A Trailer for the upcoming episode... we're going to be taking all about serious gaming and simulations used outside of the games industry.

Tash returns from competition with shiny medals around her neck to join Matt and Luke for a deep dive into the serious side of gaming. From surgeons honing laparoscopic precision through video games to how game producers manage the "Zoom Lens"—balancing 30,000-foot strategic roadmaps with microscopic Jira weeds. Plus, Tash reveals her secret brain-cake baking past, and Matt defends his undefeated True or False streak.

The Cast

• Matt Ibbs: Host
• Natasha Nathani: Games Industry Veteran / Technical Producer
• Luke Timms: Games Industry Veteran / Product & Delivery Leader

Episode 015: Management Track for You, My Boy

🎮 Hot Topic: Gaming Outside of Games (The Serious Business of Play).

Do video games actually save lives? We explore the data behind laparoscopic surgeons using simulation tools and first-person shooters to slash surgical error rates. We dive into tactile haptics, why gamers possess innate reaction advantages, and take a trip down memory lane—from 19th-century tabletop war games and the 1920s pneumatic Link flight trainer to police de-escalation VR.

🎯 Production Masterclass: The Zoom Lens (Macro vs. Micro). As a producer, how do you prevent yourself from drowning in daily bug tickets without losing sight of your 6-month release roadmap? We discuss the "Zoom Lens" mentality, Matt introduces the Flight Levels framework for cross-company alignment, and the team breaks down how to use Game Pillars to settle creative disputes and solve problems through subtraction rather than feature bloat.

🎲 True or False (The God Edition): Can Luke and Tash finally de-throne Matt? With descriptions featuring dialogue-sucking puppets (GREAT GOD GROVE), apocalyptic Dark Elder Gods (Shadows of Forbidden Gods), and deity simulators, the team tries to sniff out the ever-elusive Pig at the Disco.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Simulations Bridge the Gap: From pilot training to surgical dexterity, gamified virtual environments remove the deadly consequences of failure, accelerating mastery.
• Flight Levels Prevent Blind Spots: Layer your communication across Strategy (Level 3), Coordination (Level 2), and Operations (Level 1) to eliminate tribal knowledge.
• Add Value by Subtracting: When roadmaps are in jeopardy, don't look for features to add—look for what you can cut. First cut the diamond, then polish it.

🎙️ Sound Bites:

• "I used to have a bespoke cake business... my favorite was a Halloween brain cake with lemon-juice coagulated blood jam."
• "The Link flight trainer was made by a guy who built church pipe organs... so in Zelda, you're literally just training to fly."
• "First you cut the diamond, then you polish it. You can't polish a turd."
• "I have no discernible skills or traits... Management track for you, my boy!"

Overview

Before we step away for a quick summer break, Tash and Luke crash Matt's solo studio session to review the absolute madness of our first 14 episodes. From Matt's "Pig at the Disco" addiction to Luke's legendary excuses for being late, we look at the numbers behind Games Prod Pod.

The Cast

• Matt Ibbs: Games Leadership Coach / Host
• Natasha Nathani: Games Industry Veteran / Technical Producer
• Luke Timms: Games Industry Veteran / Product & Delivery Leader

Summer Break Special: Mid-Season Stat Attack!

☀️ We're Taking a Short Summer Break! Following our latest release (LinkedIn is Not a Dating Site), the trio is taking a few weeks off in August to recharge, mix cement, and lift heavy weights. We’ll be back in about a month with brand-new episodes, masterclasses, and hot topics!

📊 The Mid-Season Stats Breakdown:

• True or Flase: We’ve played 7 times, Matt is 100% undefeated, and "Pig at the Disco" has been uttered 4 separate times.
• Hall of Fame Excuses: Luke's lateness record includes mixing cement on his birthday, loft excavations, and confusing BST with US Eastern time.
• The Intro Leaderboard: Matt leads with 9 intros, Tash has 3, and Luke trails with 2.
• Top Short: Tash's "Easy Tash" clip takes the crown for our most-viewed YouTube Short!

🎮 Huge Announcement: A real indie game studio reached out to feature their upcoming game on the show! Matt is keeping it under wraps to surprise Tash and Luke in an upcoming True or Flase when we return.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• We’re Returning Soon: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts so you don't miss our return in September!
• Get in Touch: Got a production challenge or game you want featured? Email us at gameprodpod@proton.me.

🎙️ Sound Bites:

• "You can't be left on your own, Matt. You can't be trusted."
• "Four times I have uttered the phrase 'Pig at the Disco'."
• "Who mixes cement in January?"
• "An indie dev reached out... and have I got a segment for you!"

⏰ Chapters:

• 00:00 Welcome & Summer Break Announcement
• 01:52 True or Flase Stats & "Pig at the Disco"
• 04:20 The Hall of Fame: Luke's Lateness Excuses
• 07:30 Who Talks the Most? (Monologue Records)
• 08:39 Intro/Outro Leaderboards & Top Performing Short
• 11:00 Big News: Real Indie Game Studio Feature Coming Soon!
• 12:20 Outro & See You in September!