Playing With Inference
A podcast focused on the intersection of Generative AI and Games, trying to move past the hype and noise and talk with folks building in the space about real lessons learned and the current state of things.
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Episodes
Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
Join the 'Playing with Inference' podcast as we dive into the fascinating interplay between generative AI and the gaming world.
In this episode, we embark on a deep theoretical exploration of what truly constitutes an AI native game. Ramon and Aaron discuss the evolving definitions and boundaries, debating the nuances between machine learning-enhanced systems and traditional procedural generation. They also examine the critical role of player experience, narrative control, and the unique capabilities that AI brings to the gaming table. Examples like 'AI Dungeon' and 'Character AI' provide real-world context to these discussions. Lastly, we touch upon the future impact on game genres and even ponder if AI systems could push the boundaries of gaming into a new medium.
Don’t miss this engaging conversation, and join us as we collectively shape the future of AI in gaming. Your feedback is invaluable—reach out to us via Discord, email, or video comments.
00:00 Introduction to AI Native Games00:33 Defining AI Native Games00:53 Community Engagement and Feedback01:58 Exploring AI's Unique Capabilities in Gaming02:46 Challenges in Defining AI Native Games05:13 Player Experience and AI Integration10:13 Narrative Control and Player Agency18:26 Machine Learning in Game Design20:47 AI's Impact on Player Experience24:12 Defining AI Native Games24:38 Procedural Generation vs. Machine Learning25:48 The Evolution of AI in Games26:31 Impact of AI on Game Genres30:26 Character AI: A New Frontier33:37 Emergent Behavior in Games38:21 Machine Learning's Role in Game Development45:12 Conclusion: The Future of AI in Gaming
New episodes of Playing With Inference go up every Tuesday.Join our discord: https://buff.ly/1snI95H
Tags: #podcast #artificialintelligence #gaming #techtrends #futureofgaming #AIinnovation #gamingpodcast #machinelearning #techpodcast #animation #genAI
Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
Join the 'Playing with Inference' podcast as we dive into the fascinating interplay between generative AI and the gaming world.
In this episode, we embark on a deep theoretical exploration of what truly constitutes an AI native game. Ramon and Aaron discuss the evolving definitions and boundaries, debating the nuances between machine learning-enhanced systems and traditional procedural generation. They also examine the critical role of player experience, narrative control, and the unique capabilities that AI brings to the gaming table. Examples like 'AI Dungeon' and 'Character AI' provide real-world context to these discussions. Lastly, we touch upon the future impact on game genres and even ponder if AI systems could push the boundaries of gaming into a new medium.
Don’t miss this engaging conversation, and join us as we collectively shape the future of AI in gaming. Your feedback is invaluable—reach out to us via Discord, email, or video comments.
00:00 Introduction to AI Native Games00:33 Defining AI Native Games00:53 Community Engagement and Feedback01:58 Exploring AI's Unique Capabilities in Gaming02:46 Challenges in Defining AI Native Games05:13 Player Experience and AI Integration10:13 Narrative Control and Player Agency18:26 Machine Learning in Game Design20:47 AI's Impact on Player Experience24:12 Defining AI Native Games24:38 Procedural Generation vs. Machine Learning25:48 The Evolution of AI in Games26:31 Impact of AI on Game Genres30:26 Character AI: A New Frontier33:37 Emergent Behavior in Games38:21 Machine Learning's Role in Game Development45:12 Conclusion: The Future of AI in Gaming
New episodes of Playing With Inference go up every Tuesday.Join our discord: https://buff.ly/1snI95H
Tags: #podcast #artificialintelligence #gaming #techtrends #futureofgaming #AIinnovation #gamingpodcast #machinelearning #techpodcast #animation #genAI
Tuesday Jul 29, 2025
Tuesday Jul 29, 2025
Welcome to 'Playing with Inference,' a podcast at the crossroads of AI and gaming. In this episode, we speak with Josh English, the Chief Technology Officer at Series Entertainment, about the intricate economics and challenges of running generative AI systems at scale in the gaming industry.
We dive deep into the cost considerations, strategic resource allocation, and innovative AI mechanics that define category-leading entertainment. Josh shares insights from his experiences working on notable projects, including developing AI-native games for Netflix. He also discusses the importance of balancing rapid experimentation with in-depth cost analysis and the tools and best practices necessary for successful AI integration.
