Finally got to sit down with George Krstic, the creative mind behind one of horror gaming's biggest hits right now. We're talking Poppy Playtime Chapter 5, the psychology of "weaponized nostalgia," and why this series has managed to stand out in the crowded mascot horror space when so many others fall flat.What we covered:• The origins of Poppy Playtime and what inspired the creepy-cute aesthetic• How they approach character design to maximize the creep factor • The concept of "weaponized nostalgia" and turning childhood comfort into terror• Chapter 5's development and what makes this horror series actually workIf you're not already subscribed to Spawn On Me, now's the time! We're the internet's definitive gaming podcast spotlighting gamers of color, and we bring you conversations like this every week. Hit that subscribe button, ring the notification bell, and let's keep this community growing. We out here in Brookago doing the work, and we need y'all with us.

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We're back from GDC and I've got A LOT to unpack. This week on Spawn On Me. I'm diving deep into everything that had the internet buzzing coming out of the Game Developers Conference.

First up: Project Helix. Xbox finally confirmed the name, the hardware direction, and what their partnership with AMD really means for the future — FSR Next, machine learning integration, a custom AMD SOC, and yes… it IS a console.Then I get into the DLSS 5 controversy that has the gaming community split right down the middle. Is NVIDIA's latest AI upscaling tech a game-changer or a line that shouldn't have been crossed?

Plus — GDC sleeper hit alert. I got hands-on with a 90's nostalgia brawler that nobody saw coming, and it might be one of the most exciting indie games of the year. Think Double Dragon meets Scott Pilgrim with Demolition Manenergy.

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In this episode of Spawn On Me, I sit down with IGDA Foundation Executive Director Alyssa Walles for a real conversation about what it actually takes to get more game developers the funding, mentorship, and access they deserve. We dig into the Foundation’s mission to break down barriers for underrepresented and marginalized creators around the world, and how their programs help devs find the resources they need to build sustainable careers and bring their games to life.

We talk about how access to capital, professional development, and community can change everything for a developer trying to break into the industry. Alyssa shares how the Foundation is building pathways through scholarships, mentorship initiatives, and direct support that connect talented creators with real opportunities. If you care about equity in games, want to understand how funding pipelines really work, or are looking for ways to support the next generation of developers, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.