Episodes
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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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Missing episodes?
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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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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
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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
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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 Antics03:07 Nordic Rivalries Explained05:09 Event Updates07:43 Path of Exile Monetization08:32 Roblox and UEFN Profitability12:11 Epic Games and Telefonica Deal15:52 AppLovin's Ad Strategy Change16:43 Brawl Stars and Toy Story Collaboration17:25 Netflix Games Licensing Issues26:07 Build a Rocket Boy Acquisition28:28 Beam Ventures Gaming Fund33:40 Game Updates: Path of Exile 2, Marvel Rivals, Delta Force37:57 Pokemon TCG Pocket's Performance39:56 Pokemon Go vs. TCG Pocket44:07 Royal Kingdom's Launch and Comparison49:42 Supercell's Squadbusters Update57:17 Game Awards 2024 Highlights
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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