Game Changers

This week on the Konvoy Newsletter audio edition, host Josh Chapman explores the rapidly evolving world of digital gatekeeping — and why age verification is becoming one of the defining challenges of the modern internet.

Once marked by anonymity and minimal oversight, the online world is now facing sweeping regulations designed to protect children and teens from adult content, predatory behavior, and high-risk features like online gambling. From U.S. state laws to the EU’s Digital Services Act, governments are shifting from simple honor-system checkboxes to strict, enforceable verification requirements — fundamentally reshaping how platforms onboard and engage users...

For a quarter of a century, RuneScape has been more than just a game; it's a digital world that has become a second home for millions. But how does such a legacy IP thrive in a modern gaming landscape defined by "flash over substance" development that alienates core communities?

The stewardship of this iconic franchise falls to its new CEO, Jon Bellamy, who brings a perspective unheard of in the industry: he's not just a leader, but a 20-year veteran player who understands the game's soul. In this deep-dive conversation, Jon pulls back the curtain to reveal...

This week on the Konvoy Newsletter audio edition, host Jason Chapman explores why a generation that feels financially stuck is going “risk-on” — embracing higher-risk, higher-reward behaviors across finance, gaming, and lifestyle in an effort to get ahead.

With muted wage growth, skyrocketing living costs, and declining belief in the American dream, more young consumers are rolling the dice — turning to sports betting, retail trading, skill-based games, and even biohacking in search of upside.

From sweepstakes platforms and loot boxes to AI-powered homeschooling and side-hustle apps, industries built on volatility are thriving in an environment where stabilit...

This week on the Konvoy Newsletter audio edition, host Jackson Vaughan explores how technology is transforming the $100+ billion kids’ toy market — shifting from dolls and building sets to AI-enabled companions, smart devices, and deeply interactive play.

From the late-90s Furby craze to Anki’s expressive robots, the industry’s history is filled with both groundbreaking successes and high-profile failures. Along the way, toys have sparked national security debates, triggered privacy lawsuits, and forced regulators to rethink how children’s data is protected.

Now, with advances in local AI, rapid prototyping, and direct-to-consumer sales, startups may be bet...

Tired of video games getting a bad rap? Stanley Pierre-Louis, CEO of the Entertainment Software Association, unveils the playbook that turned the gaming industry from a political target into a respected art form. Learn how strategic advocacy and self-regulation built a fortress of trust with both policymakers and parents.

With new challenges like AI on the horizon, the lessons from gaming's legislative battles provide a crucial blueprint for any innovative industry trying to protect its creative freedom and foster growth in a world of constant scrutiny.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - How Stanley Pierre-Louis Became the...

This week on Game Changers, host Josh Chapman explores how satellites are unlocking a $157 billion digital opportunity—by bringing the internet to the world’s most remote regions.

With 12,000+ satellites now orbiting the Earth and thousands more launching every year, the satellite industry is entering a new phase—one where it’s no longer just about space, but about economic transformation here on Earth.

At the center of this revolution is Starlink, which now delivers high-speed internet to 6 million subscribers across 140 countries. This breakthrough in connectivity isn’t just a tech marvel—it’s a commercial cat...

This week on Game Changers, host Jason Chapman explores why K-pop and gaming may be the next global power duo in entertainment.

Over the past decade, K-pop has exploded from a regional phenomenon into a worldwide cultural force, redefining fan engagement and monetization. With 150 million fans worldwide, outsized spending power, and a track record of digital-first innovation, the genre is uniquely positioned to converge with gaming—a space that shares its interactive and community-driven DNA.

So why hasn’t this collaboration reached its full potential yet—and why is now the inflection point to make it hap...

This week on Game Changers, host Jackson Vaughan explores why the future of gaming might not be radical reinvention—but smart, surprising reinvention of the familiar.

From Echo Chess and Balatro to Banana Ball and Fortnite, some of the most engaging experiences today are breathing new life into time-tested formats. These aren’t nostalgia plays—they’re blueprints for how developers can build on what players already love while still delivering something fresh.

