newfound independence and creative freedom for developers, allowing them to connect directly with their supporters.
"mind yeah it's exciting I mean I people often asked like what are you excited about in games and like what technology like there's any of these new devices and there are a lot of you know new things g..."
Historical Parallels in Film and Gaming
Tim draws parallels between the current state of gaming and the film industry 40 years ago, noting how new funding sources are fostering a creative explosion similar to what occurred in cinema. He discusses the implications of this shift for game creators and the industry as a whole.
"they're their big champions of the game and they get to see you know behind the curtain a little bit so it's really changed compared to the old days where we would have to deal with a large like gatek..."
The Myth of Indie Success
The discussion turns to the challenges indie developers face in gaining visibility and success in a crowded market. Tim and Herman explore the misconception that crowdfunding guarantees success, emphasizing the importance of community and pre-existing followings for indie projects.
"a huge impact on technology side as well you know for us for example working with game developers who are increasingly interested in working with independent game developers because they have such hug..."
Discovery Challenges for Indies
Herman highlights the new barriers indie developers encounter, particularly in terms of discovery. He explains how the influx of new creators has made it harder for talented individuals to stand out, necessitating a shift in how publishers and platforms support indie talent.
"you'll actually see film financing came about then and the creators were freed from a studio framework and it's really interesting to see what's actually happening right now with crowdfunding and othe..."
Empowering Creators in Gaming
The conversation emphasizes the importance of empowering creators in the gaming industry. Tim discusses how giving power back to developers leads to more innovative and diverse games, akin to the impact of independent film festivals on the film industry.
"really great game can grab everyone's attention that you know like you or sometimes just a shot of a game like hyper light drifter or something I've never seen before I didn't know the team never hear..."
The Cambrian Explosion of Ideas
Tim and Sonal discuss the potential for a 'Cambrian explosion' of creativity in gaming, driven by indie developers. They reflect on the current landscape, noting a desire for more variety and risk-taking in game design, contrasting it with the sameness of many high-budget productions.
"platforms that are in place that organic discovery is fairly large and we've actually found that to be quite to the contrary and you do need to come with your community a lot of the platforms exist to..."
The New Generation of Gamers
The discussion shifts to the new generation of gamers, particularly those coming from mobile gaming. Tim speculates on how these players may differ in their expectations and preferences, potentially reshaping the gaming landscape.
"discovery it's around eating community interaction it's around magnifying what independents like yourself are already doing for new talent as opposed to being this kind of controlling influence that s..."
Mobile Gaming as a Gateway
Tim and Sonal explore the idea that mobile games serve as a gateway for new players into the broader gaming community. They discuss how experiences from mobile gaming can lead to a desire for more complex and varied gaming experiences.
"falling away now where the film industry you've seen you know the term auteur came from that time frame and a lot of the most dominant franchises and the creatives being in control now of the studio f..."
The Evolving Gamer Demographic
In this segment, the speakers discuss how the influx of new gamers is reshaping the gaming landscape. Unlike traditional movie genres that cater to diverse audiences, mainstream games often stick to familiar blockbuster formats. The conversation highlights the need for more varied genres, such as comedy and romance, in gaming, reflecting the changing tastes of a broader audience brought in by casual and mobile gaming.
"a lot of people had an idea that gamers mean a certain it means a certain thing just because it's been that way for a long time and I think the new people who've been brought in the market are showing..."
Mobile Gaming as a Gateway
The discussion shifts to mobile gaming as a 'gateway drug' for new players. The speakers share anecdotes about how casual gamers, accustomed to streamlined mobile experiences, find traditional gaming platforms like Steam daunting. This highlights the need for the gaming industry to evolve and accommodate these new players, ensuring a smoother transition into more complex gaming environments.
"completely and I agree I also think it's kind of a gateway drug I think that you know people playing clash of clans today even crash of clans is more sophisticated than mobile experiences that came be..."
Reviving Narrative in Games
The speakers explore the resurgence of narrative-driven games, contrasting them with earlier trends that favored emergent gameplay. They reflect on how titles like 'The Last of Us' have demonstrated that strong storytelling can coexist with emergent gameplay mechanics, encouraging developers to embrace a wider range of narrative styles in their games.
"years I first start playing it was like text adventures I love playing these games that would tell you you're in the middle of a field there's a white house to the north you know these Texas man you t..."
The Power of Immersive Experiences
This segment delves into the importance of creating immersive experiences in gaming. The speakers emphasize that engagement goes beyond graphics; it's about crafting emotional connections with players. They discuss the potential of VR to enhance these experiences, allowing players to feel truly transported into the game world, thus deepening their emotional investment.
"positive stem I mean our passion like full disclosure is in building massive emergent online experiences right and it's funny that you mentioned that you know it's okay to tell stories again I think g..."
Engagement Beyond Graphics
The conversation continues with a focus on the fundamental aspects of player engagement. The speakers argue that while graphics and technology are important, the core of a successful game lies in its ability to emotionally engage players. They advocate for more experimentation in game design to discover what truly resonates with audiences.
