Episodes
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Can someone really grow from 3D artist to GM of a billion-dollar title â without switching companies, logos, or careers? SciPlayâs Justin McFarlane did just that, and his story is a masterclass in product-first leadership and long-term growth.
03:48 Navigating Remote Work Challenges and Team Engagement
07:10 Making Tough Decisions: Prioritizing Team Cohesion
15:56 Transitioning Teams: Managing Relocation and Operations
19:05 The Importance of Listening in Leadership
27:57 From Artist to General Manager: Career Growth Insights
39:09 The Importance of Purpose in Work
45:22 Understanding LiveOps: The Key to Success
56:06 Balancing LiveOps and New Game Development
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The crew jumps into a galaxy of transmedia takes with May the Fourth and how IPs stretch across games, shows, and beyondâsometimes elegantly, sometimes painfully. We dissect the long-awaited GTA 6 trailer and release window, then shift gears into Dream Gamesâ latest raise and what it says about Turkeyâs still-thriving gaming ecosystem.The team breaks down Super Leagueâs acquisition of Super Social and digs into Robloxâs beast-mode growth metrics and smart (if aggressive) pricing strategies.
Thereâs love for Expedition 33, curiosity around Overwatchâs new stadium mode, and a sharp look at the Epic vs. Apple legal sagaâculminating in a bold discussion on the future of app store economics and a tip of the hat to the ever-controversial Tim Sweeney.
02:13 May the Fourth and Transmedia
18:18 GTA 6 Trailer and Release Date
23:03 Dream Games Investment and Turkey's Gaming Ecosystem
32:35 Super League Acquires Super Social
34:13 Roblox's Impressive Growth Metrics
39:08 Roblox's Pricing Strategies
43:43 Expedition 33's Success Story
47:07 Overwatch's New Stadium Mode
50:43 Epic Games vs. Apple: The Legal Battle
55:57 The Future of App Store Economics
01:09:31 Thank You, Tim Sweeney
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Missing episodes?
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đš Deconstructor of Fun Exclusive â Weâre releasing the UNCUT version of our legendary interview with Javier Ferreira, co-CEO of Scopely. This is the twice-as-long version only a handful of insiders have ever heard before.
In this rare, candid, and *fully unfiltered* conversation, Javier breaks down Scopelyâs transformation from a $12M startup to a $3B+ revenue machine. Why *Monopoly GO!* succeeded where so many IP-based games fail. How Scopely builds âlearning machines,â not just game teams, and the secrets to long-term conviction, even in the face of failure
If you want the real story behind the game industryâs biggest hit â and how Scopely is building the definitive free-to-play company â this is the one to watch.
01:11 The Role of a CEO in Company Success
07:06 Company Culture and Learning
19:54 Challenges and Successes with IP Partnerships
29:30 The Process of Game Development
38:37 The Role of Intervention in Product Strategy
40:45 The Responsibilities of a GM
49:47 The Impact of the Savvy Acquisition
01:04:31 Advice for Laid-Off Game Developers
01:10:08 Exciting Future Prospects in the Gaming Industry
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In this emergency podcast episode, Mishka Katkoff and Maor Sason, CEO and co-founder of AppCharge, discuss the implications of the recent Epic vs. Apple ruling, which allows developers to link to external payment methods.
They explore the potential benefits for small to medium-sized studios, the strategies larger publishers can adopt, and the importance of building customer relationships through loyalty programs.
The conversation emphasizes the need for developers to act quickly and adapt to the changing landscape of mobile gaming and payment methods.
00:00 Introduction to the Emergency Podcast
05:41 The Impact of the Epic vs. Apple Ruling
12:35 Strategies for Developers Post-Ruling
19:39 Long-Term Considerations for Developers
27:41 Building Customer Relationships and Loyalty Programs
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We start where we ended last week: the $50M Royal Match campaign and the issue of overspending. Then it's all about Discordâs new CEO and how that signals a potential pivot toward enterprise, ending the platformâs gaming-first DNA.
Then, the crew covers NetEaseâs sudden executive shakeup and the surprising Delta Force vs. Call of Duty Mobile battle before unpacking Blizzardâs Nexon partnership in Korea. We cap it off with an explanation on why VCs are suddenly frothing over AI in gaming.
