Episode Summary:In this episode, we're joined by Alex Seropian, a true legend in the gaming industry and the co-founder of Bungie, the studio behind Halo. Alex is now the founder of Look North World, a company focused on creating experiences within the Fortnite ecosystem using Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN).  Alex discusses the evolution of the gaming industry, from the era of physical game distribution to today's platform-driven economy.  He shares his insights on where innovation in gaming is headed, the challenges of discoverability, and the paramount importance of building a strong community.  This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of game development, user-generated content, and the ever-changing landscape of interactive entertainment.About Our Guest:Alex Seropian is the founder of Look North World and has an extensive history in the gaming industry.  He co-founded Bungie, was part of Industrial Toys, and worked at Disney.  He is now focused on building user-generated content and experiences within Fortnite. Look North World: https://www.looknorth.world/ The Fourth Curtain Podcast: https://www.thefourthcurtain.com/Key Topics Discussed: [02:11] The Future of Innovation in Gaming: Alex shares his thoughts on where new and innovative ideas in the gaming industry will come from, highlighting platforms that support experimentation and risk-taking. [05:10] Discoverability in a Crowded Market: A discussion on the challenges of getting your game noticed on platforms like Steam versus UEFN and Roblox. [10:05] What Defines a "Good" Game?: The conversation explores how the definition of a quality game has evolved and how generational differences impact what players find engaging. [12:41] Creating Games for Younger Generations: Alex talks about his approach to creating content that appeals to him while also building a diverse team to create games for various audiences. [14:42] The Player Feedback Loop: How Look North World launches numerous games and uses player feedback to iterate and improve their experiences in a live service environment. [18:15] Company Pillars and Adapting to New Platforms: Alex discusses Look North World's founding principle of exceeding player expectations and how they've adapted that philosophy to the realities of the UEFN platform. [20:54] The Importance of Community: Alex emphasizes that building a direct relationship with players is a top priority for Look North World, as important as the IP they create. [25:08] The Early Days of Halo and Multiplayer: Alex reflects on the explosion of the Halo community and the surprising ways players connected to play online before the widespread availability of Xbox Live. [35:34] What Excites Alex Most About the Gaming Industry: From the advent of 3D graphics and the internet to the current "platform economy" where creativity is happening within larger game ecosystems. [47:16] Alex's Podcast, The Fourth Curtain: Alex plugs his own podcast where he interviews other luminaries in the game industry.

Ver todos los episodios