Game the System
Mar 15, 2020
Collaborators
Jake Grafenstein
Co-founder & Co-creatorCo-founder of Game the System, based in Colorado. Responsible for script-writing and voiceover.
Gabriele Muratori
Co-founder & Co-creatorCo-founder of Game the System, based in Italy. Responsible for video editing and post-production.
A YouTube channel that emerged from the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing together two individuals from across the world to explore the fascinating intersection of business, crime, and technology through documentary-style essays.
The Origin Story
What started as a COVID-19 project in 2020 brought together two individuals from opposite sides of the world. Graf lived in Colorado while Gabriele was based in Italy.
The partnership began when Graf posted on Reddit offering free voice acting services. Gabriele responded to the post, and they quickly discovered their shared fascination with how technology, business practices, and organized crime intersect in our modern world. For the first 6 months, they created content together entirely remotely—producing videos, building their channel, and developing their unique documentary style—all before ever meeting face to face.
Content & Format
The channel focused on creating high-quality, documentary-style content that presented complex topics in an accessible and engaging format:
- Documentary-Style Essays: Each video was crafted as a comprehensive exploration of a specific topic
- 10-15 Minute Format: Optimal length for deep-dive content while maintaining viewer engagement
- Weekly Production: Consistent release schedule of one video per week
- Professional Quality: High production values with thoughtful editing and presentation
Topics & Themes
Game the System explored a wide range of topics at the intersection of:
- Organized Crime: How technology has transformed traditional organized crime, including mafia operations
- Tech Disruption: How emerging technologies reshape industries and society
- Digital Forensics: The tools and methods used to investigate cybercrime
- Corporate Espionage: Technology's role in industrial espionage and corporate intelligence
Impact & Growth
The channel achieved remarkable success in a short timeframe:
- 30,000 Subscribers: Rapid growth within the first year of operation
- Millions of Views: Strong engagement and viewership across the content library
- International Audience: Global reach reflecting the international nature of the collaboration
- Community Building: Developed an engaged audience interested in the intersection of technology and society
Technical & Creative Process
The production process involved:
- Remote Collaboration: Coordinating content creation across time zones and continents
- Research & Analysis: Deep dives into complex topics requiring extensive research
- Script Writing: Crafting compelling narratives that made complex topics accessible
- Video Production: Professional editing and post-production to maintain high quality standards
- Community Engagement: Building and maintaining relationships with the growing audience
Legacy & Continued Connection
While Graf and Gabriele no longer produce videos together, the project left a lasting impact:
- Lasting Friendship: The collaboration forged a lasting friendship between the co-founders
- Ongoing Discussions: They continue to chat about tech and business topics to this day
- Content Archive: The channel remains as a valuable resource for those interested in these topics
- Inspiration: The project demonstrated the power of international collaboration and remote content creation
Lessons Learned
The project stands as a testament to how the internet can bring people together across vast distances to create something meaningful and impactful.