Deconstructor of Fun

Mishka wrestles with the implications of AppLovin’s Triple Dot acquisition, while Scopely’s latest move has everyone questioning the future of Pokémon Go. Eric breaks down the latest insights from the Turkish gaming industry, while Jen dissects the Midia Research gamer segmentation report. Phil revisits the hypercasual ad playbook, while Subway Surfers just keeps running. Plus, a final look at GDC announcements, the mobile vs. console showdown, and what it all means for the industry.

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04:24 Turkish Gaming Industry Insights
06:20 GDC Event Announcements
09:16 Triple Dot and AppLovin Acquisition Analysis
22:58 Midia Research Gamer Segmentation Report
30:10 Social Elements in Gaming
30:35 Mobile vs Console
31:13 Farmville, Monopoly Go, and Female Gamers
33:41 Subway Surfers
34:23 The Hypercasual Ad Strategy
41:12 Scopely's Acquisition of Niantic Games
44:04 The Future of Pokemon Go
53:50 Scopely's Strategy

www.skillz.com/developeraccelerator/

We dive deep into the world of real-money skill-based gaming and the exciting new Developer Accelerator launched by Skills Inc.

Our special guest, Andrew Paradise, CEO and co-founder of Skillz, sheds light on the potential and market opportunity within this rapidly growing industry, discussing what types of games and studios Skillz is looking to support.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:19 Skill-Based Mobile Games Accelerator

04:09 Monetization and Market Strategy

13:32 Retention and Engagement Metrics

22:07 Skill-Based Gaming Market Insights

25:36 Understanding Sweepstakes and Skill-Based Gaming

26:17 Skill-Based Gaming Prizes and Competitions

28:06 Future of Skill Gaming

30:32 Expanding Game Genres and Market Reach

32:57 Skill-Based Gaming on Different Platforms

33:36 Addressing Bot Concerns in Skill Gaming

37:43 Insights from the Startup Journey

43:14 Challenges and Benefits of Going Public

45:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The world-class panel of Turkish founders and investors with Mehmet Ecevit (ex-CEO and co-founder of Gram Games), Batuhan Celebi (CEO and co-founder of Grand Games), and Görkem Turk (founder of Laton Ventures) shares their thoughts on what makes the Turkish gaming ecosystem unique, the importance of data-driven design, and how to maintain company culture while scaling.

THE HYBRIDCASUAL PLAYBOOK: https://metahybridcasualplaybook.splashthat.com/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Guests

00:30 Success Stories and Achievements

03:31 Challenges and Strategies in Game Development

09:14 Company Culture and Hiring Practices

17:47 Scaling Companies and Future Prospects

21:14 Insights on the Turkish Gaming Ecosystem

31:07 Balancing Creativity and Data-Driven Decisions

44:46 Balancing Internal and External Motivations

45:56 Early Days and Scaling Merge Dragons

47:25 The Impact of External Validation

49:29 Cultural Differences in Handling Failure

53:20 Challenges in the Turkish Gaming Industry

01:07:32 The Importance of Mentorship and Partnerships

01:24:22 Future of the Turkish Gaming Ecosystem

01:30:43 Conclusion and Community Engagement

Eric tries his best to make sense of the AppLovin deal, while Monster Hunter Wilds has never made more sense. Laura covers Supercell’s Lonely Island play, Boat Game, while Jen defends Disney IP as it STEPs it up in Japan. Phil wants a recount of Guitar Hero’s demise, while Activision announces another entry in the franchise.

The Deconstructor of Fun Newsletter:www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribeContinue the conversation on our Slack channel:www.deconstructoroffun.com/slack

00:00 Introduction and Hosts
02:27 Today's Topics Overview
03:01 Jen's UCLA Story
04:00 GDC Announcements
05:46 AppLovin's Short Seller Drama
07:26 Steam's Record-Breaking Numbers
08:32 AppLovin's Game Division Sale
12:50 Sony's PlayStation VR 2 Price Drop
13:55 Supercell and SpaceApe Updates
17:15 Forte's Acquisition of Sealants
18:06 Miniclip Acquires Lessmore
18:38 Supercell's New Boat Game
23:05 Supercell's Market Mismatch
23:34 Roblox Comparison Debate
24:06 Monetization Challenges
25:01 Split Faction Reviews
25:43 Fable Delayed Again
26:44 Monster Hunter's Global Success
31:29 Disney Step in Japan
34:10 Scopely's Vanity Play
39:06 Guitar Hero Mobile Announcement
44:45 The Fall of Music Games
46:52 Conclusion and Farewell

 “The way we survive is built on being creative every day”

We sit down with Burak Vardal, CEO and co-founder of Rollic, to explore how the company skyrocketed in just a couple of years from a Turkish startup to one of the most successful mobile game publishers in the world.

Burak shares insights on:

• The early days of Rollic and its quick acquisition by Zynga for $168M
• How they consistently launch hit mobile games
• The shift from hyper-casual to hybrid-casual and how it changed their business model
• Why being a gamer-first company is key to their success
• What makes Turkey a global hub for mobile game development
• The future of Rollic under Take-Two Interactive

Download the FREE Hybrid Casual Playbook:

metahybridcasualplaybook.splashthat.com/

🎙️ Join the Deconstructor of Fun Slack Community:

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00:00 Introduction and Background of Rollic

06:41 Türkiye as a Hub for Game Development

13:18 Business Model and Future Vision

25:54 Competition and Talent in the Turkish Gaming Industry

29:45 Creativity in Gaming: The Key to Success

31:54 The Importance of Ideation in Mobile Gaming

33:52 The Role of Testing in Game Development

36:32 Transitioning from Startup to Industry Leader

46:46 Advice for Aspiring Game Developers

52:47 Final Thoughts and Future Prospects

With Miska back jet-set life, Eric is HOT about the newest RNG platform, while Phil wants to revisit Niantic’s $9B valuation and go shopping in the Epic Game Store. Jen explodes a new angle on Vector, but Eric isn’t buying the geometry. The crew fights the first war on Last War’s Fake Ads: get real or get rich?

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01:19 Star Wars

03:36 Shilling and Advice

06:48 Niantic's Valuation and Exit

08:48 PrizePix and Gambling

11:44 Hasbro Digital's Success

16:04 Epic Game Store Analysis

23:03 GTA and UGC Potential

29:14 Steam Deck's Impact on the PC Market

30:17 Unity's Earnings & Vector

44:00 Warner Bros Studio Closures

45:50 Love and Deep Space: A Unique RPG

48:18 Last War Survival's Success

50:09 Fake Ads

57:33 Overwatch Loot Boxes Return??

