In this LevelUp episode, Melissa sits down with Emory Irpan and Nathan TenBoer, Director of Operations, Consultancy, and Insights and Lead Partner Manager and Insights at Unity respectively - two of the minds behind the Unity Gaming Report. Together, they get into the data behind the gaming industry, what didn't make the cut, why 2D games are making a comeback, and the value of pretty charts.Tune in or read the highlights here: https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/the-unity-gaming-report-diving-in-with-the-team-behind-it/

In this LevelUp episode, Melissa sits down with Emory Irpan and Nathan TenBoer, Director of Operations, Consultancy, and Insights and Lead Partner Manager and Insights at Unity respectively - two of the minds behind the Unity Gaming Report. Together, they get into the data behind the gaming industry, what didn't make the cut, why 2D games are making a comeback, and the value of pretty charts. Tune in or read the highlights here: <a href="https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/the-unity-gaming-report-diving-in-with-the-team-behind-it/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/the-unity-gaming-report-diving-in-with-the-team-behind-it/</a>

The Unity Gaming Report | Diving in with the team behind it

Sophie Vo

In this LevelUp episode, Jasmine sits down with Sophie Vo, GM at Savage Games. Together, they dive into the the role of empathy in leadership, what leadership means and looks like in games, how to spot a leader in your team, and more.  Tune in or read the highlights: https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/leadership-in-games-solving-the-human-puzzle-genre/

In this LevelUp episode, Jasmine sits down with Sophie Vo, GM at Savage Games. Together, they dive into the the role of empathy in leadership, what leadership means and looks like in games, how to spot a leader in your team, and more.  Tune in or read the highlights: <a href="https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/leadership-in-games-solving-the-human-puzzle-genre/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/leadership-in-games-solving-the-human-puzzle-genre/</a>

Sophie Vo |  Leadership in games: solving the human puzzle genre

In this LevelUp episode, Melissa sits down with Lisa Brunette, Narrative Designer and Game Writer at Brunette Games. They take a deep dive into the importance of narrative, why gameplay should always come first, how to write for mobile games, and how (and why) Lisa gamified her gardening.  Tune in or keep reading for the highlights: https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/narrative-in-mobile-games-why-the-story-matters/

In this LevelUp episode, Melissa sits down with Lisa Brunette, Narrative Designer and Game Writer at Brunette Games. They take a deep dive into the importance of narrative, why gameplay should always come first, how to write for mobile games, and how (and why) Lisa gamified her gardening.  Tune in or keep reading for the highlights: <a href="https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/narrative-in-mobile-games-why-the-story-matters/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/narrative-in-mobile-games-why-the-story-matters/</a>

Lisa Brunette | Narrative in mobile games: why the story matters

Om Tandon

In this LevelUp episode, Melissa sits down with Om Tandon, UX Director at UX Reviewer Games Consultancy. They dive into what makes good UX, the similarities between producing games and films, the differences between user and human-centered design, and how to put design thinking into practice. Tune in or keep reading for the highlights: https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/ux-in-games-user-centered-vs-human-centered-design/

In this LevelUp episode, Melissa sits down with Om Tandon, UX Director at UX Reviewer Games Consultancy. They dive into what makes good UX, the similarities between producing games and films, the differences between user and human-centered design, and how to put design thinking into practice. Tune in or keep reading for the highlights: <a href="https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/ux-in-games-user-centered-vs-human-centered-design/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/ux-in-games-user-centered-vs-human-centered-design/</a>

Om Tandon | UX in games: User-centered vs human-centered design 

In this LevelUp episode, Melissa sits down with Anna Popereko, Game Design Consultant at ironSource from Unity. They talk about the importance of user motivations, what even are they, why they should be a part of your monetization strategy, and more. Tune in or read the highlights here: https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/user-motivations-where-game-design-and-monetization-meet/

