Deconstructor of Fun

Kress bites back at Cupcake listeners, while Adam thinks a Space Marine live service is as dead as the Necrons. Phil thinks MoPoGo is groundbreaking, but no one is surfing the waves yet. Laura tells us the real origin story, and Jen has her best Italian accent.

00:00 Intro

01:49 Shills

02:46 AI in Gaming

07:16 EA Strategy

09:28 Adam & Laura: Origins

18:32 Industry Trends and Predictions

31:28 Favorite Podcast Moments

36:36 GDC Memories and Parasocial Relationships

37:55 Nintendo vs. Palworld Legal Battle

40:45 Dreamhaven's First Publishing Partnership

42:57 Microsoft's Game Pass Spending

44:27 Everdale's End and Brawl Stars' Rise

46:40 Space Marine 2's Success

49:10 Raid Shadow Legends' Impressive Run

50:42 Playtika's Acquisition of Superplay

53:17 Monopoly Go: A Social Casino Debate

59:07 Future of IP in Mobile Gaming

Mishka Katkoff chats with Sebastian Forsström, Head of Paradox ARC, to explore the world of indie game publishing at Paradox Interactive. Sebastian provides an overview of Paradox Interactive and dives into the role of Paradox ARC, a division dedicated to helping indie developers.

They discuss how Paradox evaluates and develops games, the importance of sustained user engagement, and effective marketing strategies. Sebastian also shares insights on publishing deals, revenue sharing, co-publishing agreements, and the critical role of DLCs in player retention. 

01:08 Sebastian's Intro
02:46 Paradox Interactive
05:23 Paradox Arc
11:35 Game Evaluation and Development
18:13 Sustained User Base + Marketing
23:44 Paradox Arc Deep Dive
34:09 Publishing Deals and Development Fees
38:26 Co-Publishing Agreements + Revenue Sharing
42:49 Marketing and Release Strategies
48:57 The Role of DLCs in Player Retention
53:27 Trends in the Indie Game Industry
59:39 Advice for Indie Developers
01:04:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The crew gets together to talk about the past and the future of This Week in Game show in this special 300th episode.

But it wouldn’t be a TWIG without a bit of news. Kress gets triggered by EA’s AI + UGC + Apps presentation. And we all wonder what happened to Spectre Divide - a highly anticipated shooter from a top team that seems to have missed its mark.

In this episode of the terrific trio: Jen Donahoe, Laura Taranto, and Adam Telfer dive into product strategy and market insights, highlighting how developers are differentiating themselves in a saturated market.

The three also discuss Apple’s September event, analyze the PlayStation 5 Pro, analyze Sony’s broader strategy, and look at Roblox’s ambitious goals for expansion and its push to lead in user-generated content.

00:00 Introductions

04:05 Heroic Labs 2 Mil User Milestone

04:45 Apple's September Event

06:38 PlayStation 5 Launch

10:55 Layoffs & Closures

13:57 Sony

16:45 Top Games by Revenue in North America

24:01 Product Strategy & Market Insights

28:49 Differentiation in Gaming

33:44 GameDev & Marketing Challenges

40:48 Roblox's Ambitious Goals

Join host Jen Donahoe for an in-depth discussion on venture capital funding in the gaming industry with experts from Transcend Fund, Sisu Game Ventures, and PlayVentures.

The panel covers key topics including how VCs work, investment processes, team equity structures, board dynamics, and the unique challenges and opportunities within different gaming platforms.

Learn what gaming VCs are looking for and get insights directly from industry professionals who help shape the future of gaming startups.

