Growth @ Scale

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.

In this episode of Growth@Scale, Matt sits down with Moshi Blum, Chief Marketing Officer at the mobile gaming company Beach Bum. With an extensive background in mobile gaming and marketing analytics, Moshi’s career also includes leadership roles at prominent mobile companies Viber and Adjust. Moshi shares how founders can leverage AI to transform marketing strategies and scale creative production faster and more efficiently than ever. Key takeaways: AI-driven creativity at scale: Learn how to use AI to generate compelling ads and even create Spotify-worthy music tracks to stand out in a competitive market. Data insights from user feedback: Discover how AI tools help analyze app reviews to uncover user needs and craft data-informed strategies that drive growth The future of marketing with AI: Find out why adopting AI now is critical for staying competitive by empowering small teams to compete with industry leaders   Read the transcript here.

Kristen Perry had a successful career in ad tech and mobile gaming before making the bold decision to pivot into the Bay Area real estate market, where she now excels with Coldwell Banker.    In her tech career, Kristen was a powerhouse in business development, leading sales efforts at companies like Tapjoy, Tilting Point, Luna Labs, and Lifestreet.   In our conversation, Kristen and I discuss:   Adaptability is Key: the importance of being able to adapt to changing environments, whether in the tech industry or real estate Valuing Relationships: building strong, genuine relationships based on trust and communication is central to Kristen's success in both industries Personal Fulfillment: choosing a career that aligns with your personal passions and values is crucial for long-term satisfaction and success Effective Communication: listening is a vital part of communication, especially in sales, to understand and meet client needs effectively Continuous Learning: Commitment to lifelong learning and self-improvement can significantly enhance your professional growth and adaptability   Chapters:  (0:01) Kristen Perry's Career Pivot from Ad Tech to Real Estate (4:29) The Shift to Remote Work and Its Impact on Job Satisfaction (8:10) The Importance of Communication and Relationship Building in Sales (15:07) From Home Building to Real Estate During COVID (18:33) Transitioning from Ad Tech to Real Estate (25:14) Building Trust and Relationships in Real Estate Transactions (29:41) Building Relationships and Community in Real Estate (36:09) The Importance of Value-Added Services in Real Estate Transactions (39:36) Lessons Learned from Transitioning from Tech to Real Estate (46:30) Transitioning From Tech to Real Estate for Fulfillment

Nigel Eccles was CEO and co-founder of the massively successful fantasy sports and betting platform FanDuel. Since then, he has gone on to found four companies, and sits on the board of a number of others. His most recent venture is BetHog, a seed-stage casino and sportsbook.   In our conversation, Nigel and I talk about: The lessons learned from the early days of Fan Duel How to target the right audience to narrow your focus and improve market fit Simplifying your product to optimize user satisfaction and retention Embracing iteration to stay flexible as you work to discover Product-Market Fit Capitalizing on market timing by entering growing markets before they become saturated And much more   Chapters: (0:01) From Farm to Fanduel: Nigel Eccles' Journey in Fantasy Sports (3:33) The Intersection of Fantasy Sports, Betting, and Data Analytics (10:25) Strategies for Success in Consumer Entertainment and Gaming (15:38) The Reality of Product Launches and Entrepreneurial Expectations (19:05) The Importance of Accountability and Conviction in Decision-Making (22:33) The Futility of Forecasting in Early-Stage Startups (26:03) Navigating Saturated Markets and Timing Investments (36:09) Platform Shifts and the Evolution of Consumer Technology (38:04) Crypto Casino and Sportsbook Targeting Young, Risk-Seeking Males (39:15) Balancing Skill Levels in PvP Games for Optimal Player Experience (41:45) Balancing Skill and Chance in Competitive Gaming (45:19) The Strategic Depth and Bluffing Nuances of Liar's Dice (47:16) Monetizing Popular Games Like Liars Dice for Online Play (48:08) Navigating the Challenges of Scaling and Product Market Fit (50:58) Unexpected Trends in Gaming and the Resurgence of Chess (52:36) The Importance of Inquisitiveness and Experimentation for Entrepreneurs   Link to Transcript Post