Episodes
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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 -
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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:
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Continue the conversation on our Slack channel:
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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 -
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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Mishka wrestles with the implications of AppLovinâs Triple Dot acquisition, while Scopelyâs latest move has everyone questioning the future of PokĂ©mon 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.
The Deconstructor of Fun Newsletter:www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribeContinue the conversation on our Slack channel:www.deconstructoroffun.com/slack
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
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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
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Eric tries his best to make sense of the AppLovin deal, while Monster Hunter Wilds has never made more sense. Laura covers Supercellâs Lonely Island play, Boat Game, while Jen defends Disney IP as it STEPs it up in Japan. Phil wants a recount of Guitar Heroâs 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 -
ââThe way we survive is built on being creative every dayâ
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 InteractiveDownload the FREE Hybrid Casual Playbook:
metahybridcasualplaybook.splashthat.com/
đïž Join the Deconstructor of Fun Slack Community:
www.deconstructoroffun.com/slack
00:00 Introduction and Background of Rollic
06:41 TĂŒrkiye 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
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With Miska back jet-set life, Eric is HOT about the newest RNG platform, while Phil wants to revisit Nianticâs $9B valuation and go shopping in the Epic Game Store. Jen explodes a new angle on Vector, but Eric isnât buying the geometry. The crew fights the first war on Last Warâs Fake Ads: get real or get rich?
To meet the Crew, check out our event in the weekly newsletter:https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe
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
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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 youâre 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 â Intro & Welcome Marcos Muller
02:15 â Why Abu Dhabi is Investing in Gaming
06:30 â Building a Sustainable Gaming Ecosystem
12:45 â The Role of Incubators, Accelerators & Studios
18:20 â Financial Incentives & Support for Game Companies
23:40 â Addressing the Talent Gap: Visas, Universities & Local Growth
30:10 â What Makes Abu Dhabi Attractive for Game Developers?
37:55 â Busting Myths About Living & Working in Abu Dhabi
45:20 â Abu Dhabiâs Long-Term Vision for Gaming
50:05 â 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 studioâa political or an efficiency move? Plus, SMicrosoftâs 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. đđź
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
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đ 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 Dhabiâs rise as a gaming hub, its government incentives, and the realities of running a studio in the regionâfrom tax benefits to hiring talent and lifestyle changes. Whether youâre a developer, founder, or just curious about gaming in the Middle East, this episode has key insights you wonât want to miss.
Timestamps:
âł [00:00] Why Boris left London for Abu Dhabi
đïž [06:00] Building a gaming studio in a new ecosystem
đ° [20:00] What incentives and funding opportunities are available?
âïž [27:00] Abu Dhabi vs. London: Cost of living, taxes & hiring
đź [40:00] The future of gaming in Abu Dhabi
đŹ the DoF Community: www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe
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Supercell had a monster year with âŹ2.8B in revenue, proving that bigger live ops teams and aggressive marketing can still drive growthâbut letâs 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 $900Mâso whoâs buying? Scopely? Zynga? Playtika? Drop your bets in the comments. đđź
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 -
State of Mobile 2025 Report:
https://bit.ly/42T04bX
Join us in this episode as Jonathan Briskman from Sensor Towers and Michail Katkoff explore the overall health of the mobile market, Jonathan highlights strong growth metrics despite a mature landscape. He sheds light on the booming in-app purchase revenue and time spent on devices, while also discussing intriguing trends such as digital fatigue and the rise of hybrid apps. We also touch on the global success stories in mobile gaming, focusing on new hit games and the strategic importance of localization for cracking difficult markets like Japan and South Korea.01:03 Mobile Market Trends and Metrics
05:33 Mobile Gaming Analysis
07:50 Challenges and Regional Factors
15:50 Success Stories and Strategies
25:57 Non-Gaming App Revenue Growth
35:03 Innovative AI Features in Apps
35:29 Gamification and User Engagement
36:36 Duolingo: A Game or Learning Tool?
38:14 Blurring Lines Between Games and Non-Games
38:25 Short Drama Apps: A Growing Trend
40:45 Global Mobile Usage Trends
42:26 Digital Fatigue and Market Shifts
49:40 Localization Strategies for Global Success
53:56 Emerging Markets and Growth Opportunities
56:46 Tapping into User-Generated Content Platforms
01:00:06 Key Takeaways from the State of Mobile Report
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Wilfrid Obengâs 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 monetizationâall from someone whoâs been in the trenches. If youâre scaling a startup or rethinking monetization, this episode is a must-listen. đ§đ„
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 Robloxâs value destruction.
They conclude by debating the AI integration in-games: flop or tbd?
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