58:45 Conclusion and Sign-Off

Marcos Muller, Director of Abu Dhabi talks about how the city is building a world-class gaming ecosystem from the ground up. From talent development to job creation and community engagement, Abu Dhabi Gaming is making big moves to attract studios, support developers, and put the region on the global gaming map.

Marcos shares insights on the incentives for game studios, and the growth of the gaming economy in the UAE, and even breaks down some misconceptions about life in Abu Dhabi. If you’re a game dev, investor, or just curious about emerging gaming hubs, this episode is a must-listen!

connect with Marcos: www.linkedin.com/in/mmhabig/

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro & Welcome Marcos Muller

02:15 – Why Abu Dhabi is Investing in Gaming

06:30 – Building a Sustainable Gaming Ecosystem

12:45 – The Role of Incubators, Accelerators & Studios

18:20 – Financial Incentives & Support for Game Companies

23:40 – Addressing the Talent Gap: Visas, Universities & Local Growth

30:10 – What Makes Abu Dhabi Attractive for Game Developers?

37:55 – Busting Myths About Living & Working in Abu Dhabi

45:20 – Abu Dhabi’s Long-Term Vision for Gaming

50:05 – Final Thoughts & Advice for Game Developers

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Scopely and Niantic are making moves, but can they actually change the game? NetEase unloads Marvel Rivals US studio—a political or an efficiency move? Plus, SMicrosoft’s console strategy looks shakier than ever, and we break down what the future of console gaming really looks like. And just when you thought it was over, King pulls another card from its sleeve. 🚀🎮

03:55 - GDC Shills

11:03 - Scopely & Niantic

20:10 - Jam City & Ludia AR Market

21:43 - Marvel Rivals & Netease

31:13 - Sony Earnings

32:06 - Microsoft's Console Struggles

38:00 - The Future of Console Gaming

50:54 - Return of King

🔗 Connect with Boris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boris-kalmykov-7ba38065/

We chat with Boris Kalnikov, CEO & Co-founder of Hype Masters, about relocating his gaming studio from London to Abu Dhabi. Boris shares his journey with World War Armies, the challenges of remote work, and why he chose Abu Dhabi as his new home.

We dive into Abu Dhabi’s rise as a gaming hub, its government incentives, and the realities of running a studio in the region—from tax benefits to hiring talent and lifestyle changes. Whether you’re a developer, founder, or just curious about gaming in the Middle East, this episode has key insights you won’t want to miss.

Timestamps:

⏳ [00:00] Why Boris left London for Abu Dhabi

🏗️ [06:00] Building a gaming studio in a new ecosystem

💰 [20:00] What incentives and funding opportunities are available?

⚖️ [27:00] Abu Dhabi vs. London: Cost of living, taxes & hiring

🎮 [40:00] The future of gaming in Abu Dhabi

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Supercell had a monster year with €2.8B in revenue, proving that bigger live ops teams and aggressive marketing can still drive growth—but let’s be real, Squad Busters flopped hard despite the hype. Meanwhile, Unity continues its slow-motion train wreck, losing key talent and scrambling to fix its ad tech, while AppLovin is absolutely crushing it, with stock up 700% thanks to AI-powered ads. Now, in a power move, AppLovin is dumping its entire games portfolio for $900M—so who’s buying? Scopely? Zynga? Playtika? Drop your bets in the comments. 🚀🎮

01:29 Shills
07:25 Dream and Venture Capital
10:27 Battlefield and Shooter Games
14:23 Minecraft Studio Leadership Changes
20:39 Supercell's Record Year
25:57 Live Ops and Monetization Changes
26:52 Squad Busters' Marketing Missteps
31:35 Spark Labs's Bootcamp Vibes
37:44 Unity's Struggles and Layoffs
41:45 AppLovin's Strategic Shift

Wilfrid Obeng’s journey from Goldman Sachs and Google to gaming startup CTO is anything but typical.

In this episode, he breaks down how AudioMob is redefining in-game ads with audio, why they chose Abu Dhabi over Silicon Valley to scale their engineering team, and what it takes to transition from corporate structure to startup chaos. We dig into leadership lessons, hiring strategies, and the future of ad monetization—all from someone who’s been in the trenches. If you’re scaling a startup or rethinking monetization, this episode is a must-listen. 🎧🔥

www.linkedin.com/in/wilfridobeng

00:00 Wilfrid Obeng and AudioMob

04:51 From Goldman Sachs to Startup CTO

07:24 The Importance of Mentorship

13:40 Creating a Performance Culture

24:52 Life in Abu Dhabi: Work and Play

28:47 Hiring and Leadership in a Diverse Team

35:03 The Reality of Startups

37:10 Competing for Talent in Startups

39:05 Leadership Evolution and Challenges

42:07 The Importance of Company Culture

56:44 Living and Working in Abu Dhabi

01:05:01 Future Plans and Personal Growth

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With Jen at a meditation retreat in California and Miska fully embracing his jet-set life, Eric reminds us just how wrong Matthew Ball got it.

Adam reveals the Multiversus thesis and argues that Battlefield has room to grab dormant fans and grow the market. Phil spews Battlefield tears and worries about Roblox’s value destruction.

They conclude by debating the AI integration in-games: flop or tbd?

This episode features insights from top industry professionals on player engagement, revenue models, and the challenges faced by new releases like Helldivers 2, First Descendant, and Once Human. Dive into in-depth discussions on successful PvE models, key strategies for game success, and the future of game monetization.

Join Adam Telfer and a panel of experts as they explore the latest trends in PvE shooters and the evolving tools needed for effective LiveOps.

Brought to you by Heroic Labs, AppsFlyer, Sensor Tower, and Xsolla.

02:31 Market Overview of PVE Shooters
03:25 Recent Releases and Trends
04:07 Revenue and Engagement
07:54 PVE Live Service Challenges
08:42 Helldivers 2: Success and Future
13:54 The Competitive Landscape
27:04 First Descendant and Once Human
27:38 First Descendant's Elder Loop
29:27 PvE Shooter Systems
30:42 Helldivers 2: On The Way Out
36:34 Warframe's Sustained Success
40:13 Strategies for PvE Shooter Success
45:52 The Future of PvE Shooters

We start off with Kress coming after Matthew Ball and his take on the Metaverse and end the episode with Jen making the last stance for brand marketers.

In between the team breaks down the FTC’s latest settlement on loot boxes and what it means for the industry. Deep dive into Ubisoft's sea of worries and discuss Habby’s latest launch hurdles.

