Episode Overview

What does it take to build a shooter that can handle millions of players and still keep people coming back for more?

In this episode, Greg is joined by Thad Sasser, a veteran designer whose career has touched some of the most iconic shooters ever made, including Battlefield, Call of Duty, PUBG, and Rivals. Together, they dive into the realities of scaling franchises, balancing innovation with player expectations, and the leadership lessons learned from building at AAA scale.

Topics Covered

 * Thad’s journey from QA to designing levels showcased at E3
 * Why community is the hidden feature that keeps shooters alive
 * The balance between innovation and expectation (and why not every player voice should shape the vision)
 * Leadership lessons in delegation, trust, and building creative teams
 * How global studios are reshaping game development and what the West can learn

About the Guest

Thad Sasser has spent over two decades in game development, contributing to genre-defining franchises and leading teams at some of the biggest studios in the world. His career highlights include Battlefield Hardline, Call of Duty: United Offensive, and PUBG. Today, he continues to focus on building great teams, innovating within FPS, and shaping the future of multiplayer experiences.

Listen & Connect

 * Subscribe to Player Driven on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen
 * Visit playerdriven.io for more episodes and insights
 * Follow Greg and Player Driven on LinkedIn and YouTube for clips and updates

Building Shooters at Scale: Thad Sasser on Battlefield, COD, and the Future of FPS

Episode Summary

In this episode of Player Driven, Greg talks with Keith Pape, founder of YellowPike Media, about how to build authentic, lasting connections between studios, players, and communities. Keith shares how YellowPike became known as a gaming marketing agency that thrives on creativity, bold experiential campaigns, and a passion for games.

From Times Square takeovers for Metal Gear to guiding indie studios on their first hires, YellowPike Media focuses on doing the right thing—for clients, communities, and players. If you’re interested in game marketing strategies, community management, or how agencies partner with developers and publishers, this episode is packed with insights.

Key Takeaways

 * All-In Culture – Why YellowPike Media avoids rigid roles and builds campaigns through collaboration across trailers, influencers, events, and content.
 * Community Managers as Essential Hires – How strong community leads shape player trust and often grow into producers, biz dev, or operations.
 * Experiential Marketing Done Right – Lessons from live activations like the Metal Gear Solid Times Square campaign, and how to turn moments into long-tail content.

About YellowPike Media

Founded by Keith Pape, YellowPike Media is a creative gaming marketing agency built by lifelong gamers. With over a decade of experience, the agency has worked with top publishers and indie studios to deliver standout campaigns across influencers, community, live events, and storytelling. Their philosophy is simple: do the right thing, and long-term success follows.

Connect with Keith and YellowPike Media:

 * Twitter/X: @YPM_agency
 * Instagram: @YPM_agency
 * Threads / Bluesky: @YPM_agency

Links & Resources

 * Explore more episodes of Player Driven, the podcast about the business of games: playerdriven.io
 * Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts

From Times Square to Discord: How Yellow Pike Powers Player Connections

Overview

What happens when regulation collides with game design? In this episode, I sit down with industry veteran Oscar Clark to unpack the EU’s proposed changes around virtual currency, the ethics of monetization, and why “finding the fun” is still the core of building sustainable games. From self-regulation to skill-mapping the next generation of developers, this conversation goes deep into the business of games and the future of LiveOps.

Episode Highlights

 * Why current EU regulations on virtual currency could unintentionally harm indie developers while missing the real issues
 * The nuance of FOMO, scarcity, and seasonal content—when it drives engagement vs. when it becomes exploitative
 * Lessons from history: how Battlefront II’s monetization backlash should have been a wake-up call for the industr
 * The need for skills mapping and career development frameworks to help juniors grow into seniors—and why games lag behind other industries
 * How LiveOps and retention loops (like soap opera-style storytelling) keep players coming back for years
 * Oscar’s journey from GDC talks to his new LiveOps strategy platform, Arcanics, and how it aims to make sustainable operations accessible to all studios

Why It Matters

For industry professionals, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at the tension between regulation, monetization, and player trust. You’ll walk away with practical insights into LiveOps best practices, the importance of designing around player value rather than revenue, and a framework for thinking about career development in gaming. Whether you’re running a AAA franchise or bootstrapping an indie project, the lessons here point to one truth: sustainable growth comes from finding the fun and retaining players long-term.