Whether you're a game developer, technologist, or AI enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable takeaways on the evolving landscape of AI in gaming.
00:00 Introduction to Playing with Inference00:26 Guest Introduction: Josh English01:45 The Economics of Generative AI in Gaming03:31 Case Study: Retail Mage06:33 Cost Management Strategies09:09 Innovative AI Mechanics and Player Engagement09:32 Balancing Discovery and Optimization25:45 Future of AI in Gaming32:57 The Appeal and Challenges of Dwarf Fortress33:21 Experimentation in Game Development34:03 Adoption and Revenue Models in Gaming35:03 AI Integration in Game Development36:06 Cost Management and Partnerships36:47 Leveraging Open Source Models38:46 The Importance of ML Ops and DevOps43:29 Balancing Compute and Costs01:00:47 Iterative Development and Tooling01:06:26 Final Thoughts and Advice
New episodes of Playing With Inference go up every Tuesday.Join our discord: https://buff.ly/1snI95H
Tags: #podcast #artificialintelligence #gaming #techtrends #futureofgaming #AIinnovation #gamingpodcast #machinelearning #techpodcast #animation #genAI
Tuesday Jul 29, 2025
Tuesday Jul 29, 2025
Welcome to 'Playing with Inference,' a podcast at the crossroads of AI and gaming. In this episode, we speak with Josh English, the Chief Technology Officer at Series Entertainment, about the intricate economics and challenges of running generative AI systems at scale in the gaming industry.
We dive deep into the cost considerations, strategic resource allocation, and innovative AI mechanics that define category-leading entertainment. Josh shares insights from his experiences working on notable projects, including developing AI-native games for Netflix. He also discusses the importance of balancing rapid experimentation with in-depth cost analysis and the tools and best practices necessary for successful AI integration.
Whether you're a game developer, technologist, or AI enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable takeaways on the evolving landscape of AI in gaming.
00:00 Introduction to Playing with Inference00:26 Guest Introduction: Josh English01:45 The Economics of Generative AI in Gaming03:31 Case Study: Retail Mage06:33 Cost Management Strategies09:09 Innovative AI Mechanics and Player Engagement09:32 Balancing Discovery and Optimization25:45 Future of AI in Gaming32:57 The Appeal and Challenges of Dwarf Fortress33:21 Experimentation in Game Development34:03 Adoption and Revenue Models in Gaming35:03 AI Integration in Game Development36:06 Cost Management and Partnerships36:47 Leveraging Open Source Models38:46 The Importance of ML Ops and DevOps43:29 Balancing Compute and Costs01:00:47 Iterative Development and Tooling01:06:26 Final Thoughts and Advice
New episodes of Playing With Inference go up every Tuesday.Join our discord: https://buff.ly/1snI95H
Tags: #podcast #artificialintelligence #gaming #techtrends #futureofgaming #AIinnovation #gamingpodcast #machinelearning #techpodcast #animation #genAI
Tuesday Jul 22, 2025
Tuesday Jul 22, 2025
Welcome to 'Playing with Inference,' a podcast at the crossroads of AI and gaming. In this episode, hosts sit down with Eric Kress, co-host of Deconstructor of Fun and game industry consultant.
We break down what's going on in the space here in the summer of 2025, taking a look at the trend of the industry and GenAI companies playing in the space. Eric breaks down all the current industry challenges, and opportunities, and gives his critical voice to the pitfalls and opportunities in the space.
Eric is a great view on this because while he is overall pretty bullish on GenAI as a force in the industry, he's skeptical and pragmatic about the realities of the impact it has currently (not) had.
New episodes of Playing With Inference go up every Tuesday.Join our discord: https://buff.ly/1snI95H
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 00:26 Eric Kress's Background and Expertise 01:54 The Impact of AI on the Gaming Industry 04:21 Challenges in AI Adoption for Game Development 06:54 Mainstream Adoption and Industry Dynamics 17:20 New Entrants and Innovative Experiences 22:05 Tech Bros and the Future of Gaming 28:40 Customer-Centric Innovation in Gaming 31:56 AI's Role in Game Development 32:23 Balancing Traditional Tools with AI 33:55 Customer Expectations in Gaming 35:35 User-Generated Content and Platforms 37:28 Monetization and Business Models 43:28 Future of Gaming Platforms 48:24 Challenges in VR Adoption 52:40 Funding and Monetization Strategies 57:35 Conclusion and Contact Information
Tags: #podcast #artificialintelligence #gaming #techtrends #futureofgaming #AIinnovation #gamingpodcast #machinelearning #techpodcast #animation #genAI
Tuesday Jul 22, 2025
Tuesday Jul 22, 2025
Welcome to 'Playing with Inference,' a podcast at the crossroads of AI and gaming. In this episode, hosts sit down with Eric Kress, co-host of Deconstructor of Fun and game industry consultant.
