Games Now! Podcast Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/games-now-podcast Games Now! is an open lecture series on game industry trends run by Aalto University. Since 2013, the lecture series has been inviting game industry experts from all over the world to share their insights on what is current in games right now. In the second season of the "Games Now!" Podcast, we introduce our "Further Questions" series. In these episodes, we revisit the lectures of the academic year, diving deeper into topics with questions submitted by our students. Ⓒ Aalto University 8ad939f3-a7d6-59de-a9df-6de509701f19 no en Wed, 23 Jul 2025 17:34:34 +0300 Wed, 03 Dec 2025 03:00:27 +0200 https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/games-now-podcast/ https://img.transistor.fm/VyqINjHlRvwfWVrToq9CRRT2rHhSQdSr6axZ1dtc1Qg/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8wNjJh/YzM3MzZjZTIzZTYw/NjZhNzQ0NTNmNTkw/ZGY3YS5wbmc.jpg Games Now! Podcast https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/games-now-podcast/ episodic Annakaisa Kultima Games Now! is an open lecture series on game industry trends run by Aalto University. Since 2013, the lecture series has been inviting game industry experts from all over the world to share their insights on what is current in games right now. In the second season of the "Games Now!" Podcast, we introduce our "Further Questions" series. In these episodes, we revisit the lectures of the academic year, diving deeper into topics with questions submitted by our students. Games Now. games, video games, Annakaisa Kultima No No S2E6 Jussi Autio: Giving Birth to Saudi Arabian Game Companies (Further Questions) 2 2 6 6 S2E6 Jussi Autio: Giving Birth to Saudi Arabian Game Companies (Further Questions) full 387cae6a-0231-458f-b09d-960b8b7549aa https://share.transistor.fm/s/201f7f49 In the sixth episode of our "Further Questions" series on the Games Now podcast, we engage with Jussi Autio, the Creative Director at Resistance Games.

In November 2023, Jussi shared insights from his presentation titled “Giving Birth to Saudi Arabian Game Companies.” He discussed his role as a mentor in the Game Founders Saudi Arabia program, adapting his successful model from the Oulu Game Lab in Finland. Jussi guided 100 participants through an incubator phase, with 15 teams advancing to an accelerator program. In his talk, Jussi also drew comparisons between his mentorship experiences in Saudi Arabia, Finland, Japan, and the Netherlands.

With over 17 years in the game industry, Jussi is a business-oriented game designer who has led teams to win numerous awards. Join us as we explore Jussi's further perspectives on the future of the Saudi Arabian game market, women's participation in game development within Saudi Arabia, and how cultural differences impact his mentorship approaches. Tune in for "Further Questions" on global game industry from a Finnish perspective!

Check the original lecture "Giving Birth to Saudi Arabian Game Companies" at: https://youtu.be/NYMXJNdfpGM

Follow Games Now! on social media: https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/channels/

Games Now! is an open learning community, we welcome everyone to join!     

]]> In the sixth episode of our "Further Questions" series on the Games Now podcast, we engage with Jussi Autio, the Creative Director at Resistance Games.

In November 2023, Jussi shared insights from his presentation titled “Giving Birth to Saudi Arabian Game Companies.” He discussed his role as a mentor in the Game Founders Saudi Arabia program, adapting his successful model from the Oulu Game Lab in Finland. Jussi guided 100 participants through an incubator phase, with 15 teams advancing to an accelerator program. In his talk, Jussi also drew comparisons between his mentorship experiences in Saudi Arabia, Finland, Japan, and the Netherlands.

With over 17 years in the game industry, Jussi is a business-oriented game designer who has led teams to win numerous awards. Join us as we explore Jussi's further perspectives on the future of the Saudi Arabian game market, women's participation in game development within Saudi Arabia, and how cultural differences impact his mentorship approaches. Tune in for "Further Questions" on global game industry from a Finnish perspective!

Check the original lecture "Giving Birth to Saudi Arabian Game Companies" at: https://youtu.be/NYMXJNdfpGM

Follow Games Now! on social media: https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/channels/

Games Now! is an open learning community, we welcome everyone to join!     

]]> Wed, 10 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0300 Annakaisa Kultima Annakaisa Kultima 4307 In the sixth episode of our "Further Questions" series on the Games Now podcast, we engage with Jussi Autio, the Creative Director at Resistance Games.

In November 2023, Jussi shared insights from his presentation titled “Giving Birth to Saudi Arabian Game Companies.” He discussed his role as a mentor in the Game Founders Saudi Arabia program, adapting his successful model from the Oulu Game Lab in Finland. Jussi guided 100 participants through an incubator phase, with 15 teams advancing to an accelerator program. In his talk, Jussi also drew comparisons between his mentorship experiences in Saudi Arabia, Finland, Japan, and the Netherlands.

