Ben sits down with game studies lecturer and psychology researcher Laura Crawford to unpack player psychology, cozy games, and what makes Stardew Valley a fan favourite. Laura breaks down the science behind great game design, explores why players connect so deeply with virtual worlds, and shares her thoughts on AI, accessibility, game censorship, mentorship, and the future of the games industry. Along the way, they dive into Death Stranding, Alba: A Wildlife Adventure, and the games that shaped Laura's career, making this a must-listen for game developers, designers, students, and anyone who's ever fallen in love with a video game.

What does it take to build a 20+ year career in the video games industry? In this episode, we sit down with Chris Davey, a gaming industry veteran whose journey spans some of the most influential companies in gaming, including Blizzard Entertainment and Epic Games. Chris shares how a childhood fascination with home computers and consoles evolved into a global career across game development, marketing, public relations, brand management, and esports. Along the way, he reflects on the lessons that shaped his career, the importance of understanding player communities, and what it takes to succeed in one of the world’s most competitive entertainment industries.

We explore Chris' passion for music and the role he had in bringing artists into interactive worlds. From Fortnite collaborations with The Kid LAROI and Tones And I to the future of virtual concerts, digital identity, and music discovery, Chris shares why games are becoming one of the most powerful platforms for artists to build audiences. Beyond the industry, Chris talks on Half Life 2, StarCraft 2 and titles that left the biggest impression on his life.

Whether you're interested in the gaming industry, music or the business behind blockbuster titles, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes perspective from someone who has lived it.

What is it really like working in the games industry—and how do you actually get a job in game development? In this episode, we sit down with Danielle Walker, an HR professional in the video games industry, to talk about careers in gaming, breaking into the industry, and what it’s really like working behind the scenes at a game studio. We cover everything from Dani’s unconventional path into games to the realities of HR in game development and common misconceptions about the industry.Alongside all the career talk, we also get into Dani’s love for games - from her obsession with immersive single-player titles like The Legend of Zelda, her most replayable favourites, and the ones that seriously tested her patience. We chat about the evolution of games to big screen adaptations like Assassin’s Creed, Halo, and Fallout, and where the line sits between realism and actually having fun. If you’ve ever wondered how to get a job in games, this episode is packed with practical advice on standing out, networking effectively, and crafting a resume that works. Whether you’re trying to break into the industry or just love talking about games, there’s plenty here to relate to.

Step inside the mind of a game designer in this insightful and deeply human episode featuring Penelope Murphy - Senior Games Designer at The Three Thousands Studios, industry mentor, and lifelong lover of games. From nostalgic childhood memories to professional design philosophy, this episode explores what it really means to build a career in game design - and how games shape the way we can understand life itself. Pen shares her journey from growing up in Canberra to moving to Melbourne’s thriving games industry, revealing the often non-linear path into becoming a designer. What starts as a love for games evolves into a nuanced exploration of video game careers, creative identity, and the challenge of defining what “design” actually is in a professional studio environment .

Through stories of early gameplay experiences from the Fable franchise to The Sims, this episode uncovers powerful parallels between game mechanics and real-world emotions. Pen reflects on how systems in design can teach us about relationships, decision-making, and even loss, highlighting the power of video games in understanding complex human experiences .

Whether you’re an aspiring developer, a seasoned designer, or simply curious about how games influence the way we find meaning in systems, creativity, and play, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode, Executive Producer Lu Gigliotti takes us on a journey through his incredible career in the gaming industry —from his early work on the cult classic Earthworm Jim to shaping iconic titles like The Neverhood and DmC.

Lu shares insights into the creative process of game development and dives into the evolution of gaming, the rise of AI, and the future of interactive entertainment.

What happens when sound meets storytelling in the gaming world? Benjamin Dawe and composer Samuel Shepherd unpack the journey of Sam’s musical project Parade Music, reflect on the indie artist grind, and break down why the right soundtrack can completely transform a game. They touch on the haunting beauty of Silent Hill 3, the cult-classic charm of Evergrace, and how Japanese music has left a global imprint on gaming. Trip-hop, Hyperpop, and more—we’re talking deep cuts and fresh takes.

The Three Thousands present Play List Ep. 04 - From TF2 to EA and Beyond: How Sam Kayler-Thomson Turned Passion into a Pro Game Dev Career.

In this episode, we sit down with Game Designer Sam Kayler-Thomson, who went from modding Team Fortress 2 in his bedroom to working at EA Designing Real Racing 3 and now at The Three Thousands. We cover everything from turning uni projects into paid gigs, surviving game dev deadlines, the real deal with esports + AI taking over car culture.

What you'll learn:

• How modding TF2 kickstarted Sam’s career

• The power of community feedback in game design

• Why QA might be the secret weapon in dev

• How AI is changing the game (literally) in car culture

Sean Reynolds, known as the 'Ghost Signs guy', shares his journey to becoming a Cultural Archaeologist, exploring the stories behind faded advertisements in Melbourne, Australia. He discusses the influence of video games on his life, particularly titles like Chrono Trigger, Maniac Mansion, and Mortal Kombat, and reflects on his experiences working in Hollywood. The conversation also touches on his transition to Australia, the vibrant culture of Melbourne, and the release of his book, 'Melbourne Ghost Signs', which delves into the history, significance and stories behind these signs in the community.