About the Guest

Oscar Clark is the co-founder of Arcanics, a newly funded LiveOps strategy platform. A 30-year industry veteran, Oscar has written multiple books including Games as a Service and Playing with Balance. He is a frequent speaker at GDC and global gaming conferences, known for blending practical LiveOps experience with big-picture industry insight.

Next Steps

👉 Explore more insights at PlayerDriven.io

👉 Join the conversation in our Discord community

👉 For consulting, learning modules, and frameworks on retention, monetization, and LiveOps strategy—reach out directly.

Regulation, Retention, and the Future of LiveOps with Oscar Clark

Overview
Marketing in games isn’t just flashy ads and cool trailers—it’s a battlefield of strategy, alignment, and constant reinvention. In this episode, Christine Dart shares lessons from her career building B2B marketing engines that scale, from scrappy startups to global brands. Her journey—from teaching salsa to leading high-performing teams—shows how creativity and structure meet in the business of games

Episode Highlights

 * .The surprising parallels between AAA vs. indie studios and corporate vs. startup marketing
 * Why interviewing for leadership roles goes both ways—and how to avoid misalignment with execs.
 * .Delegation lessons: why hiring cheap can cost more, and how to balance junior growth with execution
 * OKRs (Objectives & Key Results) as a tool to align creative marketing with measurable company impact.
 * Indie advice: what type of marketer to hire first when you’re two devs with a great game but zero promotion.
 * .Building evangelists: how customer marketing programs turn clients into advocates

Why It Matters

For studio leads, LiveOps managers, or indie founders, this episode is a roadmap to scaling marketing without losing sight of authenticity. You’ll walk away with clarity on how to structure your first marketing hire, practical delegation tactics, and how to align creative efforts with KPIs that actually move revenue. Think of it as a playbook for turning marketing from “nice-to-have” into a growth engine.

About the Guest

Christine Dart is a veteran marketing leader with deep expertise in B2B growth, customer engagement, and creative brand-building. She’s known for transforming visions into measurable results, from doubling revenues to launching innovative customer marketing programs. Her career blends entrepreneurial scrappiness with corporate leadership, making her a go-to voice on what works—and what doesn’t—in modern marketing

Next Steps

🔗 Dive deeper at PlayerDriven.io [https://playerdriven.io/] for consulting, learning resources, and community discussions.
💬 Join the Player Driven Discord to connect with peers on retention, LiveOps, publishing, and more.

Marketing That Moves the Needle with Christine Dart

Description
The games industry is moving faster than ever — live service updates, cross-platform launches, and endless content drops. But QA hasn’t kept pace. Bugs slip through, launches stumble, and player trust takes a hit. Enter AI.

In this encore episode of Player Driven, Greg sits down with Shaun Laker, founder of Game Guardians and veteran of Respawn, EA, and The Coalition, to explore how AI-driven automation is reshaping QA, empowering developers, and changing what it means to ship a game.

Since this conversation first aired, Game Guardians has accelerated, and so has Player Driven. We’re now working directly with studios, bringing in new sponsorships, and expanding our reach to deliver more industry news and best practices straight to your inbox.

If you want to understand how AI is already redefining game development — and why the next competitive advantage might come from smarter QA instead of bigger budgets — this is a must-listen.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

 * Why traditional QA can’t keep up with the demands of modern live service games
 * How AI agents can reduce costs, catch more bugs, and supercharge QA teams
 * Shaun’s journey from modding Duke Nukem to leading QA innovation with Game Guardians
 * The balance between automation and human oversight — and why “humans in the loop” still matter
 * Practical advice for studios on when to invest in QA and automation

About Shaun Laker
Shaun is the founder of Game Guardians, a startup focused on AI-powered QA automation. With over 20 years in the industry at studios like Respawn, EA, and The Coalition, he brings deep insights into how games are built — and where they break.