00:00 Ad0

1:06 Panel Introduction and Topic Overview

02:59 Meet the Experts: Sikandar

04:48 Meet the Experts: Jere

06:35 Meet the Experts: Anton

10:25 Understanding Venture Capital

15:45 Equity and Cap Table Basics

21:17 Gaming VCs: What They Look For

27:12 Understanding Risk in Business Platforms

27:46 Content and Platform Agnosticism

28:18 Distribution and Growth in Gaming

30:05 Tech Investments in Gaming

31:33 Marketing and User Acquisition

38:42 Investment Pitches and Processes

45:32 The Role of Boards in Startups

54:27 Fund Size and Investment Strategies

58:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Phillip phones it in from Taipei as the team covers the launch of Spectre Divide, Crypto Czar's last hurrah Supercell's potential IPO. Eric Kress dives into Ubisoft’s mismanagement and its effect on company valuation while Adam compares key data insights from NewZoo and Circana. Mishka and Jen talk about influencer marketing trends and shooter game futures.

hosts: Jen Donahoe, Eric Kress, Mishka Katkoff, Adam Telfer and Phillip Black

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Ever fancied yourself becoming a VP of a large publisher managing multiple cross-platform teams across several countries?

Tune in to the episode and figure out if this is a job for you! Dimo Dimov, Vice President of Live Games at Gameloft, shares his 17-year impressive career journey at Gameloft, from QA to VP.

He dives into Gameloft's international growth, his daily responsibilities managing live services for heavy-hitting cross-platform titles like Disney Speedstorm and Asphalt 9, and the shifts in LiveOps over the years.

Dimo also discusses the integration of marketing with game teams, forecasting, handling crises, and the future of live services with a focus on cross-platform challenges and AI advancements.

Tune in for insightful industry perspectives and lessons from a seasoned professional in game development and operations.

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

03:00 Dimo's Career Journey

05:33 Life as VP of Live Games at Gameloft

07:34 Managing Multiple Teams and Projects

09:42 Empowering Teams and Strategic Planning

15:18 The Evolution of LiveOps at Gameloft

27:39 Marketing and Community Engagement

36:00 Balancing Personal Preferences in Game Development

37:37 Challenges of Managing Live Operations

38:25 Structuring Content and Pipelines

40:37 Team Dynamics and Reporting Structures

50:37 Leveraging AI and Tools in Game Development

56:51 Future Trends in Live Services

01:03:34 Key Learnings and Advice for Game Developers

01:09:48 Exciting Upcoming Projects at Gameloft

The crew is one down as Eric Kress, Jen Donahoe, and Mishka Katkoff hop in to knock one off on the road for #300. In this episode, Mishka gives his takeaways from Gamescom. We discuss a conspiracy theory on why Steam is allowed in China and talk about Wukong and Supercell's new CFO. Most importantly, this episode settles the case about Tim Hortons for good.

BIG UP for our supporters!

Heroic Labs, Sensor Tower, AppsFlyer and Xsolla

Order your cup of Tim Hortons super hot for this first all-Canadian episode! The lost-and-found podcast host Adam Telfer delves into the state of the industry with Newzoo's Devan Brennan. Topics covered include market trends, forecasts for mobile gaming and the PC market, console performance, and the challenges faced by new free-to-play live service games. The two also explore the optimism surrounding indie and AA game development, and strategies for managing the costs of premium games. Segments 00:00 Ads01:26 Devlin Brennan from Newzoo02:25 Understanding Newzoo's Market Reports04:46 General Market Trends: Growth and Forecasts07:35 Mobile and PC Gaming: Key Drivers and Insights09:24 Console Gaming: Current Trends and Future Prospects21:41 The Rise of PC Gaming and Cross-Platform Play28:14 Mobile Gaming: Heavy Hitters and Market Challenges31:48 Ads33:31 The Rise of Blockbuster Single-Player Games36:58 Balancing Game Length and Development Costs47:54 The Future of Indie and AA Games53:12 Challenges in Free-to-Play Live Services58:53 Strategies for Live Service Success01:07:45 Final Thoughts and Industry Plea

Fresh from another Tim Hortons ribbon cutting in Dubai, Adam Telfer returns to the cast. He’s packing heat, laying down hot takes on The Finals, Once Human, and the colossal capital required to ship single-player games. Meanwhile, Eric drops a margin call on Riot’s transmedia move while Jen rallies in defense. Phil thinks everyone is missing the real Wukong takeaway with a mysterious winner. The group discusses a somber Newzoo report and how single-player games can survive.

