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In this Rewind episode, we're sharing the audio from our autumn video game roundtable discussion with Link Up London team members and twitch Streamers JaysThatGirl and Jo-Jo London. We catch up on games we’ve been playing before diving into some gig news stories across the industry, including the seismic decision by Sony to discontinue physical disc production for new games from January 2028. But PlayStation does have a monopoly on questionable decision as we debate the merits of Xbox’s many shake ups and whether new CEO Asha Sharma is on the right path for the platform’s future. And still have time to get in some Wolverine, GTA 6 and God of War talk too! Other games we’re enjoying: Horizon Zero Dawn (PS4), Beast Breaker (Steam), Lagos Life (Steam), Danfo Drive, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch), Disco Elisium (Steam), Ninza (Steam). Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night. Connect with Jay online: Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jaysthatgirl1608 Connect with Jo-Jo online: Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/iamjojolondon Connect with mayamada mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation. Website: https://mayamada.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatvTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatvBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatvTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Greg Donert, an illustrator, developer and comic creator to discuss his journey from Software Developer to creating his own world through the Riff Reality series of comics, combining his love of music and 80s neon aesthetic. We get into what it's like to create while juggling other work responsibilities, the value our community when starting out as a creative and how Greg has combined craft with his passions to make work that stands out. We also get into the realities are going viral with all the opinions, positive and negative, sudden Internet fame brings. And we still have time to talk One Piece and get new classic anime recommendations too. This is a conversation for those looking for a push to get started in bringing their ideas into the world! Connect with Greg online: Website: https://riffreality.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/riffrealityTwitter: https://x.com/phoenixstudios Connect with mayamada mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation. Website: https://mayamada.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatvTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatvBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatvTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

This week, Nigel and Tazziii dive deep into the latest Tom Holland Spider-Man outing, Spider-Man: Brand New Day (starting at 28:00), with our guest and filmmaker Jed Shepherd…who also shares a brilliant Tom Holland story (stay tuned till the end!). We unpack a more grounded Spider-Man story in the aftermath of the collective memory loss inflicted by Dr Strange, as Peter does his best to cut personal ties and lose himself in his work. Along the way, we debate the impact (and fatigue) of MCU cameos, the relevance of introducing the X-Men at this stage, and whether Peter Parker’s struggle to control the monster within still lands among all the wider universe-building. This week’s storytelling tip is all about warning characters: the foils who show your protagonist what they could become if they don’t change. Other stories we're enjoying include: Bitesize Terror (TUBI), Silo (Apple TV), Colony, Silo Wool (Book), Behold the Man (Book), The Ashes and The Star-Cursed King (Book), The Saint's Magic Power is Omnipotent(Crunchyroll), Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon (Crunchyroll), Adults (Hulu), Horizon Zero Dawn (PS4), The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo Switch), The Boys (Amazon Prime), The Paper (Sky), Acme vs Coyote (Cinema) Connect with Jed online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jedshepherdTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jed_shepherd Connect with mayamada mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation. Website: https://mayamada.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatvTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatvBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatvTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