Resources & Links

 * Explore Game Guardians: GameGuardians.io [https://www.gameguardians.io/]
 * Subscribe for more insights and industry best practices: PlayerDriven.io [https://www.playerdriven.io/]
 * Join the mailing list to get the latest news, strategies, and behind-the-scenes content in your inbox

👉 Enjoyed this episode? Visit PlayerDriven.io to check out new content, see how the team is expanding, and sign up for the mailing list so you never miss the next big conversation in gaming.

ENCORE - The Next Frontier in Game Development: AI-Powered Testing with Shaun Laker

Description
Eric Chou started with a mod for Command and Conquer. Today, he runs Honor Games and works on the front lines of mental health. In this episode, we unpack the evolution of a community-built mod into a full studio, what it takes to shift from modding to indie development, and how mental health became part of Eric’s mission.

He shares practical advice for narrative design, community-building, and supporting others through tough times. This is a thoughtful conversation about ambition, burnout, and why games matter beyond the screen.

Perfect for game devs, modders, and anyone thinking about doing work that truly matters.

🎯 5 Key Moments and Timestamps

[06:50] From writer to narrative designer
Eric breaks down how he leveled up from fan fiction to building full story arcs in the modding scene

[13:30] Why leaving modding took years
Transitioning to indie development was not just a tech challenge but an emotional and creative shift

[20:25] Teaching economics through gameplay
Eric explains how Vultures blends factory management and stock market dynamics to build systems thinking

[27:00] Mental health is part of the mission
From working at 988 to designing a mental health card game, Eric explains how personal experiences shaped his path

[44:45] The Trigger Initiative
Eric shares plans to mentor unfinished indie games and help them reach MVP without becoming a traditional publisher

🧠 Big Takeaways

 * Narrative design should support gameplay, not just live beside it
 * Mods can create lasting impact long after development stops
 * Mental health support starts with listening without judgment
 * Education and game design are not mutually exclusive
 * Indie support can be reimagined as community-powered mentorship

🔗 Links Mentioned

 * Honor Games Website [https://honorgames.co/]
 * Eric Chou on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericjchou]

Pixel Therapy: Why Games and Mental Health Go Hand in Hand with Eric Chou

What does it take to turn a gaming hobby into a six-figure salary? In this episode, Greg sits down with Sandi, a stay-at-home dad who taught himself to create mods for ARK: Survival Ascended and ended up building a UGC empire with over 80 million downloads. From his first furniture mod made for his daughter to launching blockbuster premium content, Sandi shares his incredible journey and the community-driven strategies that fueled his success.

We're also joined by Shahar Sorek, CMO of Overwolf, the platform at the heart of the in-game creator economy. Shahar breaks down why UGC is no longer optional for game studios, how Overwolf provides a "white glove" service to de-risk the process for developers, and why creators like Sandi represent the future of player engagement and retention. This is a must-listen for any developer, publisher, or community manager looking to understand the power of community-led growth.

Timestamps:

 * (01:47) Sandi's Origin Story: From marketing professional to stay-at-home dad and accidental modder.
 * (09:03) The Creator Economy: Shahar explains Overwolf's mission to turn in-game creation into a legitimate profession.
 * (17:13) Building in Public: How Sandi uses Discord, X, and community feedback to decide what to build next.
 * (22:50) The Tools of the Trade: Sandi and Shahar discuss the essential tools for a UGC creator, from Unreal Engine to analytics.
 * (30:10) Getting Started: Actionable advice from both Sandi and Shahar for anyone who wants to start creating UGC.

Guest Bios:

 * Sandi Fais a self-taught, professional mod creator for games like ARK: Survival Ascended and Hogwarts Legacy. He is one of the top creators on the CurseForge platform, with his mods collectively reaching over 80 million downloads. You can find his work on CurseForge [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.curseforge.com/members/sandy_00/projects&authuser=1] and connect with him on X (formerly Twitter) .
 * Shahar Sorek is the Chief Marketing Officer at Overwolf, the all-in-one platform that enables creators to build, distribute, and monetize in-game apps and mods. He is focused on empowering the in-game creator economy and fostering the relationship between studios, creators, and gamers. Connect with him on LinkedIn [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaharsorek/&authuser=1].

