Game PM Evolution: Insights on AI, Strategy & Survival
The game development industry is in flux. From the intense pressure of the attention economy and global competition to the seismic shifts brought by Artificial Intelligence, how is the crucial role of the Product Manager evolving? Join us for an in-depth exploration of these critical questions, featuring a panel discussion, "The Evolution of the Product Manager," and an exclusive after-panel debrief. Hear directly from industry product leaders as they dissect the challenges and opportunities ahead. Speakers:* Oren Debi. Generative AI Lead & VP Product at SciPlay.* David Duong. Sr. Director of Product Management at Respawn Entertainment (Apex Legends).* Tim Hong. Head of Live Service Games at AWS for Games.* Lee Horn. Fmr. VP of Product & Game Director at Mountaintop Studios.* Joseph Kim. CEO at Lila Games.* Solomon Lichter. Sr. Director, Global Gaming at CleverTap.In this episode, you'll discover:The macro trends fundamentally altering game development. AI's current and future impact: from efficiency tool to "agentic AI" and the "PM+1" concept. The cultural divide between mobile and PC/console PM practices and why adaptability is key. Actionable strategies for PMs to thrive, including Gartner's "3 Returns" framework and the importance of "product velocity." Candid reflections on what it takes to succeed in this new era of game creation and management. Whether you're a studio executive, product manager, marketer, or passionate about the future of gaming, this discussion offers invaluable insights.EPISODE CHAPTERS:(Listen in order or jump to the sections most relevant to you)0:00:00 Introduction: Setting the Stage for the Evolving PMPart 1: Product x LiveOps Symposium Panel – The Product Manager in Flux0:04:24 Macro Trends Redefining Game Development (Attention Economy, Rise of China, LiveOps Resurgence) 0:11:19 AI in the Trenches: Separating Hype from Reality (Current Efficiency Gains in Art, Code, PM Tools) 0:14:31 The Evolving Product Manager: Mobile PM Agility vs. PC/Console Tradition (Solomon Lichter's initial thoughts) 0:16:59 The Evolving Product Manager: Resistance to PMs in PC/Console (Lee Horn's insights) 0:18:32 The Evolving Product Manager: Hiring for AAA – Fundamentals, Empathy, Communication (David Duong's insights) 0:21:01 The Evolving Product Manager: AI's Impact, Team Compression, and the "PM+1" Concept (Joseph Kim's insights) 0:26:36 Key Panelist Takeaways: Adapt or Die, AI Adoption, Design Thinking, the PM+1, and Live Ops Agents Part 2: The After-Panel Huddle – Deeper Reflections & Future-Proofing0:29:14 Industry's Hunger for Tactical AI Knowledge & Embracing Uncertainty 0:34:03 AI: From Feature to Foundational Orchestration (PM's Evolving Value, Gartner's "3 Returns" Framework begins around 0:42:41, "Product Velocity" as a North Star Metric specifically at 0:47:53) 0:55:46 Agentic AI: The Next Frontier in Live Ops (Understanding Agentic AI, Practical Applications, Data Strategy Prerequisite) 1:00:40 The Culture Clash Revisited: Adaptability as the Ultimate Competitive Edge (Mobile vs. HD, Failure to Adapt) Conclusion & Final Actionable Advice1:05:16 Your Roadmap for the Future of Game Product Management (Final Advice Introduction)1:05:47 Get Hands-On & Be Curious (Tim Hong's advice) 1:06:54 Build in Public & Learn Out Loud (Solomon Lichter's advice) 1:08:46 Embrace Continuous, Urgent Learning (Joseph Kim's advice) Follow us for more deep dives into game development, AI, and product management.
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