02:39 MAU Event and Fireside Chat
04:15 Royal Match Campaign Follow-up
19:53 Discord's New CEO and Future
29:26 NetEase Executive Departures
33:19 AI in Gaming Venture Capital
37:12 Delta Force vs. Call of Duty Mobile
41:08 Blizzard's Publishing Strategy: Nexon Partnership
46:34 The Impact of Distribution Duopoly on Gaming
53:35 The Future of Game Distribution and Innovation
01:02:55 Web Shops and the Changing Revenue Landscape -
Alexei Chemenda, CEO and co-founder of Poolday.ai, discusses how AI enables marketers to focus on strategy and storytelling. Discover the future of personalized video ads, the evolving role of A/B testing, and the importance of combining creative and analytical skills in marketing. 00:00 Introduction: Misconceptions About AI in Marketing01:53 Revolutionizing Ad Creation with AI02:53 Personalization and Creative Control04:15 Continuous Creative Cycle04:37 AI in Gaming and Brand Marketing09:22 Balancing Volume and Quality in AI-Driven Marketing16:37 Predictive Analytics and Data Fluency20:19 Future Skills for Marketing Leaders23:13 Enhancing Human Creativity with AI25:22 Conclusion and Contact Information
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Mishka Katkoff sits down with Uri Marchand, CEO of Overwolf, to break down how user-generated content (UGC) is quietly reshaping the gaming industry. They dive into Overwolfâs mission to turn in-game creation into a viable profession, and why modding â once a hobby for the few â is now a legitimate career path for thousands.
This isnât just about mods anymore â itâs about the future of gaming economies.
00:00Introduction to Overwolf and UGC0
4:05 The Evolution of Modding in Gaming
06:56 Industry Trends: Embracing UGC
10:05 Challenges and Opportunities in Modding
13:17 The Role of Platforms like Roblox and Fortnite
16:32 Balancing Creator Support and Developer Benefits
19:37 Sustainability of the Modding Economy
22:23 Revenue Share Models in the Creator Economy
25:34 The Impact of AI on Modding
29:14 The Power of AI in Game Development
30:15 Democratizing Game Creation
31:01 Challenges in Scaling Overwolf
33:51 Overcoming Investment Hurdles
37:41 The Future of Overwolf and Gaming
43:24 Innovations in User-Generated Content
45:39 Changing Mindsets on Premium Mods
48:17 Disruption in the Gaming Industry
52:09 Lessons Learned from Overwolf's Journey
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The crew unpacks a week of spicy news and strategic contradictions, starting with Supercellâs latest investments and how VC incentives often clash with long-term game building. We weigh in on GamesBeatâs move to independence, the ongoing esports funding debate, and whether Netflixâs Rebel Moon game is a flex or a fumble.
Valorant Mobileâs China launch signals Riotâs next big move, while Tencent continues to dominate with titles like Gunfight King.
The team dives into Disneyâs Solitaire push, Habby's intriguing new soft launch, and the return of Royal Kingdomâs celebrity-fueled ad campaignâcapped off by a heated debate: do TV ads still move the needle for mobile games, or are we watching legacy marketing die in real time?
01:56 Industry News Highlights
02:47 Supercell Investments Analysis
05:35 VC Contradictions and Incentives
17:43 GamesBeat Independence
20:17 Esports Investment
22:31 Oblivion
24:15 Netflix's Rebel Moon Game
31:00 Valorant Mobile Launch in China
32:36 Gunfight King and Tencent's Gaming Dominance
33:19 Disney Solitaire
40:00 Habby's New Game in Soft Launch
46:33 Royal Kingdom's Celebrity Ad Campaign
48:44 Debating the Effectiveness of TV Ads for Mobile Games
01:06:53 Concluding Thoughts on Marketing Strategies
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Lightspeedâs Moritz Baier-Lentz joins us for a no-holds-barred conversation on venture capital, gaming, and the inner workings of multi-billion-dollar venture funds. No fluffâjust real talk about fund math, spotting exceptional founders, the future of AI in gaming, and why most investments wonât work out (and why thatâs okay).
