Key Messages Emerge from Five Game Developers in 5-Minute Summits
Quick takes can sometimes carry as much weight as lengthy speeches. This was apparent during the GamesBeat Summit’s fast-paced Lightning Round, where five industry professionals delivered concise yet powerful messages packed with insight.
With just five minutes each to share their perspectives, hosted by Super Ventures partner Tom Emrich in Berkley, California, these speakers managed to address critical topics facing today’s gaming industry:
- Innovation and the future of app discovery (1app.com)
- Growth potential in Southeast Asia for mobile gaming giants like Samsung
- The importance of game development amidst societal changes (Funomena)
- Effective educational game design strategies (CurriculaWorks)
- Combating sequelitis through community support and diversification (Fig)
Now, let’s explore each speaker’s key points:
Raheel Hasan - CEO, 1app.com
(Image: https://venturebeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/raheel-hasan.jpg)
Hasan spoke on disrupting the traditional way users access apps. While current methods require store downloads or installs (which hasn’t significantly changed in over a decade), 1app aims to revolutionize this.
Their core idea: enable direct app opening from links anywhere - bypassing stores entirely and shrinking user barriers:
- Share game links directly via messaging, eliminating discovery friction
- Links can function within any existing platform context (including other apps)
- This could significantly accelerate user acquisition cycles by simplifying access
Ravi Belwal - Samsung
(Image: https://venturebeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ravi-belwal.jpg)
Belwal emphasized the booming mobile gaming landscape, particularly in Southeast Asia. Noting Android’s dominance (90% market share) versus iPhone’s substantial contribution despite smaller volume (10%), he stressed that localization is increasingly simple due to English prevalence.
His call to action for developers:
- Leverage the huge demand from consumers regularly asking “When will my favorite game be available?”
- Target India strategically as a massive opportunity still waiting to unlock its potential fully
- The Indian market’s growth trajectory could reach staggering new heights within 2 years, starting now
Robin Hunicke - CEO, Funomena
(Image: https://venturebeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/robin-hunicke.jpg)
Hunicke delivered an encouraging message regarding the value of game development. She highlighted how games offer a unique space where creativity thrives even in our complex, ever-changing world.
Her core statement emphasized intrinsic industry value:
“Your work is the work that makes our industry grow… You matter, your work matters.”
She added practical motivation for developers to remain resilient and creative despite market uncertainties or changing societal needs.
Deanna Terzian - President, CurriculaWorks
(Image: https://venturebeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/deanna-tezian.jpg)
Terzian addressed the often-overlooked potential of educational games. She shared how their company’s game successfully combined military training with entertainment elements (shooting zombies).
Her argument focused on effectiveness over perceived “educational content”:
- Educational games should prioritize engagement and fun above strict pedagogical messaging
- Games like The Oregon Trail, despite being educational, don’t necessarily teach effectively
- The true value lies in designing experiences that naturally sustain user interest over time
Justin Bailey - CEO, Fig
(Image: https://venturebeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/justin-bailey2.jpg)
Bailey tackled the pressing issue of sequelitis – an industry-wide challenge where developers rely excessively on existing successful game franchises. This leads to repetitive content and stifles innovation.
He proposed a cure by diversifying funding models, allowing for greater creative freedom:
- Community-driven greenlighting can replace traditional publisher gatekeeping (as Netflix did)
- Multiple smaller investors reduce the fear of failure or risk aversion common with single major backers
- This approach fosters more diverse game development cycles beyond established mega-franchises
📚 Featured Products & Recommendations
Discover our carefully selected products that complement this article’s topics:
🛍️ Featured Product 1: 1000BASE-LX SFP Transceiver for HP – J4859B – TAA Compliant AXG91019
Image: Premium product showcase
Carefully crafted 1000base-lx sfp transceiver for hp – j4859b – taa compliant axg91019 delivering superior performance and lasting value.
Key Features:
- Industry-leading performance metrics
- Versatile application capabilities
- Robust build quality and materials
- Satisfaction guarantee and warranty
🔗 View Product Details & Purchase
💡 Need Help Choosing? Contact our expert team for personalized product recommendations!