We break down what's going on in the space here in the summer of 2025, taking a look at the trend of the industry and GenAI companies playing in the space. Eric breaks down all the current industry challenges, and opportunities, and gives his critical voice to the pitfalls and opportunities in the space.
Eric is a great view on this because while he is overall pretty bullish on GenAI as a force in the industry, he's skeptical and pragmatic about the realities of the impact it has currently (not) had.
New episodes of Playing With Inference go up every Tuesday.Join our discord: https://buff.ly/1snI95H
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 00:26 Eric Kress's Background and Expertise 01:54 The Impact of AI on the Gaming Industry 04:21 Challenges in AI Adoption for Game Development 06:54 Mainstream Adoption and Industry Dynamics 17:20 New Entrants and Innovative Experiences 22:05 Tech Bros and the Future of Gaming 28:40 Customer-Centric Innovation in Gaming 31:56 AI's Role in Game Development 32:23 Balancing Traditional Tools with AI 33:55 Customer Expectations in Gaming 35:35 User-Generated Content and Platforms 37:28 Monetization and Business Models 43:28 Future of Gaming Platforms 48:24 Challenges in VR Adoption 52:40 Funding and Monetization Strategies 57:35 Conclusion and Contact Information
Tags: #podcast #artificialintelligence #gaming #techtrends #futureofgaming #AIinnovation #gamingpodcast #machinelearning #techpodcast #animation #genAI
Tuesday Jul 15, 2025
Tuesday Jul 15, 2025
Welcome to 'Playing with Inference,' a podcast at the crossroads of AI and gaming. In this episode, hosts sit down with Rich Sun, CTO of Playful AI and former leader at Netflix Games and Meta.
Rich shares his unique perspectives on the role of AI in the gaming sector, reflecting on his extensive career in the industry. From discussing generative AI's potential to transform game development to the challenges of integrating AI into existing workflows, the conversation covers a range of critical topics. Rich also explores the investment landscape, the need for cheat-smart design, and the importance of setting AI up for success.
Don't miss this engaging chat about the future of AI in gaming!
New episodes of Playing With Inference go up every Tuesday.Join our discord: https://buff.ly/1snI95H
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest00:10 Rich Sun's Career Journey01:42 Current Role at Playful AI03:02 Generative AI in the Gaming Industry04:52 Challenges in Game Development06:56 Excitement and Innovation in Gaming07:34 AI's Impact on Game Development15:39 Cultural Clashes in Game Development17:37 Technical Challenges in Game Development25:05 Iterating Towards Fun in Games27:03 Integrating AI into Game Design33:07 The Pressure and Challenges of AI in Games35:06 Setting Up AI for Success36:59 The Importance of Constraints in AI Design39:09 Advice for AI and Game Developers39:46 The Role of Cheating in Game Design43:16 Emergent Stories and System Design45:03 The UX Challenge in AI Games51:11 Investment Trends in AI and Games54:32 The Future of AI Infrastructure in Gaming01:02:01 Closing Thoughts and Optimism
Tags: #podcast #artificialintelligence #gaming #techtrends #futureofgaming #AIinnovation #gamingpodcast #machinelearning #techpodcast #animation #genAI
Tuesday Jul 15, 2025
Tuesday Jul 15, 2025
Welcome to 'Playing with Inference,' a podcast at the crossroads of AI and gaming. In this episode, hosts sit down with Rich Sun, CTO of Playful AI and former leader at Netflix Games and Meta.
Rich shares his unique perspectives on the role of AI in the gaming sector, reflecting on his extensive career in the industry. From discussing generative AI's potential to transform game development to the challenges of integrating AI into existing workflows, the conversation covers a range of critical topics. Rich also explores the investment landscape, the need for cheat-smart design, and the importance of setting AI up for success.
