Episoder
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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,
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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
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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
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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
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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 KatkoffKeywords: 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 trendsChapters:01:39 Halloween and Conference Season03:56 Basketball Update and Conference Insights10:36 Shooter Panel + Market Trends16:46 Netflix's AAA Game Shutdown and Apple App Store Rumors22:15 Nintendo Switch 2 Rumors26:34 Roblox's Child Safety Measures31:29 Investments, Divestments, and M&A38:50 The Struggles of IP-Driven Games41:40 The MOBA Market in the West45:30 Bungie Under PlayStation: Not Good47:14 Sony Shuts Down Firewalk Studios52:21 Chinese Developers and 4x Games56:24 Barbie Game's Creative Mismatch01:05:19 Call of Duty Continues Crushing It01:10:21 Battlefield's Downfall
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Saudi Arabia has a bold vision - to transform itself into a global gaming hub by 2030.
With insights from Savvy Games Group CEO Brian Ward and Gerard Miles, co-CEO of executive headhunting company Mission One, we delve into the Kingdom's strategic efforts to build a robust gaming ecosystem in the Middle East.
Discover the opportunities and challenges of navigating business in Saudi Arabia, and learn how cultural understanding and genuine connections can foster success in this burgeoning market. Gain valuable advice on investment prospects and expansion strategies from those at the forefront of these exciting developments.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Episode Overview
03:01 Guest Introductions and Backgrounds
05:18 Brian's Move to Saudi Arabia
07:35 Perceptions and Realities of Saudi Arabia
11:15 Female Participation and Workforce Transformation
16:29 Understanding Savvy Games Group
23:37 Long-Term Investment Strategy and E-Sports
30:00 Financial Discipline and Strategic Investments
34:49 Building a Self-Sustaining Gaming Ecosystem
38:13 Empowering Saudi Entrepreneurs
39:05 Building a Gaming Ecosystem
42:28 Global Comparisons and Strategies
49:18 Talent Development and Ecosystem Growth
01:02:06 Navigating Business Culture in Saudi Arabia
01:10:03 Opportunities and Advice for Businesses and Individuals
01:14:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Jen Donahoe, Eric Kress, Phillip Black, and Mishka Katkoff discuss the impact of California's new digital ownership law, highlights from the Tokyo Game Show, and the record-breaking numbers on Steam. They also delve into Ubisoft's delays, Behavior Interactive's acquisitions, and Meta's new AR glasses, concluding with a look at Genshin Impact's impressive revenue and market influence.
Takeaways
* Mishka shares insights from his recent travels and conferences.
* Squad Busters faces challenges in the competitive gaming market.
* Indie game publishing is on the rise with new trends emerging.
* California's new law impacts digital ownership for gamers.
* The relevance of the Tokyo Game Show is declining in the gaming industry.
* Steam continues to break user records, showcasing its dominance.
* Ubisoft's delays raise concerns about its leadership and future.
* Behavior Interactive is expanding through acquisitions despite challenges.
* Meta's AR glasses could revolutionize user interaction with technology.
* Genshin Impact's success highlights the potential for high-budget mobile games.
Segments:
03:07 Mishka's Adventures and Industry Insights
06:32 Squadbusters
08:14 Quick Hits
15:50 Epic Games and Legal Battles
18:58 Ubisoft Struggles
22:09 Behavior Interactive + M&A
27:16 Throne and Liberty: A New MMO Experience
31:34 Sports FC 25
34:51 India
37:52 Match Factory'
39:08 Monopoly Go's Going Soft?
44:20 Dragon Ball Z
45:27 Chris Likes Meta's Orion AR Glasses??
52:58 Genshin Impact
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Host Jen Donahoe is joined by a panel of emerging game industry professionals—Pedro Bravo (Lead PM Monopoly Go at Scopely), Vlada Kumova (Game Producer at GameFam), and Lara Burić (Game Designer at Hutch).
The discussion centers around the challenges and barriers faced by the next generation of game developers as they enter the industry, the difficulties of securing opportunities, and the ongoing changes in hiring practices.
They share candid experiences about breaking into the industry, the expectations placed on junior versus senior talent, and the evolving dynamics of leadership and mentorship. The panel also explores the importance of fostering supportive environments and reducing crunch culture.
Tune in to hear valuable insights on how the next wave of creators is navigating the complexities of game development and paving the way for future industry practices.
02:34 Guest Intro
03:16 Pedro
04:07 Vlada
04:47 Laura
05:14 Challenges of Breaking into the Industry
11:20 Bipolar Hiring Vibes
18:07 Training and Mentorship
24:42 Early Career Challenges
28:10 Crunch Culture and Work-Life Balance
34:09 Specialization and Workload Management
36:54 Creating a Positive Work Environment
42:19 Effective Communication and Management
46:45 Gen-A and the future of Social Gaming
51:35 Wrap-Up
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Kress bites back at Cupcake listeners, while Adam thinks a Space Marine live service is as dead as the Necrons. Phil thinks MoPoGo is groundbreaking, but no one is surfing the waves yet. Laura tells us the real origin story, and Jen has her best Italian accent.