00:00 from pro-gamer in Diablo II to Goldman Sachs to Lightspeed VC
10:00 The Lightspeed model
18:00 How Moritz spots truly exceptional founders (hint: not a checklist)
24:00 Fund math 101
30:00 Studio investing vs. tech investing in games
36:00 How consolidation is reshaping gaming M&A (and why itâs a big deal)
43:00 Speedrun, a16zâs gaming accelerator: innovation or red flag?
51:00 Debunking big VC myths
58:00 The future of gaming: AI, generative content, and creating the next Roblox
1:05:00 How Lightspeed wins competitive dealsâand what founders should ask VCs
1:12:00 Is raising VC money harder now? Yes. But hereâs why itâs still a golden era.
1:20:00 Final thoughts: investing at the edge of whatâs possible
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Kress is fresh back from Turkiye, sharing on-the-ground insights before diving headfirst into the weekâs big beats.
We break down Epic Games Storeâs revenue, debate the Minecraft movieâs potential for franchise dominance, and unpack the latest M&A and investment trends shaping gamingâs future. Inflationâs creeping impact on game pricing gets a hard look, while the crew wrestles with the evolving MTX and revenue models.
Things heat up with Marvel Rivals throwing punches at Overwatch, a sharp take on Western vs. Eastern LiveOps strategies, and a no-holds-barred discussion about Bungieâs Marathon pivot into extraction shooters. To wrap, a quick (and slightly roasted) look at Kingdomâs celebrity-packed ad campaign.
00:00 Introduction and Host Introductions
03:09 Chris' Insights from Turkey
07:02 Epic Games Store Revenue Discussion
13:30 Minecraft Movie and Franchise Management
21:07 M&A and Investment Trends in Gaming
29:47 Game Pricing and Inflation
30:31 MTX and Revenue Models
32:59 Marvel Rivals vs. Overwatch
37:33 Western vs. Eastern LiveOps
44:24 Marathon: The Extraction Shooter
58:13 Kingdom's Celebrity Ad Campaign
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In this episode of Deconstructor of Fun, Jen Donahoe is by Charles Hambro, CEO and Co-Founder of GEEIQ, and Matt Edelman, President and CEO of Super League, to dive deep into the evolving world of brand activations and UGC (user-generated content) in gaming.
We explore how brands navigate virtual worlds, the ROI of successful campaigns, and why gaming audiences are more valuable than ever. The conversation spans the rise of playable ads, IAB standards, and the growing distinction between branded content and traditional ads.
Charles and Matt also share their insights on the future of campaign-based activations and why entertainment brands are doubling down on gaming.
00:00 Introduction to Brand and UGC Activations
04:57 UGC and Virtual Worlds
07:44 Brand Activations
15:47 ROI and Success Stories
21:02 Challenges and Future of UGC Platforms
27:12 The Power of Gaming Audiences
27:45 Mobile Advertising
29:00 Playable Ads
29:42 IAB and Playable Ad Standards
31:34 Engaging Audiences with Playable Ads
35:49 Branded Content vs. Traditional Ads
36:41 The Future of Branded Content in Gaming
42:40 The Importance of Campaign-Based Activations
44:47 Entertainment Brands in Gaming
46:59 Concluding Thoughts and Future Trends
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In this weekâs episode of This Week in Games, weâre joined by special guest Chris Sides for a jam-packed conversation covering everything from transmedia storytelling to the latest moves in the gaming industry.
We dive into the surprising momentum behind the Minecraft movie, explore Gen Z trends and market predictions, and unpack Netflixâs bold push into interactive fiction. Plus, we break down A16Zâs new Speed Run initiative, take a close look at Supercellâs evolving investment strategy, and compare War Robots to the newly launched Steel Hunters.
