What is it really like working in the games industry—and how do you actually get a job in game development? In this episode, we sit down with Danielle Walker, an HR professional in the video games industry, to talk about careers in gaming, breaking into the industry, and what it’s really like working behind the scenes at a game studio. We cover everything from Dani’s unconventional path into games to the realities of HR in game development and common misconceptions about the industry.Alongside all the career talk, we also get into Dani’s love for games - from her obsession with immersive single-player titles like The Legend of Zelda, her most replayable favourites, and the ones that seriously tested her patience. We chat about the evolution of games to big screen adaptations like Assassin’s Creed, Halo, and Fallout, and where the line sits between realism and actually having fun. If you’ve ever wondered how to get a job in games, this episode is packed with practical advice on standing out, networking effectively, and crafting a resume that works. Whether you’re trying to break into the industry or just love talking about games, there’s plenty here to relate to.

Step inside the mind of a game designer in this insightful and deeply human episode featuring Penelope Murphy - Senior Games Designer at The Three Thousands Studios, industry mentor, and lifelong lover of games. From nostalgic childhood memories to professional design philosophy, this episode explores what it really means to build a career in game design - and how games shape the way we can understand life itself. Pen shares her journey from growing up in Canberra to moving to Melbourne’s thriving games industry, revealing the often non-linear path into becoming a designer. What starts as a love for games evolves into a nuanced exploration of video game careers, creative identity, and the challenge of defining what “design” actually is in a professional studio environment .

Through stories of early gameplay experiences from the Fable franchise to The Sims, this episode uncovers powerful parallels between game mechanics and real-world emotions. Pen reflects on how systems in design can teach us about relationships, decision-making, and even loss, highlighting the power of video games in understanding complex human experiences .

Whether you’re an aspiring developer, a seasoned designer, or simply curious about how games influence the way we find meaning in systems, creativity, and play, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode, Executive Producer Lu Gigliotti takes us on a journey through his incredible career in the gaming industry —from his early work on the cult classic Earthworm Jim to shaping iconic titles like The Neverhood and DmC.

Lu shares insights into the creative process of game development and dives into the evolution of gaming, the rise of AI, and the future of interactive entertainment.