Pixel Retentive Podcast

Epic Made
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Semimonthly

This is Pixel Retentive podcast, where Colorful Carl, an Artist and a Business Owner, discusses the art of business and the business of art. Here, we explore the intersection of creativity, business, marketing, and entrepreneurship with some of the leading minds in the space.

  1. 1d ago

    Behind AAA Game VFX | James L. Sanders III

    In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with James L. Sanders III, veteran AAA VFX artist, whose career spans more than two decades creating unforgettable visuals for franchises like Borderlands, Days Gone, Ashes of Creation, and many more. Together they explore how iconic games are built, why great visual effects are about gameplay—not spectacle—and what it really takes to thrive in the modern games industry. James shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories from working through studio closures, mentoring artists, finding the "fun" in game development, and balancing creativity with technical performance. The conversation also explores AI in game development, leadership, mentorship, and why the best studios are built around passionate people—not just great technology. Here's a Glimpse of What You'll Learn: James' journey from QA tester to AAA VFX Director How visual effects influence gameplay and player experience Why finding the "fun" is the hardest part of game development Behind-the-scenes stories from Gearbox, Midway, and Sony Bend The role of mentorship in building a successful career AI's place in the future of game art and development Why soft skills often matter more than technical ability Advice for aspiring artists and game developers Building games that players remember for decades Guest Links Website: https://www.mobygames.com/person/138636/james-sanders/ ❤️ Support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Special Thanks Special thanks to James L. Sanders III for sharing decades of hard-earned experience, incredible stories from the making of Borderlands, and thoughtful advice on creativity, leadership, mentorship, and the future of game development. Connect with Epic Made For more conversations about game development, storytelling, animation, design, creativity, and the business of art, visit: 🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, artist, VFX professional, technical artist, or anyone passionate about creating unforgettable interactive experiences. Until next time, ✌️ – Carl #Borderlands #LarianStudios #GameDevelopment #GameArt #VFX #VisualEffects #GameDesign #AAA #UnrealEngine #AshesOfCreation #CreativeLeadership #GameDev #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

  2. 6d ago

    Inside Vampire: The Masquerade Reawakened | A. Khedron DeLeon, One of the Creative Leaders Behind the Project

    In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with A. Khedron DeLeon, engineer-turned-writer and narrative designer, and one of the creative leaders behind Vampire: The Masquerade – Reawakened—an ambitious fan-made recreation of the cult classic RPG built entirely within Skyrim's Creation Kit. Together they explore what it takes to revive a beloved game, build a global volunteer development team, and balance storytelling, systems design, and technical limitations to create an unforgettable player experience. Khedron shares how he evolved from voice actor to one of the project's creative leaders, why passionate communities can outperform traditional development teams, and the unique challenges of rebuilding a classic while respecting established lore and intellectual property. The conversation also dives into narrative design, voice acting, world building, and why great games are built by people who genuinely love what they're creating. Editor's Note: During the conversation, the CD-Action Expo schedule is mentioned incorrectly. The event takes place Saturday, May 30, through Sunday, May 31, not beginning on Friday as stated in the recording. Here's a Glimpse of What You'll Learn: Building Vampire: The Masquerade – Reawakened inside Skyrim Why volunteer game development can produce incredible results The challenge of honoring classic RPG lore while creating something new Narrative design, dialogue systems, and world building How engineering influences storytelling and game mechanics Working with an international team of writers, artists, and voice actors Balancing fan expectations with creative innovation The future of the Reawakened and Chronicles projects Guest Links 🌐 Website: akhedrondeleon.com/ 🧛 Vampire: The Masquerade – Reawakened Special Thanks Special thanks to A. Khedron DeLeon and the volunteer development team behind Vampire: The Masquerade – Reawakened for sharing their passion for storytelling, game preservation, and collaborative creativity. Connect with Epic Made For more conversations about game development, storytelling, animation, design, creativity, and the business of art, visit: 🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, writer, RPG fan, creative director, or anyone passionate about building unforgettable interactive experiences. Until next time, ✌️ – Carl #VampireTheMasquerade #SkyrimMod #GameDevelopment #NarrativeDesign #Storytelling #IndieGames #RPG #WorldBuilding #GameDesign #CreativeLeadership #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

  3. Aug 4

    Now Is Better, the Psychology of Optimism | 2-Time Grammy Winner Stefan Sagmeister

