Ed Fries joins hosts Jordan Weisman and Jonathan Grant to show how a teenage arcade hacker became the exec who helped turn Microsoft into a gaming powerhouse. Curiosity first, constraints as fuel, and a ruthless respect for shipping, that hacker ethos still drives how he works & builds things today.

Check out Ed's venture fund 1Up Ventures - where he's building a community of the most talented, experienced, and creative independent game developers in the world.https://1upfund.com/

Don't forget to check out the IDGA, he world’s largest nonprofit membership organization supporting the people who make games.https://igda.org/

Quick reference mentioned by Ed:

 • Amir Satvat’s “Dear parent” letter: A frank, supportive overview for families weighing game careers, with realistic odds and next steps.https://www.linkedin.com/posts/amirsatvat_dear-parent-of-a-college-high-school-or-activity-7316429901132165125-vFYb/

 • Amir Satvat’s “Harsh truth about game degrees”: Data on employability by role, what to study, and practical alternatives.https://www.linkedin.com/posts/amirsatvat_the-harsh-truth-about-game-degrees-too-many-activity-7324100230067453952-YaW2/

00:00 Jordan Weisman and Jonathan Grant welcome Ed Fries07:13 Early Hacker Days17:37 Excel's "Sindogs" Bug25:07 Joining Microsoft's Games Group29:00 Navigating Corporate Politics36:28 Xbox Origins & Brand Battles46:39 Building Game Portfolios59:52 Post-Microsoft & Family Focus01:05:48 Passion vs. Profit in Gaming01:15:22 1Up Ventures & New Bets01:21:23 Advice for Young Creators01:27:52 Regrets & The Fickle Nature of Pitches01:34:57 Closing & What's Next

Follow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/wethoughtpod

Follow us on X:https://www.x.com/wethoughtpod

Follow us on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-thought-it-would-be-easy

Episode ID: 1000721984292

GUID: 408af4cc-43df-4cb6-ad96-33ceb3b929b6

Release Date: 14/08/2025, 19:18:55