But why is this remix strategy working so well now? And what does it mean for innovation, IP, and the future of fan enga...

This week on Game Changers, host Josh Chapman digs into the unexpected ways the restaurant industry is learning from video games. While most diners might not see the parallels between earning loyalty points and leveling up in a game, the strategies behind both are increasingly overlapping.

In this episode, we explore how gamification—not full-blown games—is giving restaurants a competitive edge. Whether it’s leaderboards from Chipotle’s Strava challenge, OpenTable’s points system nudging reservations, or even a PUBG victory scoring you a real-life chicken dinner from KFC, the industry is experimenting with playful ways to boost e...

This week on Game Changers, host Jason Chapman dives into Reddit. In a digital world drowning in AI-generated content and shallow engagement, Reddit stands out by using community-led moderation to build trust, spark consensus, and curate the overwhelming sea of opinions online.

But as Reddit rises as a go-to source for everyday decisions—from which video game to buy to which product to trust—it also reveals the limits of community-based curation. What happens when the topics get too complex, too controversial, or too technical for popular opinion to handle?

What You’ll Learn in This E...

This week on Game Changers, host Josh Chapman explores one of the most promising—and potentially risky—frontiers in software: vibe coding. With the rise of AI and natural language processing, it’s now possible to build fully functioning apps and websites just by describing what you want. No programming skills required.

But as vibe coding transforms who gets to build software and how fast they can do it, it also raises serious questions about security, scalability, and what happens when creators don’t know what their code is actually doing.

What You’ll Learn in This Ep...

This week on Game Changers, host Jackson Vaughan dives into one of the most ambitious frontiers in gaming: the quest for realism. From emotional depth to physical presence, this episode explores how developers are using neuroscience, psychology, and cutting-edge tech to make virtual worlds feel just as real as the physical one.

Why do some games stick with us long after we’ve stopped playing? Why do certain moments feel unforgettable, almost like memories we actually lived? Jason unpacks the subtle science of immersion—and why it’s not just about graphics, but about engaging our senses, our bo...

This week on Game Changers, host Jason Chapman explores a powerful trend quietly reshaping how we engage with the world: the rise of off-screen entertainment. In a culture dominated by screens and digital immersion, Jason dives into why millions are consciously stepping back—reconnecting with reality through podcasts, board games, theme parks, and live events. From the psychology of sensory engagement to the economics behind Disney’s booming parks, this episode unpacks the growing desire for presence in an increasingly virtual world.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why podcasts have become the digital native’s...

This week on Game Changers, host Josh Chapman dives into the hidden toll of decision-making in our digital age. As we navigate a world overflowing with choices—pinged by notifications, overwhelmed by content, and pulled in countless directions—Josh unpacks the concept of decision fatigue and how technology might be making it worse. From the science of cognitive overload to the psychology of motivation, this episode explores why it’s getting harder to make meaningful decisions—and what we can do about it.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why we’re making more daily decision...

This week on Game Changers, host Jason Chapman explores a bold vision for the future of personal technology—one where we rely less on screens and more on seamless, proactive computing. While today’s phones are powerful access points for information, Jason looks ahead to a world where devices quietly work in the background, anticipating our needs without constant interaction. From the rise of smart glasses to the growing influence of AI agents, this episode reimagines how emerging technologies could transform daily life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How smartphones have evolved into incredib...

This week on Game Changers, host Jackson Vaughan dives into the explosive growth of online sports betting in the U.S., exploring how the industry reached its current $11 billion valuation and forecasted future growth. From the history of gambling to the big players dominating the market, Jackson explores how innovation and new trends like sweepstakes and prediction markets are reshaping the landscape. You'll learn why these alternatives are gaining traction, how they differ from traditional sportsbooks, and what opportunities they bring for both investors and consumers.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Is your mobile game studio struggling to stand out? Stillfront CEO Alexis Bonte gets real about the brutal competition, why AI is now a survival tool, and how a laser-focused strategy can keep players—and profits—from walking away. This is direct advice for developers navigating today's tough market, from someone who's built and sold a game company and now leads a major group.