    In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with legendary graphic designer Stefan Sagmeister to explore why now is better than most people believe. From award-winning album covers for The Rolling Stones and Talking Heads to groundbreaking exhibitions, TED Talks, and his latest book Now is Better, Stefan shares how design can shape not just what we see—but how we think about the world. Together, they discuss why modern media makes us believe everything is getting worse, how data tells a very different story, and why designers have a responsibility to communicate ideas that create meaningful change. Stefan also shares insights into his famous seven-year sabbaticals, designing exhibitions that challenge perspectives, and how AI may reshape the future of creativity without replacing the human spirit behind great design. Whether you're a designer, artist, creative entrepreneur, marketer, or simply someone looking for a more hopeful perspective on the future, this conversation is filled with timeless creative wisdom. Here's a Glimpse of What You'll Learn: Why "Now is Better" became Stefan's latest creative mission How negativity shapes modern media and public perception Turning complex research into compelling visual storytelling Designing exhibitions that change how people think Why communication design is about creating change The value of seven-year sabbaticals for long-term creativity Keeping design a calling instead of just a career What AI means for the future of graphic design Why human creativity will always matter Lessons from decades of experimental design and storytelling Guest Links 🌐 Website: https://sagmeister.com 📖 Now is Better 🎤 TED Talks Special Thanks A special thanks to Stefan Sagmeister for sharing decades of creative insight and reminding us that great design isn't just about aesthetics—it's about changing perspectives and creating meaningful human experiences. Connect with Epic Made For more conversations about creativity, design, storytelling, animation, leadership, marketing, and the business of art, visit: 🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a designer, creative leader, marketer, artist, or anyone who could use a more optimistic perspective on creativity and the future. Until next time, ✌️ – Carl #StefanSagmeister #GraphicDesign #Creativity #DesignThinking #CreativeLeadership #VisualStorytelling #NowIsBetter #TEDTalks #Happiness #AI #Design #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

  4. Jul 30

    How to Build Game IP That Lasts | Eduardo Gonzalez

    In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Eduardo Gonzalez, Head of Art at Super Evil Mega Corp, to explore what separates memorable game worlds from truly legendary ones. Having helped shape iconic franchises including League of Legends, Arcane, God of War, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate, Eduardo shares how worldbuilding becomes the foundation for scalable, lasting IP. Together, they discuss why great worldbuilding isn't the same as storytelling, how successful game studios create immersive universes with consistent rules, why art should always serve gameplay, and what creative leaders look for when building worldbuilding teams. Eduardo also shares lessons from Riot Games, Blizzard, and decades of experience creating worlds players don't just see—they believe. Whether you're a game developer, artist, writer, creative director, or simply love incredible game worlds, this episode offers practical insights into building unforgettable interactive experiences. Here's a Glimpse of What You'll Learn: Eduardo's journey through more than 25 years in game development Building the world of Runeterra at Riot Games Why worldbuilding is different from storytelling The foundation behind scalable game IP What made League of Legends and God of War so immersive How great game art supports gameplay instead of distracting from it Creating characters that feel authentic and memorable Why consistent world rules matter Building creative teams that think beyond concept art Lessons from Blizzard's cinematic storytelling Leadership advice for creative directors Why happy teams create better games Guest Links 🌐 Super Evil Mega Corp 🎮 Riot Games 💼 LinkedIn Special Thanks A special thanks to Eduardo Gonzalez for sharing his experience building iconic game worlds and offering a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process behind some of gaming's most beloved franchises. Connect with Epic Made For more conversations about creativity, game development, storytelling, animation, design, leadership, and the business of entertainment, visit: 🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, concept artist, creative director, writer, or anyone passionate about worldbuilding and interactive storytelling. Until next time, ✌️ – Carl #EduardoGonzalez #LeagueOfLegends #Arcane #GodOfWar #Worldbuilding #GameArt #GameDesign #CreativeLeadership #GameDevelopment #RiotGames #SuperEvilMegaCorp #Storytelling #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

  5. Jul 28

    How to Build a Successful AR/VR Game Studio in the Era of Mixed Reality | Ryan Canuel

