Episodes
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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 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.
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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 InteractiveDownload 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
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Missing episodes?
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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?
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 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
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🔗 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 -
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 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?
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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.
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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
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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-Offgaming 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
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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 Experience12:28 Challenges and Lessons Learned18:53 Joining MPL and Strategic Growth49:20 The Importance of Capital in Startups54:10 Leaving MPL and Starting PVX01:00:48 PVX's Unique Approach to UA Financing01:19:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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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 predictionsGet 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!
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The Hybridcasual Playbookhttps://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
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