00:00 Intros
01:40 Shills
02:50 GDC Announcements and Sponsors
06:35 Corrections and Apologies
08:09 Matthew Ball and the Metaverse Debate
19:20 Loot Boxes and FTC Settlement
23:54 Sony, Marvel Snap, and Warner Brothers
28:58 Tech Company Operations
29:09 Star Wars Outlaws Sales Analysis
29:58 Ubisoft Helsinki and Gwen's Getaway
31:05 Rainbow Six Mobile's Struggles
32:34 Virtuous Acquisitions and Outsourcing
36:23 Habby's Game Launch Challenges
41:04 EA's Top Selling Games and Earnings
46:18 Marketing Strategies and Impact
57:15 Conclusion and Sign-Off

Xsolla State of Play report:

https://xsolla.com/newsroom/xsolla-autumn-2024-report

Mobile gaming is bigger than ever, with the industry set to hit $98.7 billion in 2024. But where is that growth coming from? In this episode, we sit down with Xsolla’s Chris Hewish to break down the key trends shaping the global market—from Asia’s dominance to the rise of emerging regions like Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.

We also dig into how player demographics are shifting and what it means for game makers. With diversity becoming a bigger focus, studios are rethinking how they engage and design for an increasingly varied audience.

Chris unpacks the impact of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), explaining how developers are navigating new monetization opportunities beyond traditional app stores. We also tackle the surge of direct-to-consumer web shops, how gaming is merging with mainstream entertainment (yes, we’re looking at you, Secret Level), and what all of this means for the future of the industry.

If you want to stay ahead of where mobile gaming is headed, this episode is a must-listen.

How do Playtika and Wooga nail their Live Ops strategies? What does GameRefinery say you’re missing?

In this episode, Nadav Moshes (Product & Market Insights Lead at Playtika), Maxime Graux (Head of Product Management at Wooga), and Erno Kiiski (Chief Game Analyst at GameRefinery) sit down with our very own Jen Donahoe to dissect the art and science of Live Ops.

From mobile to PC/console gaming, we break down the latest trends driving social, engagement, and monetization events. Discover how understanding player motivations is the key to creating better events and why a holistic event framework is critical to your Live Ops success.

We dive into practical strategies around segmentation, iteration, and gamified offers to level up engagement and boost your monetization. Whether you’re building your Live Ops muscle or refining your existing strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights for every game developer.

01:05 Meet the Experts: Nadav, Max, and Erno

07:36 Social LiveOps: Trends and Examples

12:31 Monopoly Go's Collaborative and Competitive Events

15:02 June's Journey: Social Features and Player Motivations

25:11 Engagement LiveOps: Long-Term and Short-Term Events

33:07 The Importance of Long-Term Engagement

36:40 Short-Term Collection Mechanics

38:15 Multi-Stage Mission Events

43:19 Advanced Segmentation in LiveOps

49:54 Challenges in Testing and Iteration

51:19 Monetization Strategies and Bundle Offers

01:01:50 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

TikTok’s gaming experiment closures and Marvel Snap’s China operations highlight the challenges of scaling global hits. Netflix’s games strategy is dissected, alongside surprising trends like the resurgence of Solitaire, which seems to be tapping into the nostalgia economy.

The discussion turns heavier as the team unpacks sweeping workforce cuts at Huuuge Games and the growing dominance of Chinese game developers on the global stage. Bonfire Studios’ new game announcement and Matthew Ball’s analysis of gaming’s shifting market dynamics provide fresh perspectives on innovation and competition.

01:13 TV Show Marketing
02:49 Marketing Strategy Debate
06:14 Shills
10:19 Nintendo Switch 2 Leaks
12:56 TikTok and Marvel Snap Shutdowns
16:36 Industry Moves and New Roles
19:44 Netflix Games Strategy
21:36 Solitaire Making a Comeback??
31:31 Bonfire Studios’ New Game
34:36 Huge Games Workforce Cuts
35:28 Matthew Ball’s Market Analysis
47:12 The Rise of Chinese Game Developers
49:57 The Cost of Game Development
58:02 Future Growth Levers in Gaming

Jen Donahoe sits down with Alexandra Takei, a rising star who’s making waves in the gaming industry.

They dive into what it takes to bridge the gap between business and creativity in gaming, the hard-earned lessons from startups, and how proactive collaboration can drive innovation.

Alexandra discusses empathy and mentorship's critical role in her career and shares advice for those navigating the fast-paced gaming ecosystem.

01:04 About Alex Takei
03:43 Early Career and Entry into Gaming
10:30 Blizzard Experience and Mentorship
23:51 PJourney to Content Creation
29:11 Venture Capital and Bitcraft
34:51 Understanding Game Complexity and Business Models
35:32 The Importance of Team Inclusivity
36:27 Challenges of Pitching and Raising Money
37:14 Navigating Game Development Constraints
38:14 Startup Dynamics vs. Big Companies
39:20 Wearing Multiple Hats in a Startup
42:20 Empathy and Flexibility in Leadership
50:55 The Role of Mentorship
57:52 Final Advice for Aspiring Professionals
01:00:57 Alex's Sign-Off

gaming industry, podcasting, venture capital, Blizzard, mentorship, career journey, game development, business strategy, content creation, women in gaming, gaming, business, empathy, mentorship, startups, game development, career advice, leadership, women in gaming, entrepreneurship

Join us at PGC After Dark: ⁠https://lu.ma/m75avtgb⁠

This week’s TWIG episode starts with bold predictions for 2025 in mobile gaming, followed by Eric Kress’s half-hearted backtracking on hyper-casual games and the latest Nintendo Switch 2 leaks before deep diving into Marvel Rivals’ potential impact.

The team revisits the year’s most significant moments, explores standout moments, and wraps up with listener feedback and reflections.

