This week brings to a close our episodes recorded during Game Connect Asia Pacific (GCAP) 2017, with none other than the departing organiser of the event, Liam Esler.
Liam is a bizdev, narrative, and production specialist about to dive into the terrifying world of entrepreneurship. He was formerly the Event Manager for GCAP, and co-founder of GX Australia.
Join our host Jason Imms as he and Liam discuss what GCAP has become and where it came from, and how it was both shaped by, and itself shapes the Australian games industry and community.
Guy 'Yug' Blomberg is not only the creator of this fine podcast, but also the newly appointed Global PAX Content Director, ensuring that every PAX show around the world is crammed full of amazing stars, panels, expo booths, and entertainment.
No, Yug won't be interviewing himself - his new role doesn't leave enough time to concentrate on Game Hugs, so this episode will be the first for new host, and past Game Hugs guest, freelance games and tech journalist Jason Imms. You can read the full announcement with our friends over at MCV Pacific.
Listen-in to hear more about Yug's pre-PAX history, his secret porn career, the life and death of the Mana Bar, and the ill-fated TV show Game Damage.
Ryan Hartman is the Director of Events at Penny Arcade, overseeing the PAX portfolio of gaming conventions (including the recently released PAX Unplugged) as well as being involved in the expansion of other Penny Arcade properties.
He was previously working for ReedPOP as the Program Manager across the PAX shows, managing speakers, content, travel, and logistics.
Skaidris Gunsmith is the co-founder of Beta Bar - Next Level Gaming Events, and is also the creator of the popular card game Suddenly Drunk, through his new Gunsmith Games company. He was previously the Brand Manager for the Mana Bar Melbourne, and built custom arcade cabinets.
Giselle Rosman is the Business Administrator for Hipster Whale, the Director of the IGDA Melbourne Chapter, and the Executive Producer for the Global Game Jam.
She was the Event Co-ordinator for Game Connect Asia Pacific from 2013 to 2014, and worked in the education sector at La Trobe University and the Academy of Interactive Entertainment.
She has won MCV Pacific's Women of the Year award two years in a row (2014, 2015), is a strong advocate for the independent gaming scene in Melbourne, and is a regular speaker at events all around the world.
Liam Esler is the Co-Director of the recently held GX Australia event, and is also the Event Manager at the GDAA for Game Connect Asia Pacific.
He was previously an associate producer at Beamdog, a Production Co-ordinator for Surprise Attack, was a contributor to Player Attack, and a Designer for Obsidian Entertainment.