Don't miss this engaging chat about the future of AI in gaming!
New episodes of Playing With Inference go up every Tuesday.Join our discord: https://buff.ly/1snI95H
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest00:10 Rich Sun's Career Journey01:42 Current Role at Playful AI03:02 Generative AI in the Gaming Industry04:52 Challenges in Game Development06:56 Excitement and Innovation in Gaming07:34 AI's Impact on Game Development15:39 Cultural Clashes in Game Development17:37 Technical Challenges in Game Development25:05 Iterating Towards Fun in Games27:03 Integrating AI into Game Design33:07 The Pressure and Challenges of AI in Games35:06 Setting Up AI for Success36:59 The Importance of Constraints in AI Design39:09 Advice for AI and Game Developers39:46 The Role of Cheating in Game Design43:16 Emergent Stories and System Design45:03 The UX Challenge in AI Games51:11 Investment Trends in AI and Games54:32 The Future of AI Infrastructure in Gaming01:02:01 Closing Thoughts and Optimism
Tags: #podcast #artificialintelligence #gaming #techtrends #futureofgaming #AIinnovation #gamingpodcast #machinelearning #techpodcast #animation #genAI
Tuesday Jul 08, 2025
Tuesday Jul 08, 2025
In this episode, we dive into the integration of broader machine learning within game development, featuring Jorge Val, co-founder and CEO of Latent Technology. Jorge discusses his journey from academia and research into game development, specifically focusing on generative AI for real-time physics-based animations. Highlights include an exploration of Jorge's background, the inception of Latent Technology, and their work in creating emergent physical behaviors in games. We touch upon the challenges and potential of using machine learning models for non-humanoid creatures, the future of AI in games, and how Latent Technology can enhance immersive gameplay experiences.
New episodes of Playing With Inference go up every Tuesday.Join our discord: https://buff.ly/1snI95H
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest00:34 Jorge Val's Journey into AI and Gaming02:18 Research and Innovations in AI for Gaming04:37 Generative AI and Its Impact on Game Development10:49 Latent Technology: Revolutionizing Game Animation15:31 Technical Insights into Generative Physics Animation25:38 Emergent Gameplay and Future of Game Development31:38 Exploring Emergent Gameplay32:48 Tech Demos and VR Experiences34:03 Animation Workflows and Physical Behaviors35:03 Sandbox Scenarios and Iteration Speed40:08 Unity vs. UGC Platforms42:40 Non-Humanoid Animation Challenges52:11 Generative Physics and Real-Time Interactions58:16 Broader Machine Learning Applications in Games01:02:51 Conclusion and Contact Information
Tags: #podcast #artificialintelligence #gaming #techtrends #futureofgaming #AIinnovation #gamingpodcast #machinelearning #techpodcast #animation #genAI
Tuesday Jul 08, 2025
Tuesday Jul 08, 2025
In this episode, we dive into the integration of broader machine learning within game development, featuring Jorge Val, co-founder and CEO of Latent Technology. Jorge discusses his journey from academia and research into game development, specifically focusing on generative AI for real-time physics-based animations. Highlights include an exploration of Jorge's background, the inception of Latent Technology, and their work in creating emergent physical behaviors in games. We touch upon the challenges and potential of using machine learning models for non-humanoid creatures, the future of AI in games, and how Latent Technology can enhance immersive gameplay experiences.
New episodes of Playing With Inference go up every Tuesday.Join our discord: https://buff.ly/1snI95H
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest00:34 Jorge Val's Journey into AI and Gaming02:18 Research and Innovations in AI for Gaming04:37 Generative AI and Its Impact on Game Development10:49 Latent Technology: Revolutionizing Game Animation15:31 Technical Insights into Generative Physics Animation25:38 Emergent Gameplay and Future of Game Development31:38 Exploring Emergent Gameplay32:48 Tech Demos and VR Experiences34:03 Animation Workflows and Physical Behaviors35:03 Sandbox Scenarios and Iteration Speed40:08 Unity vs. UGC Platforms42:40 Non-Humanoid Animation Challenges52:11 Generative Physics and Real-Time Interactions58:16 Broader Machine Learning Applications in Games01:02:51 Conclusion and Contact Information
Tags: #podcast #artificialintelligence #gaming #techtrends #futureofgaming #AIinnovation #gamingpodcast #machinelearning #techpodcast #animation #genAI