Creative Collaboration Podcast

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In the highly interdisciplinary world of digital entertainment, successful production depends not only on traditional "creative" roles like design or art but also on the collaborative input of commercial, technical, and operational professionals. This vodcast explores how creativity functions across these roles and asks: what does creative collaboration really look like in the screen industries, and how do we make it work?

Episodes

  1. FEB 4

    Ep 07: Martin Annander

    In this episode, veteran game designer Martin Annander reflects on nearly 20 years in the industry and breaks down what creative collaboration really looks like in game development. We discuss: Why constraints can make games better How collaboration breaks down in silos Task forces, decision-making, and leadership Healthy conflict and killing your darlings Remote work, trust, and creative ownership Why systemic design invites players into the process The future of smaller teams and freelance collaboration A candid, experience-driven conversation about making better games—and working better together.

    59 min

  2. JAN 16

    Ep06: Adam Boyes

    In this episode, Adam Boyes shares lessons from decades in the games industry—from QA at EA to leadership roles at Capcom, PlayStation, and Iron Galaxy. We explore why defining “what a game is not” matter, and how trust-driven collaboration leads to stronger teams and better games. Topics include: - Building clear creative vision - Empowering teams vs. director-led development - Handling conflict and ego - Involving marketing early - Remote vs. in-person collaboration - Leadership frameworks that scale Chapters: 00:00 Intro – Gamescom, Creativity & Collaboration in Game Development   01:20 Adam Boyes’ Journey into the Games Industry   03:45 Breaking In Through QA at Electronic Arts   07:10 From QA to Production & Startup Studio Life   09:50 Blitz: The League – Creative Vision Under Constraints   13:30 Defining a Game: What It Is vs What It Isn’t   16:05 Rumbleverse Origins – From Bar Talk to Real Pitch   19:40 Team Alignment, Values & Creative Boundaries   22:55 Publisher Cancellation & Rebuilding the Vision   26:15 Director-Driven vs Collective Game Development   29:40 Trust vs Speed – The Fall Damage Design Lesson   32:50 What Creative Collaboration Really Means   35:30 When to Involve Marketing & Commercial Voices   38:00 Managing Conflict, Ego & Team Disagreements   41:20 Killing Your Darlings – The Pitch Cemetery   44:15 Leadership Rituals: Dailies & the 1-3-1 Framework   47:10 Remote Work vs In-Person Collaboration   50:00 Conflict Resolution & Emotional Intelligence   53:30 Cultural Differences in Global Game Teams   56:20 Advice for New Game Developers & Collaborators   59:00 Final Thoughts, Community & Where to Find Adam #GameDevelopment #Leadership #CreativeLeadership #CreativeTeams #Collaboration

    1h 1m

  3. 12/19/2025

    Episode 05: Jules Proux

    In this episode, I speak with game-industry veteran Jules Proux about a number of things, including creating environments where artists, engineers, designers, and producers can communicate through a shared creative vocabulary, extracting “tribal knowledge” when joining established projects and balancing creative and commercial voices early in development. #GameDevelopment #Leadership #CreativeLeadership #CreativeTeams #Collaboration

    28 min

  4. 11/14/2025

    Episode 04: Björn Jankes

    Star Stable’s Art Director Björn Jankes shares what it takes to lead creative teams — with empathy, not ego. Discover how diverse perspectives, trust, and tough calls (“kill your darlings”) shape great games. 💡 Insights on creative teamwork, leadership, and growing your craft. #GameDevelopment #Leadership #CreativeTeams

    1 hr

  5. 11/05/2025

    Episode 3: Matt Zoern

    In episode 3, I talk to Matt Zoern about building games with strong core experiences, fostering creative collaboration, and making tough production decisions. Learn how cohesive teams, passion, and listening to your gut lead to better games—and why asking questions and continuous learning are key for newcomers.With 20+ years in the games industry, previously at studios like EA, Funcom, Nvizzio, and Room 8, and now at Borflab and Wildfire, Matt has built and grown multiple studios worldwide, working across diverse genres, platforms, and cultures.

    54 min

  6. 11/05/2025

    Episode 2: Theodor Diea

    In this episode, my guest is Theodor Diea, Founder & CEO of Goose Byte, a development studio based in Montreal. A former AAA developer, having contributed to games such as Ghost Recon Future Solider, Just Dance 4 and 2014, Mother Russia Bleeds, Brave Frontier, and Rainbow Six Siege, Theo now leads the team behind the upcoming survival game The Signal: Stranded on Sirenis.

    51 min

  7. 11/05/2025

    Episode 1: Jerome Ortmann

    In this debut episode, I’m joined by Jerome Ortmann, Senior Marketing & Brand Director at Saber Interactive, a brand marketing and publishing expert with previous roles at Ubisoft, Avalanche Studios and Fatshark.In this episode, we dive deep into the creative and commercial aspects of game development. Our guest shares firsthand experience working with developers, studios, and creative teams, offering practical insights on balancing creative vision with commercial realities, collaborating across teams, and supporting game creators to bring their projects to life.

    1h 14m
  • 7 Episodes

About

In the highly interdisciplinary world of digital entertainment, successful production depends not only on traditional "creative" roles like design or art but also on the collaborative input of commercial, technical, and operational professionals. This vodcast explores how creativity functions across these roles and asks: what does creative collaboration really look like in the screen industries, and how do we make it work?

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