Professor Game Podcast

Epic Fight? Here's What Really Happened | Episode 415

Host: Rob Alvarez
Date: October 20, 2025

Overview: The "Epic Fight" That Became an Alliance

In this solo episode, host Rob Alvarez clears the air around rumors of a dramatic rivalry with the Octalysis Group—one of the most influential gamification consultancies worldwide. Instead of rivalry, Rob announces his official new role as Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe, at the Octalysis Group. He reflects on what this collaboration means for himself, the Professor Game podcast, and the broader gamification community, emphasizing values of transparency, collaboration, and continued independence for the podcast.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Non-Existent "Epic Fight"

• Rob dispels the myth of a professional rivalry:

  "Yeah, it never really happened as you can imagine. In fact, we didn't fight. We joined forces." [00:50]

• Announces his new role at the Octalysis Group, explaining its significance in the gamification industry as a consultancy using the renowned Octalysis Framework to drive engagement across multiple sectors.

2. Why Join the Octalysis Group?

• Rob has long admired and taught the Octalysis Framework across numerous courses, often referencing the group's work as industry-leading.
• After joining the Octalysis Group's annual retreat in Dubai, Rob recognized the power of collaboration in the field:

  "Working up close, it showed me what collaboration could actually multiply... there's competition, there's also collaboration, and I've seen that collaboration working up close." [02:20]

• Emphasizes the value of finding the right team at the right time for maximum impact and learning.

3. Impact on the Professor Game Podcast

• Rob reassures listeners that the podcast will remain free and independent, with full transparency about any potential overlaps or references to his role at the Octalysis Group:

  "This show is, has been and will always remain free and independent. We will not be charging for any of the episodes on the podcast..." [04:10]

• He promises that any cases, frameworks, or stories from Octalysis will be clearly disclosed, and the show will not become a vehicle for any company:

  "We will always be as a show... absolutely neutral." [05:45]

• Listeners may notice more references to the Octalysis Framework simply because it's now part of Rob's daily professional language.

4. Professional Journey and Transitions

• Rob shares highlights from his previous roles that shaped his gamification expertise:
  • Staff member and professor at IE Business School, where he started his gamification career.
  • Product Manager at Ironhack, bringing a "product mentality" to his work.
  • Recent years focused exclusively on teaching, workshops, and consulting through Professor Game.
• Announces a shift: he will continue some teaching and workshops but is no longer actively pursuing independent consulting opportunities, focusing efforts on the Octalysis Group.

5. Longstanding Connection with Octalysis

• First engagement with the Octalysis Group was participating as a finalist in their 2017 Design Challenge.
• Shares insights from early interactions with group leadership, like Joris Deirde, and founder Yu-kai Chou (Episode 1 guest), culminating in natural discussions about joining forces after a recent in-person retreat.

6. What the Future Holds

• Commitment to maintaining three main principles:

  1. Transparency: Always disclosing connections to Octalysis.
  2. Actionable Insights: Continuing to prioritize practical content for listeners.
  3. Independence: No “pay to play” for guests or listeners.

  "These are professionals that have something to bring up for your journey and for your own inspiration." [13:05]

• Welcomes new listeners and reassures ongoing consistency in cadence, tone, and content value.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Collaboration and Gamification:

  "Sometimes the best battles end up in alliances and that is exactly what happened here." [14:14]

• On Professional Growth:

  "It’s been a wild ride in every single possible way. I’ve enjoyed it a lot and I’m sure I will continue to now with this new transition." [08:42]

• On the Community:

  "It can feel like a slightly lonely journey... Sometimes you might feel like, well, yeah, I would benefit from having a sparring partner or somebody else to talk to." [12:10]

Important Timestamps & Segments

• 00:50 – Rob’s direct announcement: Joining the Octalysis Group, backstory, and motivation.
• 02:20 – Reflections on the importance of collaboration over competition in gamification.
• 04:10 – Assurance of the podcast’s continued independence and free access.
• 05:45 – Details on transparency and neutrality regarding content and sponsorship.
• 08:42 – Professional journey and the concept of "pivoting" for growth.
• 12:10 – The value of community and cultural fit in professional work.
• 13:05 – Restatement of key principles for podcast integrity going forward.
• 14:14 – Closing thought: From “epic fight” to partnership.
• 15:25 – Beginning of non-content (sponsor message).

Tone & Style

Rob maintains a friendly, transparent, and motivational tone—seamlessly blending personal reflection with actionable advice and lessons on professional growth. The language is accessible, direct, and often self-deprecating, keeping the episode engaging and relatable.

Summary Takeaway

Despite rumors of an "epic fight" between Rob and the Octalysis Group, this episode clarifies that the real story is one of joining forces for greater impact in the gamification world. Rob’s move to the Octalysis Group marks an exciting new chapter but does not compromise the podcast’s integrity, independence, or commitment to practical, high-value content for listeners.

"So that’s the truth behind the epic fight. We’re not rivals at all. We’re actually just becoming partners. This is a new chapter. Same making engagement practical, of course, ethical and also effective." [14:14]