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Jul 13, 2021 · 31m · we-live-to-build

The $180B Industry Bigger Than Hollywood Nobody Talks About

Shlomi Benatar · 17m spoken Sean Weisbrot · 11m spoken
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In this episode of "We Live to Build," host Sean Weisbrot and Sayolo VP of Marketing Shlomi Benatar explore the $180 billion gaming industry, covering in-game advertising, e-commerce integration, esports, and the psychological benefits of gaming for entrepreneurs and players.

How this conversation actually went

Every chapter scored 0–10 on four independent dynamics. Hover any point for the reasoning behind the score. Sean holds 39.7% of the talking time here. How this is scored →

Sean as informed peer 5.0 Guest teaching 3.2 Guest disagreement 1.5 Sean pushing back 2.0
05100:0010:0020:0030:002:42–7:46 · Sean as informed peer 2/10 Sayolo's Native In-Game Advertising and G-Commerce Shlomi introduces Sayolo's native in-game advertising and G-commerce concepts while Sean asks open exploratory questions. Shlomi briefly schools Sean on gaming terminology when Sean does not recognize what achieving a platinum trophy means.7:46–10:43 · Sean as informed peer 6/10 Exploring Gamer Engagement and Emotional Attachment to Games Sean demonstrates deep gaming knowledge by citing the Japanese numbering differences between Final Fantasy III and VI, surprising Shlomi. Shlomi playfully challenges Sean on why he spent 15 hours watching a playthrough rather than playing it directly.10:43–14:34 · Sean as informed peer 6/10 Digital Content Evolution, Streaming Culture, and Virtual Worlds Sean showcases familiarity with Minecraft narrative streaming networks and early virtual economies like Second Life. Shlomi builds on this with industry projections regarding AR/VR integration and streamer culture.14:35–16:38 · Sean as informed peer 5/10 In-Game Purchasing Security and Preventing Child Fraud Sean pushes Shlomi on platform accountability regarding unauthorized child in-game purchases and cites a prior conversation about Apple Pay integration. Shlomi clarifies their exact roadmap and explains modern biometric authentication barriers.16:39–25:17 · Sean as informed peer 5/10 Psychological Benefits, Pandemic Coping, and Gaming Catharsis The conversation explores pandemic gaming habits, social connection, and whether violent video games reduce real-world aggression. Sean and Shlomi engage in a friendly, philosophical exchange where both draw on personal experiences and statistical trends.25:17–30:20 · Sean as informed peer 6/10 Esports Mastery, Competitive Thrills, and Modern Game Tech Sean recounts his competitive Counter-Strike days hitting no-scope sniper shots, while Shlomi describes the heightened technical complexity and sensory demands of modern esports shooters.2:42–7:46 · Guest teaching 5/10 Sayolo's Native In-Game Advertising and G-Commerce Shlomi introduces Sayolo's native in-game advertising and G-commerce concepts while Sean asks open exploratory questions. Shlomi briefly schools Sean on gaming terminology when Sean does not recognize what achieving a platinum trophy means.7:46–10:43 · Guest teaching 2/10 Exploring Gamer Engagement and Emotional Attachment to Games Sean demonstrates deep gaming knowledge by citing the Japanese numbering differences between Final Fantasy III and VI, surprising Shlomi. Shlomi playfully challenges Sean on why he spent 15 hours watching a playthrough rather than playing it directly.10:43–14:34 · Guest teaching 2/10 Digital Content Evolution, Streaming Culture, and Virtual Worlds Sean showcases familiarity with Minecraft narrative streaming networks and early virtual economies like Second Life. Shlomi builds on this with industry projections regarding AR/VR integration and streamer culture.14:35–16:38 · Guest teaching 4/10 In-Game Purchasing Security and Preventing Child Fraud Sean pushes Shlomi on platform accountability regarding unauthorized child in-game purchases and cites a prior conversation about Apple Pay integration. Shlomi clarifies their exact roadmap and explains modern biometric authentication barriers.16:39–25:17 · Guest teaching 3/10 Psychological Benefits, Pandemic Coping, and Gaming Catharsis The conversation explores pandemic gaming habits, social connection, and whether violent video games reduce real-world aggression. Sean and Shlomi engage in a friendly, philosophical exchange where both draw on personal experiences and statistical trends.25:17–30:20 · Guest teaching 3/10 Esports Mastery, Competitive Thrills, and Modern Game Tech Sean recounts his competitive Counter-Strike days hitting no-scope sniper shots, while Shlomi describes the heightened technical complexity and sensory demands of modern esports shooters.2:42–7:46 · Guest disagreement 1/10 Sayolo's Native In-Game Advertising and G-Commerce Shlomi introduces Sayolo's native in-game advertising and G-commerce concepts while Sean asks open exploratory questions. Shlomi briefly schools Sean on gaming terminology when Sean does not recognize what achieving a platinum trophy means.7:46–10:43 · Guest disagreement 2/10 Exploring Gamer Engagement and Emotional Attachment to Games Sean demonstrates deep gaming knowledge by citing the Japanese numbering differences between Final Fantasy III and VI, surprising Shlomi. Shlomi playfully challenges Sean on why he spent 15 hours watching a playthrough rather than playing it directly.10:43–14:34 · Guest disagreement 0/10 Digital Content Evolution, Streaming Culture, and Virtual Worlds Sean showcases familiarity with Minecraft narrative streaming networks and early virtual economies like Second Life. Shlomi builds on this with industry projections regarding AR/VR integration and streamer culture.14:35–16:38 · Guest disagreement 3/10 In-Game Purchasing Security and Preventing Child Fraud Sean pushes Shlomi on platform accountability regarding unauthorized child in-game purchases and cites a prior conversation about Apple Pay integration. Shlomi clarifies their exact roadmap and explains modern biometric authentication barriers.16:39–25:17 · Guest disagreement 2/10 Psychological Benefits, Pandemic Coping, and Gaming Catharsis The conversation explores pandemic gaming habits, social connection, and whether violent video games reduce real-world aggression. Sean and Shlomi engage in a friendly, philosophical exchange where both draw on personal experiences and statistical trends.25:17–30:20 · Guest disagreement 1/10 Esports Mastery, Competitive Thrills, and Modern Game Tech Sean recounts his competitive Counter-Strike days hitting no-scope sniper shots, while Shlomi describes the heightened technical complexity and sensory demands of modern esports shooters.2:42–7:46 · Sean pushing back 1/10 Sayolo's Native In-Game Advertising and G-Commerce Shlomi introduces Sayolo's native in-game advertising and G-commerce concepts while Sean asks open exploratory questions. Shlomi briefly schools Sean on gaming terminology when Sean does not recognize what achieving a platinum trophy means.7:46–10:43 · Sean pushing back 2/10 Exploring Gamer Engagement and Emotional Attachment to Games Sean demonstrates deep gaming knowledge by citing the Japanese numbering differences between Final Fantasy III and VI, surprising Shlomi. Shlomi playfully challenges Sean on why he spent 15 hours watching a playthrough rather than playing it directly.10:43–14:34 · Sean pushing back 0/10 Digital Content Evolution, Streaming Culture, and Virtual Worlds Sean showcases familiarity with Minecraft narrative streaming networks and early virtual economies like Second Life. Shlomi builds on this with industry projections regarding AR/VR integration and streamer culture.14:35–16:38 · Sean pushing back 5/10 In-Game Purchasing Security and Preventing Child Fraud Sean pushes Shlomi on platform accountability regarding unauthorized child in-game purchases and cites a prior conversation about Apple Pay integration. Shlomi clarifies their exact roadmap and explains modern biometric authentication barriers.16:39–25:17 · Sean pushing back 3/10 Psychological Benefits, Pandemic Coping, and Gaming Catharsis The conversation explores pandemic gaming habits, social connection, and whether violent video games reduce real-world aggression. Sean and Shlomi engage in a friendly, philosophical exchange where both draw on personal experiences and statistical trends.25:17–30:20 · Sean pushing back 1/10 Esports Mastery, Competitive Thrills, and Modern Game Tech Sean recounts his competitive Counter-Strike days hitting no-scope sniper shots, while Shlomi describes the heightened technical complexity and sensory demands of modern esports shooters.

