Player, Too

Episode 40 - Lessons from the Past

For our big 40th episode, Rade and Dave swap war stories about their first jobs in the game industry and their shared experience at Westwood Studios. Lessons were learned! And also lots of drama happened, though we don't name names (yet). Join the conversation as we wander down memory lane.

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Episode 39 - A Model for Success in 2026

The podcast has spent a lot of time the problems in the game industry, but what's the way forward? Rade and Dave discuss how successful studios might work in the future. Also, Mattel, Netflix, and Bethesda in the news, and a sports-adjacent Game of the Week!

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Episode 38 - A Few of our (Least) Favorite Things (Part 2)

This week, Rade and Dave follow up the last episode about their favorite things in games with some less-swell things that make them sad. Prepare yourself for an extra-long episode as we air our grievances - no punches pulled! Plus, EA in the news and a new DLC for a ten-year-old game in the Game of the Week segment.

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Episode 37 - A Few of our Favorite Things (Part 1)

What are the common elements of the most memorable (and most successful) games? Rade and Dave get personal and break down their likes and dislikes (regardless of genre). Also, unions fight back against the layoff tide, Amazon's gaming direction, and (as always) a quirky Game of the Week!

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Episode 36 - Managing Creative Teams

This week, Rade is joined by regular guest host Jennifer Lane (filling in for Dave) for a discussion on managing creative teams. What are the challenges and best practices? Also, the latest industry news, and an especially artistic Game of the Week!

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Episode 35 - Microsoft's No Good, Very Bad Week

We had to do it - this week, we dissect the Microsoft layoff mess. With 1600 game devs kicked to the curb, and 1600 more to follow, what does this mean for the industry and the affected studios? How do the survivors pick up the pieces? Expect lots of profanity! Also, at least one positive story from New Zealand in the news, and a quirky indie Game of the Week from a solo dev!

Episode 34 - The Death of Physical Media?

This week, Rade and Dave dive into the big announcement from Sony and the ramifications for the industry. Is distribution via physical media completely on its way out, and why? What does this change mean for gaming - and gamers? Also, praise for a developer in the Game of the Week segment, and a special canine guest! (Oh, hi doggie!)

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Episode 33 - UX, UI, AI, and More (with Jason Schklar)

Join Rade, Dave, and guest Jason Schklar of UX Is Fine for a wide-ranging discussion on UX and UI development in 2026, the practical value AI tools can bring to the table, and how UX Is Fine built their unique and special culture. Also, Bungie layoff news (ugh), Steam hardware costs, and a grab-bag of Jason's Game(s) of the Week!

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Episode 32 - More Layoffs? Why?

This week, it's unfortunately time for Rade and Dave to revisit the topic of game industry layoffs. Join us for the conversation as we search for signs of hope in the pile of scary rumors out there. Also, Arc Raiders numbers in the news, and a very special edition of Game of the Week!

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Episode 31 - Indie Development (with Marcus Montgomery)

Rade and Dave welcome guest Marcus Montgomery - game industry veteran and creative director of Cornerstone Interactive Studios - for a wide-ranging and thoughtful discussion on indie development in 2026. How can game-makers do it better in 2026? Also, the latest industry news!

Episode 30 - The Audience Makers

A feistier debate than normal this week as Rade and Dave dig into the success of Roblox, what it means for the industry, and how developers can achieve their goals in 2026. Also, the latest on Switch 2 sales, box office numbers in the news, and a Game of the Week that might surprise you.

Episode 29 - Redemption

A rocky launch can kill a game, but sometimes redemption is possible. When should a game be killed in its infancy, and when should it be given a chance at a comeback? Join the discussion with Rade and Dave! Also, hardware in the news, the triumphant return of Rade's sign, and the first of a rotating series of new themes for the podcast (since Riverside changed its built-in music provider).

Episode 28 - Licensed IP: The Pros and Cons

Gamers are often skeptical of licensed titles, but making a game that leverages an existing IP has a lot of upside. Rade and Dave discuss their experiences, both positive and negative. Also, the latest industry news, and a book review (what?!) instead of a Game of the Week!

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Episode 27 - What Even Is a Console? (with Greg Phillips)

This week, "Player, Too!" welcomes Greg Phillips for an in-depth discussion of the console space in 2026, and what the future holds for gaming hardware. Also, Subnautica 2's launch in the news, another gaming fund, and Greg's Game of the Week!

Episode 26 - Measuring your Game

How do games measure success? There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but Rade and Dave discuss some of the ways teams can evaluate their games. Also, Gamestop and Roblox in the news again, and revisiting Arc Raiders half a year in!

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Episode 25 - Should Games Be Free?

How should games be priced in 2026? Join Rade and Dave for one of their more spicy conversations. Also, the latest game industry news, and a Game of the Week that Rade might actually like.

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Episode 24 - Is the Industry Making the Right Games?

Is the game industry making the right products in 2026? Join Rade and Dave for their thoughts, as well as the latest updates on Game Pass changes, Meta turning an Orwellian eye on its employees, and a pair of throwback games-of-the-week.

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Episode 23 - The Evolution of Production

In Rade's absence this week, the podcast welcomes a guest co-host: longtime podcast friend Jennifer Lane! Join Dave and Jennifer for a great discussion about how the role of game production has evolved over the years. Also, news on Game Pass and Roblox, and a surprising Game of the Week!

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Episode 22 - Discovery (with John Osvald)

This week, we dig into the tricky problem of discovery. What should developers do to make sure their products reach the right audience? We welcome our friend John Osvald for a wide-ranging discussion. Plus, the latest game industry news and not just one but two Games of the Week!

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Episode 21 - Developing with AI

Cutting through the hype and noise, what's it really like developing a product using AI? Game developers are uniquely positioned to navigate the muddy waters of new development processes well. Join us this week for a case study with returning guest Jennifer Lane. Also, the latest industry news and a Game of the Week celebrating its ten-year anniversary.

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