    In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Ryan Canuel, CEO and co-founder of Petricore, an award-winning game studio building innovative experiences across augmented reality, virtual reality, and emerging gaming platforms. Since founding the studio in 2015, Ryan has helped Petricore create immersive experiences for partners including Meta, Google, Scholastic, Bose, and Burger King while developing original games like Mythic Realms that push the boundaries of mixed reality. Together, Carl and Ryan dive deep into what it really takes to build a sustainable game studio in one of the fastest-changing areas of technology. They discuss why niching down beats chasing trends, balancing client work with original IP, how Meta supports mixed reality developers, the future of XR gaming, healthy studio culture, AI in game development, and why long-term success comes from building a business—not just making games. Whether you're a game developer, studio founder, entrepreneur, XR enthusiast, creative leader, or someone curious about where immersive technology is headed, this episode is packed with practical advice and behind-the-scenes insights from a studio that's helping define the future of interactive entertainment. Here's a Glimpse of What You'll Learn: How Ryan founded Petricore immediately after graduating college Why niching into AR, VR, and XR helped the studio stand out Building a sustainable game studio instead of chasing trends The importance of passion when choosing a creative niche Lessons from developing games for emerging technologies Why mixed reality offers opportunities traditional gaming doesn't How Meta helps fund innovative VR and XR experiences Balancing client work with developing original game IP The biggest mistakes studios make when creating passion projects How to pitch original games that actually get funded Maintaining a healthy studio culture during long development cycles Why commerce often has to come before artistic perfection Emerging technologies that could shape the next generation of games How AI is improving production workflows inside game studios Leadership lessons for running a creative business over the long term *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="9e3d7e94-796d-4154-9b22-2d513d41e438" data-turn-id-container="9e3d7e94-796d-4154-9b22-2d513d41e438" data-testid="conversation-turn-48" data-turn="assistant"> Guest Links 🌐 Petricore Games 💼 Ryan Canuel on LinkedIn 🎮 Learn more about Project Death Game and Petricore's latest VR projects on their website. Special Thanks A huge thank you to Ryan Canuel for sharing his journey from college graduate to studio founder, along with practical insights into building sustainable creative businesses, developing immersive technologies, and navigating the rapidly evolving world of AR, VR, and mixed reality. Connect with Epic Made For more conversations about game development, creative leadership, storytelling, emerging technology, animation, marketing, design, entrepreneurship, and the business behind entertainment: 🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, XR creator, studio founder, entrepreneur, creative leader, or anyone fascinated by the future of immersive technology. Until next time, ✌️ – Carl #RyanCanuel #Petricore #MixedReality #XR #VirtualReality #AugmentedReality #GameDevelopment #GameStudio #MetaQuest #IndieGames #CreativeLeadership #Entrepreneurship #GamingIndustry #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

  6. Jul 23

    Growing Up on Roblox: 11 Years of Building Games, Brands, and Immersive Worlds | Trevor Davis

    In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Trevor Davis, founder of Trevor Joey Development, a Roblox game development studio specializing in immersive experiences, scalable game systems, and branded virtual worlds. At just 20 years old, Trevor has already spent over 11 years building games on Roblox, transforming a childhood hobby into a thriving business working with brands and millions of players. Together, Carl and Trevor explore what it takes to build successful games, why strong gameplay always beats flashy visuals, how brands can create meaningful experiences instead of intrusive advertisements, and why Roblox has become one of the most exciting business opportunities in gaming. They also discuss AI's growing role in development, entrepreneurship at a young age, hiring remote teams, learning through failure, and why the next generation of creators has more opportunity than ever before. Whether you're a game developer, entrepreneur, marketer, Roblox creator, studio founder, parent of an aspiring developer, or simply curious about the future of gaming, this episode offers practical insights into building successful businesses inside virtual worlds. Here's a Glimpse of What You'll Learn: How Trevor started building Roblox games at just nine years old Turning a childhood hobby into a successful game development studio The business opportunities inside Roblox's massive player ecosystem How brands are using Roblox for immersive marketing Why gameplay systems matter more than beautiful graphics The biggest mistakes brands make when entering Roblox Lessons learned from hiring and leading remote development teams Building games that keep players engaged for years Why execution matters more than having great ideas Entrepreneurship, failure, and learning at a young age How AI is changing game development without replacing creativity Roblox's evolution into a serious business platform The future of immersive digital experiences and branded games Advice for young developers who want to build games professionally Guest Links 🌐 Trevor Joey Development (Roblox): roblox.com/communities/TrevorJoey 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-daviz Special Thanks A huge thank you to Trevor Davis for sharing his entrepreneurial journey, insights into Roblox development, and lessons on creativity, leadership, AI, and building businesses inside virtual worlds. His story is proof that passion, persistence, and execution can turn a childhood curiosity into a thriving career. Connect with Epic Made For more conversations about game development, storytelling, animation, creative leadership, marketing, design, technology, and the business behind entertainment: 🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, Roblox creator, entrepreneur, parent of an aspiring creator, marketer, or anyone interested in the future of gaming and immersive digital experiences. Until next time, ✌️ – Carl #TrevorDavis #Roblox #RobloxStudio #GameDevelopment #GameBusiness #GameMarketing #Metaverse #AI #Entrepreneurship #CreativeLeadership #GamingIndustry #IndieGames #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

