#184: From Fandom to Fun: The Power of Collaboration in Funko Games' Development Process with Deirdre Cross

If you're feeling frustrated and discouraged because your games aren't resonating with fans and delivering the powerful and rewarding experiences you envisioned, then you are not alone! You may be investing countless hours in game development, pouring your creativity into every detail, but still not capturing the essence of the fandom. Instead of the desired result, you might be facing lukewarm reactions from players who fail to connect deeply with your games. We are delighted to introduce Deirdre Cross, an esteemed veteran in the toy and game industry since 2007. Her impressive career began at Forrest-Pruzan Creative, where she swiftly moved up the ranks from production manager to an influential partner. Deirdre has actively participated in the creative development of over 500 products across varied game publishers, solidifying her presence in the industry. Now, she serves as the general manager of emerging brands for Funko, heading both Funko Games and Mondo. Her recent masterpiece, Disney Villainous The Game, won Game of the Year at the 2019 TOTY Awards. In a world where game development meets fandom, Funko Games has mastered the art of creating immersive gameplay experiences. Join Deirdre Cross as she reveals their secret sauce: understanding the essence of a brand and collaborating with a passionate team.EPISODE CLIFF NOTES:Learn about licensing in the Toy Industry [00:07:54]Discover what goes into creating games for specific IP [00:09:47]Find out what happened when Funko acquired Forest-Pruzan Creative [00:13:40]Understand the struggle of coming out from under the shadow [00:16:52]Discover the size of the games division [00:18:27]Learn the path to growth and diversification [00:19:52]See what it’s like creating immersive gameplay experiences [00:21:21]Learn the process on designing for preschoolers [00:26:11]Discover Funko's unique approach to game development [00:32:34]Find out if there are any job opportunities at Funko [00:33:53]Gain deep and insightful advice for success in the toy industry [00:36:37]Learn about Deirdre's childhood game [00:37:39]Discover all the ways to connect with Funko games [00:38:45]Support the show🎓 5 Streamlined Steps To Your Next Playful Product Launch in 1 Interactive Masterclass: learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass💡 The Great Toy and Game Idea Bootcamp: Visualize, Validate, and Vow to make your toy or game idea real in just 5 days. Register here: learn.thetoycoach.com/bootcamp