Crafting a Unique Gaming Experience & The Future of Mobile Gaming | Travis Boatman, CEO of Carbonated, Inc | Episode 043

In this compelling episode of Growth@Scale, host Matt Widdoes is
joined by gaming industry veteran Travis Boatman, the visionary
behind Carbonated, Inc. With a resume that includes leading roles
at major companies like Zynga and EA, Travis delves into his
journey within the dynamic world of mobile gaming. From
groundbreaking technological advances to game design innovations,
this conversation is a treasure trove for anyone interested in
the gaming industry's evolution.


As they explore the intricacies of starting his own company,
Travis provides invaluable insights into the challenges and
triumphs encountered during the development of their latest
project, a unique mobile game set in a dystopian world. He
highlights the importance of innovation, specifically through
technology like AI, and how it plays a pivotal role in creating
immersive and personalized gaming experiences. The dialogue also
touches on working in a rapidly changing tech landscape, where
agility and learning are essential to success.
Key Takeaways:

Industry Evolution: Travis shares his extensive experience,
emphasizing how the gaming industry has evolved, particularly in
mobile gaming, driven by new technology and innovative design
strategies.

Entrepreneurial Journey: Insights into the challenges and
motivations behind starting Carbonated, Inc., underscoring the
importance of pursuing personal passion projects.

Game Design Philosophy: A novel approach to game design
focusing on appealing themes, mechanics, retention, and
monetization, using these pillars to build successful gaming
experiences.

AI and Gaming: The transformative impact of AI in game
development and how it can personalize gaming experiences for a
global audience.

Survival and Innovation: Strategies for maintaining momentum
and staying competitive in the tech-heavy gaming industry,
including the importance of resilience and continuous learning.

Resources:

Carbonated, Inc.

O3DE Foundation

USC Viterbi School of Engineering

Transcript for the episode



To dive deeper into Travis's journey and insights in the gaming
industry, listen to the full episode. You'll uncover more about
the challenges of game design, how to leverage AI in development,
and the keys to long-term success in tech. Stay tuned for more
episodes of Growth@Scale for more discussions with industry
leaders.