In this Rewind episode, we’re revisiting our Story Club livestream on Rhapsody on the Outlaw Ocean with Ian Urbina, director of The Outlaw Ocean Project and Will Segal, composer, educator and project’s co-executive producer. We unpack how the production came together, then dig into the project’s unique narrative approach — including the transformative creative decision to feature cast members from Hamilton. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how Ian’s reporting has been transformed through Will’s musical direction, rooted in a deep love of hip hop, to tell a hard-hitting animated documentary story with emotional honesty. You can also watch the full livestream video on the mayamada YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/YnPpEwFhORE Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night. Thank you to the team at London Breeze Festival. London Breeze was established in 2016 to showcase emerging filmmakers from across the UK and around the world. The organisation is committed to championing new, diverse, and underrepresented voices in film through festival events and screenings, both in cinemas and on its online film hub, Breeze Online. It is also committed to growing the next generation of filmmakers through children and youth showcases and a new 19–25 young adult competition launching in 2026, alongside its community programmes. Connect with Will online: Will wrote the music and lyrics of Rhapsody on the Outlaw Ocean. He recruited and led the project’s seventeen performers, animators, and musical producers. A classically trained musician with undergraduate and graduate degrees from Stanford University, he has been working since 2006 at the intersection of rap and musical theatre. Website: https://rhapsody.theoutlawocean.com Connect with Ian online: The Outlaw Ocean Project is a non-profit journalism organization based in Washington D.C. that produces investigative stories about human rights, environment and labour concerns on the two thirds of the planet covered by water. Before founding The Outlaw Ocean Project, Urbina spent roughly 17 years as a staff reporter for The New York Times. He has received various journalism awards, including a Pulitzer Prize, two George Polk Awards and an Emmy. Several of his investigations have also been converted into major motion pictures. Website: https://theoutlawocean.com/ian-urbinaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ian_urbina Connect with mayamada mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation. Website: https://mayamada.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatvTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatvBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatvTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey: https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Breeton Boi, a UK-based rap artist and entertainer, to talk about his journey into music and how he’s built an independent career by combining formal education with a lot of self-learning. eyond the music, he gets into what it takes to stay grounded in an industry full of unexpected pressures and why having the right support system can be the difference between burning out and building something sustainable. A must-listen if you’re working towards your own independent creative career. Connect with Breeton Boi online: Website: https://spoileralert.worldInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/BREETONBOIOFFICIALTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@breetonboiTwitter: https://x.com/BreetonBoiYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@breetonboiTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/breetonboi Connect with mayamada mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation. Website: https://mayamada.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatvTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatvBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatvTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

This week, Nigel and Tazziii don the spandex and dive deep into Supergirl (starting at 27:07), with guest Vik Deluca, comic creator, historian, and scholar at Forbidden Planet. We unpack why DCU Kara Zor-El’s introduction had a less than solid landing, with a story short on emotional punch even as the lead performance showed real promise…and source material that’s truly top tier. Along the way we explore themes that the film makes steps towards but executes unevenly, and what we were still hopeful of by the end from a hero who brings a more grounded, realistic perspective that should contrast beautifully with Superman’s boy-scout image. We debate what’s working, what isn’t, and what this film says about the cycle of violence and dealing with trauma and grief. This week’s storytelling tip focuses on crafting opening sequences that build emotional investment from the very first scene. Other stories we're enjoying include: Onimusha: Way of the Sword (PS5), Bugle Call: Song of War (Manga), Tower Dungeon (Manga), Mujina into the Deep (Manga), One Piece (Crunchyroll), Shifting Gears (Disney+), Yakuza Fiancé (Crunchyroll), Reborn as a Vending Machine (Crunchyroll), Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games Is Tough for Mobs (Crunchyroll), The Saint's Magic Power Is Omnipotent (Crunchyroll), I Shall Survive Using Potions (Crunchyroll), Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective (Crunchyroll), Horizon Zero Dawn (PS4), Witch Hat Atelier (Crunchyroll), Mob Psycho 100 (Crunchyroll), Black Clover (Crunchyroll), The Boys (Prime Video) Connect with Vik Deluca online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vikdelucacomicsSubstack: https://substack.com/@vikdelucacomicsAnime In The Mainstream MCM Comic Con Panel (Video): https://youtu.be/pucTf_Il4EMAnime In The Mainstream MCM Comic Con Panel (Audio): https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/mayamada/episodes/Story-x-Story-Special-Anime-in-the-Mainstream-Panel-MCM-Comic-Con-e3kodgn Connect with mayamada mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation. Website: https://mayamada.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatvTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatvBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatvTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamadaJoin our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Otterweave Games Studio Director and Founder Marco Ng to explore his journey into indie game development! Marco shares what inspired him, how he keeps the journey sustainable, and takes us inside his current project, EMITIME. From the impact of promotional events and a supportive community to the realities of building a game and bringing it to the public, the conversation gives us great insight into the early stages of game development and how to manage expectations when bringing a game to market. Connect with Marco online: Website: https://otterweavegamesstudio.comBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/otterweavegamesstudio.comDiscord: https://discord.gg/2sYhdEZDUS Connect with mayamada mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation. Website: https://mayamada.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatvTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatvBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatvTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