00:00 Squad Intros
01:28 California Wildfires + How to Help
03:18 Shills
05:34 Predictions for 2025 in Mobile
09:44 Corrections and Hyper Casual Talk
14:06 Nintendo Switch 2 Leaks
16:05 Investments and Funding News
20:15 Marvel Rivals
34:10 Talk of the Year: Mass Layoffs
34:53 Embarrassing Predictions
35:58 Company Damage: Ubisoft's Downfall
37:04 Most Disappointing Game
40:36 Financial Success: Mice Nuts
42:32 Questionable Moves
47:46 Brilliant Moves
50:35 Crushing It: Brawl Stars
53:13 Layoff Lowlights
53:43 Limping Donkey Award
55:20 Listener Feedback and Wrap-Up

CEO and co-founder of PvX Partners (www.pvxpartners.com), Joe Wadakethalakal shares his unique journey from India to Indonesia and beyond. Key takeaways from our chat with Joe Wadakethalakal: **Resilience matters**: Entrepreneurship is brutal—Joe’s journey shows how surviving failures and tough times builds long-term success. **Market size over Network**: Starting in large, scalable markets (U.S., India, China) beats hustling in smaller ones. Lesson learned the hard way. **Smart fundraising wins**: Raising capital isn’t just about money—it’s about unlocking talent, momentum, and strategic growth. Just don’t overdo it! Chapters: 00:00 Intro 05:53 Banking and Private Equity Experience 12:28 Challenges and Lessons Learned 18:53 Joining MPL and Strategic Growth 49:20 The Importance of Capital in Startups 54:10 Leaving MPL and Starting PVX 01:00:48 PVX's Unique Approach to UA Financing 01:19:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

CAST YOUR VOTE!

https://forms.gle/BfBn6H123S2D1QdY9

Brace yourself for the most candid awards show in gaming! Join us as we dissect the highs and lows of 2024, dishing out Golden TWIGs for the year’s most memorable moments. From epic fails to surprising triumphs, we’re covering it all:

• Company Carnage: Who took the biggest hits?
• Gaming Letdowns: Which hyped title fell flat?
• Layoff Lowlights: The most brutal workforce cuts
• Oops, We Did It Again: Our most embarrassing predictions

Get ready for unvarnished opinions, heated debates, and a no-holds-barred look at the gaming industry’s rollercoaster year.

Don’t miss this annual tradition where you separate the gold from the garbage!

The Hybridcasual Playbook https://metahybridcasualplaybook.splashthat.com/

In this episode of the Deconstructor of Fun podcast, Mishka Katkoff interviews Vincent Fevrier, CMO of Tap Nation, discussing the evolution of hybrid casual games and the unique position of French publishers in the gaming industry.

They explore Tap Nation's growth from a startup to a mid-size publisher, the challenges of transitioning from hypercasual to hybrid casual, and the importance of user acquisition and marketing strategies.

The conversation also delves into acquisition strategies, building internal capabilities for live operations, and the future outlook for the gaming industry.

Chapters

00:00 The Rise of Hypercasual Gaming in France

02:52 Tap Nation's Evolution: From Hypercasual to Hybrid Casual

06:04 Navigating Challenges in a Post-COVID Gaming Landscape

08:54 Marketing Strategies: LTV vs. CAC in Hybrid Casual

12:04 Acquisition Strategies: Building a Portfolio of Games

14:56 Operational Changes: Adapting to Hybrid Casual Dynamics

17:51 Building Internal Capabilities for Game Development

21:00 The Future of Tap Nation: Diversifying Game Types

24:07 Competing in a Crowded Market: Finding Unique Assets

32:25 The Competitive Landscape of Game Publishing

35:11 Building Relationships in the Gaming Industry

39:11 Navigating Acquisitions and Partnerships

44:17 The Evolution of Tapnation and Its Strategies

50:43 Industry Outlook: Challenges and Opportunities

keywords

hypercasual, hybrid casual, gaming industry, Tap Nation, ad tech, game development, user acquisition, monetization strategies, French gaming market, game publishing, game publishing, acquisitions, industry trends, mobile gaming, Tapnation, partnerships, user acquisition, market growth, gaming industry, competitive landscape

Michail Katkoff and Gerard Miles dive into the nuances of executive headhunting, exploring the role of headhunters, pathways to the C-suite, and the significance of personal branding and mentorship in career growth. They share insights on how candidates can position themselves for leadership roles and embrace strategic thinking to thrive in a competitive hiring landscape.

The discussion also highlights common mistakes in the executive search process, the importance of empathy in interviews, and the value of building genuine relationships. They address the challenges and advantages of international relocation, as well as the growing role of AI in hiring, stressing the need for candidates to be prepared and deeply engaged throughout the process.

00:00 Introduction to Executive Headhunting

01:00 Understanding the Role of an Executive Headhunter

10:41 Navigating the C-Suite: Pathways to Leadership

20:36 Building Your Personal Brand for Executive Roles

27:32 The Importance of Mentorship in Career Growth

37:59 Common Mistakes in Executive Search

44:40 Empathy in the Interview Process

51:40 Building Relationships in Recruitment

57:38 Challenges and Benefits of International Relocation

01:10:48 The Rise of AI in Executive Hiring

keywords: executive headhunting, C-suite, leadership, personal brand, mentorship, career growth, talent acquisition, strategic thinking, networking, hiring process, executive search, interview preparation, candidate experience, recruitment process, international relocation, AI in hiring, empathy in interviews, building relationships, hiring mistakes, talent acquisition

No agenda? No problem! Ethan returns from UEFN dormancy to break some exciting news. Jen sells a BMW, while Eric tries to sell a Roblox correction. The Puzzle Queen herself ascends to browbeat Royale Kingdom into better KPIs, and Phil shares pictures of his cat in a banana. 

01:17 Holiday Reflections and Family Updates
03:03 Good News, Bad News
04:01 Parenting Challenges and Teenage Years
06:23 Podcast Banter and Personal Stories
08:29 Cat Updates and Car Stories
12:50 Seattle Winter and Personal Updates
14:22 Startup Exit and GameFam
15:09 Roblox and UEFN Discussion
29:03 The Evolution of Fortnite's Algorithm
29:17 Challenges with Limited Analytics
30:27 Licensed Content and Revenue Sharing
31:45 The Future of Survival Crafting Games
33:21 Comparing Royal Kingdom and Royal Match
35:13 Analyzing Game Revenue Trends
37:06 Predictions for 2025 Gaming Trends
39:22 Golden Twig Awards Recap
53:21 Handheld Gaming Innovations
55:25 Holiday Wishes and Final Thoughts

In this episode, David Nelson co-Founder of Magnetic and a true maverick of our industry, dives deep into the nuances of mobile gaming innovation.

David discusses his journey through King, including the formation and successes of the experimentation group. As the industry transforms, he explains the importance of understanding your audience, the pitfalls of following trends blindly, and the necessity of building a strong company strategy. David also offers insights on how to navigate organizational changes and cultivate a culture of constructive conflict.

Finally, get a sneak peek into what Magnetic is working on and its approach to creating the next big hit in mobile gaming.

