The global games industry generates hundreds of billions of dollars every year. But behind the blockbuster titles is an industry where even successful studios can disappear overnight.
In this episode of Business Beyond Borders, Cynthia Dearin sits down with Ria Lu, CEO of Levert Group, to explore what it really takes to build an international game development business from the Philippines.
Before founding Levert Group, Ria spent seven years building another successful studio—only to see it collapse because of cash flow problems, despite having major global clients. Rather than walking away, she used those painful lessons to build a stronger business with international customers, diversified revenue streams, and a clearer strategy for long-term growth.
Together, Cynthia and Ria discuss why gaming is one of the hardest industries to succeed in, how outsourcing studios survive in a volatile global market, why creativity and commercial success are often at odds, and what founders must learn about resilience after failure.
Whether you’re building a tech company, creative business, or expanding internationally, this conversation offers practical lessons on managing risk, recovering from setbacks, and building a business designed to last.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why successful businesses can still fail because of cash flow
- The hidden economics behind the global gaming industry
- Why game development is far riskier than most software businesses
- How Levert Group rebuilt after losing its first company
- The realities of running an international outsourcing business
- The challenge of balancing creativity with commercial success
- How remote global teams maintain culture and communication
- Why resilience—not talent—is often the biggest competitive advantage
If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to build a global creative business, this episode is essential listening.