In this LevelUp episode, Melissa sits down with Anna Popereko, Game Design Consultant at ironSource from Unity. They talk about the importance of user motivations, what even are they, why they should be a part of your monetization strategy, and more. Tune in or read the highlights here: <a href="https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/user-motivations-where-game-design-and-monetization-meet/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/user-motivations-where-game-design-and-monetization-meet/</a>

Anna Popereko | User motivations: Where game design and monetization meet

Josh Burns

In this LevelUp episode, Melissa sits down with Josh Burns, Senior Director of Business Development at FunPlus. They get into the history of IPs in mobile games, what to look for in an IP, their role in 2023, Josh's advice for smaller studios looking to leverage them, and more. Tune in here or read the highlights: https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/mastering-the-world-of-ips/

In this LevelUp episode, Melissa sits down with Josh Burns, Senior Director of Business Development at FunPlus. They get into the history of IPs in mobile games, what to look for in an IP, their role in 2023, Josh's advice for smaller studios looking to leverage them, and more. Tune in here or read the highlights: <a href="https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/mastering-the-world-of-ips/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/mastering-the-world-of-ips/</a>

Josh Burns | Mastering the world of IPs

In this LevelUp episode, Melissa sits down with Danny Moy, Chief Strategy Officer at SciPlay. They dive into the role of business strategy at mobile games studios, the secret to navigating M&amp;As (from both sides), how to create long-term plans while working in a fast-changing industry, and a whole lot more.   Tune in here or read the highlights: https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/danny-moy-gaming-business-strategy/

In this LevelUp episode, Melissa sits down with Danny Moy, Chief Strategy Officer at SciPlay. They dive into the role of business strategy at mobile games studios, the secret to navigating M&amp;As (from both sides), how to create long-term plans while working in a fast-changing industry, and a whole lot more.   Tune in here or read the highlights: <a href="https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/danny-moy-gaming-business-strategy/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/danny-moy-gaming-business-strategy/</a>

Danny Moy | Building a mobile gaming business strategy

In this LevelUp episode, Melissa sits down with our very own maestro of creatives Dan Greenberg, Chief Design Officer at ironSource. They talk AI image generation, what it is, how it can be used now, and what it needs to truly change the game.   Tune in here or read the highlights: https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/dan-greenberg-ai-and-creatives/

In this LevelUp episode, Melissa sits down with our very own maestro of creatives Dan Greenberg, Chief Design Officer at ironSource. They talk AI image generation, what it is, how it can be used now, and what it needs to truly change the game.   Tune in here or read the highlights: <a href="https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/dan-greenberg-ai-and-creatives/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/dan-greenberg-ai-and-creatives/</a>

Dan Greenberg | AI and creatives: Now, later, and the far-future

In this episode of LevelUp, Melissa sits down with Matej Lancaric, UA consultant extraordinaire, host of the 2 &amp; a half gamers podcast, and the king of no-BS actionable tips. Together, they dive into the rules, or lack of, of UA, what it takes to build a culture of experimentation from the outside, and Matej’s hottest takes.  Tune in here or read the highlights: https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/matej-lancaric-experimentation-in-ua-teams/

In this episode of LevelUp, Melissa sits down with Matej Lancaric, UA consultant extraordinaire, host of the 2 &amp; a half gamers podcast, and the king of no-BS actionable tips. Together, they dive into the rules, or lack of, of UA, what it takes to build a culture of experimentation from the outside, and Matej’s hottest takes.  Tune in here or read the highlights: <a href="https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/matej-lancaric-experimentation-in-ua-teams/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/matej-lancaric-experimentation-in-ua-teams/</a>

Matej Lanacaric | Going off autopilot: Creating a culture of experimentation in UA teams

In this LevelUp episode, Melissa gets into building the dream creative team with Vitaly Gladkov, Creative Department Lead at AppQuantum. They attempt to finally answer the question: does it just make sense to move your creatives all in-house? Bonus content includes: why do you need a creative team anyway? Tune in here or read the highlights: https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/vitaly-gladkov-appquantum-building-creatives/