The mobile game scene is incredibly competitive. Developers are fighting to get noticed, retain players, and manage rising user acquisition costs. It's a crowded, fast-moving space.

Broad strategies and simply throwing mone...

Welcome to our latest episode of the Konvoy Newsletter podcast, your go-to source for insights at the intersection of gaming and finance. Today, we're diving into the world of Grand Theft Auto VI, a game set to redefine cultural and financial milestones in the gaming industry.

Episode Highlights:

A Global Gaming Phenomenon:

Game Development Insights:

In this episode of Game Changers, Jason Chapman explores how an innovation from Pixar—OpenUSD—laid the groundwork for a revolution in 3D content creation. From blockbuster films to immersive gaming experiences, the process of building digital worlds is notoriously fragmented. Jason breaks down how OpenUSD is becoming the universal translator across tools and teams, enabling smoother collaboration, faster iteration, and richer creativity. Drawing parallels to past tech standards like TCP/IP and SQL, this episode unpacks why OpenUSD might be one of the most important developments in the future of digital creation.

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In this episode of Game Changers, Josh Chapman explores how artificial intelligence is becoming more than just a tool for kids — it’s evolving into a curious, patient, and ever-present companion.

We unpack how AI is showing up in childhood spaces, from tutoring apps that adapt in real-time to emotional support robots like Milo that help kids practice social interaction. With studies showing big gains in both academic performance and engagement, it’s clear this tech is here to stay — but not without tradeoffs.

From affordability and accessibility to concerns around screen time, emotional development, and safe...

In this episode of Game Changers, Jackson Vaughan explores the rising power of IP licensing in today’s gaming landscape—why it’s becoming essential for discoverability, and how developers are using it to drive growth across mobile, PC, and console.

We unpack the challenges facing studios today, from rising ad costs to shrinking visibility, and spotlight how familiar brands and characters can give games a vital edge. With examples from Monopoly Go! to Scopely’s billion-dollar strategy, we look at how licensed IP is helping developers cut through the noise, reach high-value players, and extend a game’s l...

In this episode of Game Changers, Jason Chapman explores the growing role of AI in children’s lives—from education and emotional development to creative play and at-home support. As AI becomes a more visible part of how we interact with technology, we unpack what that means for kids, parents, and educators alike. We dive into personalized tutoring tools that adapt to each child’s learning style, robots that help build social-emotional skills, and storytelling platforms that bring imagination to life. Plus, we look at how smart monitors and AI companions are reshaping the modern parenting experience—and what safeguards are bein...

In this episode of Game Changers, Jackson Vaughan breaks down the evolution of console business models—from the Magnavox Odyssey’s one-time hardware sale in the 1970s to today’s mix of subscriptions, digital storefronts, and cloud gaming. Along the way, we explore how the introduction of game cartridges sparked the rise of third-party developers, how Nintendo’s 30% licensing fee shaped the modern industry, and why console makers began selling hardware at a loss to win long-term loyalty. With Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo now deploying distinct strategies—cloud-first, ecosystem-focused, or exclusive-driven—the business of consoles is more complex than ever. What does th...

In this episode of Game Changers, Josh Chapman explores the growing intersection of gaming and robotics. While robotics has long been a frontier of innovation, its development is now accelerating—driven by open-source tools like the Robot Operating System (ROS) and game engines like Unreal and Unity. With simulation becoming a key tool for robotics training and hybrid physical-digital gameplay on the rise, gaming is shaping the future of robotics in unexpected ways. Will this convergence redefine interactive entertainment? Or are we still in the early days of robotics-driven gameplay? Tune in to find out. Liked what you heard? Subscribe fo...

In this episode of Game Changers, Jackson Vaughan dives into the shifting landscape of PC gaming. While the market has grown steadily, with nearly 1.9 billion players worldwide, recent headwinds—like a 21% drop in playtime, rising hardware costs, and cloud gaming’s rapid rise—are challenging its dominance. With consoles catching up and game discovery becoming harder, is PC gaming at risk of losing its edge? Or will its customization, global reach, and social integration keep it ahead? Tune in to explore the future of PC gaming. Liked what you heard? Subscribe for weekly newsletter episodes!

