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Jamil Moledina shared thisKaren this is amazing validation for your vision and perseverance, kudos to you and Neal on your leadership! And of course, thank you Jolie Feld and Jack Buser for seeing the potential for fanfic in Fortnite, and featuring Whenere. On that note, for all our friends here, if you play Fortnite, and you like to tell stories, you can be included in our first cohort playtest. Just answer 3 questions here: https://lnkd.in/grn2Y-yfJamil Moledina shared thisI'm thrilled to share that Whenere was featured by both Google Cloud and GamesBeat, for our integration into Fortnite! At Whenere, our mission is to bring interactive storytelling and immersive game worlds to life; bridging classic literature and contemporary digital spaces like Fortnite. Recreating iconic settings such as Jane Austen's Netherfield Park estate is just the beginning of how we are empowering creators and audiences to experience beloved stories in entirely new ways. A massive thank you to: Our Team - Neal Stephenson Dustin Walde Jamil Moledina Lisa Gold Epic Games - Tim Sweeney Kim Libreri Alasdair Coull Google Cloud Team Jack Buser Carolyn Entress Dreamlands - Thomas Tobin And the journalists highlighting our journey - Matt Chaban Jolie Feld And all of our investors, without whose faith we would not be here. GamesBeat https://lnkd.in/g2uMVKQv If you want to get in early to playtest, visit: https://lnkd.in/gbvxp6AMHow a 3-person team is using AI to recreate Pride and Prejudice in Fortnite | exclusiveHow a 3-person team is using AI to recreate Pride and Prejudice in Fortnite | exclusive
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Jamil Moledina shared thisHuge thanks to our LA Games Conference panelists Justin Berenbaum, Jon Snoddy, Joseph Tou, and Eden Chen, for an unvarnished discussion on how AI is serving as a revenue multiplier in the game industry, and sharing how to manage teams and expectations in the space. And of course, a huge thank you to our gracious hosts Tinzar Than Sherman and Ned Sherman, for once again creating a open space to discuss these issues with a thoughtful and engaged audience.
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Jamil Moledina shared thisHey folks, next up is GamesBeat Next in San Francisco, Nov. 2-3, where I'll be moderating a panel on AI-native games, meaning games that feature AI as central to gameplay. On stage, I'll be hosting a discussion with Brian Tanner, former research dev at DeepMind and now CEO of AI behavior startup Artificial Agency, Piero Molino, former co-founder of an exited AI agent startup and now CEO of AI engine startup Studio Atelico, and Jon Snoddy, former Lucasfilm and Disney Imagineering leader and now CEO of Operative Games, making an amazingly fun and engaging pre-release AI-native game. This is a subject that I've been close to for the past few years, working with Neal Stephenson and Karen Laur to create a virtual Snow Crash character, at Inworld AI to test the AI gameplay hypothesis with a broader group of game developers, again with Neal and Karen on Whenere our fanfic platform for Fortnite, and now with Principal Venture Partners, finding and supporting developers who have solved some of the hardest parts of the AI equation. But of course there's a bigger picture at stake. AI for all its utility as a tool, presents a much greater challenge to jobs and culture than any other technology I've seen in my lifetime. That's already a central factor, to make sure our efforts in the space don't create reverse centaurs, but instead expand what humans can do. On top of that, to move AI into gameplay directly, it has to pass the fun test as well. This is not a test that every hot technology has been able to pass, but some, like UGC platforms, have. Now that we're a couple of cycles into the AI game, with initial results in hand, let's see where we stand.