Key Topics:

 * User-Generated Content (UGC) Monetization
 * In-Game Creator Economy
 * Community Building & Engagement
 * Player Retention Strategies
 * LiveOps and Content Pipelining
 * Game Modding and Development
 * Indie Game Discoverability
 * The Future of Game Publishing

Relevant Links:

 * Overwolf [https://www.overwolf.com/]
 * CurseForge [https://www.curseforge.com/]
 * ARK: [https://survivetheark.com/]
 * Unreal Engine [https://www.unrealengine.com/]
 * Tebex [https://www.tebex.io/]

Credits:

Hosted by Greg Posner, founder of Player Driven — a podcast about the business of games and how smart people scale them.

From Stay-at-Home Dad to Six-Figure Modder: Why Your Next Big Hire is Already Playing Your Game

Episode Summary

How do you break into the games industry later in your career? And once you’re in, how do you build a meaningful life and community without burning out? In this episode, Greg is joined by Amir Satvat, a Business Development leader at Tencent and the winner of the "Game Changers" award. Amir is one of the industry's most important connectors, having built a community that has helped thousands find jobs and opportunities.

Amir shares his incredible journey from finance at Goldman Sachs to gaming in his late 30s, offering a practical playbook for career pivots. He breaks down his disciplined, non-negotiable approach to balancing a high-stakes job with being a present father and husband, and reveals why true networking is a 12-month game of building relationships, not a last-minute job hunt. This conversation is packed with wisdom for anyone looking to build a sustainable and impactful career in games.

Timestamps

 * (01:55) The Pivot: Amir details his unconventional path from banking and healthcare into the games industry.
 * (11:00) The Non-Negotiable Framework: How Amir uses rigorous time-blocking to protect family time and avoid burnout.
 * (25:49) Confronting Ageism: Amir discusses the industry's challenge with retaining and valuing older talent.
 * (32:25) The #1 Networking Mistake: Why you need to build relationships long before you need them.
 * (39:40) The Financial Modeling Trap: How a finance-first mindset can be both a powerful tool and a creativity killer in game development.

Guest Bio

Amir Satvat is a leader in Business Development and Strategy at Tencent and the founder of a professional gaming community that has helped thousands of people. Known as one of the industry's most important connectors, his work is driven by a deep passion for helping others succeed.

 * LinkedIn: Amir Satvat [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirsatvat/]
 * Community Hub: amirsatvat.com [https://www.amirsatvat.com/]

Key Topics

 * Breaking into the games industry mid-career
 * Effective networking strategies for long-term success
 * Balancing a demanding career with fatherhood and family life
 * Transferable skills from other industries (finance, tech, healthcare)
 * Community building and the power of trust
 * Continuing education and staying relevant
 * Industry challenges: ageism, the future of consoles, and business models

Relevant Links

 * Amir's Community Website [https://www.amirsatvat.com/]
 * Tencent [https://www.tencent.com/en-us/]

Balancing Family, Career, and Community in the Games Industry with Amir Satvat

A deep dive into the evolving landscape of video game publishing, offering invaluable insights for indie developers on how to thrive in a crowded market. This episode of the Player Driven Podcast features an in-depth conversation with Ben Kvalo, founder of Midwest Games, and Alex Joseph, CEO of the revived Acclaim.

From the importance of a well-crafted pitch to the nuances of monetization and discoverability, this fireside chat covers the essential strategies for developers looking to partner with a publisher. Ben and Alex share their unique perspectives on the current state of the gaming industry, the resurgence of AA titles, and the future of interactive entertainment.

Key Discussion Points:

The conversation delves into the operational realities of running a publishing house, the art of negotiation, and the critical factors that can make or break a game in today's competitive environment. Ben and Alex also touch on the significance of their respective companies, Midwest Games and the new Acclaim, in fostering the next generation of games and developers.