"too is the the story side of things and one thing I think it's interesting is gonna happen here is you have you know we talked about mobile but VR which I'm just alluding to and what that does to the ..."
The Modding Revolution
In this segment, the speakers discuss the impact of modding on the gaming industry. They highlight how community-driven projects like 'Dota' and 'DayZ' have transformed into major franchises, showcasing the potential of user-generated content. This reflects a shift in the industry where developers and modders collaborate, blurring the lines between professional and amateur game development.
"like um there's something there is something really positive about just going to a fantasy world getting lost in that it's like a mental transformation and I think you know VR just has a lot of potent..."
The Future of Game Development
The final segment focuses on the future of game development, emphasizing the need for innovation and risk-taking. The speakers discuss how traditional publishing models can stifle creativity, while new approaches allow for experimentation. They advocate for a culture where developers can freely explore new ideas, leading to the next big breakthrough in gaming.
"in the history the steam sale which is it was the holiday side it was like the Christmas sale yeah and for the whole sale they stayed the number one yeah this is what he was telling us something like ..."
Exploring Morality Through Gameplay
This segment delves deeper into the moral and ethical dimensions of gaming. The speakers argue that games should allow players to explore moral dilemmas authentically, akin to childhood role-playing games. They emphasize the value of experimenting with behavior in a safe environment, where players can learn from their choices and the emotional responses they evoke.
"meet people you know there's this choice I mean you see people streaming reaction shots of experiences they've had in the game these are real experience and they create a game right yeah and you creat..."
The Role of Emotional Practice in Games
The discussion continues with a focus on how video games serve as a platform for emotional practice. The speakers share insights on how children use games to navigate complex emotions and moral situations. They highlight the potential of video games to provide unique, personal experiences that foster emotional growth and understanding.
"didn't like it you know I don't know if he'd be more likely to steal someone's food that's you know even me I mean after seeing what a shovel muttering looks like I'm off for life it's not gonna be an..."
Crafting Authentic Experiences in Gaming
In this segment, the speakers discuss the future of gaming, emphasizing the need for authentic experiences that resonate with players. They explore the balance between system-based and content-based games, advocating for a blend that maintains depth and narrative while allowing for player agency. The conversation highlights the importance of creating meaningful interactions in gaming.
"is important right like if you're really gonna rob someone there should be a reaction in the world I'm you know if you you know there should be consequences to your actions and at least in the online ..."
The Future of Gaming Development
The final segment looks ahead to the evolving landscape of game development. The speakers discuss the increasing independence of developers and the potential for innovative funding models. They speculate on how these changes could lead to a gaming industry that mirrors the music industry, with more diverse and creative productions that maintain the essence of unique gaming experiences.
"single-use thing you'll work for three months on somebody will take the player ten minutes to experience and I see the benefit of leveraging things the other ways so like you work on something for lik..."
The Rise of Indie and Modder Influence
This segment discusses the changing dynamics in the gaming industry, particularly the influence of indie developers and modders. The speakers reflect on how the traditional control models are being challenged, allowing for more direct access to funding and community engagement. They explore the implications of this shift for creativity and the potential for new game development models that prioritize artistic expression.
"could do bigger productions for example but with the same the same kind of feel as the things that Double Fine makes right now what do you think the gaming arms keep that looks like I mean does it bec..."
Efficiency in Game Development Funding
The discussion focuses on the efficiency of funding models in game development, comparing traditional studio funding to the emerging 'triple I' model represented by studios like Double Fine. The speakers analyze how direct funding from consumers can streamline the development process and reduce inefficiencies associated with traditional funding structures. This segment emphasizes the importance of risk management in creative industries.
"modders don't have money Indies don't have money but now you know Studios like I would Tim has a Tim as a label for this like triple I said these these studios they exist between Indies and Triple A w..."
Community Engagement and Feedback
In this segment, the speakers delve into the evolution of community engagement in the gaming industry, highlighting the impact of social media on developer-consumer relationships. They discuss how immediate feedback from players can shape game development and the importance of maintaining open communication with the community. This segment underscores the shift from a one-way communication model to a more interactive and responsive approach.
"band big getting rich and so that kind of keeps the whole system going because like somebody's getting rich like it might it's like that's like a Vegas thing yeah could be me when I pull that lever it..."
The Power of Direct Fan Interaction
The final segment explores the significance of direct fan interaction in the gaming industry, drawing parallels to the music industry. The speakers discuss how technology has enabled developers to connect with their audience in unprecedented ways, fostering a sense of community and loyalty. They reflect on the transformative potential of this direct engagement for both creators and consumers, emphasizing the importance of listening to feedback and adapting to audience needs.
"completely agree with that and this is where I think technology is important to Tim for you since you've been in the gaming industry so long like how has that evolved for you like the technology platf..."