00:00 Intro
01:49 Shills
02:46 AI in Gaming
07:16 EA Strategy
09:28 Adam & Laura: Origins
18:32 Industry Trends and Predictions
31:28 Favorite Podcast Moments
36:36 GDC Memories and Parasocial Relationships
37:55 Nintendo vs. Palworld Legal Battle
40:45 Dreamhaven's First Publishing Partnership
42:57 Microsoft's Game Pass Spending
44:27 Everdale's End and Brawl Stars' Rise
46:40 Space Marine 2's Success
49:10 Raid Shadow Legends' Impressive Run
50:42 Playtika's Acquisition of Superplay
53:17 Monopoly Go: A Social Casino Debate
59:07 Future of IP in Mobile Gaming
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Mishka Katkoff chats with Sebastian Forsström, Head of Paradox ARC, to explore the world of indie game publishing at Paradox Interactive. Sebastian provides an overview of Paradox Interactive and dives into the role of Paradox ARC, a division dedicated to helping indie developers.
They discuss how Paradox evaluates and develops games, the importance of sustained user engagement, and effective marketing strategies. Sebastian also shares insights on publishing deals, revenue sharing, co-publishing agreements, and the critical role of DLCs in player retention.
01:08 Sebastian's Intro
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02:46 Paradox Interactive
05:23 Paradox Arc
11:35 Game Evaluation and Development
18:13 Sustained User Base + Marketing
23:44 Paradox Arc Deep Dive
34:09 Publishing Deals and Development Fees
38:26 Co-Publishing Agreements + Revenue Sharing
42:49 Marketing and Release Strategies
48:57 The Role of DLCs in Player Retention
53:27 Trends in the Indie Game Industry
59:39 Advice for Indie Developers
01:04:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts -
The crew gets together to talk about the past and the future of This Week in Game show in this special 300th episode.
But it wouldn’t be a TWIG without a bit of news. Kress gets triggered by EA’s AI + UGC + Apps presentation. And we all wonder what happened to Spectre Divide - a highly anticipated shooter from a top team that seems to have missed its mark.
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In this episode of the terrific trio: Jen Donahoe, Laura Taranto, and Adam Telfer dive into product strategy and market insights, highlighting how developers are differentiating themselves in a saturated market.
The three also discuss Apple’s September event, analyze the PlayStation 5 Pro, analyze Sony’s broader strategy, and look at Roblox’s ambitious goals for expansion and its push to lead in user-generated content.
00:00 Introductions
04:05 Heroic Labs 2 Mil User Milestone
04:45 Apple's September Event
06:38 PlayStation 5 Launch
10:55 Layoffs & Closures
13:57 Sony
16:45 Top Games by Revenue in North America
24:01 Product Strategy & Market Insights
28:49 Differentiation in Gaming
33:44 GameDev & Marketing Challenges
40:48 Roblox's Ambitious Goals
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Join host Jen Donahoe for an in-depth discussion on venture capital funding in the gaming industry with experts from Transcend Fund, Sisu Game Ventures, and PlayVentures.
The panel covers key topics including how VCs work, investment processes, team equity structures, board dynamics, and the unique challenges and opportunities within different gaming platforms.
Learn what gaming VCs are looking for and get insights directly from industry professionals who help shape the future of gaming startups.
00:00 Ad0
1:06 Panel Introduction and Topic Overview
02:59 Meet the Experts: Sikandar
04:48 Meet the Experts: Jere
06:35 Meet the Experts: Anton
10:25 Understanding Venture Capital
15:45 Equity and Cap Table Basics
21:17 Gaming VCs: What They Look For
27:12 Understanding Risk in Business Platforms
27:46 Content and Platform Agnosticism
28:18 Distribution and Growth in Gaming
30:05 Tech Investments in Gaming
31:33 Marketing and User Acquisition
38:42 Investment Pitches and Processes
45:32 The Role of Boards in Startups
54:27 Fund Size and Investment Strategies
58:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Phillip phones it in from Taipei as the team covers the launch of Spectre Divide, Crypto Czar's last hurrah Supercell's potential IPO. Eric Kress dives into Ubisoft’s mismanagement and its effect on company valuation while Adam compares key data insights from NewZoo and Circana. Mishka and Jen talk about influencer marketing trends and shooter game futures.
hosts: Jen Donahoe, Eric Kress, Mishka Katkoff, Adam Telfer and Phillip Black
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