Best riotgames Podcasts (2025)

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E90: The Engineering Talent Pipeline is Broken: Juniors, AI & the Future of Game Dev w/ Carly Taylor 1:18:25

Play Pause

14h ago1:18:25

1:18:25

Hiring only senior engineers might feel like a smart move, but is it breaking game development? In this episode, Ben sits down with Carly Taylor (an engineer and data scientist formerly on Call of Duty, now at Databricks) to tackle one of the most pressing and misunderstood issues in game development today: the crumbling pipeline of engineering tal…

1
THE POG STATE I EP 78 - Round 2 Recap 1:07:24

8d ago1:07:24

1:07:24

Welcome back Poggers! In this episode we go over Round 2, and look ahead to MSI!By Riot Games Korea

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E89: The Cost of Power: Leadership, Burnout & Survival in Game Dev with Melissa Phillips 1:00:32

14d ago1:00:32

1:00:32

Building a game is hard. Leading the team to do it well without losing yourself along the way? That’s even harder. In this episode, Ben sits down with Melissa Phillips, founder of Games Leadership and a former Head of Studio, to talk about the messy, emotional, and deeply human side of game leadership. From BAFTA boardrooms to indie trenches, Melis…

1
THE POG STATE I EP 77 - Fan Comments Penta Kill 1:32:04

16d ago1:32:04

1:32:04

Welcome back Poggers! In this episode we delve into fan comments!By Riot Games Korea

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E88: Why Eastern Game Dev Might Be The Future with Rob Wynne and Clark Kosene 1:16:08

29d ago1:16:08

1:16:08

What if the next great game studio doesn’t come from the West? In this episode, Ben chats with Rob Wynne and Clark Kosene from Rising Tide Studios—an unannounced AAA-inspired indie team taking a bold leap: building a game that truly bridges Eastern and Western audiences. We dive deep into why the moat of Western AAA game development is disappearing…

1
THE POG STATE I EP 76 - 100% Accurate LCK Recap 1:20:07

1M ago1:20:07

1:20:07

Welcome Poggers! In this episode our hosts give the greatest recap of Round 1 in the history of recaps.

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E87: Toxic Culture in Game Development: The Real Metrics That Matter with Charlie Sull 48:06

1M ago48:06

48:06

How would you know if your studio’s culture is toxic—before it’s too late? In this exclusive conversation, we talk with Charlie Sull, co-founder of CultureX and researcher with MIT, about how to spot, measure, and fix toxic workplace culture—especially in the high-stakes world of game development. Forget ping pong tables and free snacks. Culture is…

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THE POG STATE I EP 75 - BIRTHDAY BOY 1:21:58

2M ago1:21:58

1:21:58

Welcome back Poggers! In this episode we celebrate Chronicler's b-day and make some predictions.

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

2M 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
THE POG STATE I EP 74 - RESERVOIR POGS 59:16

2M ago59:16

59:16

Welcome back Poggers! In this episode, Aux joins the gang to play a little fantasy drafting with a twist.

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

2M 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

3M 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…

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

3M 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…

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THE POG STATE I EP 73 - DGON the Destroyer 1:12:19

4M ago1:12:19

1:12:19

Welcome back Poggers and bow before DGON the Destroyer, here now to challenge the seat of host against the mighty Atlus. Who will be keeper of the thunder realm? Listen and find out.

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

4M 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…

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THE POG STATE I EP 72 - Aux in the House 1:25:49

4M ago1:25:49

1:25:49

Welcome Poggers! Aux joins the gang to discuss rookies and the play-ins!

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

4M 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 …

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

5M 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
THE POG STATE I EP 71 - Happy New Year! 2025 1:14:48

5M ago1:14:48

1:14:48

Welcome Poggers to the first episode of 2025! In this episode we go over the big changes to the league!By Riot Games Korea

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

5M 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…

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

6M 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

6M 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…

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

7M 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 …

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

7M 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…

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

7M 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…

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

8M 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
THE POG STATE I EP 70 - Worlds & Mustaches 1:08:52

8M ago1:08:52

1:08:52

Welcome Poggers! In this episode everyone makes fun of Chronicler's new fashion choice and then talk about Worlds for a tiny bit. Enjoy!By Riot Games Korea

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

8M 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

9M 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
THE POG STATE I EP 69 - Turn up the HEAT! 1:11:19

9M ago1:11:19

1:11:19

Welcome back Poggers! Things are heating up as the season heads into the finals!By Riot Games Korea

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

9M 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
THE POG STATE I EP 68 - Who Gets the Comic Sans? 1:12:08

10M ago1:12:08

1:12:08

Welcome back Poggers! In this episode we find out who gets the dreaded Comic Sans in predictions. Then we delve into the dark timeline of the playoffs.By Riot Games Korea

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

10M 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
THE POG STATE I EP 67 - Playoffs Debate 1:09:59

10M ago1:09:59

1:09:59

Welcome back Poggers! In this episode, our hosts are subject to the whims of Judge Atlus as they debate the playoffs!By Riot Games Korea

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

10M 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…

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THE POG STATE I EP 66 - Bad Boyz for Life 1:10:39

11M ago1:10:39

1:10:39

Welcome back poggers! In this episode we make the dreaded prediction swaps, even though it won't help Atlus at all! Thanks for listening!By Riot Games Korea

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

11M 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…

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

11M 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…

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THE POG STATE | EP 65 - Who's the New Guy? DGON! DGON! DGON! 1:13:08

11M ago1:13:08

1:13:08

Welcome Poggers! Today we are joined by the great and powerful Dgon! Dgon! Dgon!By Riot Games Korea

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

12M 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…

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THE POG STATE | EP 64 - Summer is Back, Baby! 1:11:07

12M ago1:11:07

1:11:07

Welcome back Poggers! Summer is here!

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

12M 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

1y 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

1y 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 …

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THE POG STATE | EP 63 - MSI 2024 Talk with Aux! 1:12:42

1y ago1:12:42

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!

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

1y 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
THE POG STATE I EP 62 - Finals Week 1:11:30

1y ago1:11:30

1:11:30

Welcome back poggers!By Riot Games Korea

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THE POG STATE I EP 61 - Regular Season Recap 1:14:19

1y ago1:14:19

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

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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…

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