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One of the coolest parts of my job is connecting with our customers and picking their brains about business, strategy, and the industry trends they’re seeing right now. Recently, we sat down with Matt Jakubowski, the CEO of Warp World, and got some great insight about gaming, creator relationships, and traveling off the beaten path.
The Bridge Between Creator and Community
Rob Israch: What’s your company’s mission, and what makes it unique?
Matthew Jakubowski: At Crowd Control, our mission is to empower creators by turning their audiences into active participants in the content they create. We do this through interactive technology that lets viewers affect gameplay in real time, spawning enemies, flipping the game world upside down, or even helping the streamer. What makes us unique is that we’re not just building a tool, we’re creating a bridge between creators and their communities. And we’re one of the only platforms that support this type of engagement across multiple streaming platforms and hundreds of games.
Wearing All the Hats
Rob Israch: What’s your role within the organization?
Matthew Jakubowski: I’m the CEO of Warp World, the parent company of Crowd Control. My role involves everything from strategic direction to hands-on development and community engagement. In a startup environment like ours, you don’t wear just one hat, you wear all of them at some point. I work closely with our team on product, partnerships, and making sure we’re building something that genuinely helps creators grow.
Gaming Trend: Active, Shared Experiences
Rob Israch: Are you seeing any significant shifts in your industry today?
Matthew Jakubowski: Absolutely. The creator economy is maturing, we’re seeing a shift from raw viewership numbers to real monetization opportunities for creators. Platforms are opening up more tools for direct support, and audiences are more willing than ever to pay for meaningful interactions. At the same time, creators are looking for better ways to stand out. That’s where interactive content like what we offer becomes a huge differentiator. The days of just “sitting back and watching” are giving way to active, shared experiences.
A Big Focus on Accessibility
Rob Israch: What’s the most important goal you’re focusing on as a team?
Matthew Jakubowski: Right now, our biggest focus is accessibility. We’re making Crowd Control easier to set up, understand, and use. Which means improving onboarding for new creators, optimizing the tools for top creators, and expanding the types of games and platforms we support. We know creators are busy and juggling a lot, so we’re building with that in mind.
Automated Payouts: A Core Part of Maintaining Trust
Rob Israch: Why are automated payouts important to your business?
Matthew Jakubowski: Automated payouts allow us to focus on what matters, building and growing the product, instead of worrying about mass payment logistics. We work with a global network of creators and partners, and the ability to pay them reliably, on time, and in their payment method and currency of choice isn’t just a convenience; it’s a core part of maintaining trust. Without automation, that would quickly become a huge operational burden.
For Creators, Prioritize Experience First
Rob Israch: Do you have any advice for peers who might be experiencing the same things as you?
Matthew Jakubowski: Focus on the experience first. It’s easy to get lost in metrics or features, but the creators we work with and their viewers care about how things feel. Is the setup easy? Is the interaction seamless? Solving those pain points early creates long-term loyalty. And when in doubt, ask your community, they’ll tell you exactly what they need (sometimes more than you wanted to hear).
For You, Recharge in Creative Ways
Rob Israch: What do you do for fun outside work? Are there any books, movies, or podcasts you recommend?
Matthew Jakubowski: Outside of work, I spend time doing things that let me disconnect and recharge in creative ways. I’m currently playing Final Fantasy XI, a 23-year-old MMO that still has a dedicated player base. It’s complex, nostalgic, and a nice reminder that well-built communities can thrive for decades.
I also enjoy urban exploration, finding abandoned or forgotten places, and digging into their history. It’s a mix of adventure and curiosity that really scratches the same itch as building something new. When I get time, I love to travel, especially to places that are off the beaten path.
I’d also recommend checking out my own podcast, I Got One! It’s kind of like Shark Tank, but if the goal was to pitch the most ridiculous, least viable business ideas imaginable. It’s chaotic, fun, and absolutely not meant to make you more productive, which is exactly the point. Most podcasts are all about growth and constant improvement, but this one’s a good way to take a break, laugh a little, and maybe spark a weird idea of your own.
Supporting Creators at Every Level
Rob Israch: Anything else you want to leave us with?
Matthew Jakubowski: Only that the creator space is evolving quickly, and it’s never been a better time to build for it. Tools like Tipalti allow companies like ours to scale responsibly and support creators at every level. We’re excited to keep growing alongside the creators who inspire us every day.