Get the latest dose of game industry news shaken, not stirred. In this episode, Eric Kress, Jen Donahoe, and Laura Taranto debate the merits of VR, discuss Zynga's match-three strategies, and evaluate market trends in the mobile gaming sector. Plus, the crew takes a look at the dreadful reception of the Borderlands movie and the ongoing challenges in launching successful game franchises. To cap the episode off, we take a deep dive into the reason behind Bungie's recent layoffs. 00:00 Intro 02:34 Economic Insights 03:17 Transmedia Failures 4:48 College Tours and Family Updates 06:41 Gaming Events and AWS Support 16:01 Market Reports and Industry Growth 30:32 Exploring Match-Three Puzzle Games 31:27 Harry Potter Hogwarts Mystery 32:42 Playtika's Strategic Shift 35:28 Bungie's Layoffs and Sony's Acquisition Strategy 42:54 Nexon's Earnings and Market Strategy 45:32 Take-Two Interactive's Performance and GTA VI 54:40 Zynga's Portfolio and Market Performance 64:11 Concluding Thoughts and Future Episodes

In this episode, Dennis Fong, CEO and co-founder of GGWP, discusses his remarkable journey from being the world's first professional gamer to a successful serial entrepreneur. He shares insights from founding and selling four companies, emphasizing the importance of open conversations and the tough realities of making pivots and layoffs. Dennis also reflects on his motivations, and the challenges he's faced, and offers advice on culture building, securing funding, and overcoming doubts in the entrepreneurial world.

In this episode, Jen Donahoe, Laura Taranto, Phillip Black, and Mishka Katkoff dive into the unexpected closure of Game Informer.

The conversation then shifts to financial matters, with insights on the stock market and breakdowns of quarterly earnings reports. We examine the latest on the Microsoft & Activision deal, VC funding trends, and web-based game distribution.

The podcast continues with a discussion on Bungie's recent layoffs and Jam City's strategic moves, followed by a spotlight on Supercell's hiring spree in Helsinki and the console launch of Valorant along with other new game announcements. Wrapping up, we explore the explosive growth of Roblox and share their final thoughts and recommendations.

We assembled an Avengers-style team of Consumer Insights leaders from publishers and Vendors Blizzard, Riot, Zynga, and Beta Hat to dig into how Consumer Insights can help Devs and Marketers make and market successful games.

The team digs into how each company approaches CI, uncovers trends around older and younger gamers, and gives tips for teams looking for financing or greenlight.

The session is filled with tips and stories, helpful to anyone in the games industry.

Host & Guests: Jen Donahoe - Strategic Marketing Consultant

Matt Penfield - VP of Consumer Insights at Zynga

Mike Swiontkowski - Head of Global Research and Consumer Insights at Blizzard

Bennett Robbins - Global Head of Publishing and Ecosystem Insights at Riot

Stan Kwon - CEO at Beta Hat

02:03 Overview of Consumer Insights

06:16 Role of Consumer Insights in Companies

08:52 Qualitative vs Quantitative Research

21:12 Market Trends and Insights

30:58 Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite

31:25 False Signals and Market Opportunities

32:44 Understanding Player Preferences

35:51 Consumer Insights in Game Development

37:09 The Speed of Consumer Insights in GaaS

38:19 Multi-Platform Gaming

39:41 Multiplatform Player Experience

42:01 Devs and Marketers Collaboration

50:27 Tips for Early-Stage Developers and CI

01:00:46 Wrap-Up

Jen and Phil close the book on licensing…or do they…while Eric closes the book on the 500 World of Warcraft gear score. Laura looks at Scopley’s new global forgotten franchise, and the team examines mounting Twitch losses. Eric makes 10 x new faces in the episode.