In this LevelUp episode, Melissa gets into building the dream creative team with Vitaly Gladkov, Creative Department Lead at AppQuantum. They attempt to finally answer the question: does it just make sense to move your creatives all in-house? Bonus content includes: why do you need a creative team anyway? Tune in here or read the highlights: <a href="https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/vitaly-gladkov-appquantum-building-creatives/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/vitaly-gladkov-appquantum-building-creatives/</a>

AppQuantum | Outsource vs In-house: The best way to build creatives in 2023

Gaming is a multi-billion dollar industry, but what goes into making the world's most popular games? Join us as we speak to titans of the gaming world, including Zeptolab, Playrix, Nexon and Kongregate, the makers behind wildly popular games Adventure Capitalist, Cut The Rope, Gardenscapes and Battlejack, to hear how they design, develop, monetize and market their games. Tune in to Level Up by ironSource, the podcast for people who love making, growing, and of course, playing mobile games.

In this episode of the LevelUp podcast, Mike Taramykin, CEO at HypGames, sits down with our host Melissa Zeloof, VP Marketing at ironSource. They discuss the evolution of sports games, including the challenges moving from console to F2P, how to work with licensors, and what to expect in the future.  Tune in here or read the transcript:https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/mike-Taramykin-hypgames-evolution-sports/

In this episode of the LevelUp podcast, Mike Taramykin, CEO at HypGames, sits down with our host Melissa Zeloof, VP Marketing at ironSource. They discuss the evolution of sports games, including the challenges moving from console to F2P, how to work with licensors, and what to expect in the future.  Tune in here or read the transcript:<a href="https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/mike-Taramykin-hypgames-evolution-sports/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/mike-Taramykin-hypgames-evolution-sports/</a>

HypGames | The evolution of mobile sports games

In this episode of LevelUp, Tom Hammond, CEO &amp; Co-Founder of UserWise sits down with our host Melissa Zeloof, VP Marketing at ironSource. They discuss how game developers can better understand user psychology, putting user motivations into action within a game, and how game developers can utilize personalization with LiveOps.  Tune in here or read the transcript: https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/tom-hammond-userwise-in-game-personalization/

In this episode of LevelUp, Tom Hammond, CEO &amp; Co-Founder of UserWise sits down with our host Melissa Zeloof, VP Marketing at ironSource. They discuss how game developers can better understand user psychology, putting user motivations into action within a game, and how game developers can utilize personalization with LiveOps.  Tune in here or read the transcript: <a href="https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/tom-hammond-userwise-in-game-personalization/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/tom-hammond-userwise-in-game-personalization/</a>

UserWise | The psychology of in-game personalization

In this episode of LevelUp, our host Melissa Zeloof, VP Marketing at ironSource, sits down with Deconstructor of Fun's Javier Barnes and Ethan Levy, host of the Deconstructor of Fun Podcast. They discuss why developers and gamers should start utilizing blockchain, the main challenges keeping blockchain from becoming an industry standard, and what exactly gaming industry leaders need to do to bring blockchain to the mainstream. Tune in here or read the transcript: https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/blockchain-king-deconstructor-of-fun/

In this episode of LevelUp, our host Melissa Zeloof, VP Marketing at ironSource, sits down with Deconstructor of Fun's Javier Barnes and Ethan Levy, host of the Deconstructor of Fun Podcast. They discuss why developers and gamers should start utilizing blockchain, the main challenges keeping blockchain from becoming an industry standard, and what exactly gaming industry leaders need to do to bring blockchain to the mainstream. Tune in here or read the transcript: <a href="https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/blockchain-king-deconstructor-of-fun/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/blockchain-king-deconstructor-of-fun/</a>

Deconstructor of Fun | Blockchain Gaming, Pt 5: What the industry needs to do to make Blockchain Games mainstream