With over 17 years in the game industry, Jussi is a business-oriented game designer who has led teams to win numerous awards. Join us as we explore Jussi's further perspectives on the future of the Saudi Arabian game market, women's participation in game development within Saudi Arabia, and how cultural differences impact his mentorship approaches. Tune in for "Further Questions" on global game industry from a Finnish perspective!

Check the original lecture "Giving Birth to Saudi Arabian Game Companies" at: https://youtu.be/NYMXJNdfpGM

Follow Games Now! on social media: https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/channels/

Games Now! is an open learning community, we welcome everyone to join!     

]]> games, video games, No S2E5 Kati Heljakka: Toys, Media and Machines (Further Questions) 2 2 5 5 S2E5 Kati Heljakka: Toys, Media and Machines (Further Questions) full 534e0fc7-7c3a-48ff-9b53-8a44f1c17e16 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1ca64b79 In the fifth episode of our "Further Questions" series on the Games Now podcast, we engage with Dr. Kati Heljakka, a toy researcher at the University of Turku.

In February 2024, Kati delivered an exciting presentation titled “Toys, Media and Machines — What are we playing with?” She explored the evolution of toys and play in our media-saturated, technologically advanced world. Kati discussed the fusion of physical objects, transmedia narratives, and advanced technology in modern playthings, such as digital toys and toy robotics.


Dr. Heljakka specializes in toys, play, and playful learning. Her current research focuses on speculative toy fiction, play machines, and integrating playful learning into professional and educational settings. Join us as we explore Dr. Heljakka's insights on adult toy play trends, the impact of "Kidult" culture on toy design and marketing, and how toy design can evolve to better facilitate adult engagement in play activities. We also discuss Dr. Heljakka's personal connection to childhood toys and her predictions for the future of the toy industry.

Check the original lecture "Toys, Media and Machines" at: https://youtu.be/jmW4AvoVyuk

Follow Games Now! on social media: https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/channels/

Games Now! is an open learning community, we welcome everyone to join!     

]]> In the fifth episode of our "Further Questions" series on the Games Now podcast, we engage with Dr. Kati Heljakka, a toy researcher at the University of Turku.

In February 2024, Kati delivered an exciting presentation titled “Toys, Media and Machines — What are we playing with?” She explored the evolution of toys and play in our media-saturated, technologically advanced world. Kati discussed the fusion of physical objects, transmedia narratives, and advanced technology in modern playthings, such as digital toys and toy robotics.


Dr. Heljakka specializes in toys, play, and playful learning. Her current research focuses on speculative toy fiction, play machines, and integrating playful learning into professional and educational settings. Join us as we explore Dr. Heljakka's insights on adult toy play trends, the impact of "Kidult" culture on toy design and marketing, and how toy design can evolve to better facilitate adult engagement in play activities. We also discuss Dr. Heljakka's personal connection to childhood toys and her predictions for the future of the toy industry.

Check the original lecture "Toys, Media and Machines" at: https://youtu.be/jmW4AvoVyuk

Follow Games Now! on social media: https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/channels/

Games Now! is an open learning community, we welcome everyone to join!     

]]> Tue, 09 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0300 Annakaisa Kultima Annakaisa Kultima 3814 In the fifth episode of our "Further Questions" series on the Games Now podcast, we engage with Dr. Kati Heljakka, a toy researcher at the University of Turku.

In February 2024, Kati delivered an exciting presentation titled “Toys, Media and Machines — What are we playing with?” She explored the evolution of toys and play in our media-saturated, technologically advanced world. Kati discussed the fusion of physical objects, transmedia narratives, and advanced technology in modern playthings, such as digital toys and toy robotics.


Dr. Heljakka specializes in toys, play, and playful learning. Her current research focuses on speculative toy fiction, play machines, and integrating playful learning into professional and educational settings. Join us as we explore Dr. Heljakka's insights on adult toy play trends, the impact of "Kidult" culture on toy design and marketing, and how toy design can evolve to better facilitate adult engagement in play activities. We also discuss Dr. Heljakka's personal connection to childhood toys and her predictions for the future of the toy industry.

Check the original lecture "Toys, Media and Machines" at: https://youtu.be/jmW4AvoVyuk

Follow Games Now! on social media: https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/channels/

Games Now! is an open learning community, we welcome everyone to join!     

]]> games, video games, No S2E4 Jordan Magnuson: Videogames Are Poems (Further Questions) 2 2 4 4 S2E4 Jordan Magnuson: Videogames Are Poems (Further Questions) full 5f4c0d30-9513-4d20-beea-fbe868944f1f https://share.transistor.fm/s/e0b7efc4 In the fourth episode of our "Further Questions" series on the Games Now podcast, we engage with Jordan Magnuson, an independent game maker and scholar.