After dropping mice nuts somewhere on the Blizzard campus, Eric returns to remind Matthew Ball of his crypto advocacy. Jen raises the banner for games as toy brand extensions and enrolls in Joost’s class. Phil is ready to be The Second Descendant and reports on Rainbow Seige’s new marketplace. 

Pete Hawley (former executive at 100 Thieves, EA, Zynga, Lionhead, Sony, Telltale, and Mythical Games) and Alexander Seropian (founder of Bungie, Industrial Toys, Wideload, and Look North Games) unpack their experiences with the Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) platform, discussing marketing strategies, player engagement, technical limitations, and opportunities. 

00:00 Introduction to Heroic Labs

01:01 Meet the Legends: Pete Hawley and Alex Seropian

01:43 Pete’s Journey and Insights

03:27 Exploring UEFN: Challenges and Opportunities

08:19 Alex's Perspective on UEFN

11:33 The Future of UEFN 

23:11 ROI in UEFN Development

35:42 Challenges in Game Development

44:14 Monetization Strategies

49:53 Marketing and Launching 

01:02:52 Lessons Learned 

01:12:54 Final Thoughts 

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The prodigal pair of Jen and Eric return from trotting around L.A. in the Jade Inferno mobile, while Laura laments the lack of Disco Ball. Phil stacks the chips on Zenless Zone Zero’s role in MiHoYo’s portfolio. Jen gives us the 411 on Disney IP’s 911 on mobile. Why do they all fail? And finally, we get real data on Valve salaries.

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This episode is perfect for those interested in game development while managing significant brand collaborations.

Join our host Mishka Katkoff as we delve into game development and IP licensing with Peter Hansen-Chambers,  co-CEO of Hutch. 

Peter shares his journey to become a co-CEO and explores the unique strategies behind Hutch's successful racing games like F1 Clash and Top Drives. 

Discover the importance of strong relationships with car manufacturers, learn about the evolving strategies driving Hutch's success, and gain valuable insights into maintaining long-term partnerships with major brands. 

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00:00 Introduction 

00:45 Hutch's Game Development

03:03 Peter Hansen's Journey at Hutch

04:21 Challenges and Successes in Game Launches

07:26 Licensing and Partnerships with Car Manufacturers

13:13 Navigating Approval Processes and Brand Relationships

19:21 Pitching to Major License Holders

30:40 Evaluating Brand Partnerships

31:52 Understanding Developer Expectations

33:03 Navigating Manufacturer Relationships

35:35 Balancing Enthusiasm and Practicality

43:43 Importance of Face-to-Face Interactions

46:13 Maintaining Long-Term Relationships

48:29 Common Mistakes in Licensing

57:54 Future Plans and Projects

60:31 Final Thoughts

Join host Mishka Katkoff on the Deconstructor of Fun podcast as he talks with Solsten founders Joe Schaeppi and Bastian Bergmann. They discuss the latest gaming industry trends, the importance of change management, and the critical role of audience resonance. Learn how AI enhances studio efficiency, the value of a measured approach, and how Solsten uses psychological data to improve user experiences, along with insights from unique data sets.

00:00 Introduction

01:08 Market Overview and Challenges

06:44 Attention and Engagement in Gaming

12:29 Marketing and Brand Positioning

32:05 The Role of IP in Gaming

39:39 Fail Fast Mythology

44:36 Web3 Gaming Revolution

46:19 Marketing and Game Development Synergy

49:41 The Lean Startup Method in Gaming

57:52 AI and Efficiency in Game Development

01:20:30 New Revenue Models in Gaming

01:23:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

So much news, and so little time!

The crew discusses the acquisition of Singularity 6 and how it's one of the first superfunded star-studded studios that burned all the capital raised only to be acquired at a micenut valuation.

We discuss Netflix Games' latest spin on how all is great despite the head of games leaving the organization and replacement still to be announced.

