Tabletop games are proven massive brain stimulators. Playing them stimulates brain areas responsible for memory formation and complex thought processes. Board games' main (and perhaps only) limitation was the in-person aspect of it; the game's playability would be limited by the people around and available. A limitation technology could easily solve. 

Meet Kenton Hansen, Product Director at Roll20, the only free, community-based tabletop gaming software. Kenton is an experienced product developer and marketing strategist. He got into Roll20 almost accidentally and immediately embraced the idea of bringing players together around digital boards regardless of distance, age, or experience.

Throughout our conversation, we explore a bit of Kenton's background and passion for gaming. He explains where tabletop and role-play fit into gaming and the challenges of adapting historically in-person games to the digital realm. 

Plus, he tells the story of how he knew about Roll20, the kind of games he is into and shares his thoughts on alternative ways to get into the gaming industry.

Tune in to Episode 17 of A Gamer's Story, and learn everything you need to know about the endless opportunities that digital tabletop games have to offer. 

Some Questions I Ask:

• How did you get started in gaming? (1:11)
• Where do virtual tabletop games fit into the gaming world? (3:48)
• I see that you're creating a community among the members. Can you talk a little bit about that? (17:05)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• About the board games, Kenton used to play as a kid (2:32)
• The kind of experiences digital tabletop games can provide (7:26)
• Roll20's Freemium Model. What it is and how it works (12:02)
• What are some alternative routes into the gaming industry (23:41)

Resources:

• Roll20 website

Connect with Kenton:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Twitter

Let's Connect!

• Instagram
• Twitter
• YouTube

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Although esports is a small part of the gaming ecosystem, it is already a multi-billion industry, and it has a tremendous potential to grow even more. Competing against other players in an esports arena, with a captivated audience, and on a stage prepared just for the competition, is an incredible experience every gamer should have. That same experience, among many other services, is what our guest, Ben Feferman, provides at Amuka Esports, the company he created and directs. 

Ben Feferman is the CEO of Amuka Esports, a Startup Advisor, a Sales Ninja, and a Mycophile in training. Amuka's ecosystem is as complete as varied, including Waves Gaming, Canada's first esports arena, EZY Mode, Windsor Ontario's first and only esports lounge. They create quality content made with love by gamers for gamers like Made in Esports and Esports Apparel. Amuka also provides training and education in esports, organizes tournaments, adding value to gamers' lives in every way possible. 

In this episode, we had a fantastic conversation about competitive gaming, how it has changed the gaming industry so far, and its immense potential to change it even more. Ben kindly shared his view on where he sees the gaming industry headed, the future of VR, consoles, and mobile gaming. We also explore the possible crossovers between gaming and traditional sports and the positive influence experiences like iRacing's can have shortly.

Tune in to Episode 16 of A Gamer's Story and take a deeper look at competitive gaming and the future of gaming itself.

Some Questions I Ask:

• Where does esports fit into the gaming world? (1:36)
• Could you expand on what made you want to start an esports business? (5:05)
• What's the goal of your business? And what service does it provide? (8:36)
• What do you think is missing in esports? And where can it grow? (17:09)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Companies prioritizing accessibility. Valorant's example of lowering their graphics quality to increase accessibility (4:16)
• Making people with regular jobs feel like pro gamers (9:53)
• Why the audience is so crucial at esports events (16:41)
• PS5 will be probably the last console ever made (21:58)

Resources:

• Amuka Esports website
• Amuka Esports Twitter
• Amuka Esports Instagram
• Amuka Esports Facebook
• Amuka Esports YouTube
• Amuka Esports LinkedIn

Connect with Ben:

• LinkedIn

Let's Connect!

• Instagram
• Twitter
• YouTube

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Although every part of a video game is indispensable, from storyline to animation, the looks are the first thing we get access to, even before seeing what the characters can do. That sounds like a lot of pressure for those creating the blueprints of how a game would look, doesn't it? Actually, concept artists, those in charge of designing those blueprints, love their job, and we have the pleasure to talk to one of them in today's episode: Christopher Hayes.

Christopher Hayes is a concept artist; from his imagination and how his hands translate his thoughts into drawings is how some of the games we've spent hours playing look like. Currently working as a Senior UI Artist at Blizzard, he also worked at Epic Games as a Senior Artist and spent over 6 years at Blizzard as a 3-D Character Artist and Concept Artist.

Christopher created weaponry, armor, and characters of World of Worldcraft, Hearthstone, and Disney Infinity.

In this episode, we hear tons of incredible stories from Christopher about the characters he created, how fun it is to work at Blizzard, and his journey to becoming an artist. His father, a musician, and his mother, a painter, certainly encouraged him to work with art, while his grandfather would ask him if Blizzard was a good company to work in. We also talked about the projects he enjoyed the most working in, his and his kids' favorite games, and the things he prefers to design. Christopher also shared his thoughts on the importance of reading and constantly stimulating creativity, the tight connection between concept creation and storytelling, and much more.

Tune in to Episode 15 of A Gamer's Story and join us on a journey into the depths of a creative mind.

Some Questions I Ask:

• As a concept artist, how does a typical day at the office looks like? (1:24)
• Do you take inspiration from a specific artist or from several? (5:24)
• Hearthstone is a great game. What did you work on in that game? (16:30)
• What kind of designs are the ones you enjoy doing more? (41:44)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Where does someone like Christopher get inspiration from (7:01)
• About the hundreds of possibilities to get into the gaming industry besides being a professional player (12:04)
• Christopher's favorite games to play (21:49)
• Why storytelling is one of the primary parts of creating the concept of a video game (47:52)

Connect with Christopher:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Etsy

Let's Connect!

• Instagram
• Twitter
• YouTube

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.