speaking balance: gold is Sean, purple is the guest (3 minute bins)

0:00 · Sean 99.6% · guest 0.4%0:00 · Sean 99.6% · guest 0.4%3:00 · Sean 16.5% · guest 83.5%3:00 · Sean 16.5% · guest 83.5%6:00 · Sean 11.1% · guest 88.9%6:00 · Sean 11.1% · guest 88.9%9:00 · Sean 72.7% · guest 27.3%9:00 · Sean 72.7% · guest 27.3%12:00 · Sean 39.5% · guest 60.5%12:00 · Sean 39.5% · guest 60.5%15:00 · Sean 33.5% · guest 66.5%15:00 · Sean 33.5% · guest 66.5%18:00 · Sean 22.8% · guest 77.2%18:00 · Sean 22.8% · guest 77.2%21:00 · Sean 27.2% · guest 72.8%21:00 · Sean 27.2% · guest 72.8%24:00 · Sean 34% · guest 66%24:00 · Sean 34% · guest 66%27:00 · Sean 39.3% · guest 60.7%27:00 · Sean 39.3% · guest 60.7%30:00 · Sean 40.6% · guest 59.4%30:00 · Sean 40.6% · guest 59.4%
Sharpest disagreement ▶ 9:43 Interrogating Sean's playthrough habits

Shlomi repeatedly presses and interrogates Sean on why he would spend half a day watching someone else play Final Fantasy VII if he did not own the console, insisting it proves deep emotional attachment.