01:03 David Nelson's Background and Identity

04:38 Career at King and Experimentation Group

06:18 Starting a New Company and Investor Insights

09:44 Importance of Honest Feedback and Alignment

11:59 Challenges and Strategies in Game Development

24:31 The Role of Conflict in Meetings

33:07 The Debate Over Small Games

34:04 Testing and Proving Concepts

38:04 Framework for High-Impact Tests

40:35 Challenges of Creative Work

43:33 Experimentation Group Achievements

49:59 Navigating Corporate Culture

55:58 Building Trust and Social Capital

01:03:46 Advice for Driving Change

01:12:21 Insights on Mobile Game Industry

01:35:23 Final Thoughts and Reflections

We kick things off with a deep dive into what separates different Nordic countries with regional experts Phillip Black and Mishka Katkoff. Next, we tackle Squad Busters’ ambitious new update. Will it be enough to reverse its decline, or is it too little, too late? Then, there will be chaos in the streaming world as Netflix Games gets GTAd! What went down, and what does it mean for the company’s gaming ambitions? Only Kress can give it to us. Finally, Jen takes us through the Game Awards (aka. the Jeff Keighley Awards) — the wins, the snubs, and what it all means for the industry. Hosts: Mishka Katkoff, Eric Kress, Jen Donahoe, and Phillip Black. 02:07 Supercell's LinkedIn Antics 03:07 Nordic Rivalries Explained 05:09 Event Updates 07:43 Path of Exile Monetization 08:32 Roblox and UEFN Profitability 12:11 Epic Games and Telefonica Deal 15:52 AppLovin's Ad Strategy Change 16:43 Brawl Stars and Toy Story Collaboration 17:25 Netflix Games Licensing Issues 26:07 Build a Rocket Boy Acquisition 28:28 Beam Ventures Gaming Fund 33:40 Game Updates: Path of Exile 2, Marvel Rivals, Delta Force 37:57 Pokemon TCG Pocket's Performance 39:56 Pokemon Go vs. TCG Pocket 44:07 Royal Kingdom's Launch and Comparison 49:42 Supercell's Squadbusters Update 57:17 Game Awards 2024 Highlights

Cameron Stewart, Group Vice President at SciPlay, shares valuable insights on the robust growth of social casinos, emphasizing retention and monetization strategies.

We explore how SciPlay operates with low concentration levels in the market, the importance of personalizing user experiences, and the innovative approaches driving their success.

Get an insider's look at the strategic decisions, including talent investment and the unified infrastructure for game development, that make SciPlay a leader in the field.

Additionally, Cameron speaks on the benefits and challenges of a return-to-office workplace culture and the strategic value of acquisitions and portfolio diversification.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:28 Understanding the Social Casino Market

03:15 Challenges and Strategies in Game Development

06:15 Segmentation to Personalization

10:25 Retention and Engagement Metrics

16:39 Monetization and Live Operations

33:09 Direct-to-Consumer Strategies

37:19 Exploring the Social Casino Market

38:32 Partnerships and Strategies

40:37 Innovations and Player Behavior

42:11 The Role of IP in Casino Games

43:45 Player Engagement and Retention

51:05 Work Culture and Talent Investment

59:04 Strategic Acquisitions and Diversification

01:06:18 Key Learnings and Advice

01:10:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Social Casino, Monetization, Retention, Personalization, Gaming KPIs, Player Experience, Live Operations, Direct to Consumer, Market Trends, SciPlay, social casino, game development, innovation, acquisitions, player engagement, market strategy, IP integration, casino industry

With Miska set on another jet, Q5 launches in earnest with Marvel Rivals, Delta Force, Path of Exile 2, Infinity Nikki, and Girlsfront Line 2. Oh my, oh my.

Kress gives his full review of Infinity Nikki’s costumes, while Jen pulls “Franchise” Beetlejuice. How can Marvel Rivals cross-promote in every Marvel game?  Adam pours cold water retention down the acquisition’s back while Phil tries to light the Chinese game industry fire while wearing a tight desert camouflage shirt (?).

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:56 Meet the Hosts
01:33 Secret Level Screening Review
06:13 Game Exec Supper Club Announcement
07:47 Industry News and Corrections
09:55 Investment and M&A Updates
12:36 New Game Releases and Performance
34:43 Mastery Issues in the Game
35:11 Unique Selling Points and Differentiation
35:46 Honeymoon Phase and Meta Development
36:56 Onboarding and Mastery Curve
39:22 Marvel Cross-Promotions and IP Management
44:32 Path of Exile 2: Strategy and Success
53:59 Delta Force: A Battlefield Clone
58:12 Fortnite's New Tactical Shooter
01:00:59 Infinity Nikki: A Unique Pivot
01:07:36 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions

Mishka Kaktoff is joined by Steve Lockwood from TikTok and Roy Yanai from AppsFlyer, who share their extensive insights on evolving attribution techniques, overcoming challenges in the privacy landscape, and future-proofing measurement strategies. 

This episode is packed with valuable information that can help improve your campaign performance, game design, and overall marketing outcomes. 

Chapters:

00:00 Understanding Mobile Marketing Attribution

01:11 Guest Introductions

04:11 Evolution of Attribution

07:40 Challenges in Attribution

08:59 TikTok's Role in Attribution

12:12 Debate on Last Click Attribution

18:02 Incremental Testing and Media Mix Modeling

31:29 Questioning the Truth in Marketing

32:35 The Evolution of Attribution Methods

33:28 Advertiser Perspectives on Ad Networks

35:07 The Importance of Views in Advertising

36:57 TikTok's Unique Role in Advertising

42:44 Future-Proofing Measurement Strategies

45:28 The Role of Privacy in Measurement

56:06 Success Stories in Attribution

01:01:57 Future Trends in Measurement

01:08:38 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Up Down Up is now available as an audiobook on Audible!

https://www.amazon.com/UP-DOWN-companies-succeed-others/dp/B0CR7T9DPT

In this episode, Kim Nordstrom joins the podcast to discuss his journey in the gaming industry, from releasing his first game in 1995 to significant roles at PlayStation, King, and Paradox.

The conversation delves into topics from his book 'Up, Down, Up,' exploring what it takes to build a successful game company, the importance of culture and psychological safety, and the challenges of transitioning between growth and maturity phases.

Kim also shares insights from his interviews with top industry leaders and how these experiences have shaped his current role as CEO of PlayerUnknown Productions.

