In this episode of the ByteAction Podcast, we sit down with Christian Gascons, COO and co-founder of Games for a Living (GFAL), to explore the journey of building sustainable gaming studio, their upcoming launch of Diamond Dreams, and how their team is redefining the match3 space.From Christian’s start at Blizzard Entertainment, to co-founding a studio in Barcelona, to building highly player focused games, this episode dives into the realities of the gaming industry today➡️ If you’re into gaming, startups, Web3, or entrepreneurship, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.0:54 – Welcome to the Podcast1:18 – Announcing the early launch of Diamond Dreams2:20 – Why launch now? Timing & market conditions2:28 – Who is Christian Gascons?3:20 – Early career: from Blizzard to VR studies6:25 – Founding Games for a Living & the vision8:30 – Building infrastructure before launching Diamond Dreams9:35 – The founding team & creative leadership11:45 – Raising $1.2M with just a PowerPoint13:00 – Making Web3 gaming accessible & optional14:10 – Why “game first” matters in blockchain gaming15:01 – Physical jewelry linked to in-game collectibles16:45 – How the gameplay & collectibles work18:20 – Digital collectibles vs NFTs20:20 – Building community, influencer program & Proof of Lux campaign23:35 – The hardest challenges: legal, compliance & iteration27:05 – Free-to-play, user acquisition & market realities28:18 – Gaming industry downturn & layoffs30:22 – The role of a COO in a gaming startup33:37 – Leadership style & company culture36:12 – Lessons from 13 years as an entrepreneur39:35 – Why fun matters more than graphics42:19 – Retention & what makes players come back44:00 – Future vision for Games for a Living45:02 – Leaving a mark in Web3 gaming46:10 – Advice for young people entering the gaming industry-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------https://gfal.com/

In this episode I’m joined by Darius Misiukevicius - Product Owner at Honeygain - the largest crowdsourced web-intelligence network.

We talk about the the origins and evolution of HoneyGain, a platform that allows users to share their unused internet bandwidth for monetary rewards.

Darius shares insights into the B2B model, user education, and the challenges faced during the company's growth, especially during the pandemic. Finally, we explore the importance of leadership, team dynamics, and the future of AI in business, while also touching on the startup culture in Lithuania and the values that drive personal and professional growth.

0:00 Introduction

07:07 Understanding the B2B Model

12:54 Evolution of HoneyGain's Product

16:55 Challenges and Timing of Launch

21:17 User Trust and Security Concerns

23:43 Diversity in Platforms and Services

24:51 Solving Problems for Game Studios

25:32 Future Developments and Personal Impact

26:39 Navigating Leadership Responsibilities

27:20 The Essence of Leadership Skills

28:13 Proud Moments in Team Development

29:01 Unlocking Potential in Others

30:40 Core Values in Family and Business

32:28 Hiring for Soft Skills vs. Hard Skills

35:24 The Importance of Mutual Respect in Work Relationships

37:21 Open Communication in Team Dynamics

40:19 Building a Tech Company in Lithuania

42:21 The Future of AI in Business

45:27 Fueling Energy and Passion in Leadership

46:16 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

https://www.honeygain.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/misiukevicius-darius/

In this episode I’m joined by Rafał Bieniek - co-founder & CEO of Metashift Labs.

We discuss Rafał’s journey in game development, the challenges of starting a studio, and the importance of community engagement. He shares insights on transitioning from a side project to a full-time endeavor, the dynamics of working with investors versus publishers, and the innovative concepts behind their upcoming game. The discussion also touches on the future of game development, the role of AI, and advice for aspiring developers.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Background

03:17 Journey into Game Development

05:46 Starting a Game Studio

08:19 Transitioning from Side Hustle to Full-Time

10:53 Hiring and Team Growth

13:25 Working with Publishers vs. Investors

15:55 New Game Development Approach

18:15 Innovative Game Concept

20:51 Connection Between Players and Characters

23:16 Game Mechanics and Strategy

25:54 Conclusion and Future Plans

26:26 Validating Ideas Early in Game Development

28:37 Finding Your Niche in Game Design

31:33 Building a Community Around Your Game

34:10 The Current State of the Game Industry

39:41 Leveraging AI in Game Development

42:40 Creativity Within Constraints

44:50 Personal Gaming Preferences and Inspirations

48:24 Future Aspirations for Metashift Labs

https://metashiftlabs.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafbie/

https://dominusautoma.com/