Disrupting Mobile Gaming: Travis Boatman’s Blueprint for Building with Innovation
What does it take to lead — not just survive — in the evolving world of mobile gaming? Travis Boatman, founder of Carbonated, Inc., sat down with Matt Widdoes on the Growth@Scale podcast to answer that exact question. Spoiler: it's not about following trends. It's about setting them.
In a world where most developers chase what's already working, Travis lays out a different path: build frameworks for innovation, integrate new technologies intelligently, and never settle for the status quo. His journey through EA, Zynga, and now Carbonated offers real-world proof that a bold, strategic approach can define an entire industry.
Creating New Playbooks, Not Copying Old Ones
Building a game isn’t just about writing code and shipping features. It’s about reimagining the experience from the ground up. Travis shares how, early at Zynga, they developed a framework built on four pillars — appeal, mechanic, retention, and monetization — that still guides his approach today.
“You have to take some risk to do something truly different. You can't just paint by numbers.” — Travis Boatman
The market is saturated with games that feel the same. Breaking through requires bold decisions at both the creative and technical levels. At Carbonated, technology isn’t an afterthought — it’s the foundation for standing out. Aligning tech innovation with game mechanics isn’t optional if you want to stay relevant — it’s the price of admission.
Building Resilience into Every Move
Founding Carbonated wasn’t a career pivot; it was a calculated leap fueled by self-awareness and a refusal to play it safe. Travis recounts the mental pivot post-Zynga, when he recognized the only real failure would be not trying.
Starting a gaming company from scratch isn’t glamorous. It’s a grind — one where resilience isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s survival.
That mindset is exactly what separates ideas that stay on the whiteboard from companies that scale sustainably. Growth is never about a single breakthrough. It’s the compounding effect of relentless execution, learning, and iteration — values deeply shared across MAVAN’s approach to sustainable, full-funnel growth.
Where AI and Localization Are Redefining Player Experience
Travis isn’t just talking about the future — he's building it. Carbonated is pioneering the use of AI and hyper-localization to deliver personalized gaming experiences that feel bespoke to every player.
In one test, AI-generated play descriptions tailored to local landmarks resonated so deeply that players thought a developer had crafted the content specifically for their hometown. That's not just good UX — that’s emotional connection at scale.
"What's interesting is as that turnaround cycle gets shorter and shorter, the customers get closer and closer to the content maker."
In an era where players expect experiences to reflect their realities, integrating AI isn’t just a growth lever — it’s table stakes. Carbonated’s strategy mirrors how MAVAN drives results: by using data and technology not just to optimize, but to fundamentally transform user experiences.
Lessons for Leaders Who Want to Build (and Keep) Momentum
The biggest takeaway from Travis’ journey? Innovation isn’t about chasing shiny objects — it’s about using new tools to solve timeless problems better than anyone else.
The future of mobile gaming — and business growth in general — belongs to those who are willing to rethink frameworks, embrace technological shifts, and stay obsessively close to their audience.
That’s exactly how we operate at MAVAN: no band-aids, no bloated agencies, no magic bullets. Just deliberate, data-backed growth at every touchpoint.
If you're ready to stop playing catch-up and start setting the pace, this episode of Growth@Scale is a must-listen.
Navigating the Future of Mobile Gaming: Insights from Travis Boatman's Journey with Carbonated, Inc.
Key Takeaways:
- Innovative technologies and frameworks are transforming mobile game development, shaping a future where creativity and technology converge.
- Building resilience and adapting to new technologies are critical to thriving in the rapidly changing gaming industry.
- The integration of AI and localization in gaming offers unprecedented personalization, enhancing player experiences globally.
Pioneering Mobile Gaming with Innovative Frameworks
Travis Boatman, a seasoned veteran in the gaming industry, offers a wealth of knowledge on the evolving landscape of mobile gaming. Having worked with giants like EA and Zynga before launching Carbonated, Inc., Boatman has seen firsthand how technological advancements can redefine gaming experiences. During a candid conversation with Matt Widdoes, host of the Growth@Scale podcast, Travis shared his insights on mobile gaming's future and the critical role of innovation.
Boatman's approach to game development revolves around a framework devised with the help of Zynga, which categorizes crucial elements of game design into four components: appeal, mechanic, retention, and monetization. "You have to take some risk to do something truly different. You can't just paint by numbers," Travis states, emphasizing the importance of innovation in game design.
The uniqueness of a game often stems from its technical groundwork. As Boatman points out, "Games have to shake players out of apathy... Otherwise, nobody wants to play the same old game." Leveraging technological innovations allows developers to create novel experiences that stand apart in a crowded market. According to Boatman, aligning game mechanics with cutting-edge technology can provide a competitive edge, allowing developers to engage players more effectively and sustainably.
Resilience and Adapting in the Gaming Industry
The journey of entrepreneurship and innovation is riddled with challenges, as Boatman recounts from his experience starting Carbonated, Inc. after his tenure at Zynga. Post-Zynga, Travis highlights the introspection that led him to found his own company and the initial hurdles he overcame during this transition.
Starting a company from scratch was daunting but rewarding. "When I'm old and gray and look back on my life, will I regret that I didn't at least try?" he reflects, highlighting the motivating power of pursuing one's passions. The decision to embark on this entrepreneurial path was anchored in the realization that he wanted to undertake a new venture he could call his own.
One major lesson for prospective entrepreneurs is the necessity of resilience. Travis emphasizes, "You can quit, just not today." This mindset is crucial in navigating setbacks and maintaining momentum in a startup environment. Sustaining forward motion is often the distinguishing factor between companies that thrive and those that falter. The ability to iterate and learn from each experience ensures that setbacks are viewed as stepping stones rather than insurmountable obstacles.
AI Integration and Localization in Gaming
Carbonated, Inc.'s development process is underpinned by a belief in the transformative potential of AI. The integration of artificial intelligence in game development presents new opportunities for enhancing player experiences through personalized content and gameplay. Boatman explains, "What's interesting is as that turnaround cycle gets shorter and shorter, the customers get closer and closer to the content maker."
By deploying AI, Carbonated aims to offer players content that resonates personally and culturally with them. This involves localizing games not just in language but also in narrative and context. Travis shares an example where AI-generated descriptions in a playtest resonated deeply with a player from Detroit by referencing local landmarks, illustrating the profound impact of personalized content.
This personalized approach not only enriches player engagement but also sets the stage for a more inclusive global gaming community. "We're relatively small team, but you jumped...to the end state," Boatman notes, emphasizing the potential and ambition behind AI-driven localization efforts. The strategic use of AI in game design not only differentiates Carbonated’s offerings but also promises to redefine how players interact with virtual worlds.
The future of mobile gaming is marked by rapid technological shifts and the relentless pursuit of innovation. Travis Boatman’s journey exemplifies the power of adaptability and foresight in navigating this dynamic landscape. As Carbonated, Inc. pushes the boundaries of gaming through AI and innovative design frameworks, it stands as a testament to the endless possibilities awaiting those who dare to dream and disrupt. The path forward necessitates embracing emerging technologies and maintaining resilience in the face of constant change, a philosophy that is at the heart of Carbonated’s mission and Travis Boatman’s enduring impact on the gaming industry.
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