Blockchain and gaming and the metaverse? Oh my. Elad Yakobowicz, Founder at Business Evolution explores the state of the metaverse today and how blockchain games have managed to integrate into this vast digital world.  Elad is interviewed by Melissa Zeloof, VP Marketing at ironSource and Anton Backman, Principal at Play Ventures. They dive into the metaverse, what connects it to blockchain gaming, and what this collaboration could mean for the future of technology. Tune in here or keep reading for the edited highlights: https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/blockchain-metaverse-business-evolution/

Blockchain and gaming and the metaverse? Oh my. Elad Yakobowicz, Founder at Business Evolution explores the state of the metaverse today and how blockchain games have managed to integrate into this vast digital world.  Elad is interviewed by Melissa Zeloof, VP Marketing at ironSource and Anton Backman, Principal at Play Ventures. They dive into the metaverse, what connects it to blockchain gaming, and what this collaboration could mean for the future of technology. Tune in here or keep reading for the edited highlights: <a href="https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/blockchain-metaverse-business-evolution/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/blockchain-metaverse-business-evolution/</a>

Business Evolution | Blockchain Gaming, Pt 4: Blockchain and the Metaverse

What’s it like to build a blockchain company from the ground up? Hear it straight from the source. David Amor, CEO at Playmint - a blockchain gaming company founded in 2021 - discusses what it's like to be on the frontline of the blockchain gaming revolution.  David is interviewed by Melissa Zeloof, VP Marketing at ironSource, Anton Backman, Principal at Play Ventures, and Kenrick Drijoningen, General Partner at Play Ventures, where they explore building his company, modern blockchain gaming technology, and comparing blockchain vs traditional gaming. Tune in here or keep reading for the edited highlights: https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/blockchain-ceo-playmint/

What’s it like to build a blockchain company from the ground up? Hear it straight from the source. David Amor, CEO at Playmint - a blockchain gaming company founded in 2021 - discusses what it's like to be on the frontline of the blockchain gaming revolution.  David is interviewed by Melissa Zeloof, VP Marketing at ironSource, Anton Backman, Principal at Play Ventures, and Kenrick Drijoningen, General Partner at Play Ventures, where they explore building his company, modern blockchain gaming technology, and comparing blockchain vs traditional gaming. Tune in here or keep reading for the edited highlights: <a href="https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/blockchain-ceo-playmint/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/blockchain-ceo-playmint/</a>

Playmint | Blockchain Gaming, Pt 3: Life as a CEO

We’re back for the second episode of our blockchain gaming mini-series - this time we’re exploring how online communities are set to shape the future of blockchain games. Join Melissa Zeloof, VP Marketing at ironSource, along with Anton Backman and Kenrick Drijoningen from Play Ventures, and our guest Jon Jordan, Consultant at Playmint, for the conversation.  Together they explore the ins and outs of Discord communities, the biggest challenge traditional game developers have in the space, and the dichotomy between performance marketing and community building.   Tune in here or keep reading for the edited highlights: https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/blockchain-communities-playmint/

We’re back for the second episode of our blockchain gaming mini-series - this time we’re exploring how online communities are set to shape the future of blockchain games. Join Melissa Zeloof, VP Marketing at ironSource, along with Anton Backman and Kenrick Drijoningen from Play Ventures, and our guest Jon Jordan, Consultant at Playmint, for the conversation.  Together they explore the ins and outs of Discord communities, the biggest challenge traditional game developers have in the space, and the dichotomy between performance marketing and community building.   Tune in here or keep reading for the edited highlights: <a href="https://www.is.com/?post_type=podcast&amp;p=94893&amp;preview=true" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/blockchain-communities-playmint/</a>

Playmint | Blockchain Gaming, Pt 2: Community Building

It’s the buzzword on everyone’s lips: blockchain games. Melissa Zeloof, VP Marketing at ironSource, kicks off the first episode in a new mini-series all about blockchain gaming, along with Anton Backman and Kenrick Drijoningen from Play Ventures - a games VC with promising blockchain games in their portfolio.  Together, they review clear and concise definitions of key blockchain gaming terms, top companies to watch in the space, trends and predictions for the future, as well as the practicalities of producing a blockchain game.  Tune in here or keep reading for the edited highlights:  https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/blockchain-fundamentals-playeventures

It’s the buzzword on everyone’s lips: blockchain games. Melissa Zeloof, VP Marketing at ironSource, kicks off the first episode in a new mini-series all about blockchain gaming, along with Anton Backman and Kenrick Drijoningen from Play Ventures - a games VC with promising blockchain games in their portfolio.  Together, they review clear and concise definitions of key blockchain gaming terms, top companies to watch in the space, trends and predictions for the future, as well as the practicalities of producing a blockchain game.  Tune in here or keep reading for the edited highlights:  <a href="https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/blockchain-fundamentals-playeventures" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.is.com/community/podcasts/levelup/blockchain-fundamentals-playeventures</a>

Play Ventures | Blockchain Gaming, Part 1: The Fundamentals

In the fifth episode of our "What I Wish I Knew When" series for indie developers, Melissa Zeloof is joined by Emily Greer, founder and CEO of Double Loop Games, who also co-founded Kongregate over a decade ago with her brother. Emily discusses her experience establishing a new games studio and key tips for developers looking to do the same.

In the fifth episode of our "What I Wish I Knew When" series for indie developers, Melissa Zeloof is joined by Emily Greer, founder and CEO of Double Loop Games, who also co-founded Kongregate over a decade ago with her brother. Emily discusses her experience establishing a new games studio and key tips for developers looking to do the same.

Double Loop Games | Indie Series, Part 5: Founding a Mobile Game Studio

In the fourth episode of “What I Wish I Knew When...”, our series for indie developers, Melissa Zeloof is joined by Bozo Jankovic, who heads up Business Development at GamesBiz Consulting. Bozo and his team spend a lot of time working with indie developers to strengthen their game's monetization performance, so we thought it would be a good idea to pick his brains on this topic and discuss what he wishes he knew about game monetization earlier on in his career, to help devs who are just started out themselves get on the right track.

In the fourth episode of “What I Wish I Knew When...”, our series for indie developers, Melissa Zeloof is joined by Bozo Jankovic, who heads up Business Development at GamesBiz Consulting. Bozo and his team spend a lot of time working with indie developers to strengthen their game's monetization performance, so we thought it would be a good idea to pick his brains on this topic and discuss what he wishes he knew about game monetization earlier on in his career, to help devs who are just started out themselves get on the right track.

GamesBiz | Indie Series, Part 3: Getting Started with Mobile Game Monetization

Insider

Sally Lu, Director of Customer Success at Unity, joins Melissa Zeloof to discuss the role of Unity and gametech more generally in the games industry, and what we might expect for the future.

Sally Lu, Director of Customer Success at Unity, joins Melissa Zeloof to discuss the role of Unity and gametech more generally in the games industry, and what we might expect for the future.

Unity | Gametech, Part 3: The Insider's Perspective

Ok, ok....the content is great and the hosts are great. Michail is hilarious and Melissa is great. But I can’t stand how the conversations in the newest episodes are pieced together - the pauses as they speak are shortened. And it seems like everybody’s voice is sped up by ten percent. This sort of thing works for a YouTube video but it’s annoying trying to follow an audio conversation that has been all spliced up. Doesn’t ruin it for me, but it’s odd.

Almost perfect

Great podcast. Super difficult to understand because of the audio quality

Terrible audio quality

LevelUp

The best podcast episodes about true crime. For any thrill seeking podcast listeners who just can't get enough of the captivating stories of murderers and criminals. This topic has all the best episodes from many different true crime podcasts.  Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best True Crime Podcasts

The best podcasts on investing. For anyone interested in the stories in the investing industry, whether it's an interview with Ray Dalio or Ed Thorp to the writer of The Big Short. This topic includes the most fascinating stories from all the best investors. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!