01:05 Kim Nordstrom's Career Journey

03:06 The Making of 'Up, Down, Up'

06:31 Exploring Company Growth Patterns

10:19 The Importance of Company Culture

30:16 Understanding Psychological Safety

43:03 The Importance of Actions Over Words

44:10 Changing Culture Through Leadership

46:20 The SEAL Team Leadership Experiment

47:32 Scaling Teams and Maintaining Culture

48:57 Principles and Values in Leadership

53:34 The Role of Timing in Success

58:58 Navigating Growth and Maturity Phases

01:11:25 Challenges of Innovating Within Established Companies

01:24:32 Reflections on Leadership and Wisdom

01:28:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of This Week in Games, we dive into the intriguing rumors surrounding a potential new PlayStation Portable and discuss Elon Musk’s rumored AI game studio, which could reshape innovation in the space.

On the business side, we analyze the closure of Ubisoft studios and the enduring popularity of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. 

In mobile gaming, we spotlight Habby’s big launches, including Capybara Go and Archero 2, before discussing Path of Exile 2's early access success. 

Plus, we compare two heavyweight Eastern shooters, Marvel Rivals and Delta Force, and examine why so many new MOBAs struggle to gain traction. 

Don’t miss this deep dive into the industry’s most exciting stories!

Chapters:

02:48 Shills
04:17 Hybrid Casual Playbook Release
04:38 App Monetization Report
10:30 Fortnite's Record-Breaking Season
14:29 PlayStation Portable Rumors
16:47 Elon Musk's AI Game Studio
18:39 Investments and M&A
24:33 Ubisoft Studio Shutdowns
30:07 Pokemon Trading Card Game Success
35:37 Habby's Big Launches: Capybara Go and Archero 2
40:44 Path of Exile 2 Early Access
43:18 Battle of the Eastern Shooters: Marvel Rivals vs. Delta Force
48:27 The Struggles of New MOBAs
56:51 Conclusion and Sign-Off

In this episode, host Mishka Katkoff is joined by Sergei Vasiuk, LiveOps Director at Wargaming and author of 'Running a Successful Live Service Game.'

The two delve into Sergei's book, discussing everything from the evolution of gaming models to data-driven development, player engagement, monetization strategies, and the challenges of global operations.

This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone in game development or LiveOps. Tune in for practical advice, learnings from Wargaming, and how to keep players engaged and your game profitable!

00:41 Importance of Live Operations

01:08 Overview of Sergei's Book

03:34 Sergei's Journey and Role at Wargaming

07:50 The Evolution of Gaming Models

12:03 Challenges and Strategies in Live Service Games

31:29 The Future of LiveOps and Community Engagement

38:23 Building Relationships with Content Creators

40:12 The Role of Data in Game Development

42:11 Understanding LiveOps and Player Engagement

45:34 The Importance of Decision Making in LiveOps

58:34 Balancing Monetization and Player Experience

01:11:16 Global Operations and Regional Relevance

01:18:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Dive deep into the world of game development and user acquisition with AppLovin’s Daniel TchernahovskyIn this episode, we explore the growth of mobile gaming, the significance of hybrid monetization, and the impact of automation and AI on user acquisition strategies.

Learn how Applovin's journey from startup to powerhouse company evolved, the importance of maintaining company culture, and strategic insights on app and game monetization.

00:51 Daniel’s Journey with Applovin

08:21 Industry Trends and Insights

18:23 The Rise of Hybrid Monetization

31:46 Aligning Marketing and Product Teams

35:09 Understanding Benchmarks and Metrics

37:14 Integrating User Acquisition in Development

38:33 Team Dynamics and Agile Development

42:50 Predictive LTV and Visualization Techniques

47:35 Avoiding the Doom Loop

56:50 The Rise of Apps vs. Games

Happy Thanksgaming! This week, the Deconstructor of Fun crew kicks things off with a recap of the buzzing Slush event before diving into a deep analysis of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. From there, we tackle Ubisoft’s heated return-to-office controversy and explore Hasbro’s massive $150 million investment in gaming.

The latter half of the episode delves into Royal Kingdom’s prolonged soft launch strategy and wrap up with a discussion on FIFA’s latest collaboration with Mythical Games. Can they rival EA FC?

Tune in for insights, reflections, and a glimpse into what lies ahead in the evolving gaming landscape!

00:00 Happy Thanksgaming!

02:54 Slush Event Recap

08:26 Heroic Labs Updates

17:37 Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Analysis

29:49 Ubisoft's Return to Office Controversy

36:54 Hasbro's $150 Million Investment in Gaming

41:03 Mattel vs. Hasbro: A Tale of Two Toy Giants

45:48 The Interconnectedness of Toys and Gaming

54:47 Game District's Acquisition of Gleam Games

55:49 AppCharge Raises $26 Million for Gaming Apps

56:36 Royal Kingdom's Market Strategy

01:10:47 Mythical Games' New Arcade Football Game

01:15:44 Wrapping Up: Reflections and Future Prospects

Phillip Black sits down with Leo Yao, General Manager of Timi Studio Group’s J3 studio, for an exclusive look at the making of Call of Duty Mobile and the upcoming Delta Force.

Discover how Timi shocked Activision with a two-month Nuketown demo, the secrets behind COD Mobile’s record-breaking live ops, and why Delta Force pivots to tackle Battlefield.

Insights:

• The surprising dominance of Crossfire in China over global FPS franchises.

• The East vs. West FPS divide—tactical vs. arcade gameplay.

• Delta Force’s PC-first pivot, cross-platform ambitions, and bi-monthly content updates.
• Timi’s roots in humility and adaptability for live-service success.

Chapters:

00:53 Leo Yao and Timmy's Studio Group

02:31 Call of Duty Mobile: Development and Success

05:21 Challenges and Strategies in the Mobile FPS Market

09:23 Team Structure and Company Culture at Timmy

14:14 Cross-Platform Gaming and Future Trends

18:10 Chinese PC Shooter Market Insights

21:21 PC vs Mobile: A Developer's Perspective

23:38 Delta Force: Fitting into the FPS Landscape

25:49 Live Service and Content Updates

28:23 Monetization Strategies for Delta Force

30:14 The Rise of Extraction Shooters

36:54 Why Delta Force? The Strategy for IP's Revival

38:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As Kress’ World of Warcraft account turns 20, we blow out the candles and reflect on a surprising reason behind EA’s disastrous AI investor presentation. Jen delivers a valiant defense of Monopoly Go’s new TV campaign, while Phil reviews the early returns of Pokémon TCG Pocket. Big in Japan, as they say? The group wraps up with what might be the year’s final Embracer hazing session, absolving themselves of any remaining crimes.

chapters: 01:19 Birthday Wishes for WoW and Half-Life 2

04:48 EA Tries to Soothe AI Worries

10:03 Game Industry Awards and Nominations

14:47 AAA Devs and Startups

19:04 PlayVentures' New Gaming Fund

21:24 Miniclip Acquires EasyBrain

28:32 X Rioters and Supervive

31:15 Capybara Go and Archero 2

32:02 Pokemon TCG Pocket Success

38:47 Marvel Snap and Sinister Loot Boxes

41:15 New Monopoly Go Campaign

Join us on the Deconstructor of Fun Podcast as we delve into LiveOps strategies for Q5 with esteemed guests Sezer Degirmenbasi, head of EMEA for mobile gaming at TikTok, and John Wright, head of publishing at Kwalee.

