Music, Marketing and Epic Games: 20 Years in Games | Play List Season 2 Episode 3 - Chris Davey
What does it take to turn a passion for games into a decades-long career? In this episode of Play List Podcast, gaming industry veteran Chris Davey reflects on his journey through game publishing, esports, and community building, and exploring the transmedia and the future of bringing games, music and all entertainment into one experience.
What does it take to build a 20+ year career in the video games industry? In this episode, we sit down with Chris Davey, a gaming industry veteran whose journey spans some of the most influential companies in gaming, including Blizzard Entertainment and Epic Games. Chris shares how a childhood fascination with home computers and consoles evolved into a global career across game development, marketing, public relations, brand management, and esports. Along the way, he reflects on the lessons that shaped his career, the importance of understanding player communities, and what it takes to succeed in one of the world’s most competitive entertainment industries.
We dive into Chris’ time working on some of gaming’s biggest franchises, including titles such as Overwatch and Half Life 2, and explore how Blizzard approached localisation, community engagement, and creative marketing globally and for different regions. Chris also discusses the evolution of esports, the relationship between developers and publishers, and how player expectations have changed over the last two decades. Whether you're interested in game marketing, game development, esports, or the business behind blockbuster titles, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes perspective from someone who has lived it.
Chris shares his passion for music and the role he had in bringing current artists into interactive worlds and gaming. From Fortnite collaborations with The Kid LAROI and Tones And I to the future of virtual concerts, digital identity, and music discovery, Chris shares why games are becoming one of the most powerful platforms for artists to build audiences. Beyond the industry, Chris talks on Half Life 2, StarCraft 2 and titles that left the biggest impression on his life.
Whether you're interested in the gaming industry, music or the business behind blockbuster titles, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes perspective from someone who has lived it.
Watch the full episode with Chris and find other episodes from the Play List Podcast on our YouTube and on your podcast platform. https://youtu.be/-x_M6_YeDPc
Check out what Chris is working on here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-c-davey/?skipRedirect=true
