What does it take to build a global game studio from scratch starting from a four-person apartment in the Netherlands? That's exactly the story our CEO, Alexander Fernandez, tells in his latest conversation with the Global Game Jam (GGJ) Podcast.

In Episode 11, host Susan Gold sits down with Alexander for an honest, wide-ranging look at the journey behind Streamline Studios and Streamline Media Group, and the decisions, the pivots, and the philosophy that has kept the companies going for 25 years.

He walks Susan through the origins of Streamline from a small apartment in Amsterdam to a global operation spanning Malaysia, Japan, Colombia, and the United States. Over 25 years, Streamline has contributed to more than 500 productions including iconic franchises like Final Fantasy XIV, Street Fighter V, Gears of War, BioShock Infinite, and James Cameron's Avatar.

The path wasn't always linear and Alexander speaks candidly about navigating the 2008 financial crisis, making the painful decision to close Streamline's Amsterdam studio, and ultimately rebuilding in Malaysia, a move driven by a conviction that the Global South deserved a seat at the table in game development.

That conviction remains at the core of everything Streamline does.

A few highlights worth tuning in for:

Time as Currency: Alex's perspective on how game developers should think about their most finite resource, and why how you spend your time is the truest measure of your priorities.

Don't Be Agreeable: A candid take on leadership and why saying yes too easily is one of the most dangerous habits a founder can have.

Making Decisions and Telling the Truth: On the relationship between transparency, trust, and long-term success

Streamframe: Streamline's proprietary ERP and orchestration system for game development, and why building Streamline's own infrastructure has been a competitive advantage.

Listen to the Full Episode

YouTube: Watch on YouTube

Spotify: Listen on Spotify

Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Podcasts

Read the companion piece on Substack (GGJ Podcast): The Will to Succeed