00:00 Introduction and Host Introductions
01:58 Special Guest Chris and His Background
02:49 Transmedia and Pop Culture Discussion
03:48 Industry Updates and News
07:03 Podcast Highlights and Recent Episodes
09:21 Minecraft Movie Success
16:54 Gen Z and Market Predictions
20:48 Netflix's Interactive Fiction Strategy
28:44 Speed Run Initiative by A16Z
30:22 Supercell's Investment Strategy
31:19 Supercell's Investment Philosophy
32:54 Supercell's Investment History and Performance
43:14 Blueprints: The Best Rated Game of 2025
49:21 RE's Latest Deck Recap
53:36 Steel Hunters: Early Access and Unreal Engine
01:03:02 War Robots vs. Steel Hunters01:05:02 Conclusion and Farewell
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In this episode, Deconstructor of Funâs Michail Katkoff sits down with Tobias Knoke â long-time Googler, gaming industry expert, and Gen Z whisperer â to unpack what game developers need to know right now about the fastest-growing and most misunderstood audience in gaming.
đ Learn why Gen Z is about to become the biggest spending group on mobile
đ Why theyâre less loyal to individual games, and how to win them back
đ How to build creator strategies that actually work
đ What Gen Z hates about ads â and what they love
đ How AI is quietly reshaping game development (and why Gen Z doesnât care)
đ§ Read more at:
www.deconstructoroffun.com
00:00 The State of Gaming Post-Pandemic
03:51 Understanding Gen Z's Gaming Behavior
06:53 Strategies for Engaging Gen Z
10:05 The Role of Creators in Gaming Marketing
12:52 Building Effective Creator Strategies
15:43 The Impact of Social Connections on Gaming
18:43 Achieving Escape Velocity in Game Launches
33:38 Navigating Competition in Mobile Gaming
36:52 Understanding Gen Z's Unique Gaming Preferences
41:23 Ad Monetization Strategies for Gen Z
46:53 High Expectations and LiveOps for Gen Z
49:37 The Role of AI in Game Development
Gen Z, gaming strategies, mobile gaming, creator marketing, ad monetization, LiveOps, AI in gaming, audience engagement, gaming behavior, influencer strategies
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GDCâs over, but the takes are still hot. Eric Kress recaps the chaos and questions Dark Legionâs staying power, while Phil gives the Game Craft boys a well-deserved nod.
Then itâs Switch 2 speculation time: is Nintendo finally back in the power game? Meanwhile, Roblox cozies up to Google for rewarded adsâwhat does that mean for the ecosystem?
Meanwhile, AppLovin fights off short seller heat while asserting market dominance. Plus, Tencentâs playing the long game with Ubisoft, againâno surprise, but lots to unpack.
02:12 GDC Highlights and Dark Legion Update
03:18 Game Craft Podcast
05:27 CEO Interviews and App Charge Partnership
07:31 GDC Attendance and Dark Legion Performance
15:58 Switch 2 Announcement
23:26 Roblox Rewarded Ads and Google Partnership
31:54 AppLovin's Short Seller Allegations
36:17 Hedge Fund Hotels and Market Dynamics
36:36 AppLovin Market Dominance
38:49 Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Acquisition
43:57 Supercell's New Game: First Impressions
53:22 Ubisoft's $1.25 Billion Tencent Deal
01:05:36 Tencent's Long Game and Market Strategy -
What makes the company a great place to work? We discuss the significance of company culture, leadership evolution, and the vital role of customer obsession with AppsFlyer's CEO and co-founder, Oren Kaniel.
Oren shares his entrepreneurial journey, how the company overcame early financial challenges, and the importance of remaining innovative and passionate. Additionally, we explore AI's role in the future of business, balancing data privacy with technological advancements, and the grand vision for AppsFlyer's continued growth and impact.
02:44 Building a Company Culture
06:33 The Importance of Customer Obsession
15:24 Challenges and Early Days of the Startup
20:15 Navigating Growth and Scaling Up
25:06 Hiring and Nurturing Talent
42:15 Transparency vs. Clarity in Leadership
44:02 Innovative Solutions for Business Growth
56:39 The Role of AI in Business Transformation
01:05:47 Building a Sustainable Business Ecosystem
01:15:20 Future Prospects and Innovations
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Josh Wilson, CEO of SciPlay, returns to the podcast for the third time to discuss key topics such as the significance of Q5, the challenges of app store reliance, the stalled growth in the gaming market, the emergence of hybrid casualization, and the role of AI in gaming.
