#73 - Michael Szklarski: Why GTA Online and Red Dead Online Keep Losing to Fan Servers

Multiplayer doesn't have to be built on day one.

Today, I'm joined by Michael Szklarski, Co-Founder of ReadyM, who explains how community-driven multiplayer mods have transformed games like GTA V and why the future of gaming may belong to player-created experiences.

From the origins of GTA multiplayer mods and FiveM to Black Myth: Wukong, Oblivion Remastered, Minecraft, Roblox, Skyrim, and Hytale, this conversation explores how UGC (User-Generated Content), modding, and multiplayer communities can dramatically extend a game's lifespan.

Whether you're a game developer, publisher, aspiring game designer, or modder, you'll learn how successful games evolve into long-lasting platforms, why some games attract thriving modding communities while others don't, and what it takes to build the next generation of community-powered games.

Connect with Michael:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michalszklarski
Website: https://docs.ready.mp/
Forum: https://forum.ready.mp/
Oblivion Multiplayer Mod: https://oblivionmp.firstlook.gg/

Connect with Harry:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hphokou
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hphokou/

Join our industry events: https://hivemind.world/

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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:23 ReadyM and the vision behind community multiplayer
02:47 What is UGC multiplayer?
05:32 The origins of GTA multiplayer modding
07:43 How multiplayer mods work under the hood
10:03 How GTMP became FiveM
15:17 Why Rockstar acquired FiveM
20:11 How UGC extends a game's lifespan
25:03 Can developers design games for modding success?
29:11 Should studios build official modding tools?
35:17 Michael's journey into modding
38:58 When modding became a business
42:56 Building ReadyM and multiplayer technology
46:56 Raising investment and proving the vision
53:52 Why Red Dead Redemption Online never reached FiveM's success
56:42 Advice for AAA game developers
58:41 Advice for aspiring modders