And we cap the episode off with Amazon Games' strategy debate.

your hosts: Jen Donahoe, Eric Kress, Phillip Black and Michail Katkoff

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Join host Michail Katkoff on the Deconstructor of Fun podcast as he delves into the remarkable career journey of Kieran Donovan, founder of k-ID. Explore how Kieran transitioned from a screenwriter to a lawyer and then to a successful startup founder, raising $51 million in just 9 months. Discover what k-ID is all about, a pioneering platform aimed at creating safe online gaming experiences for youth, and their significant traction with major investors like Lightspeed Ventures and a16z. Learn about the complexities of gaming regulation, strategic decisions in venture capital, and the importance of robust youth online safety solutions. Don't miss this insightful conversation!

With Miska discovering the true meaning of Tinto Verano, the crew convenes to celebrate Eric’s promotion to senior consultant. Meanwhile, Jen reminds us that Rocket League isn’t a real football game, and Eric finally finds a VC investment with scale. Phil stares down Fortnite numbers while Laura reminds us Switch is the train that keeps chugging. Plus, anime girl horse racing.

00:00 Intro
03:05 Shills
08:39 Apple's Legal Troubles with the EUDMA
12:52 FIFA and Rocket League Partnership
15:01 Investments and M&A
26:47 Executive Departures and Speculations
33:22 Tango Closure Mystery
34:21 Dungeon Fighter's Mobile Success
36:10 New Games
47:46 Nintendo Direct Highlights
57:32 Epic's Mobile Strategy and Fortnite's Future

Sensor Tower State of Gaming 2024 www.sensortower.com/state-of-gaming-2024

Data.ai Mobile App Market Forecast 2030

www.data.ai/en/go/mobile-app-market-forecast/

Don't miss out on this in-depth discussion — subscribe to the Deconstructor of Fun Podcast and newsletter for more expert insights.

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In this episode, Lexi Sydow, Director of Corporate Marketing and Insights at Sensor Tower, unleashes her mobile gaming market insights. She covers significant trends in mobile gaming and marketing, app vs game dynamics, ad spending on TikTok and YouTube, regional differences, IP collaborations, and the future of subscription gaming. Gain valuable insights on market normalization post-COVID and ATT changes, and learn about the trajectory of apps surpassing gaming revenues.

00:00 Introduction

02:58 Mobile Gaming Market Trends

07:26 Regional Differences in Mobile Gaming

11:23 Impact of ATT and Post-COVID Market

21:38 Subscription Gaming: Netflix and Apple Arcade

25:48 Top Games and Publishers

28:56 Marketing Trends in Mobile Gaming

31:01 UGC Ads and Community Engagement

31:21 Monopoly Go's Strategic Community Targeting

34:53 The Power of Social Media Platforms in Gaming Ads

36:27 The Rise of IP and Brand Integration in Games

39:41 Transmedia Trends 

44:11 Apps vs. Games

58:42 Marketing Predictions 

01:04:50 Final Thoughts

They say a week without TWIG is like a beach without sand. Well, it seems like there's sand in Squad Busters' growth engine. The game had the most bombastic launch of any Supercell game and is now experiencing the fastest fall as well. The crew analyzes early numbers and potential reasons behind the rapid decline.

We also talk about Netflix Games, which seems to have ended its honeymoon period and is now having a come-to-Jesus moment after big investments and not-so-big returns.

your hosts: Mishka Katkoff, Eric Kress, Jen Donahoe and Phillip Black

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Klang Games out of Berlin has raised 77M over 6 funding rounds from reputable investors like Supercell, LVP, North Zone, and Makers Fund. 

The company was established in 2013, 11 years ago. They haven’t shipped the game they have been raising against. So they can’t have any scalable objective data to show they are heading in the right direction. 

And despite all of this, they are somehow able to raise consecutive rounds of tens of millions. Year after year! 

In this episode, we got Klang co-founders talking about their journey thus far and me trying to figure out how in the hell they are able to get funded for their never-ending story. 

Huge thanks to co-founders Mundi Vondi and Odder Magnusson for coming on the podcast. I wish their game, when or if it eventually comes out, much success. 