In November 2023, Jordan presented a talk titled “Videogames Are Poems,” exploring how video games can transcend traditional symbols to evoke complex emotions and convey deep meanings, akin to poetry. Known for experimental games like Loneliness, Jordan's work delves into nuanced emotional landscapes, featured on Wired and PC Gamer and showcased in international festivals.

Join us as we delve into Jordan's insights on the use of poems as tools in game creation, the intentional and emergent nature of video game poems, and Jordan's personal pride and reflections on his game poems. Tune in to learn more!

Check the original lecture "Videogames Are Poems" at: https://youtu.be/C1UepnhRFOk

Follow Games Now! on social media: https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/channels/

Games Now! is an open learning community, we welcome everyone to join!     

]]> In the fourth episode of our "Further Questions" series on the Games Now podcast, we engage with Jordan Magnuson, an independent game maker and scholar.

In November 2023, Jordan presented a talk titled “Videogames Are Poems,” exploring how video games can transcend traditional symbols to evoke complex emotions and convey deep meanings, akin to poetry. Known for experimental games like Loneliness, Jordan's work delves into nuanced emotional landscapes, featured on Wired and PC Gamer and showcased in international festivals.

Join us as we delve into Jordan's insights on the use of poems as tools in game creation, the intentional and emergent nature of video game poems, and Jordan's personal pride and reflections on his game poems. Tune in to learn more!

Check the original lecture "Videogames Are Poems" at: https://youtu.be/C1UepnhRFOk

Follow Games Now! on social media: https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/channels/

Games Now! is an open learning community, we welcome everyone to join!     

]]> Mon, 08 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0300 Annakaisa Kultima Annakaisa Kultima 4194 In the fourth episode of our "Further Questions" series on the Games Now podcast, we engage with Jordan Magnuson, an independent game maker and scholar.

In November 2023, Jordan presented a talk titled “Videogames Are Poems,” exploring how video games can transcend traditional symbols to evoke complex emotions and convey deep meanings, akin to poetry. Known for experimental games like Loneliness, Jordan's work delves into nuanced emotional landscapes, featured on Wired and PC Gamer and showcased in international festivals.

Join us as we delve into Jordan's insights on the use of poems as tools in game creation, the intentional and emergent nature of video game poems, and Jordan's personal pride and reflections on his game poems. Tune in to learn more!

Check the original lecture "Videogames Are Poems" at: https://youtu.be/C1UepnhRFOk

Follow Games Now! on social media: https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/channels/

Games Now! is an open learning community, we welcome everyone to join!     

]]> games, video games, No S2E3 Heidi Rautalahti: Making “Runo” – Journey from History Lessons to Emotional Work (Further Questions) 2 2 3 3 S2E3 Heidi Rautalahti: Making “Runo” – Journey from History Lessons to Emotional Work (Further Questions) full 4cd96b96-c7d0-4750-8ed1-40d67f421f47 https://share.transistor.fm/s/717b809d In the third episode of our "Further Questions" series on the Games Now! Podcast, we explore the insights of Heidi Rautalahti, a postdoctoral researcher from Aalto University.

In November 2023, Heidi delivered a presentation on the emotional labor involved in developing the game Runo. She discussed the complexities of designing a game rooted in rich cultural heritage, navigating its sensitive and controversial aspects. The development of Runo drew from childhood memories, historical narratives, and the creation of new, untold stories.

Join us as we delve into Heidi's insights on the rewarding aspects of Runo's development, the challenges of deciding what to include or exclude, and the concept of 'contemporary Finnishness'. We also discuss balancing historical accuracy with creative interpretation in cultural heritage themes, the importance of cultural diversity in game development teams, and the potential for a sequel to Runo.


Check the original lecture "Making “Runo” – Journey from History Lessons to Emotional Work" at: https://youtu.be/uqtx6Xcpa4k

Follow Games Now! on social media: https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/channels/

Games Now! is an open learning community, we welcome everyone to join!    

]]> In the third episode of our "Further Questions" series on the Games Now! Podcast, we explore the insights of Heidi Rautalahti, a postdoctoral researcher from Aalto University.

In November 2023, Heidi delivered a presentation on the emotional labor involved in developing the game Runo. She discussed the complexities of designing a game rooted in rich cultural heritage, navigating its sensitive and controversial aspects. The development of Runo drew from childhood memories, historical narratives, and the creation of new, untold stories.

Join us as we delve into Heidi's insights on the rewarding aspects of Runo's development, the challenges of deciding what to include or exclude, and the concept of 'contemporary Finnishness'. We also discuss balancing historical accuracy with creative interpretation in cultural heritage themes, the importance of cultural diversity in game development teams, and the potential for a sequel to Runo.


Check the original lecture "Making “Runo” – Journey from History Lessons to Emotional Work" at: https://youtu.be/uqtx6Xcpa4k

Follow Games Now! on social media: https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/channels/

Games Now! is an open learning community, we welcome everyone to join!    