Subscribe to the Deconstructor of Fun Newsletter: www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe
Continue the conversation on our Slack channel: www.deconstructoroffun.com/slack00:00 Introduction and Previous Conversations
03:28 Understanding Q5 and Its Impact on Gaming
12:38 Navigating App Store Reliance and Customer Ownership
21:46 Stalled Growth in the Gaming Market
31:24 Customer Retention as a Business Strategy
37:44 Embracing Change and Innovation
40:55 The Shift to Hybrid Casual Gaming
55:15 The Role of AI in Gaming
01:09:02 Future Skills in a Changing Landscape
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Eric speedruns through an a16z correction, while Phil canât wrap his head around Funplusâ new 4x Dark Legion thesis. Adam tells us Neteaseâs Fragpunk is dead, and Jen tells us games journalism is alive. Against all odds, Netflix Games records its first positive segment. And did you hear that? Itâs the inZOI train CHUGGinâ.
Subscribe to the Deconstructor of Fun Newsletter:
www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe
Continue the conversation on our Slack channel:
www.deconstructoroffun.com/slack
02:16 Post-GDC Debriefing
09:35 A16Z Speed Run
13:48 Game Journalism is Back!!
17:08 Nintendo Direct and Switch 2 Rumors
18:41 MOBA Shutdowns and VC Funded Games
25:15 FunPlus and Dark Legion
31:00 DC Comics in Gaming: Challenges and Failures
35:03 The Future of 4X Strategy Games
37:18 Marvel Rivals and Rag Punk Analysis
56:27 Netflix's Gaming Strategy -
The rowdy and tired DoF crew closed down their GDC with a live TWIG show at Moscone Center. Tune in!
Chapters:
02:47 Kickoff
03:15 GDC Vibe Check
06:30 Industry Sentiment and Challenges
21:20 Emerging Markets and New Game Development
22:26 A16Z Speed Run and Industry Shifts
26:21 Funding Trends and Credit Lines
27:40 Absurd Ideas and Rumors
31:00 Supercell's MoCo Launch
33:53 Embracing Experimentation in Gaming
38:31 Absurd Compensation Packages in the US
43:28 The Future of AA and Indie Game Funding
46:57 Highlights from Recent Gaming Events
51:55 Impact of the Podcast on Careers
01:02:54 The Rise of Apps and AI in Mobile Gaming
01:05:05 VCs, Ad Tech, and Online Gambling
01:07:41 Closing Remarks and Thank Yous -
Alexei Chemenda, CEO and co-founder of Poolday.ai, discusses how AI enables marketers to focus on strategy and storytelling. Discover the future of personalized video ads, the evolving role of A/B testing, and the importance of combining creative and analytical skills in marketing.
00:00 Introduction: Misconceptions About AI in Marketing
01:53 Revolutionizing Ad Creation with AI
02:53 Personalization and Creative Control
04:15 Continuous Creative Cycle
04:37 AI in Gaming and Brand Marketing
09:22 Balancing Volume and Quality in AI-Driven Marketing
16:37 Predictive Analytics and Data Fluency
20:19 Future Skills for Marketing Leaders
23:13 Enhancing Human Creativity with AI
25:22 Conclusion and Contact Information
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Marion Balinoff and Sara Guerola share data-driven strategies for maximizing influencer marketing in gaming.
As CPIs rise and privacy regulations evolve, influencer marketing is becoming a key performance channel. Marion and Sara break down budget calculations, track organic uplift, and analyze campaign performance while highlighting tactics like QR codes, giveaways, and custom in-game assets to boost conversions.
Whether youâre testing with smaller creators or scaling with top-tier influencers, this episode provides a strategic framework for driving profitable results.
00:00 Introduction to Influencer and Podcast Marketing
02:56 Meet the Experts: Marion and Sarah
04:33 Defining Influencer and Podcast Marketing
08:16 Budgeting and Setting Objectives
14:24 Measuring Campaign Performance
23:58 Tracking Links and Performance Metrics
24:35 Challenges in Getting Clicks
25:08 Podcast Advertising Strategies
27:21 Creative Performance Reports
30:40 Influencer Integration in Games
32:56 Effective Campaign Strategies
34:45 Deep Integration Benefits
38:11 Creative and Contract Tips
42:57 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
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