Trigger warning: if you’re a founder struggling to raise funding despite doing every little thing that VCs requested and showing promising early KPIs, this podcast may enrage you.

In this week's show, the crew dives into Voodoo's acquisition of BeReal and the Sandbox's 20M convertible note. With all the events taking place the crew discusses Xbox Showcase, Ubisoft Forward, and the Summer Game Fest.

With Phil out and Miska in Spain, this is the first Nordic-free episode in a year.

hosts: Jennifer Donahoe, Laura Taranto, Erick Kress, and Mishka Katkoff

sponsors: Xsolla, Heroic Labs, AppsFlyer and Sensor Tower

Gerard Miles (www.linkedin.com/in/gerard-miles) is a veteran executive headhunter, who shares his extensive 15-year journey with a special focus on the gaming industry over the past decade. 

We explore Gerard’s founding of Mission One (www.missionone.io), a company dedicated to sourcing top-tier executives globally, and delve into the significance of executive search in a rapidly expanding industry. 

Gain valuable insights into the complexities of hiring gaming executives, cultural integration, and the exclusive value of knowing both the industry and its people. 

Discover the challenges of headhunting for key roles, the importance of leadership, communication, and strategic understanding, and how to build long-term relationships in this high-stakes world. 

We also tackle diversity, cultural fit, and common hiring pitfalls, offering practical advice for professionals aiming to navigate executive careers in the dynamic gaming sector.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

02:31 Gerard's Journey into Gaming Recruitment

06:16 Executive Search Process

13:52 Challenges in Attracting Top Talent

29:50 Qualities of Exceptional Executives

45:31 Understanding Client Culture

46:39 Soft Signals in Candidate Assessment

51:13 The Importance of Diversity in Hiring

58:16 Common Mistakes Executives Make

01:02:07 Community Questions: Industry Insights

01:07:17 How to Get Noticed by Headhunters

01:10:07 Red Flags in Executive Hires

01:13:24 Big vs. Small Companies: Executive Hiring

Join the industry's spiciest newsletter: https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe With Mishka gobbling birthday whey cakes, the crew looks at Squad Busters’ week 1 returns, and it’s not pretty. The specter of Boom Beach is starting to cast its shadow. Meanwhile, Phil talks about Destiny 2 stumbling in its last hoorah, while Laura talks about Stumble Guys standing straight. Jen gives the 411 on new EU app stores, and Eric thinks Star Wars Hunters breaks the MOBA curse. Or not.

Join us for an insider tour of Voodoo’s HQ and uncover the journey to hybrid casual success with Voodoo’s Gabriel Rivaud, VP of Gaming.

Gabriel Rivaud: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-rivaud-21210744/ Michail Katkoff https://www.linkedin.com/in/michailkatkoff/ Sign up for our weekly newsletter. You won't regret it! https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe

Squad Busters is released and we have more thoughts about it. Ubisoft's XDefiant hits 1M unique users, bringing Phil immense joy. Crew debates who does Fall Guys better than Fall Guys? Stumble Guys...? We'll also warm you up for the upcoming Summer Games Fest on June 7.

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The hosts: Jen Donahoe, Eric Kress, Laura Taranto, and Phillip Black

Phillip Black, Michail Katkoff, and guest analyst Matthew Emery deconstruct Supercell's 6th billion Dollar franchise just before it is launched to the global audience. To read the full deconstruction, go to: https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/blog/2024/5/26/squad-busters-supercell-hits-the-apex-or-spins-off-track

Anime corrections, baseless speculation about Applovin, Take-Two earnings, and the GTA 6 launch date window. We speculate on the reason for Squad Busters’ massive 40M pre-registrations. Phil can’t wait to talk xDefiant. Mishka cosplays Jen and covers ad creative.  All that and more on today’s TWIG

your hosts: Jen Donahoe, Eric Kress, Phillip Black and Michail Katkoff

Join seasoned UA and marketing consultant Matej Lančaric as he shares his decade-long journey from being an employee to running a global user acquisition consulting business. Discover his transition to solopreneurship, client management tips, and leveraging AI tools. Gain insights on balancing work, creativity, and family life alongside the importance of genuine passion and unique goal-setting approaches. 