In this episode of Game Changers, Managing Partner Jason Chapman unpacks Amazon’s $100M investment in The House of David, a faith-based series that’s already climbing the charts. Faith-driven content is seeing a resurgence, with Gen Z increasingly turning to spirituality—a trend shaping not just movies and TV, but gaming as well. With 36% of young Christian players open to faith-based games, could this be the next frontier? From Assassin’s Creed to Doom, religious themes have already made their way into mainstream titles—but what if a game fully embraced biblical storytelling? And what risks do these projects face? Tune...

In this episode of Game Changers, Managing Partner Josh Chapman explores how AI agents could transform digital advertising—eliminating intrusive tracking and irrelevant ads while curating only what truly matters to you. With digital advertising expected to hit $663B by 2027, AI-driven ad filtering could reshape industries, including gaming, where mobile game discovery and monetization could be revolutionized. Could AI agents negotiate on your behalf, ensuring you only see valuable offers? Who will control these AI assistants—independent platforms or tech giants? Tune in for a deep dive into the future of AI-powered advertising and its impact on gaming, digital marketing, and...

Join Konvoy Managing Partner Josh Chapman as he unpacks our latest newsletter topic: affective computing and its impact on gaming. Can technology truly understand human emotions? From early psychological theories to AI-driven emotion tracking, we explore how gaming experiences could adapt in real time based on player moods. Could this be the next frontier in game design, or are we still years away from meaningful applications? Tune in as we break down the potential, the challenges, and what this means for the future of gaming. Love what you hear? Subscribe for weekly newsletter episodes.

Join Konvoy Managing Partner Jackson Vaughan as he unpacks our latest newsletter topic: the intersection of gaming and music. From the early days of chiptune to dynamic, real-time soundtracks, music has shaped how we experience games. But what’s next? While game music is more advanced and accessible than ever, will we see major innovation—or just incremental improvements? Tune in as we explore the past, present, and future of music in gaming. Love what you hear? Subscribe for weekly newsletter episodes.

Join Konvoy Managing Partner, Josh Chapman, as he explores the future of consumer investing and why gaming is poised to bring VCs back to the space. For years, venture funding has leaned toward enterprise markets, leaving consumer investments on the back burner. But that’s shifting. Gaming companies are driving some of the biggest opportunities in consumer tech, and with major exits on the horizon, we see a wave of renewed interest coming. Like what you hear? Subscribe for weekly newsletter episodes and deep-dive discussions!

Join Konvoy Managing Partner Jason Chapman as he unpacks our latest newsletter topic: the future of gaming subscriptions. While streaming services thrive on constant content consumption, gaming habits don’t always align—players invest months into just a few titles, making all-you-can-play libraries less compelling. With the rise of free-to-play games and evolving monetization strategies, can these services stay relevant? Tune in as we explore how gaming subscriptions must adapt to stay in the game. Love what you hear? Be sure to subscribe for weekly newsletter episodes and our classic deep-dive discussions!

In this new series of Game Changers, we’re bringing Konvoy’s weekly written newsletter to life with engaging audio episodes! Join Konvoy Managing Partner Jackson Vaughan as he dives into our most recent topic: Nintendo’s highly anticipated Switch 2 and its expectations. We’ll unpack its potential impact on the future of handheld gaming, how it builds on Nintendo’s storied legacy of innovation, and why expectations may fall short compared to its predecessor. Love what you hear? Be sure to subscribe for weekly newsletter episodes and our classic deep-dive discussions!

In this episode of Game Changers, Josh Chapman, Managing Partner of Konvoy, sits down with Ed Fries, one of the visionaries who led the team that created the first Xbox at Microsoft. Ed began his career developing Microsoft Excel and Word before transitioning to gaming. He founded Microsoft Game Studios and expanded the team from 50 to over 1200 people, publishing over 100 games and leaving a significant mark on the industry. Today, Ed supports independent game developers through his venture fund, 1Up Ventures, and explores the intersection of art and video games. Don't miss this insightful episode! If you found today's episode...

