Ed Fries joins hosts Jordan Weisman and Jonathan Grant to show how a teenage arcade hacker became the exec who helped turn Microsoft into a gaming powerhouse. Curiosity first, constraints as fuel, and a ruthless respect for shipping, that hacker ethos still drives how he works & builds things today.
Check out Ed's venture fund 1Up Ventures - where he's building a community of the most talented, experienced, and creative independent game developers in the world.
https://1upfund.com/
Don't forget to check out the IDGA, he world’s largest nonprofit membership organization supporting the people who make games.
https://igda.org/
Quick reference mentioned by Ed:
• Amir Satvat’s “Dear parent” letter: A frank, supportive overview for families weighing game careers, with realistic odds and next steps.
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/amirsatvat_dear-parent-of-a-college-high-school-or-activity-7316429901132165125-vFYb/
• Amir Satvat’s “Harsh truth about game degrees”: Data on employability by role, what to study, and practical alternatives.
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/amirsatvat_the-harsh-truth-about-game-degrees-too-many-activity-7324100230067453952-YaW2/
00:00 Jordan Weisman and Jonathan Grant welcome Ed Fries
07:13 Early Hacker Days
17:37 Excel's "Sindogs" Bug
25:07 Joining Microsoft's Games Group
29:00 Navigating Corporate Politics
36:28 Xbox Origins & Brand Battles
46:39 Building Game Portfolios
59:52 Post-Microsoft & Family Focus
01:05:48 Passion vs. Profit in Gaming
01:15:22 1Up Ventures & New Bets
01:21:23 Advice for Young Creators
01:27:52 Regrets & The Fickle Nature of Pitches
01:34:57 Closing & What's Next
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