Episódios

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Happy Thanksgaming! This week, the Deconstructor of Fun crew kicks things off with a recap of the buzzing Slush event before diving into a deep analysis of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. From there, we tackle Ubisoft’s heated return-to-office controversy and explore Hasbro’s massive $150 million investment in gaming.

    The latter half of the episode delves into Royal Kingdom’s prolonged soft launch strategy and wrap up with a discussion on FIFA’s latest collaboration with Mythical Games. Can they rival EA FC?

    Tune in for insights, reflections, and a glimpse into what lies ahead in the evolving gaming landscape!

    00:00 Happy Thanksgaming!

    02:54 Slush Event Recap

    08:26 Heroic Labs Updates

    17:37 Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Analysis

    29:49 Ubisoft's Return to Office Controversy

    36:54 Hasbro's $150 Million Investment in Gaming

    41:03 Mattel vs. Hasbro: A Tale of Two Toy Giants

    45:48 The Interconnectedness of Toys and Gaming

    54:47 Game District's Acquisition of Gleam Games

    55:49 AppCharge Raises $26 Million for Gaming Apps

    56:36 Royal Kingdom's Market Strategy

    01:10:47 Mythical Games' New Arcade Football Game

    01:15:44 Wrapping Up: Reflections and Future Prospects

  • Phillip Black sits down with Leo Yao, General Manager of Timi Studio Group’s J3 studio, for an exclusive look at the making of Call of Duty Mobile and the upcoming Delta Force.

    Discover how Timi shocked Activision with a two-month Nuketown demo, the secrets behind COD Mobile’s record-breaking live ops, and why Delta Force pivots to tackle Battlefield.

    Insights:

    The surprising dominance of Crossfire in China over global FPS franchises. The East vs. West FPS divide—tactical vs. arcade gameplay. Delta Force’s PC-first pivot, cross-platform ambitions, and bi-monthly content updates. Timi’s roots in humility and adaptability for live-service success.

    Chapters:

    00:53 Leo Yao and Timmy's Studio Group

    02:31 Call of Duty Mobile: Development and Success

    05:21 Challenges and Strategies in the Mobile FPS Market

    09:23 Team Structure and Company Culture at Timmy

    14:14 Cross-Platform Gaming and Future Trends

    18:10 Chinese PC Shooter Market Insights

    21:21 PC vs Mobile: A Developer's Perspective

    23:38 Delta Force: Fitting into the FPS Landscape

    25:49 Live Service and Content Updates

    28:23 Monetization Strategies for Delta Force

    30:14 The Rise of Extraction Shooters

    36:54 Why Delta Force? The Strategy for IP's Revival

    38:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

  • As Kress’ World of Warcraft account turns 20, we blow out the candles and reflect on a surprising reason behind EA’s disastrous AI investor presentation. Jen delivers a valiant defense of Monopoly Go’s new TV campaign, while Phil reviews the early returns of Pokémon TCG Pocket. Big in Japan, as they say? The group wraps up with what might be the year’s final Embracer hazing session, absolving themselves of any remaining crimes.

    chapters:01:19 Birthday Wishes for WoW and Half-Life 2

    04:48 EA Tries to Soothe AI Worries

    10:03 Game Industry Awards and Nominations

    14:47 AAA Devs and Startups

    19:04 PlayVentures' New Gaming Fund

    21:24 Miniclip Acquires EasyBrain

    28:32 X Rioters and Supervive

    31:15 Capybara Go and Archero 2

    32:02 Pokemon TCG Pocket Success

    38:47 Marvel Snap and Sinister Loot Boxes

    41:15 New Monopoly Go Campaign

  • Join us on the Deconstructor of Fun Podcast as we delve into LiveOps strategies for Q5 with esteemed guests Sezer Degirmenbasi, head of EMEA for mobile gaming at TikTok, and John Wright, head of publishing at Kwalee.

    In this episode, you’ll discover what Q5 is and why it's crucial for game marketers and learn detailed strategies for leveraging TikTok's LiveOps tools to extend your game's lifecycle, increase user engagement, and maximize revenue

    00:00 Introduction

    00:56 Understanding Q5: The Invisible Quarter

    06:10 LiveOps Strategies and Definitions

    11:27 TikTok's Role in LiveOps Success

    16:24 TikTok's LiveOps Program Explained

    21:56 Creative Strategies for LiveOps

    27:55 The Need for Differentiation

    29:34 Reviving Older Games with TikTok

    36:56 Success Metrics for LiveOps Campaigns

    46:54 Final Thoughts and Advice for Developers

    51:02 Culturalization in LiveOps

    54:35 Conclusion and Community Engagement

  • HYBRIDCASUAL PLAYBOOK: metahybridcasualplaybook.splashthat.com

    In this podcast episode, Michail Katkoff hosts Manish Gajria, Director of Product from Meta, and Ryan Davies, Head of Performance Marketing from Kwalee to discuss the current trends in the mobile gaming market, focusing on value optimization, hybrid casual games, and the impact of AI on user acquisition strategies.

    They explore the challenges of measurement and attribution in a changing landscape, and the importance of creative strategies, and share success stories from the industry. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of gaming marketing and the tools that Meta is developing to support advertisers in achieving better outcomes.

    Chapters0:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

    01:46 Meet the Guests: Manish Kashria and Ryan Davis

    02:19 Current Trends in Mobile Gaming

    04:15 Value Optimization in User Acquisition

    07:24 Challenges and Strategies in Gaming Marketing

    17:37 Hybrid Casual Games: The New Frontier

    33:19 Success Stories and Case Studies

    34:54 Gaming Apps and Value Optimization

    36:17 Subscription Apps and Value Optimization

    38:14 The Role of UA Managers and Automation

    44:53 Combining Optimization Techniques

    48:24 AI in User Acquisition

    57:16 Measurement and Attribution Challenges0

    1:04:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

  • 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,

  • 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

  • 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