Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Join me in the tavern for a special episode with my longtime mentor and industry veteran, Michael Weissmuller. With a career spanning journalism, Marvel Comics, and top-tier business development at Epic Games, Michael has seen the entertainment world evolve from the inside out. In this intimate fireside chat, we explore his journey through the comic book boom of the '90s, the rise (and fall) of gaming studios, and his pivotal role in shaping some of the relationships that fueled the modern gaming industry. Whether you’re an artist, writer, or game dev, Michael shares the wisdom and hard truths that only decades of experience can offer.
We also dive into the current state of the gaming industry—layoffs, AI disruption, and whether it’s still worth breaking in. Michael offers mentorship not just to me, but to anyone listening who’s trying to make their mark in a turbulent creative field. This episode blends cozy storytelling with sharp industry insight, so grab your mead, sit by the fire, and let’s talk about what it really takes to thrive in games and art today.
Chapters Below:
00:00:00 - Start
00:04:19 - Michael's Career History
00:21:26 - The Golden Era of Video Games
00:27:06 - The Game Industry Losing It's Mind
00:30:41 - How Mike Built his Business
00:35:53 - Why the Video Game Industry is Successful (and when it's not)
00:40:06 - Where is the Game Industry Today?
00:43:13 - Why AI is Affecting Artists
00:47:44 - Game Developers vs. Producers vs. Executives
00:55:05 - The Video Game Industry is Correcting Itself
00:57:06 - Indie vs. AAA
01:00:09 - Where Do You Want To See the Game Industry Go?
01:06:31 - How to get a Job in Games
01:08:46 - Summary
My Podcast: jonjagsnee.com/the-creative-adventure
1-on-1 Coaching: jonjagsnee.com/JAGS-1-on-1-Coaching
Learn With Me (My Online Courses n' Stuff): jonjagsnee.com
Freelance Website & Portfolio: jags.tv
My Courses
Da Vinci Resolve: jonjagsnee.com/Intro-to-Da-Vinci-Resolve-with-Jags
twitter.com/jonjagsnee
instagram.com/jonjagsnee
tiktok.com/@jonjagsnee
Join me in the tavern for a special episode with my longtime mentor and industry veteran, Michael Weissmuller. With a career spanning journalism, Marvel Comics, and top-tier business development at Epic Games, Michael has seen the entertainment world evolve from the inside out. In this intimate fireside chat, we explore his journey through the comic book boom of the '90s, the rise (and fall) of gaming studios, and his pivotal role in shaping some of the relationships that fueled the modern gaming industry. Whether you’re an artist, writer, or game dev, Michael shares the wisdom and hard truths that only decades of experience can offer.
We also dive into the current state of the gaming industry—layoffs, AI disruption, and whether it’s still worth breaking in. Michael offers mentorship not just to me, but to anyone listening who’s trying to make their mark in a turbulent creative field. This episode blends cozy storytelling with sharp industry insight, so grab your mead, sit by the fire, and let’s talk about what it really takes to thrive in games and art today.
Chapters Below:
00:00:00 - Start
00:04:19 - Michael's Career History
00:21:26 - The Golden Era of Video Games
00:27:06 - The Game Industry Losing It's Mind
00:30:41 - How Mike Built his Business
00:35:53 - Why the Video Game Industry is Successful (and when it's not)
00:40:06 - Where is the Game Industry Today?
00:43:13 - Why AI is Affecting Artists
00:47:44 - Game Developers vs. Producers vs. Executives
00:55:05 - The Video Game Industry is Correcting Itself
00:57:06 - Indie vs. AAA
01:00:09 - Where Do You Want To See the Game Industry Go?
01:06:31 - How to get a Job in Games
01:08:46 - Summary
My Podcast: jonjagsnee.com/the-creative-adventure
1-on-1 Coaching: jonjagsnee.com/JAGS-1-on-1-Coaching
Learn With Me (My Online Courses n' Stuff): jonjagsnee.com
Freelance Website & Portfolio: jags.tv
My Courses
Da Vinci Resolve: jonjagsnee.com/Intro-to-Da-Vinci-Resolve-with-Jags
twitter.com/jonjagsnee
instagram.com/jonjagsnee
tiktok.com/@jonjagsnee