In this episode, you’ll discover what Q5 is and why it's crucial for game marketers and learn detailed strategies for leveraging TikTok's LiveOps tools to extend your game's lifecycle, increase user engagement, and maximize revenue

00:00 Introduction

00:56 Understanding Q5: The Invisible Quarter

06:10 LiveOps Strategies and Definitions

11:27 TikTok's Role in LiveOps Success

16:24 TikTok's LiveOps Program Explained

21:56 Creative Strategies for LiveOps

27:55 The Need for Differentiation

29:34 Reviving Older Games with TikTok

36:56 Success Metrics for LiveOps Campaigns

46:54 Final Thoughts and Advice for Developers

51:02 Culturalization in LiveOps

54:35 Conclusion and Community Engagement

After Kress released the rockets at large VCs last week the crew gets back into heated venture capital discussions exploring the complexities of VC investments in gaming and the shifting landscape of game development and funding.

The conversation also touches on the potential leadership changes at EA, the implications of recent acquisitions in the gaming industry, and the performance of companies like Roblox. The discussion highlights the strategic moves by companies like MTG and Take-Two, as well as the challenges and opportunities in the current market landscape.

Hosts: Eric Kress, Jen Donahoe, Phillip Black, Jen Donahoe

Content: 01:30 Mishka's Banter and Shills

06:41 Corrections and Clarifications

10:22 VC Investments in Gaming

22:04 Crunchyroll and Meta Updates

24:59 EA and Disney Rumors

27:20 Wall Street's Favorite CEOs

30:18 MTG's Strategic Acquisitions

31:46 Plarium's Surprising Valuation

37:51 Take-Two's Divestments and Chartboost Sale

43:51 Roblox's Impressive Growth

49:55 Dream's New Puzzle RPG

56:00 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

Keywords: game industry, venture capital, Crunchyroll, mobile gaming, EA leadership, gaming news, game funding, gaming trends, gaming investments, acquisitions, MTG, Plarium, Take-Two, Roblox,

Jen Donahoe, Laura Taranto, and Eric Kress live from GamesForum San Francisco.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:29 Panelist Intros

05:53 First Topic: Unfiltered Growth and Monetization

12:50 Incentivized Advertising: Past and Present

17:59 Challenges and Future of Incentivized Ads

27:27 Expanding Beyond Gaming: Brand Collaborations

32:15 Exploring Roblox's Integration with Shopify

32:52 The Shift in Game Design and Monetization

35:29 Surviving in 2025

36:12 Mobile and Console Gaming's Existential Crisis

37:55 Opportunities and Challenges in Mobile Gaming

39:00 The Role of Small Studios in the Gaming Market

44:11 Netflix's Foray into Gaming

50:57 Challenges in Game Discovery and Engagement

59:42 The Future of Gaming and AI in Marketing

01:00:05 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

Eric roleplays as his Old Man Yells at Cloud Halloween costume, sparing no expense at Netflix’s strange announcement and an ugly breakdown of modern venture capital. Laura tells us if Pokemon’s new mobile game looks more like Go or Masters, while Jen gives a eulogy for Space Ape. Phil raves at Call of Duties monster success and asks Nadella to release the Game Pass tapes.

00:26 Nintendo Switch Earnings Analysis

16:31 Netflix's Interactive Titles and Generative AI

20:49 Supercell Acquires SpaceApe

23:02 Dragon Age and Call of Duty Updates

31:51 Pokemon TCG Mobile: First Impressions

38:50 The Role of VC in Gaming Startups

42:09 Investment Trends and Success Stories

45:22 VC Firm Challenges + The Future of VCs in Gaming

In this episode of Deconstructor of Fun, we dive into the shifting landscape of influencer marketing in the gaming industry, focusing on the emergence and impact of creator programs.

Our guests: Patrick "Chief Pat" Carney (Tribe Gaming), Scott Walker (Ninja Kiwi), and Justin Sacks (Nexus.gg) — industry experts and key voices in creator marketing—explore the evolving roles of influencers and creators, moving from short-term campaigns to deeper, sustained partnerships that drive community engagement and revenue.

We discuss how companies like Supercell have pioneered successful creator programs and examine the role of platforms in supporting these initiatives. We also address the challenges developers face in managing creator programs, particularly for smaller studios, and how user-generated content (UGC) is reshaping the gaming experience.

Tune in to learn how creator programs are transforming marketing, community building, and even game development itself.

Host: Jen Donahoe

Chapters:

04:36 Defining Creator Programs

06:47 Creator Program Benefits

11:52 Supercell's Creator Program

20:09 Building a Creator Platform

21:44 Implementation

26:08 Challenges in Developer-Marketer Collaboration

26:45 Web2 Play-to-Earn Concept

28:52 Impact on Small Developers

30:38 Revenue and Engagement Metrics

34:04 Nexus and Creator Programs

36:06 Supercell's Creator Program Evolution

38:18 Brawl Stars and Community Management

40:57 Administrative Challenges in Creator Programs

43:45 UGC and Future Developers

Keywords: influencer marketing, creator programs, gaming, Supercell, Nexus.gg, community engagement, mobile games, revenue share, content creators, game development, game development, content creators, revenue sharing, player engagement, user-generated content, mobile games, creator programs, game marketing, community building, game monetization