This episode provides a rare look behind the curtain of the gaming industry, offering practical advice and strategic insights for anyone passionate about the business of video games.

Podcast Show Notes

This episode of the Player Driven Podcast brings together two titans of the new era of game publishing: Ben Kvalo of Midwest Games and Alex Joseph of the revitalized Play Acclaim. In a candid conversation, they explore the challenges and opportunities facing indie developers today. From securing funding to navigating the treacherous waters of discoverability, this episode is a masterclass for anyone looking to make their mark in the gaming world.

In this episode, you'll learn:

 * The Rebirth of an Era: How Midwest Games and the new Acclaim are channeling the spirit of classic gaming into the modern age.
 * The Publisher's Perspective: What Ben and Alex are currently playing and what excites them about the future of gaming.
 * Monetization & The AA Revival: A nuanced discussion on game pricing, in-game purchases, and the resurgence of the "buy-to-play" model.
 * The UGC Revolution: Is user-generated content a golden opportunity or a distraction for developers?
 * The Discoverability Dilemma: Strategies for standing out in a market flooded with new releases and the potential of web-based games.
 * The Art of the Pitch: What developers need to know before approaching a publisher, from crafting a compelling pitch to understanding the business side of their creative endeavor.
 * Building a Lasting Partnership: The importance of relationships, trust, and finding the right publisher for your game.
 * A Day in the Life: What it's really like to be the CEO of a game publishing company.
 * Conference Survival Guide: Tips for developers on how to make the most of industry events like Gamescom and MDEV.

Navigating the Indie Apocalypse: A Publisher's Playbook for Survival and Success

In this episode of Player Driven, Greg talks with Joe Pace, VP at ASICS Ventures, about the company’s surprising leap into virtual reality with DISC, a brand-new competitive sport built for Meta Quest. They explore what it means to build community before code, how fitness and gaming are converging, and what studios can learn from a 70-year-old brand embracing LiveOps. If you're thinking about building something new — or building it differently — this episode is for you.

Timestamps:

 * 02:00 – Why ASICS is getting into gaming (and why now)
 * 06:00 – The DISC origin story: air hockey meets VR
 * 16:30 – Why they launched on Discord before they launched the game
 * 21:00 – Surprising lessons from the VR community
 * 38:00 – What’s next: arcade mode, cosmetics, and social scaling

Guest Bio:Joe Pace is the VP at ASICS Ventures, where he leads new product strategy across emerging digital platforms. Previously at Runkeeper, LL Bean, and Legendary Entertainment, Joe’s work spans fitness, technology, and innovation. LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joepace/]

Key Topics:

 * VR game development
 * Community-first strategy
 * Meta Quest platform
 * Fitness and gamification
 * LiveOps in non-traditional gaming studios
 * Social dynamics in VR
 * ASICS’s innovation model
 * Building new sports for virtual platforms

Relevant Links:

 * disc.asics.com [https://disc.asics.com/]

Credits:Hosted by Greg Posner, founder of Player Driven — a podcast about the business of games and how smart people scale them.

From Sneakers to Startups: ASICS Ventures’ Joe Pace on Building a VR Sport from Scratch

Welcome to Player Driven, the hub where gaming insights and community collide.

We believe that behind every great game is a thriving community and an unforgettable player experience. Whether it’s building inclusive environments, exploring the latest tech, or diving into the art of storytelling, our mission is simple: to empower the creators, communities, and players that make the gaming world extraordinary.

What We’re About:
🎮 Insightful Conversations – Through our podcast and community clubhouse, we bring industry leaders, creators, and innovators together to explore the cutting-edge of gaming.
🌍 Player-Centric Focus – From accessibility to trust and safety, we champion the initiatives that keep players at the heart of the industry.
📈 Data Meets Creativity – With a knack for combining KPIs with compelling narratives, we highlight strategies that don’t just work but resonate.
🤝 Community Building – We celebrate what makes the gaming community special: its people. From indie developers to AAA veterans, every voice matters here.

Join us as we explore what drives games, empowers communities, and defines success in the ever-evolving gaming landscape.

Your Game. Your Story. Your Community.

Greg

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