In this Rewind episode, we’re revisiting our conversation with Cat Aquino and Dominique Duran from Casual Conversations With Comic Creators Episode 48. Nigel digs into the origins of their new release, *Champion of the Rose*, discovering what it takes to build a compelling world for your story, and the real work behind research and worldbuilding. The pair also share what the journey looks like as you’re heading towards your first published manga (Viz Originals) and the support and challenges that come with a publisher. From early influences and inspirations to the practical realities of getting a book ready for release, we also talk about creative partnership: what makes a creative collaboration work, how you stay aligned across the process, and how that relationship strengthens the final story. You can also watch the full livestream video on the mayamada YouTube channel. Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night. Connect with Cat online: Website: https://cataquino.netInstagram: http://instagram.com/cat.aquinoTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cataquino_ Connect with Dominique online: Website: https://artominique.carbonmade.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/artominique Connect with mayamada: mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation. Website: https://mayamada.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatvTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatvBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatvTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey: https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

This week, Nigel and Tazziii get on their bikes and dive deep into Akira (1988) - the cyberpunk anime classic that still resonates today - with our guest Daniel Morrison of Creative Genius Games. It’s an anime classic and we unpack the film’s heavy themes and the characters that carry them with real quality, and debate why Akira went on to inspire so many stories after it. From its gripping narrative momentum to animation that set a new standard, we explore what makes the film feel so urgent decades later. This week’s storytelling tip is about exposition through character relationships. Other stories we're enjoying include: Rhythm of War (The Stormlight Archive), Once Upon a Time (Disney+), That Time I got reincarnated as a slime (Crunchyroll), Mistborn: The Alloy of Law (Novel), Gachiakuta (Crunchyroll), Witch Hat Atelier (Crunchyroll), Better Call Saul (Netflix). Connect with Daniel online: Website: https://www.creativegeniusgames.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativegeniusgamesTwitter: https://x.com/CreativeGeniusGTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@creativegeniusgames Connect with mayamada mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation. Website: https://mayamada.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatvTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatvBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatvTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Animator, Producer and Storyboard Artist Seraphina Bewick to hear the early-stage story of developing her independent anime, Magic Gyaldem - an idea she’s been carrying since the age of 15! Seraphina shares the realities of bringing animation to life while juggling full-time work at a major studio, what she took away from the BBC Ignite programme, and the challenges of working with a mainstream developer to shape an idea for public consumption. We also dig into her anime origin story, what’s next on the road to getting Magic Gyaldem made… and, somehow, end up going deep on gardening. One for the animation curious and green thumbs alike! Connect with Seraphina & Magic Gyaldem online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magicgyaldemTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@magicgyaldemYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@magicgyaldem Connect with mayamada mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation. Website: https://mayamada.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatvTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatvBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatvTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

We're back from our mid season break and recording new episodes of Story x Story! This week, Nigel and Tazziii dive deep into Toy Story 5 (starting at 28:26), asking the big question a fifth film has to answer: after 30+ years, does this franchise still have something new to say…and does this sequel justify its existence? We dig into the film’s shift in focus as Jessie takes centre stage, and Bonnie’s journey through a digital world with devices that are taking the place of traditional toys and imaginative play. From there, we unpack how the story deals with its “villains”, whether it’s the devices themselves, cyberbullying, and the way tech reshapes childhood. This week’s storytelling tip is about executing on your story’s thematic question: committing to what your narrative is trying to argue, and following that idea through to an earned payoff. Other stories we're enjoying include: The Disappearances of Lydia Fontaine (Audiobook), The Little Serpent and the Wings of Night (Book), The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King (Book), Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective (Crunchyroll), Gachikuta (Crunchyroll), Angel's Egg (Cinema), The Alloy of Law (Book), The Odyssey (Cinema), Disco Elysium (Steam), Dragon Striker (Disney+). Connect with mayamada mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation. Website: https://mayamada.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatvTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatvBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatvTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

We've been on a recording break over July and will be back with new episodes in August! In the meantime, we're bringing you Rewind episodes to enjoy as we revisit the great conversations from our "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" representation campaign launch livestream back in April. Each segment is being released as a new episode on the podcast feed and will introduce you to another amazing guest (including some of those who took part in this year's Campaign 40 photoshoot). You'll hear advice on networking and building a career in the creative industries, alongside great insight from people who are actively living it. This episode features hosts Nigel and Tazziii in conversation with mayamada's own Alex Duval, a creative who has taken his career to a professional level. Alex shares his experiences navigating the industry, the lessons he's picked up along the way, and what it was like networking at EVO in the United States - one of the world's biggest fighting game events. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your professional presence, there's plenty to take away from this one. Check out the previous segments on the podcast feed and get ready as we'll be back recording new episodes of the podcast next month - see you then! Connect with Alex online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alextheman76TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alextheman76Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/alextheman76 "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" Campaign Website: https://looklikeagamer.com The "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" campaign is our annual initiative focused on improving representation in the gaming industry. We're about highlighting diverse voices and experiences in gaming while challenging stereotypes about who gamers are. Connect with mayamada mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey — whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation. Website: https://mayamada.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatvTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatvBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatvTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey: https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night.