It’s Halloween and conference season, so we’re diving into all the latest insights without of course missing a basketball update. In today’s episode, we got Call of Duty’s continued dominance, Battlefield’s woes, Apple’s App Store for gaming, China’s rise in 4x games, and Barbie’s design mismatch. Dive in for all things gaming, snark included! Hosts: Jen Donahoe, Eric Kress, Phillip Black and Mishka Katkoff Keywords: gaming news, game industry, conferences, shooter games, Netflix gaming, Apple gaming store, gaming industry, Switch 2, Roblox, web stores, child safety, investments, Bungie, Sony, studio closures, Tencent, shooter games, Forex games, mobile gaming, Barbie game, Call of Duty, Battlefield, gaming trends Chapters: 01:39 Halloween and Conference Season 03:56 Basketball Update and Conference Insights 10:36 Shooter Panel + Market Trends 16:46 Netflix's AAA Game Shutdown and Apple App Store Rumors 22:15 Nintendo Switch 2 Rumors 26:34 Roblox's Child Safety Measures 31:29 Investments, Divestments, and M&A 38:50 The Struggles of IP-Driven Games 41:40 The MOBA Market in the West 45:30 Bungie Under PlayStation: Not Good 47:14 Sony Shuts Down Firewalk Studios 52:21 Chinese Developers and 4x Games 56:24 Barbie Game's Creative Mismatch 01:05:19 Call of Duty Continues Crushing It 01:10:21 Battlefield's Downfall

In this deep dive discussion, Adam Telfer, Chris Sides, Phillip Black, and Davan Brannan explore the current state of the PC and console shooter genre, analyzing player engagement trends, the impact of COVID-19, and the struggles of new game entrants in a saturated market.

They discuss the decline in player numbers for popular titles, the challenges of maintaining engagement, and the implications for future game development. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the challenges and strategies surrounding the launch and retention of new first-person shooter (FPS) games.

The four also discuss the importance of live content, player migration, and the barriers new titles face in a saturated market.

The conversation ends with an exploration of the future of extraction shooters and the key elements developers must focus on to succeed in the competitive landscape of PvP shooters.

Chapters:

00:00 The Shooter Genre Landscape

02:36 Analyzing Player Engagement in Shooters

09:06 The Impact of COVID on Shooter Game Popularity

11:00 Contrasting Successes and Failures in Recent Titles

21:33 New Entrants and Their Struggles in the Market

28:35 The Challenge of Launching New FPS Games

32:00 Player Migration and Retention in FPS Titles

35:32 Barriers for New PvP Shooters

38:09 Strategies for Competing in a Saturated Market

41:58 The Future of Extraction Shooters

49:57 Key Takeaways for Developing Successful Shooters

Keywords:

PC, console, shooter games, player engagement, market analysis, COVID impact, game launches, FPS, PvP, PvE, FPS games, player retention, game development, extraction shooters, PvP shooters, gaming market, player migration, live service, game thesis, competitive gaming

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This episode of This Week in Games covers major shifts in gaming, as Netflix shutting down its AAA studio, TikTok’s LiveOps program, and the rise of influencer marketing and Supercell’s all-hands-on-deck approach to save Squad Busters. The episode also addresses the perceived decline of AA studios.

Hosts: Jen Donahoe, Adam Telfer, Phillip Black and Mishka Katkoff

On his 55th visit to beyond the Wall (aka. Finland) Peter Levin of Griffin Gaming Partners delves into the influence of Finland's gaming scene, the global success of companies like Supercell, and the legacy of titles such as Angry Birds and Habbo Hotel. 

We discuss the impact of technology, transmedia trends, and how non-endemic players like Netflix are entering the gaming space. The conversation covers strategic mergers and acquisitions, the resurgence of PC gaming, and the exciting potential in emerging markets. 

Tune in to understand how cultural adaptability, partnership dynamics, and IP management are driving the gaming industry forward.

00:00 Introduction and Peter's Frequent Visits to Finland

02:59 Rovio and Angry Birds

08:35 Impact of Nokia and Finnish Gaming Success

15:08 Challenges and Opportunities in the Finnish Gaming Market

18:56 Global Perspective and Market Dynamics

27:09 Transmedia and Gaming Adaptations

37:33 Disney's Aha Moment

38:12 Legacy Media and Gaming

38:37 Warner Brothers' Gaming Success

39:21 Advice for Big IP Holders

39:37 Investing in Gaming Executives

40:37 Strategic Acquisitions

41:27 Sports Leagues and Gaming

41:55 Overinvestment Concerns

42:48 Netflix's Gaming Strategy

50:18 Transmedia Business Case

52:16 John Wick in Fortnite

55:20 Skills and IP Partnerships

01:07:01 Future of Gaming

01:10:49 Closing Thoughts

In this episode of TWIG (This Week in Games), the team dives into recent gaming industry news, starting with Google’s Play and Xbox announcements, followed by the Game Freak data breach and Xbox developments.

'They discuss Supercell’s mysterious Project Rise, the rumored Destiny Rising mobile game, and blockchain gaming with Off the Grid. The episode also highlights Azra Games’ Project Legends, speculates on Scopely’s next mega-deal, and wraps up with Supercell’s marketing shakeup.

00:00 Intro
01:55 Quick Hits
05:28 Google Play and Xbox Announcements
07:43 Game Freak Data Breach and Xbox News
13:16 Supercell's Project Rise
14:17 Destiny Rising Mobile Game
20:54 Off the Grid: Blockchain Gaming
29:54 Web3 Game Development Challenges
30:37 Marketing and Investor Influence
31:23 Player Reception and Crypto Integration
36:16 Azra Games and Project Legends
45:06 Scopely's Mega Deal Speculations
56:40 Supercell's Marketing Shakeup

Michail Katkoff sits down with Javier Ferreira, Co-CEO of Scopely, to explore the success behind Scopely's hit game Monopoly Go, which has generated over $3 billion in lifetime revenue.

Javier shares insights into Scopely's acquisition by Savvy, the impact of solid partnerships, and Scopely's future ambitions with original IPs.

Learn about effective game development, strategic risk-taking, and the evolving landscape of the gaming industry. Discover what makes Scopely a leader in IP-based gaming and Javier's views on the bright future of gaming.

00:00 Introduction and Learning Journey

01:06 Monopoly Go's Commercial Success

07:05 Scopely's Approach to IP and Game Development

13:13 Challenges and Convictions in Game Development

22:44 Impact of Savvy's Acquisition on Scopely

31:05 Future of the Gaming Industry and Final Thoughts

The TWIG team unpacks the latest developments in Ubisoft’s internal drama. They also dive into the troubled launch of Squadbusters and explore whether toxic positivity is a growing issue in game development. Plus, get the latest on the Epic vs. Google legal battle and the controversies surrounding Roblox. Tune in for sharp analysis and thoughtful discussion on all things gaming!

02:02 Event Highlights and Industry Insights

04:37 Savvy Games Group and Upcoming Podcasts

08:21 Ubisoft Drama and Tencent's Stake

13:35 Squadbusters Game Launch Misfires?

32:51 Exploring Toxic Positivity in Game Development

52:23 Epic vs Google Legal Battle

59:00 Roblox Under Fire