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Jamil Moledina posted thisHey friends, I’m exploring options for my next full-time role. My co-founder and fractional CBO tasks with Whenere and others are now nicely on track, plus my venture partner role with Principal Venture Partners, evaluating AI-native startups, has been steady-state from the get-go. Of course, I realize times are crazy, but I also find that there’s a lot of opportunity in these transitions to shape what’s next. If you know me, you know what always gets me going is the opportunity to help fans step into the worlds we love. I’ve worked to bring us closer by connecting creative teams with resources and emerging technology to set it all in motion. I’ve held several BD and operational positions among developers, publishers, startups, and platforms. In all of that, I found that applying my “Gigantamaxed” Rolodex to building partnerships and portfolios is what I’m actually best suited for. Now I realize most folks probably know me from one big public-facing role or another. However, behind the scenes, I’ve signed and funded over 30 games, and then spotlighted thousands more along the way. I’ve also been directly involved in 3 exits, while supporting 6 more. I’m currently applying all those lessons with the startups and VC I work with. A good example of all this coming together is that Whenere is now integrating its fanfic platform into Fortnite, which is both utterly delightful and persistently engaging. I think that’s pretty cool. If this all sounds like we should have a chat, here’s where I’ll be: • LA 9/29-10/1: Speaking at LA Games Conference at UCLA • Palo Alto 10/21-10/24: Attending Principal Venture Partners’ AGM • SF 11/1-11/3: Speaking at GamesBeat Next in Union Square • LA 12/9-12/11: Attending The Game Awards at LA Live Whether in person or over a video call, let’s chat and see what connects!
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Jamil Moledina shared thisHey friends, I'm moderating a panel at the LA Games Conference Sept. 30 on the actual benefits of AI, and I really think it will be worthwhile to attend. I just led our panel pre-briefing, and I have to say, the panelists showed a lot of direct knowledge and expertise on the real application of AI – and a lot of poking at the conventional wisdom that gets pushed around. In fact, there was so much push-back that we actually discussed how far we should go. Let's just say it's going to be fun! The panelists are Eden Chen, Jon Snoddy, Joseph Tou, and Justin Berenbaum, and they all have unique perspectives to share on stage. Thanks again to our hosts, Steven Yamane, Tinzar Than Sherman, and Ned Sherman for creating a space for us to air our thoughts. Also, message me if you'd like to get a break on the pass price. Hopefully I'll see you there, and of course, also happy to catch up the couple of days I'm in town!
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Jamil Moledina shared thisIf you enjoy thinking about the impact of how collecting movies has changed, but also need your morning fix of FOMO about interesting startups, and now expect everything you read to include a cute anecdote of an AI interaction, this article is exactly what you’ve been doomscrolling for! Although really it’s mostly the first thing.
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Jamil Moledina shared thisThis is objectively, without bias, a truly wonderful development! Congratulations Shel, and congratulations Daniel and team Topia — I expect you’ll break new ground bringing the best of all worlds together. And have a lot of fun doing it!Jamil Moledina shared thisI’m so excited to announce my new role as Game Director at Topia.io, creating games and experiences within their safe, custom virtual social & educational worlds platform. Daniel Liebeskind and the whole team are making awesome things — that are also GOOD for the world, and I can’t wait to dig in!Topia | Virtual Campus, Virtual HQ, and Social ExperiencesTopia | Virtual Campus, Virtual HQ, and Social Experiences
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Jamil Moledina shared thisHey friends, I'm moderating a panel at GamesBeat Summit in LA next week – on one of the biggest growth platforms under the radar, "The Connected TV Opportunity for Games and Entertainment." The panelists are all folks working directly on this front, Isaac Sundsted, games strategist at Samsung, André Swanston, CEO of game streaming startup Phynd, and John Gaeta, filmmaker and CEO of streaming service for generated media Escape.ai. We'll be sharing data and trends in motion, calling out the elephants in the room, and making bold predictions based on what we see. The session is this Monday 5/18 at 3pm, and the event is at the Marina Del Rey Marriott. They also gave me a 25% off discount code to share if that helps: GBSreg25speaker If you're around, come say hi. And you'll see that I still have my right arm, contrary to the photographic evidence below.
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Jamil Moledina shared thisI knew I was wading into a touchy subject by recording a podcast panel on the state of game funding at this year’s GDC. But, knowing it was Ethan hosting, and that Jere was also speaking, I felt we could get to a good place of acknowledging reality, while also lighting up paths forward. Once there, I felt more encouraged, with the SOMA dive bar setting, meeting Khoushaw, and by the general vibe Ethan set up. It was like “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” — which put us all at ease — and got us off-script. And in that way, like all the best GDC meetups. Maybe the full episode will still provoke some in the audience, but I think it’s important get more frank dialogue from more interested parties into the public discussion. Especially in critical matters like supporting the next generation of innovative game companies. Anyway, Ethan, I’m looking forward to seeing where you take the next episode. Where do I like and subscribe?Jamil Moledina shared thisRecently, I sat down with Jere Partanen (Principal at Sisu Game Ventures), Koushaw Ghaffarian (Vice President, Juno Capital Partners) and Jamil Moledina (Venture Partner, Principal Venture Partners) to discuss the state of VC financing in the games industry in 2026. In this wide ranging discussion over some beers and a big bowl of pozole, these experts helped me better understand the landscape for VC funding in the 2026, how investor conservatism affects both starts and exits, and how various funds have matured in their approach and offerings following some of the more free-wheeling deals of the ZIRP years. Here’s a lightly edited snippet from the clip shared above: Ethan: So far for me at GDC this week, funding of game studios is one of the hottest topics. How would you each describe what the state of early stage funding is for game studios here in 2026? Jere: I feel like there's been a maturation and I think the investors over this time have become much more sophisticated. They've take taken time to learn. A lot of them came in without maybe the best sort of idea of like how challenging it would be to fund games. I mean, we made our own mistakes, but we can see maturation in terms of how the capital stack has widened significantly. While three years ago, you basically only had VCs doing equity financing, now you have VCs funding publisher slates, they have their UA financing vehicle, they do equity financing, they're combining that with project financing. They're willing to do like different types of deals because they have like different opportunities to pursue. So it's more challenging to find funding, but if funds do invest in you, I think they're doing it from a much better position. Koushaw: I think you're completely right, and I think you hit the nail on the head with a couple of things you mentioned. For example, UA financing is something we at Juno - at least in the market - are seeing a lot. And I would say the biggest thing I would echo there is the sophistication in the types of structures. Whether it be VCs or holding companies or even publishers, the type of structure of investment folks are willing to make are much more sophisticated, thought out, and specific to gaming. Jamil: I agree with you guys that’s one of the factors that I think is absolutely essential to this point in time. The adaptation to the needs of the industry. We had this period where we had so many organizations come in because games looked interesting. And the ones left standing - the ones attending the Game Developers Conference - are the ones that can go the distance because they have both a sophisticated way to interact with game studios and game companies and game startups, but they’re also populated by former operators from games. ------ This is just a snippet of the insightful conversation these three treated me to. To watch the full conversation, follow the "Visit My Website" button above to access the link in profile to the full interview.
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Jamil Moledina reacted on thisJamil Moledina reacted on thisI call him the GOAT for a reason. He started curating GamesBeat events 18 years ago, and this past month marks 18 months since GamesBeat went independent. His care, genuine relationships, and wisdom, inspires us all. One of the most respected individuals we know in this industry, who somehow publishes over 20,000+ stories in his 30 year career as journalist, and still always makes time for all of us. Creating these special moments and memories through events that feel like a reunion of friends. Dean Takahashi, thank you for what you do for this industry, it feels like the best is still ahead, which means we can't wait to see what you do next for this industry. He covered the first press story on NVIDIA in 1995, and decades later, continues to cover the stories that no one else does, and the stories that matter. Yesterday, he published the final agenda for GamesBeat NEXT, close to 120 speakers, taking place in just a few days in San Francisco where this industry will come together once again, to build what's next, which includes his dream Gaming Legends panel curated for the first time, after 25 years. And today, and everyday, we get to celebrate you. Happy Birthday, Dean! Here’s to the next chapter, more stories, more memories, and many more years of shaping and building the future of this industry. Dean's story on the event next week, another memorable moment in the making: https://lnkd.in/gyzTzTGg
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Jamil Moledina reacted on thisJamil Moledina reacted on thisMacabre and Mayhem is nearly here ........ ESCAPE AI MEDIA
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Jamil Moledina reacted on thisJamil Moledina reacted on thisChris and Susan are away but Dean Takahashi and I are keeping things going this week. Boss Rush is in a state of flux but we can't wait to talk with you about this week's news. Join us! At 10am Pacific today. See you then!
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Jamil Moledina reacted on thisLooking forward to visiting the researchers at QMU, and seeing old friends from iGGi - Intelligent Games & Game Intelligence next Wednesday as part of the ongoing EU Tour!Jamil Moledina reacted on this📣 [TALK ANNOUNCEMENT] We're excited to host Luke Dicken next week! Luke will be sharing his insights on the status of Game AI - past, present, future. 🔮✨ If you'd like to join the event (Whitechapel), please DM us for details. #AI #Games #LLMs #ML Queen Mary School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science
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Jamil Moledina reacted on thisCreativity is the most AI proof skill. I made this case during my 3rd year speaking at Milken Institute about AI and Entertainment/Games/Culture. Invest in the creative fields, sports, performing arts - things that bring us together and are uniquely human. 3 theses I shared this week: • The job loss narrative needs changing. In the long run, companies will need to do even more to differentiate after everyone has reaped the same AI cost savings. You will need more features, more innovation, more complexity and humans to lead them. The entertainment industry, a business of calculated bets, will create even more shots on goal, trying to create that hit. They need humans to lead these shots unless they want derivative uninspired attempts. I highly doubt they will spend less overall than they used to. • Hollywood risks becoming downstream of culture. Culture is being created on the creator platforms and Hollywood risks just licensing culture created elsewhere. • We need to create step function “better” for IP to last past the next hot meme. "Kpop Demon Hunters" or "Spiderverse" type “wha???” that breaks all the rules and makes your head spin. The opposite of derivative - the thing a human excels at. In a place as rules based as Singapore, and in a region that emphasizes STEM, I spent this past week talking to many investors whose children aspire to enter the creative industries. I was surprised and encouraged by all the artist hopefuls. Now is the best time to create. With the creator platforms you don’t need anyone’s permission to create and get your work out there. It was an honor taking this conversation from the Milken stage to the American Club of Singapore fireside chat with Landy Eng and MONEY FM 89.3 radio with Glenn van Zutphen (Founder, CEO) SPH Media. Thank you to Milken Institute, the best organized conference I’ve ever been to with the tightest network of high quality people. Bing Chen and Dave Lu my panelists and the talented business woman and cultural icon Tamara L. as moderator. Thank you Curtis S. Chin, Leslie Thurman and Tianna Nguyen for inviting me. Also thank you to my HBS classmates for taking me out and always showing me the best time on this island. Benjamin Joe, Saurabh N. Agarwal, Zuber Mohammed, and Hanli Mangun. Remember you promised me that our next food tour is going to beat the Paddock club's food. For Singapore, Forever Ago
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Jamil Moledina reacted on thisJamil Moledina reacted on thisEntering month número dos at Supercell ❤️ The last few weeks have been full of pinch-me moments, and a few reminders of what makes work really special. First, there's something pretty amazing about getting to work on things you genuinely love. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love mobile gaming, especially Supercell's games. Beyond the games themselves, the mobile gaming creator community gave me a real sense of belonging during the pandemic. Having spent years at YouTube building programs to support and elevate gaming creators, it feels pretty special to now be on this side of things — working across Supercell's games and on projects that connect with so many of my passions. Then there's finding a place that matches your energy. The transparency, the autonomy, the get-it-done attitude. I love being around people who have big ideas, trust each other to run with them, and build the right strategies to make things happen. And finally, the people. Getting to meet and work alongside the humans behind games I've loved for years has been pretty surreal. (And yes, I've already told quite a few Supercellians that I'm a big fan when I see them IRL or via slack 😂) But beyond their incredible talent, it's their kindness, generosity, and genuine passion for what they do that have made these first few weeks so special. I've experienced the magic of Supercell's games and marketing firsthand as a player, and now I'm excited to bring more of that magic to even more players across North America.
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Jamil Moledina reacted on thisJamil Moledina reacted on thisJob update: I'm now co-executive editor of The Information. The past 8 years here have been a hugely rewarding chapter in my career in journalism. I'm grateful to Jessica E. Lessin for the opportunity to help lead this outstanding publication, alongside Amir Efrati. New headshot drop too (credit: Erin Beach)
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Jamil Moledina reacted on thisJamil Moledina reacted on thisAfter an extraordinary chapter leading Minecraft, I’m excited to help shape what’s next for XBOX as I step into a new role leading XP, a new division focused on expanding our franchises across entertainment and creating new ways for fans to experience and connect with the worlds they love. One of the greatest privileges of my career has been seeing firsthand what happens when incredible teams, passionate communities, and beloved IP come together. At Mojang, I had the opportunity to help grow Minecraft into far more than a game. It became a universe that continues to inspire creativity, connection, and storytelling around the world. That experience reinforced something I deeply believe: our franchises have the power to reach people wherever they are and in whatever way they choose to engage. As we look ahead, Im excited by the opportunity to help unlock whats possible across the full XBOX portfolio, bringing more of our worlds, characters, and stories to fans in new and meaningful ways. Im also thrilled to welcome Maria Angelidou Smith as the new CEO of Mojang Studios. Maria brings exceptional leadership, deep product experience, and a passion for players and creators that makes her the right leader for Mojangs next chapter. I couldnt be more excited to see where she and the team take Minecraft next. The future is incredibly bright for Minecraft, for Mojang, and for the many iconic franchises that make up XBOX. Im grateful for the journey so far and energized for what comes next.
Experience & Education
Publications
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Reaching for Everyone with Google Play and Daydream
Casual Connect
See publicationWith over 78% of smartphones running on Android, and $7B paid out to developers, Google Play has become a critical platform for game developers to reach a wide and diverse audience. In this session, Jamil Moledina shares tips and tricks to help you get discovered, reach more users, and build successful games businesses on Google Play, and provides details on how the team is programming the launch portfolio of VR games for Daydream.
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Announcing the Google Play Indie Games Festival in San Francisco, Sept. 24
Google, Inc. / Android Developers Blog
See publicationIf you’re an indie game developer, you know that games are a powerful medium of expression of art, whimsy, and delight. Being on Google Play can help you reach over a billion users and build a successful, global business. That’s why we recently introduced programs, like the Indie Corner, to help more gamers discover your works of art.
To further celebrate and showcase the passion and innovation of indie game developers, we’re hosting the Google Play Indie Games Festival at the Terra…If you’re an indie game developer, you know that games are a powerful medium of expression of art, whimsy, and delight. Being on Google Play can help you reach over a billion users and build a successful, global business. That’s why we recently introduced programs, like the Indie Corner, to help more gamers discover your works of art.
To further celebrate and showcase the passion and innovation of indie game developers, we’re hosting the Google Play Indie Games Festival at the Terra Gallery in San Francisco, on September 24. -
IndieCade Festival Keynote – Making Google Play Work for Indies
IndieCade Festival
See publicationGoogle Play is an effective worldwide platform for artists in every form. Google Play is increasingly focused on making the store work for indie game developers too. In this talk, Jamil Moledina shares some of the success stories from indies on Google Play, and how the store is adapting to better support games based on both premium and in-app-purchase business models. Similarly, as indies experiment in VR, AR, and living room games, Google Play is building strategies to enable its global…
Google Play is an effective worldwide platform for artists in every form. Google Play is increasingly focused on making the store work for indie game developers too. In this talk, Jamil Moledina shares some of the success stories from indies on Google Play, and how the store is adapting to better support games based on both premium and in-app-purchase business models. Similarly, as indies experiment in VR, AR, and living room games, Google Play is building strategies to enable its global marketplace to support those trends. The store is open.
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Gaming Insiders Summit Keynote – Making Google Play the Home for Games
Gaming Insiders Summit
See publicationGoogle Play is becoming the world's digital marketplace for games and apps. To deliver a positive user experience, the platform is increasingly focused on listening to and understanding the directions game developers are striving toward. In this talk, Jamil Moledina shares success stories from major, PC, and console-based partners, and indies on Google Play, as well as how the store is adapting to better support these businesses. Similarly, as app ecosystem game developers look to invest in VR,…
Google Play is becoming the world's digital marketplace for games and apps. To deliver a positive user experience, the platform is increasingly focused on listening to and understanding the directions game developers are striving toward. In this talk, Jamil Moledina shares success stories from major, PC, and console-based partners, and indies on Google Play, as well as how the store is adapting to better support these businesses. Similarly, as app ecosystem game developers look to invest in VR, AR, the living room, and e-sports as new opportunities for growth, Google Play is building strategies to support those trends. The store is open.