 Hardest push from Sean ▶ 15:58 Holding guest accountable to previous claims

Sean directly confronts Shlomi on their prior discussion regarding integrated payment providers like Apple Pay and Google Pay when discussing child purchase protections.

 Biggest teaching moment ▶ 6:30 Defining platinum trophies and gamer psychology

Shlomi discovers Sean does not know what 'going platinum' means and explains how completionist trophies drive core gamer psychology and Sayolo's G-commerce model.

 Sean holds their own ▶ 9:05 Citing Final Fantasy release history

Sean establishes his deep retro gaming credentials by noting that Final Fantasy III on the Super Nintendo is actually Final Fantasy VI due to Japan-only NES releases.
the scores for every segment, with the reasoning behind each
ChapterTopicSean as informed peerGuest teachingGuest disagreementSean pushing backWhy
Sayolo's Native In-Game Advertising and G-Commerce 2511 Shlomi introduces Sayolo's native in-game advertising and G-commerce concepts while Sean asks open exploratory questions. Shlomi briefly schools Sean on gaming terminology when Sean does not recognize what achieving a platinum trophy means.
Exploring Gamer Engagement and Emotional Attachment to Games 6222 Sean demonstrates deep gaming knowledge by citing the Japanese numbering differences between Final Fantasy III and VI, surprising Shlomi. Shlomi playfully challenges Sean on why he spent 15 hours watching a playthrough rather than playing it directly.
Digital Content Evolution, Streaming Culture, and Virtual Worlds 6200 Sean showcases familiarity with Minecraft narrative streaming networks and early virtual economies like Second Life. Shlomi builds on this with industry projections regarding AR/VR integration and streamer culture.
In-Game Purchasing Security and Preventing Child Fraud 5435 Sean pushes Shlomi on platform accountability regarding unauthorized child in-game purchases and cites a prior conversation about Apple Pay integration. Shlomi clarifies their exact roadmap and explains modern biometric authentication barriers.
Psychological Benefits, Pandemic Coping, and Gaming Catharsis 5323 The conversation explores pandemic gaming habits, social connection, and whether violent video games reduce real-world aggression. Sean and Shlomi engage in a friendly, philosophical exchange where both draw on personal experiences and statistical trends.
Esports Mastery, Competitive Thrills, and Modern Game Tech 6311 Sean recounts his competitive Counter-Strike days hitting no-scope sniper shots, while Shlomi describes the heightened technical complexity and sensory demands of modern esports shooters.

Statements from this episode (8)

Disclosure
Sayolo embeds native video billboard ads inside mobile games
“What Sayolo does basically is it's native in-game advertisement. It means that we have billboards or objects inside the game itself. On top of those, we have videos of commercials of different brands.”
Shlomi Benatar Jul 13, 2021 ▶ 3:13
Disclosure
Sayolo builds G-commerce to sell real products as in-game rewards
“The main thing when we're working on now is a product called G commerce, gaming commerce. It means we have a shop in the game. Let's say you finished a level or you reached a certain amount of points. You get a shop where you can buy real products after you wo…”
Shlomi Benatar Jul 13, 2021 ▶ 3:57
Assertion Supported
Benatar: There are approximately 2.9 billion gamers worldwide
“It's like 2.9 to be exact.”
Shlomi Benatar Jul 13, 2021 ▶ 12:50
Prediction Held up
Benatar: Ads will inevitably populate VR and AR worlds
“In game ads are going to be in VR. Eventually they're going to be in AR. Eventually you're going to see ads. All around you physically.”
Shlomi Benatar Jul 13, 2021 ▶ 13:04
Prediction Not checkable as stated
Weisbrot: Blockchain will drive peer-to-peer commerce in VR worlds
“I think as you're talking, you know, with VR, we're going to be in that again, pretty soon. And I think blockchain is probably going to be the thing that drives it forward.”
Sean Weisbrot Jul 13, 2021 ▶ 14:25
Assertion Partly supported
Benatar: Gaming reached $180B pre-COVID, triple Hollywood's annual revenue
“If it's the whole gaming industry, including e-sports and stuff, the numbers are a hundred and eighty billion. I think it was even before COVID, it was a hundred and eighty billion. And I believe that post COVID it's way more. It's like three times what Hollyw…”
Shlomi Benatar Jul 13, 2021 ▶ 17:07
Opinion
Benatar: Violent games reduce real-world aggression by acting as emotional catharsis
“I think the opposite. You can have a lot of aggression in games, but then when you live your life, you have less aggression in you. Because you just took all of it on the game. So gaming is also like small aggressions going out, and then you are way more calm …”
Shlomi Benatar Jul 13, 2021 ▶ 24:05
Assertion Supported
Weisbrot: Crime rates have declined since the advent of gaming
“And in reality, what we've seen is a decline in crime rates since the advent of gaming.”
Sean Weisbrot Jul 13, 2021 ▶ 25:10
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