]]> Sun, 07 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0300 Annakaisa Kultima Annakaisa Kultima 3914 In the third episode of our "Further Questions" series on the Games Now! Podcast, we explore the insights of Heidi Rautalahti, a postdoctoral researcher from Aalto University.

In November 2023, Heidi delivered a presentation on the emotional labor involved in developing the game Runo. She discussed the complexities of designing a game rooted in rich cultural heritage, navigating its sensitive and controversial aspects. The development of Runo drew from childhood memories, historical narratives, and the creation of new, untold stories.

Join us as we delve into Heidi's insights on the rewarding aspects of Runo's development, the challenges of deciding what to include or exclude, and the concept of 'contemporary Finnishness'. We also discuss balancing historical accuracy with creative interpretation in cultural heritage themes, the importance of cultural diversity in game development teams, and the potential for a sequel to Runo.


Check the original lecture "Making “Runo” – Journey from History Lessons to Emotional Work" at: https://youtu.be/uqtx6Xcpa4k

Follow Games Now! on social media: https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/channels/

Games Now! is an open learning community, we welcome everyone to join!    

]]> games, video games, No S2E2 Jussi Kemppainen: Generative AI in Game Development (Further Questions) 2 2 2 2 S2E2 Jussi Kemppainen: Generative AI in Game Development (Further Questions) full 443adabe-9eff-4545-ad09-8510c0b2f43b https://share.transistor.fm/s/b01c8dff In the second episode of our "Further Questions" series on the Games Now! Podcast, we delve into the insights of Jussi Kemppainen, an industry veteran with expertise in VFX for video and game productions.

In November 2023, Jussi explored the integration of generative AI in game development through his project "Echoes of Somewhere," a 2.5D point-and-click adventure highlighting both the potential and challenges of AI tools. With nearly 25 years of experience at Ubisoft Redlynx, Supercell, Remedy, and Mainframe Industries, Jussi provides a seasoned perspective on the evolving landscape of creative technologies.

In this episode, we discuss Jussi's views on the future of generative AI in games, his recent experiments, and the evolving impact of AI on artists' roles and skills. Join us for an insightful "Further Questions" conversation with Jussi as he offers advice to aspiring developers keen on exploring AI in their projects.


Check the original lecture "Generative AI in Game Development" at: https://youtu.be/q8eMFjujitY

Follow Games Now! on social media: https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/channels/

Games Now! is an open learning community, we welcome everyone to join!    

]]> In the second episode of our "Further Questions" series on the Games Now! Podcast, we delve into the insights of Jussi Kemppainen, an industry veteran with expertise in VFX for video and game productions.

In November 2023, Jussi explored the integration of generative AI in game development through his project "Echoes of Somewhere," a 2.5D point-and-click adventure highlighting both the potential and challenges of AI tools. With nearly 25 years of experience at Ubisoft Redlynx, Supercell, Remedy, and Mainframe Industries, Jussi provides a seasoned perspective on the evolving landscape of creative technologies.

In this episode, we discuss Jussi's views on the future of generative AI in games, his recent experiments, and the evolving impact of AI on artists' roles and skills. Join us for an insightful "Further Questions" conversation with Jussi as he offers advice to aspiring developers keen on exploring AI in their projects.


Check the original lecture "Generative AI in Game Development" at: https://youtu.be/q8eMFjujitY

Follow Games Now! on social media: https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/channels/

Games Now! is an open learning community, we welcome everyone to join!    

]]> Sat, 06 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0300 Annakaisa Kultima Annakaisa Kultima 3522 In the second episode of our "Further Questions" series on the Games Now! Podcast, we delve into the insights of Jussi Kemppainen, an industry veteran with expertise in VFX for video and game productions.

In November 2023, Jussi explored the integration of generative AI in game development through his project "Echoes of Somewhere," a 2.5D point-and-click adventure highlighting both the potential and challenges of AI tools. With nearly 25 years of experience at Ubisoft Redlynx, Supercell, Remedy, and Mainframe Industries, Jussi provides a seasoned perspective on the evolving landscape of creative technologies.

In this episode, we discuss Jussi's views on the future of generative AI in games, his recent experiments, and the evolving impact of AI on artists' roles and skills. Join us for an insightful "Further Questions" conversation with Jussi as he offers advice to aspiring developers keen on exploring AI in their projects.


Check the original lecture "Generative AI in Game Development" at: https://youtu.be/q8eMFjujitY

Follow Games Now! on social media: https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/channels/

Games Now! is an open learning community, we welcome everyone to join!    

]]> games, video games, No S2E1 Arvi Teikari: Baba is You - What Now? (Further Questions) 2 2 1 1 S2E1 Arvi Teikari: Baba is You - What Now? (Further Questions) full 8c0b16b6-2a2e-422b-b02d-c1ae8afdef91 https://share.transistor.fm/s/586426ab In the first episode of our "Further Questions" series on the Games Now! Podcast, we revisit the November 2023 lecture by Finnish indie developer Arvi Teikari, creator of the acclaimed puzzle game "Baba Is You."

In this episode, we delve deeper into indie game development by addressing questions from our students. Arvi shares insights on how he has grown as a game developer since "Baba Is You" and discusses the challenges of balancing creative freedom with the practicalities of solo development. He also talks about managing time between updating existing games and embarking on new projects.

What does Arvi's future look like? How does he maintain discipline in his solo work? How does he engage with the community to enrich his games? Join us as we explore these questions and more in our conversation with Arvi. Tune in to our latest episode for an in-depth look at the nuances of indie game development and Arvi's journey in the world of creative work.


Check the original lecture "Baba is You - What Now?" at: https://youtu.be/9Y6TiY8RABs

Follow Games Now! on social media: https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/channels/

Games Now! is an open learning community, we welcome everyone to join!   

]]> In the first episode of our "Further Questions" series on the Games Now! Podcast, we revisit the November 2023 lecture by Finnish indie developer Arvi Teikari, creator of the acclaimed puzzle game "Baba Is You."

In this episode, we delve deeper into indie game development by addressing questions from our students. Arvi shares insights on how he has grown as a game developer since "Baba Is You" and discusses the challenges of balancing creative freedom with the practicalities of solo development. He also talks about managing time between updating existing games and embarking on new projects.

What does Arvi's future look like? How does he maintain discipline in his solo work? How does he engage with the community to enrich his games? Join us as we explore these questions and more in our conversation with Arvi. Tune in to our latest episode for an in-depth look at the nuances of indie game development and Arvi's journey in the world of creative work.


Check the original lecture "Baba is You - What Now?" at: https://youtu.be/9Y6TiY8RABs

Follow Games Now! on social media: https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/channels/

Games Now! is an open learning community, we welcome everyone to join!   

]]> Fri, 05 Jul 2024 19:26:42 +0300 Annakaisa Kultima Annakaisa Kultima 4386 In the first episode of our "Further Questions" series on the Games Now! Podcast, we revisit the November 2023 lecture by Finnish indie developer Arvi Teikari, creator of the acclaimed puzzle game "Baba Is You."

In this episode, we delve deeper into indie game development by addressing questions from our students. Arvi shares insights on how he has grown as a game developer since "Baba Is You" and discusses the challenges of balancing creative freedom with the practicalities of solo development. He also talks about managing time between updating existing games and embarking on new projects.

What does Arvi's future look like? How does he maintain discipline in his solo work? How does he engage with the community to enrich his games? Join us as we explore these questions and more in our conversation with Arvi. Tune in to our latest episode for an in-depth look at the nuances of indie game development and Arvi's journey in the world of creative work.


Check the original lecture "Baba is You - What Now?" at: https://youtu.be/9Y6TiY8RABs

Follow Games Now! on social media: https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/channels/

Games Now! is an open learning community, we welcome everyone to join!   

]]> games, video games, No S1E6 Joonas Laakso: Licensed Games (Looking Back) 1 1 6 6 S1E6 Joonas Laakso: Licensed Games (Looking Back) full 810430f9-6163-45f0-9d04-89517842bf75 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1c6fcc46 On our sixth episode of GN! Looking Back we talk with Joonas Laakso, a chief people & culture officer at Next Games. In 2015, Joonas took the stage as a production lead at Next Games discussing the process behind their AMC collaboration on The Walking Dead brand. In this episode, we listen a snippet of his 2015 lecture and proceed with reflecting what has happened between now and then. How is it like to work with licensed IP mobile games? How has the transition from production to HR been like for Joonas? What will the future hold for Next Games? Download our latest episode on Games Now Looking Back series to find out!

Check Joonas' original lecture "The journey to No’Mans Land" at: https://youtu.be/IYykjAgUuqY

Follow Games Now! on social media: https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/channels/

Games Now! is an open learning community, we welcome everyone to join!  

]]> On our sixth episode of GN! Looking Back we talk with Joonas Laakso, a chief people & culture officer at Next Games. In 2015, Joonas took the stage as a production lead at Next Games discussing the process behind their AMC collaboration on The Walking Dead brand. In this episode, we listen a snippet of his 2015 lecture and proceed with reflecting what has happened between now and then. How is it like to work with licensed IP mobile games? How has the transition from production to HR been like for Joonas? What will the future hold for Next Games? Download our latest episode on Games Now Looking Back series to find out!

Check Joonas' original lecture "The journey to No’Mans Land" at: https://youtu.be/IYykjAgUuqY

Follow Games Now! on social media: https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/channels/

Games Now! is an open learning community, we welcome everyone to join!  

]]> Mon, 24 Apr 2023 01:32:23 +0300 Annakaisa Kultima Annakaisa Kultima 3599 On our sixth episode of GN! Looking Back we talk with Joonas Laakso, a chief people & culture officer at Next Games. In 2015, Joonas took the stage as a production lead at Next Games discussing the process behind their AMC collaboration on The Walking Dead brand. In this episode, we listen a snippet of his 2015 lecture and proceed with reflecting what has happened between now and then. How is it like to work with licensed IP mobile games? How has the transition from production to HR been like for Joonas? What will the future hold for Next Games? Download our latest episode on Games Now Looking Back series to find out!

Check Joonas' original lecture "The journey to No’Mans Land" at: https://youtu.be/IYykjAgUuqY

Follow Games Now! on social media: https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/channels/

Games Now! is an open learning community, we welcome everyone to join!  

]]> games, video games, No S1E5 Elina Arponen: Chat Games (Looking Back) 1 1 5 5 S1E5 Elina Arponen: Chat Games (Looking Back) full 1e9b8be6-9be4-4b01-95a1-a1f57623ab1a https://share.transistor.fm/s/50a80e32 On our fifth episode of GN! Looking Back we talk with Elina Arponen, a game industry veteran and a serial entrepreneur, CEO and co-founder of Quicksave Interactive. In 2017, Elina gave a lecture at Aalto University about making games for chat applications - an exciting new area of games. In this episode, we listen a snippet of her 2017 lecture and proceed with reflecting what has happened between now and then. Is Elina still developing chat games? What has happened on the platforms in five years? How does that relate to web3 games and what are the audiences that Quicksave are working with? Download our latest episode on Games Now Looking Back series to find out!

Check Elina's original lecture "Developing Games for Chat Application" at: https://youtu.be/41Y-OQ2Nqi8

Follow Games Now! on social media: https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/channels/

Games Now! is an open learning community, we welcome everyone to join!  

]]> On our fifth episode of GN! Looking Back we talk with Elina Arponen, a game industry veteran and a serial entrepreneur, CEO and co-founder of Quicksave Interactive. In 2017, Elina gave a lecture at Aalto University about making games for chat applications - an exciting new area of games. In this episode, we listen a snippet of her 2017 lecture and proceed with reflecting what has happened between now and then. Is Elina still developing chat games? What has happened on the platforms in five years? How does that relate to web3 games and what are the audiences that Quicksave are working with? Download our latest episode on Games Now Looking Back series to find out!

Check Elina's original lecture "Developing Games for Chat Application" at: https://youtu.be/41Y-OQ2Nqi8

Follow Games Now! on social media: https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/channels/

Games Now! is an open learning community, we welcome everyone to join!  

]]> Sun, 23 Apr 2023 19:45:41 +0300 Annakaisa Kultima Annakaisa Kultima 2987 On our fifth episode of GN! Looking Back we talk with Elina Arponen, a game industry veteran and a serial entrepreneur, CEO and co-founder of Quicksave Interactive. In 2017, Elina gave a lecture at Aalto University about making games for chat applications - an exciting new area of games. In this episode, we listen a snippet of her 2017 lecture and proceed with reflecting what has happened between now and then. Is Elina still developing chat games? What has happened on the platforms in five years? How does that relate to web3 games and what are the audiences that Quicksave are working with? Download our latest episode on Games Now Looking Back series to find out!

Check Elina's original lecture "Developing Games for Chat Application" at: https://youtu.be/41Y-OQ2Nqi8

Follow Games Now! on social media: https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/channels/

Games Now! is an open learning community, we welcome everyone to join!  

]]> games, video games, No S1E4 Kate Edwards: Game Culturalization (Looking Back) 1 1 4 4 S1E4 Kate Edwards: Game Culturalization (Looking Back) full fd3ec2b2-db1a-4137-b9af-54d515c131e9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/959b8012 On our fourth episode of GN! Looking Back we talk with Kate Edwards, a leading game culturalization expert and a former head of IGDA and Global Game Jam. In 2017, Kate gave a lecture at Aalto University about the importance of understanding different cultures while developing new games - not just localizing your content, but making it work within the diverse global game markets. In this episode, we listen a snippet of her 2017 lecture and proceed with reflecting what has happened between now and then. How has the recent geopolitical changes impacted games? What is the difference between the East and the West? How to avoid a backlash on social media? What is happening with Chinese markets these days and what Kate thinks about cancel culture? Download our latest episode on Games Now Looking Back series to find out!

Check Kate's original lecture "Leveraging Game Culturalization" at: https://youtu.be/F0-t53Hmlpk

Follow Games Now! on social media: https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/channels/

Games Now! is an open learning community, we welcome everyone to join!  

]]> On our fourth episode of GN! Looking Back we talk with Kate Edwards, a leading game culturalization expert and a former head of IGDA and Global Game Jam. In 2017, Kate gave a lecture at Aalto University about the importance of understanding different cultures while developing new games - not just localizing your content, but making it work within the diverse global game markets. In this episode, we listen a snippet of her 2017 lecture and proceed with reflecting what has happened between now and then. How has the recent geopolitical changes impacted games? What is the difference between the East and the West? How to avoid a backlash on social media? What is happening with Chinese markets these days and what Kate thinks about cancel culture? Download our latest episode on Games Now Looking Back series to find out!

Check Kate's original lecture "Leveraging Game Culturalization" at: https://youtu.be/F0-t53Hmlpk

Follow Games Now! on social media: https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/channels/

Games Now! is an open learning community, we welcome everyone to join!  

]]> Mon, 02 Jan 2023 21:09:13 +0200 Annakaisa Kultima Annakaisa Kultima 3546 On our fourth episode of GN! Looking Back we talk with Kate Edwards, a leading game culturalization expert and a former head of IGDA and Global Game Jam. In 2017, Kate gave a lecture at Aalto University about the importance of understanding different cultures while developing new games - not just localizing your content, but making it work within the diverse global game markets. In this episode, we listen a snippet of her 2017 lecture and proceed with reflecting what has happened between now and then. How has the recent geopolitical changes impacted games? What is the difference between the East and the West? How to avoid a backlash on social media? What is happening with Chinese markets these days and what Kate thinks about cancel culture? Download our latest episode on Games Now Looking Back series to find out! On our fourth episode of GN! Looking Back we talk with Kate Edwards, a leading game culturalization expert and a former head of IGDA and Global Game Jam. In 2017, Kate gave a lecture at Aalto University about the importance of understanding different cult games, video games, No S1E3 Samuli Jääskeläinen: VR Games (Looking Back) 1 1 3 3 S1E3 Samuli Jääskeläinen: VR Games (Looking Back) full 09554570-cdd5-40f1-bcca-b0595e604654 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f8f4b7bd On our third episode of GN! Looking Back we talk with Samuli Jääskeläinen, experimental game maker and developer at Varjo. In 2014 Samuli was lecturing at Aalto University about the current status of VR headsets and game development with the VR technologies. In this episode, we listen a snippet of his 2014 lecture and proceed with reflecting what has happened in the field of VR and XR between 2014 and 2022. How was the process of making the first large Finnish VR game production? Can P.O.L.L.E.N be played on current Varjo headsets? How game development for VR and XR differs from 2014? What did Samuli predict about Facebook/Meta in 2014? Download our latest episode on Games Now Looking Back series to find out!

Check Samuli's original lecture "Reality Check" at: https://youtu.be/8S-Imp92Ayo

Follow Games Now! on social media: https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/channels/

Games Now! is an open learning community, we welcome everyone to join!  

]]> On our third episode of GN! Looking Back we talk with Samuli Jääskeläinen, experimental game maker and developer at Varjo. In 2014 Samuli was lecturing at Aalto University about the current status of VR headsets and game development with the VR technologies. In this episode, we listen a snippet of his 2014 lecture and proceed with reflecting what has happened in the field of VR and XR between 2014 and 2022. How was the process of making the first large Finnish VR game production? Can P.O.L.L.E.N be played on current Varjo headsets? How game development for VR and XR differs from 2014? What did Samuli predict about Facebook/Meta in 2014? Download our latest episode on Games Now Looking Back series to find out!

Check Samuli's original lecture "Reality Check" at: https://youtu.be/8S-Imp92Ayo

Follow Games Now! on social media: https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/channels/

Games Now! is an open learning community, we welcome everyone to join!  

]]> Fri, 23 Dec 2022 01:23:12 +0200 Annakaisa Kultima Annakaisa Kultima 2784 On our third episode of GN! Looking Back we talk with Samuli Jääskeläinen, experimental game maker and developer at Varjo. In 2014 Samuli was lecturing at Aalto University about the current status of VR headsets and game development with the VR technologies. In this episode, we listen a snippet of his 2014 lecture and proceed with reflecting what has happened in the field of VR and XR between 2014 and 2022. How was the process of making the first large Finnish VR game production? Can P.O.L.L.E.N be played on current Varjo headsets? How game development for VR and XR differs from 2014? What did Samuli predict about Facebook/Meta in 2014? Download our latest episode on Games Now Looking Back series to find out! On our third episode of GN! Looking Back we talk with Samuli Jääskeläinen, experimental game maker and developer at Varjo. In 2014 Samuli was lecturing at Aalto University about the current status of VR headsets and game development with the VR technologi games, video games, No S1E2 Tatu Laine: Idle Games (Looking Back) 1 1 2 2 S1E2 Tatu Laine: Idle Games (Looking Back) full 3cac44ef-b48b-42cf-b32b-0bc782033bf6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/54d57c7c On our second episode of GN! Looking Back we talk with Tatu Laine, game designer at Futureplay Games. Tatu was lecturing in 2018 at Aalto University about the design of Idle Games. We listen a snippet of his 2018 lecture and proceed with reflecting what has happened between 2018 and 2022. What is Tatu thinking about idle games genre now? How are idle games related to merge games? How a theme of a game is tested out? Which one wins, gardening or farming? Download our latest episode on Games Now Looking Back series to find out!

Check Tatu's original lecture "Idle Games Deep Dive" at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoTE0nD_qy8

Follow Games Now! on social media: https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/channels/

Games Now! is an open learning community, we welcome everyone to join! 

]]> On our second episode of GN! Looking Back we talk with Tatu Laine, game designer at Futureplay Games. Tatu was lecturing in 2018 at Aalto University about the design of Idle Games. We listen a snippet of his 2018 lecture and proceed with reflecting what has happened between 2018 and 2022. What is Tatu thinking about idle games genre now? How are idle games related to merge games? How a theme of a game is tested out? Which one wins, gardening or farming? Download our latest episode on Games Now Looking Back series to find out!

Check Tatu's original lecture "Idle Games Deep Dive" at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoTE0nD_qy8

Follow Games Now! on social media: https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/channels/

Games Now! is an open learning community, we welcome everyone to join! 

]]> Wed, 23 Nov 2022 16:18:00 +0200 Games Now! Games Now! 2706 On our second episode of GN! Looking Back we talk with Tatu Laine, game designer at Futureplay Games. Tatu was lecturing in 2018 at Aalto University about the design of Idle Games. We listen a snippet of his 2018 lecture and proceed with reflecting what has happened between 2018 and 2022. What is Tatu thinking about idle games genre now? How are idle games related to merge games? How a theme of a game is tested out? Which one wins, gardening or farming? Download our latest episode on Games Now Looking Back series to find out! On our second episode of GN! Looking Back we talk with Tatu Laine, game designer at Futureplay Games. Tatu was lecturing in 2018 at Aalto University about the design of Idle Games. We listen a snippet of his 2018 lecture and proceed with reflecting what h games, video games, idle games, merge games, futureplay games, Merge Gardens No S1E1 Julian Togelius: Games & AI (Looking Back) 1 1 1 1 S1E1 Julian Togelius: Games & AI (Looking Back) full 3bdd0deb-a6e4-4351-aa85-9ab4311ec73e https://share.transistor.fm/s/40a4b00f In the first episode of GN! Looking Back we talk to Julian Togelius, an Associate Professor at NYU and founder at modl.ai. Julian was lecturing in 2018 at Aalto University about the powers of AI in designing and playing games. We listen a snippet of his 2018 lecture and proceed with reflections on what has happened between 2018 and 2022. What is Julian thinking about No Man's Sky now and why did he ask Stable Diffusion to picture his mom's washing machine? And even more so, what has quantum computers to do with all of this? Join in on Games Now Looking Back to find out!

Check Julian's original lecture "Algorithms that Play and Design Games" at: https://youtu.be/1qhJ7UnGf3Q

Follow Games Now! on social media: https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/channels/

Games Now! is an open learning community, we welcome you to join!

]]> In the first episode of GN! Looking Back we talk to Julian Togelius, an Associate Professor at NYU and founder at modl.ai. Julian was lecturing in 2018 at Aalto University about the powers of AI in designing and playing games. We listen a snippet of his 2018 lecture and proceed with reflections on what has happened between 2018 and 2022. What is Julian thinking about No Man's Sky now and why did he ask Stable Diffusion to picture his mom's washing machine? And even more so, what has quantum computers to do with all of this? Join in on Games Now Looking Back to find out!

Check Julian's original lecture "Algorithms that Play and Design Games" at: https://youtu.be/1qhJ7UnGf3Q

Follow Games Now! on social media: https://gamesnow.aalto.fi/channels/

Games Now! is an open learning community, we welcome you to join!

]]> Wed, 09 Nov 2022 12:13:27 +0200 Annakaisa Kultima Annakaisa Kultima 3026 In this first episode of GN! Looking Back we talk to Julian Togelius, an Associate Professor at NYU and founder at modl.ai. Julian was lecturing in 2018 at Aalto University about the powers of AI in designing and playing games. We listen a snippet of his 2018 lecture and proceed with reflections on what has happened between 2018 and 2022. What is Julian thinking about No Man's Sky now and why did he ask Stable Diffusion to picture his mom's washing machine? And even more so, what has quantum computers to do with all of this? Join in on Games Now Looking Back to find out! In this first episode of GN! Looking Back we talk to Julian Togelius, an Associate Professor at NYU and founder at modl.ai. Julian was lecturing in 2018 at Aalto University about the powers of AI in designing and playing games. We listen a snippet of his games, video games, artificial intelligence, modl.ai, NUY, julian togelius, aalto university, games now, game trends, game design, quantum computers, procedural content creation No