We're on a recording break over July and will be back with new episodes in August! In the meantime, we're bringing you Rewind episodes to enjoy as we revisit the amazing conversations from our "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" representation campaign launch livestream back in April 2026. Each segment is being released as a new episode on the podcast feed and will introduce you to another amazing guest (including some of those who took part in this year’s Campaign 40 photoshoot). You’ll hear advice on game development and, as ever, great tips on networking and other parts of the process from people who are in the industry. This episode features hosts Nigel and Tazziii in conversation with interdisciplinary artist and game designer Symoné, alongside eSports and Game Design Lecturer Ivan Phillips. Together, they dig into what game design really means beyond mechanics, how designers can welcome different kinds of players without losing their creative vision, and the mindsets that help make games culture more inclusive. We’ll be bringing you the other segments over the coming weeks, and we’ll be back recording new episodes of the podcast next month! Connect with Symoné online: Website: https://www.symoneperformingartist.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/productionsbysymone “Do I Look Like A Gamer?” Campaign Website: https://looklikeagamer.com The "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" campaign is our annual initiative focused on improving representation in the gaming industry. We’re about highlighting diverse voices and experiences in gaming while challenging stereotypes about who gamers are. Connect with mayamada mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey — whether they’re discovering what’s possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation. Website: https://mayamada.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatvTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatvBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatvTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey: https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night.

We're on a recording break over July and will be back with new episodes in August! In the meantime, we're bringing you Rewind episodes to enjoy as we revisit the amazing conversations from our "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" representation campaign launch livestream back in April 2026. Each segment will be released as a new episode on the podcast feed and will introduce you to another amazing guest, including some of those who took part in this year’s Campaign 40 photoshoot. You'll hear advice on game development and, as ever, great tips on networking and other parts of the process from people who are in the industry. This first segment features Tazziii and Nigel in conversation with Community Manager Dan Finch, who gives a wealth of insight into building inclusive online communities and takes us through his love for Destiny and D&D. We'll be bringing you the other segments over the coming weeks, and we'll be back recording new episodes of the podcast next month — see you then! Connect with Dan online: Website: https://www.outmaking.gamesBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/outmakinggames.bsky.social “Do I Look Like A Gamer?” Campaign Website: https://looklikeagamer.com The "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" campaign is our annual initiative focused on improving representation in the gaming industry. We’re about highlighting diverse voices and experiences in gaming while challenging stereotypes about who gamers are. Connect with mayamada mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey — whether they’re discovering what’s possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation. Website: https://mayamada.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatvTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatvBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatvTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey: https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night.

This week, Nigel sits down with Learning & Community Curator Leah Dungay to explore Behind the Screens, the National Videogame Museum’s new exhibition opening in summer 2026, which aims to transform how UK videogame heritage is collected and understood. It’s a response to the challenges of preserving video games and takes a people-centred approach, with community-led partnerships that reflect the complexity of games: documenting developers and their creative processes, and recording the social histories of gameplay and the fandoms within it. We talk about Leah’s role within the project, why preservation matters (especially as games, platforms, and marketplace access change), and what “community” really means within gaming culture. We also share what to expect from the “Do I Look Like A Gamer?” diversity campaign, which is set to be featured in the exhibition! Leah also reflects on her own journey with games - from N64 favourites to the joys of Pokémon Snap. NOTE: This is the last episode recorded before our mid-season break. Over the next month, we’ll be sharing audio from our “Do I Look Like A Gamer?” campaign launch livestream, and will be recording new episodes of the Story x Story podcast in August! Connect with Leah online: Behind the Screens website: https://thenvm.org/behind-the-screensInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenvmukTwitter: https://twitter.com/nvmukTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com Connect with mayamada mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey — whether they’re discovering what’s possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation. Website: https://mayamada.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatvTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatvBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatvTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey: https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT