Dear SPLORERS, this week, we’re taking you on a journey to the heart of innovation at SLUSH 2024 in Helsinki, Finland!
SLUSH is more than an event; it’s a melting pot of creativity, technology, and the ideas that will shape the future. In this special episode, we’re exploring the transformative power of gaming, immersive media, and storytelling. And we’ve lined up a powerhouse trio of guests who are pushing boundaries in their respective fields:
- Holly Hudson, Co-director of Studio Morgan
- Mikko Martikainen, Founder of Sayduck
- Dave Minogue, Co-founder of Adventurverse Studios
Get ready to dive into how these brilliant minds are using XR, real-time animation, and transmedia storytelling to redefine how we experience games and entertainment!
EP 13 – Game changers
The Guests
Holly Hudson: From Dreams to Indie Stardom
Holly’s journey began with a master’s degree in Games Design and Development from the National Film and Television School. From there, she co-founded Studio Morgan, where she’s set to release her first commercial game, Morgan: Metal Detective.
When asked about her inspiration, Holly shared:
“Game design was my way of blending creativity with technology. Founding Studio Morgan gave me the freedom to explore stories and worlds in a deeply personal way.”
We talked about the challenges of launching an indie game, securing funding, and what makes Morgan: Metal Detective stand out in a competitive market. For Holly, it’s all about crafting experiences that connect emotionally with players while pushing the boundaries of 3D and environmental design.
Dave Minogue: Storytelling Beyond Boundaries
As co-founder of Adventurverse Studios, Dave is pioneering the intersection of gaming and immersive storytelling. His latest project, Chimera, uses XR technology to create interactive, location-based experiences that bridge the gap between digital and physical worlds.
“Storytelling is evolving. It’s not just about watching or playing anymore, it’s about immersing yourself in a world where you can be part of the story,” Dave shared.
We explored profound questions about the future, including whether people might someday prefer immersive worlds over reality. Dave reflected on the hope and risks of this shift, noting that younger generations may begin to question what is truly real as technology blurs those boundaries. Despite these uncertainties, Dave remains committed to pushing the creative boundaries of immersive storytelling.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, his advice is simple yet powerful: “The immersive media space needs people who are willing to try and keep trying. That’s how we’ll shape its future.” Dave’s reflections remind us that the future of immersive media lies not just in technological innovation but in crafting experiences that deeply connect with our shared humanity.
Mikko Martikainen: A Global Vision for Immersive Media
Mikko’s career spans continents and industries, with roles at Epic Games and The Mill. Now, back in Helsinki, he’s channeling that experience into Sayduck, a startup focused on 3D and AR innovation.
He’s particularly excited about the potential of XR and AI in reshaping industries, blending art and technology to create deeply interactive experiences. For Mikko, the magic lies in knowing when to stop: “Tech is great at doing stuff, but artists know when to stop” he said, emphasizing the importance of balancing relentless innovation with thoughtful creativity. It’s this balance that drives his vision to push boundaries while staying grounded in the essence of storytelling.
🎧 Available on Spotify, Amazon Podcast and YouTube.
Gaming, Collaboration, and the Future
Throughout the episode, common themes emerged: the power of collaboration, the need for creativity in problem-solving, and the importance of embracing new technologies like XR.
From Pamplona to Helsinki, this episode celebrates the incredible power of storytelling, technology, and the people driving the next wave of innovation. Whether you’re a game designer, a tech enthusiast, or someone simply curious about what’s next, the future has never looked more exciting (or immersive).
Tune in now to explore the frontier of gaming and storytelling!
This podcast has been made possible thanks to the support of the Ministry of Culture and the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan of the Spanish Government. Their support has been fundamental to carry out this podcast.
EP16 Lights, Camera, Innovation: Exploring Cinema’s Future | SLUSH Helsinki 2024
