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Ubisoft Veterans Lewis Manalo and Matt Patak Talk Game Development

Summary

In this episode host Projektitachi speaks with Ghost Recon Wildlands lead writer Lewis Manalo, and level designer/Creative Director Matt Patak from Old Glory Studios about their transition from military careers to the gaming industry, their experiences working on major titles in the Clancyverse, and their new project, Victory's Grave Outflank. They discuss the evolution of gaming narratives, game development challenges, AI's role, and their vision for creating a unique gaming experience that balances authenticity and accessibility. In this conversation, Matt Patak and Lewis Manalo share their insights on transitioning from gamers to developers, the challenges and rewards of indie game development, and the importance of finding one's niche in the industry. They discuss the role of writing in games, the significant impact of marketing on game development, and the evolving landscape of game ownership, particularly with the rise of live service models. The duo also shares their aspirations for Old Glory Studios and upcoming projects.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

03:22 Transition from Military to Gaming Careers

09:25 The Evolution of the Clancyverse

12:27 Creating Victory's Grave Outflank

18:35 Game Mechanics and Strategic Planning

24:35 Challenges in Game Development

29:54 The Role of AI in Game Development

34:17 Future Plans for Victory's Grave Outflank

37:41 Transitioning from Gamer to Developer

38:34 Diving into Indie Game Development

40:14 Finding Your Niche in Game Development

42:23 Learning Through Experimentation

44:34 The Role of Writing in Game Development

46:12 The Impact of Marketing on Game Development

49:55 Understanding Game Budgets and Live Services

51:09 The Future of Game Ownership

57:36 Old Glory Studios: Future Aspirations

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