Summary
In this GZ Chop Shop gaming podcast episode, host Greg and co-host Daniel welcome Elizabeth Howard, the Chief Advisor of Services for Midwest Games. Elizabeth shares her journey into the gaming industry, her experiences with major companies like Bungie and 2K, and her insights into the evolving landscape of game development and publishing. The conversation addresses the challenges faced by indie developers, the importance of retaining intellectual property rights, and the necessity of understanding the gaming ecosystem for aspiring developers. Elizabeth emphasizes the need for a strong business plan and community engagement in the game development process. In this conversation, Elizabeth discusses her vision for a sustainable gaming industry, the complexities of game development, and the challenges faced by developers. She shares insights from her experience at Bungie, including the impact of shareholder expectations and the industry's shift toward live-service and story-driven games. Elizabeth also reflects on her personal life as a single mom and her passion for gaming, emphasizing the importance of player engagement and understanding market dynamics.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Gaming Industry Journey
04:24 Elizabeth Howard's Career Path and Insights
08:54 The Evolution of Game Development and Publishing
11:25 Shadow Publishing: Supporting Indie Developers
14:27 The Importance of IP Rights in Game Development
16:50 Advice for Aspiring Game Developers
20:31 Navigating Market Changes in Game Development
23:27 Building a Sustainable Gaming Industry
25:24 Understanding Game Failures
28:21 The Impact of Success on Game Development
29:58 Balancing Personal Life and Gaming
32:41 Insights from Working at Bungie
34:58 The Role of Shareholders in Game Development
37:11 The Shift Towards Live Service Games
39:14 The Rise of Story-Driven Games
39:20 Connecting with Developers at Midwest Games