  7. Jul 21

    Building Game Studios That Last | Kay Gruenwoldt

    In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Kay Gruenwoldt, co-founder of Magic Fractal and a veteran game industry executive with more than 30 years of experience building game studios across Europe and the United States. From creating Doom levels in the early days of PC gaming to leading teams at PlayStation and helping develop more than 50 games, Kay shares what it really takes to build studios that survive, adapt, and create unforgettable experiences. Together, Carl and Kay explore the evolution of the video game industry—from the rise of MMORPGs like EverQuest and the mobile gaming revolution to today's AI-powered future. They discuss why leadership matters more than ever, how healthy studio culture is built, why creativity and business must work hand in hand, and what the next generation of game developers should understand about making games that stand out in an increasingly crowded market. Whether you're a game developer, studio founder, creative leader, producer, entrepreneur, or simply passionate about the future of games, this conversation offers practical insights from someone who has spent decades helping great teams do their best work. Here's a Glimpse of What You'll Learn: How Kay went from General Electric to building game studios Why leadership is the hidden force behind successful games Lessons learned from over 30 years in game development The evolution of gaming from Doom to today's AI era What EverQuest, mobile gaming, and subscriptions changed forever Why AAA game development has become so expensive The future of consoles, indie games, and digital distribution How AI is changing game development without replacing creativity What makes a healthy studio culture actually work The three pillars of successful game studios Why adaptability is one of the most valuable leadership skills Marketing lessons for launching games in today's crowded market Building Magic Fractal alongside Jason Blundell Advice for aspiring game studio founders and creative leaders Guest Links 🌐 Magic Fractal: https://magicfractal.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaygruenwoldt/ Special Thanks A huge thank you to Kay Gruenwoldt for sharing decades of hard-earned wisdom on leadership, studio culture, AI, creativity, and the future of game development. His thoughtful perspective on balancing people, process, and innovation offers valuable lessons for anyone building games—or building teams. Connect with Epic Made For more conversations about game development, storytelling, animation, creative leadership, marketing, design, technology, and the business behind entertainment: 🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, producer, studio founder, creative director, entrepreneur, or anyone passionate about building the future of games. Until next time, ✌️ – Carl #KayGruenwoldt #MagicFractal #GameDevelopment #GameStudios #Leadership #PlayStation #AAA #IndieGames #AI #GameDesign #StudioCulture #GameBusiness #CreativeLeadership #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

  8. Jul 16

    Why Games Work the Way They Do | Eric Koziel

    In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Eric Koziel, Director of Systems and Product at Azra Games, MIT engineer, cybersecurity researcher, speedrunning expert, and author of Speedrun Science, to explore the hidden systems that make video games work. Eric shares how a lifelong fascination with understanding games evolved into a career designing them, revealing how reverse engineering, scientific thinking, and player behavior all intersect to create better gaming experiences. From uncovering impossible world records to breaking decades-old encryption hidden inside classic NES games, this conversation dives deep into the technical side of creativity. Whether you're a game developer, designer, programmer, speedrunner, cybersecurity enthusiast, or simply curious about what happens behind the code, this episode offers a fascinating look at the science powering the games we love. Here's a Glimpse of What You'll Learn: How speedrunning changes the way we understand games Why reverse engineering is a powerful creative tool The science behind optimizing game systems What developers can learn from speedrunners How Eric transitioned from analyzing games to building them Designing better player experiences through data The story behind debunking the famous Dragster world record How MIT and cybersecurity shaped Eric's approach to game design Why seemingly impossible game secrets still exist decades later The mystery behind Treasure Master's hidden level Balancing creativity, mathematics, and player psychology What the future holds for game systems and optimization Guest Links 📘 Speedrun Science: Eric's book on the science of speedrunning and game systems 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erickoziel 🎮 X (Twitter): https://x.com/TheOmniGamer Special Thanks A huge thank you to Eric Koziel for sharing his unique perspective on the intersection of science, engineering, creativity, and game development. His passion for understanding the hidden systems behind games continues to inspire developers, researchers, and players alike. Connect with Epic Made For more conversations about creativity, storytelling, game development, animation, design, technology, leadership, and building unforgettable experiences: 🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, programmer, designer, speedrunner, cybersecurity enthusiast, or anyone fascinated by how games really work. Until next time, ✌️ – Carl #EricKoziel #SpeedrunScience #GameDevelopment #Speedrunning #ReverseEngineering #GameDesign #AzraGames #MIT #Cybersecurity #SystemsDesign #Gaming #VideoGames #CreativeTechnology #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

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This is Pixel Retentive podcast, where Colorful Carl, an Artist and a Business Owner, discusses the art of business and the business of art. Here, we explore the intersection of creativity, business, marketing, and entrepreneurship with some of the leading minds in the space.

Information

  • Creator
    Epic Made
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    136
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Pixel Retentive (c) 2026
  • Show Website
    Pixel Retentive Podcast