The role of CTO in the games industry: Mark Allen (Avid Games), Terence Burns (Tanglewood Games) and Puli Liyanagama (Metica)

Episode notes

In this episode of The Talent Game Podcast, host Joe Burridge engages with three experienced CTOs from diverse backgrounds in the gaming industry. They discuss their unique paths to becoming CTOs, the essential traits that define successful technology leaders, and the importance of hiring practices that align with company values. The conversation also delves into the evolving role of the CTO, emphasizing the balance between technical knowledge and strategic oversight. The guests share insights on what to look for when hiring a CTO, including red flags to avoid, and conclude with reflections on the responsibilities and challenges faced by CTOs in today's tech landscape. Takeaways CTOs often transition from engineering roles to leadership positions. Value alignment is crucial when hiring for technical leadership. A good CTO focuses on reducing friction within the team. Technical knowledge is important for effective communication with engineers. Hiring people better than yourself is a key principle for CTOs. CTOs should prioritize strategic oversight over hands-on coding. Understanding the business model is essential for a CTO. Mistakes in hiring can stem from misalignment of values.

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