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DICE Europe Session – The App Opportunity for AAA Games
DICE Europe
See publicationApp ecosystems have become a critical platform for game developers to reach a wide and diverse audience and build successful businesses. In this talk, Moledina shares some of the game trends that Google Play is seeing and supporting, particularly those that intersect with AAA games. App ecosystems now also extend beyond phones and tablets to the living room. Players are finding that their familiar consumer electronics devices, from cable boxes, to media players, to televisions, now give them…
App ecosystems have become a critical platform for game developers to reach a wide and diverse audience and build successful businesses. In this talk, Moledina shares some of the game trends that Google Play is seeing and supporting, particularly those that intersect with AAA games. App ecosystems now also extend beyond phones and tablets to the living room. Players are finding that their familiar consumer electronics devices, from cable boxes, to media players, to televisions, now give them easy access to great games -- expanding the total addressable market for game developers already familiar with the living room.
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Google I/O Session – Android TV Games
Google Inc. / Google I/O
Android is in the living room, through Android TV. Players are finding that their familiar consumer electronics devices, from cable boxes, to media players, to televisions, now give them easy access to great games. With the Nearby Connections API we introduced at GDC, developers can now bring second screen experiences to Android TV too. This talk discusses how to easily adapt games to Android TV. (Note: This Sandbox talk will be offered twice throughout the event. Check the schedule to confirm…
Android is in the living room, through Android TV. Players are finding that their familiar consumer electronics devices, from cable boxes, to media players, to televisions, now give them easy access to great games. With the Nearby Connections API we introduced at GDC, developers can now bring second screen experiences to Android TV too. This talk discusses how to easily adapt games to Android TV. (Note: This Sandbox talk will be offered twice throughout the event. Check the schedule to confirm timings.)
Other authorsSee publication -
GamesBeat Summit Session – Capturing Wider Audiences via Google Play and Android TV
GamesBeat Summit
See publicationGoogle Play has become a critical platform for game developers to reach a wide and diverse audience and build successful businesses. In this talk, Jamil Moledina shares some of the trends that Google Play sees in content, innovation, discovery, business models, and more. Google Play now also extends beyond phones and tablets to the living room with Android TV. Players are finding that their familiar consumer electronics devices -- be they cable boxes, media players, or even televisions -- now…
Google Play has become a critical platform for game developers to reach a wide and diverse audience and build successful businesses. In this talk, Jamil Moledina shares some of the trends that Google Play sees in content, innovation, discovery, business models, and more. Google Play now also extends beyond phones and tablets to the living room with Android TV. Players are finding that their familiar consumer electronics devices -- be they cable boxes, media players, or even televisions -- now give them easy access to great games, expanding the total addressable market for game developers.
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Android Official Blog – Play Here, Play There, Play Anywhere with Android
Google Inc. / Android Official Blog
See publicationI still remember my first gaming console. For months I was hooked on blocky 8-bit scenes with a repetitive soundtrack of bloops and bleeps. Back then the graphics were primitive, the choice of titles was limited, and gaming was strictly an indoors activity. Today, things are different.
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Android Developer Blog – Sky Force 2014 Reimagined for Android TV
Google Inc. / Android Developers Blog
See publicationIn the coming months, we’ll be seeing more media players, like the recently released Nexus Player, and TVs from partners with Android TV built-in hit the market. While there’s plenty of information available about the technical aspects of adapting your app or game to Android TV, it’s also useful to consider design changes to optimize for the living room. That way you can provide lasting engagement for existing fans as well as new players discovering your game in this new setting. Here are three…
In the coming months, we’ll be seeing more media players, like the recently released Nexus Player, and TVs from partners with Android TV built-in hit the market. While there’s plenty of information available about the technical aspects of adapting your app or game to Android TV, it’s also useful to consider design changes to optimize for the living room. That way you can provide lasting engagement for existing fans as well as new players discovering your game in this new setting. Here are three things one developer did, and how you can do them too.
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