In this episode of Game Changers, Jackson Vaughan, Managing Partner of Konvoy, is joined by Emily Greer, a serial gaming entrepreneur, investor, and advisor. Emily previously led Double Loop Games, a women-led mobile game studio, and was the CEO and co-founder of Kongregate, a top browser and mobile games platform. Under her leadership, Kongregate grew to 18M MAU, pioneering free-to-play games in the West and serving 200 million players in 5 years. Emily is renowned for her insights on the economics and psychology of free-to-play games. If you found today's episode as insightful as we have, we invite you to show your...

In this episode of Game Changers, Jason Chapman, Managing Partner of Konvoy, is joined by Kevin Lin, one of the pioneering founders of Twitch. Kevin and his cofounders sold Twitch to Amazon in 2014 for $970m, at the time being Amazon’s largest acquisition. As Twitch’s long-time COO, Kevin brought live social video to hundreds of millions of people around the world, helping thousands of creators make a living building their communities around live shared experiences. Tune in as he shares invaluable insights and anecdotes from his journey with Twitch and beyond. If you found today's episode as insightful as we h...

In this episode of Game Changers, Jason Chapman, Managing Partner of Konvoy, sits down with Brian Ward, the CEO of Savvy Games Group. Prior to leading Savvy, Brian held key positions, including head of worldwide studios at Activision Blizzard, where he played a pivotal role in launching blockbuster gaming titles. His executive background spans industry giants such as EA and Microsoft, and now under his leadership, Savvy Games Group has grown to a global workforce of approximately 3,500 employees in just two years, solidifying its presence in gaming. Listen in on the discussion as we explore Brian's fascinating journey and glean...

In this episode of Game Changers, Josh Chapman, Managing Partner of Konvoy, sits down with Kevin Segalla, the visionary founder and CEO of Tilting Point, a powerhouse in the realm of free-to-play games publishing. With over 80 game titles under its belt, Tilting Point stands at the forefront of the industry through strategic partnerships and acquisitions. Since its inception in 2012, Kevin has led Tilting Point to remarkable growth, boasting a global team spanning major locations such as New York, Barcelona, Kyiv, Seoul, Miami, and Vancouver. Join us as we delve into Kevin's fascinating story and insights from his wealth of experience...

In this episode of Game Changers, Jason Chapman, Managing Partner of Konvoy, engages in a discussion with Ralf Reichert, a founding leader of esports, having shaped the industry for the past 20 years. Ralf co-founded ESL with the aim of creating significant stages for a new sport that would elevate players to global stardom. What began as a pursuit for quick win evolved into a lifelong journey, culminating in ESL's position as the largest esports brand. In a billion-dollar transaction in 2022, ESL merged with Faceit to form the ESL Faceit Group - EFG. Ralf, now an active angel investor, primarily serves...

In this episode of Game Changers, Jason Chapman, Managing Partner of Konvoy, has a captivating discussion with Tim Fields, a gaming industry veteran boasting over 25 years of experience. Tim's career spans pivotal roles in creating, managing, and leading game companies, contributing significantly to iconic franchises like Call of Duty, Halo, Marvel, Disney, Need for Speed, and more. Tim's latest endeavor, the book "Game Development 2042," takes center stage as he shares insights into his expertise in company leadership, studio building, and product design. Join us as we explore Tim's lifelong dedication to collaborating with talented individuals, crafting games and software that...

In the latest episode of Game Changers, Josh Chapman, Managing Partner at Konvoy, sits down with Michael Pachter, Managing Director at Wedbush Securities. Join them as they dive into Michael’s career at Wedbush, uncovering his insightful perspectives on the ever-evolving trends in the gaming industry. Michael not only shares some intriguing predictions for the industry's future but also reflects on pivotal moments that have shaped its course during his tenure. If you found today's episode as insightful as we have, we invite you to show your support by leaving a review, hitting the like button, and subscribing to the Ga...