This episode is packed with valuable advice for both aspiring and veteran consultants, including tips on growing professionally, networking, and content creation. Perfect for anyone looking to master the solopreneur path with hard work, persistence, and enjoyment.

Matej’s solopreneur journey in his own words

https://lancaric.me/matej-lancaric-the-story-of-a-solopreneur/

The state of ad creatives in-app marketing report:

https://www.appsflyer.com/resources/reports/gated/state-of-creative/?formsent=true

The big topic of the episode is Netflix which struck a partnership with Roblox. What does this mean to Netflix Games? Hear our hypothesis. The crew has BIG debates about Eurovision, and Tencent's role is Supercell's turnaround as well as anime. Your hosts: Jen Donahoe, Michail Katkoff, Phillip Black, and Eric Kress

Segments:

00.00 Shill & Banter

09:20 News & HOT takes 44:23 Netflix Games is in trouble? 61:30 Xbox PR disaster

In this episode of the Deconstructor of Fun podcast, host Mishka Katkoff engages with Ben Porter, NewZoo's Director of Consulting, to delve into the profound shifts within the gaming industry reflected in NewZoo's latest report.  They explore a variety of pressing topics such as the industry trends post-COVID-19, console market dynamics, opportunities for game developers, the impact of AI and technological advancements, and the shifting dynamics of player engagement. Additionally, they address the economic aspects influencing the industry, including inflation and the increase in demand for profitability over growth.  A key discussion revolves around the challenges and strategies for future growth, touching on the importance of breaking through market concentration with innovation and versatility in game development. Ben provides insights into the role Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to the Deconstructor of Fun Podcast 01:39 Introducing Ben Porter and NewZoo 04:29 The Pulse of the Gaming Market in 2023 13:30 The Challenges and Opportunities in PC and Console Gaming 30:31 Navigating the Mobile Expansion for PC and Console Publishers 38:05 PS5 Exclusives and Market Diversification 39:18 The Shift from Mobile to AAA: Challenges and Changes 40:01 Xsolla: Empowering Game Developers for Global Success 40:34 Analyzing Market Concentration in PC and Console Gaming 42:04 The Secret Sauce Behind Top PC and Console Titles 44:20 Navigating the Competitive Landscape of New Game Titles 52:16 The Impact of Remakes and Remasters in the Gaming Industry 58:02 The Role of Transmedia in Engaging and Expanding Game Audiences 01:03:38 Understanding Playtime Trends and the Future of Gaming 01:12:52 High-Level Predictions and Closing Thoughts

Players prevail with Helldivers 2 vs Sony PSN, Nintendo announces Switch 2 is coming before the end of Q125, Unity gets a new boss, Squadbusters racks up the pre-registrations, and Turkish Spyke Games goes to the Moon (Active).

Hosts: Eric Kress, Jen Donahoe, Laura Taranto & Phillip Black

Listen and watch (there are visuals!) as industry veterans Jen Donahoe, Laura Taranto and special guest Ken Landen deep dive into 'Legend of Mushroom,' the idle action mobile game that's taken players (and revenue) by storm. We'll break down the game's mechanics, exploring what made this game into the success it is today. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the realm, there's something here for everyone.

Recently hitting the milestone of 30 years working in game design, Spry Fox Chief Creative Officer Daniel Cook has long been a leading voice in the game industry. To celebrate his long and distinguished career-spanning games like Realm of the Mad God, Triple Town, Alphabear, and Cozy Grove.

MIA host Ethan Levy returns to the mic to talk to Dan about his many lessons and accomplishments. Most importantly, Dan talks about how as a team, Spry Fox found their shared, authentic voice, and how this has led to efficiency in production and success in the marketplace as they consciously chose to specialize in cozy games.

The prodigal son, Ethan Levy, makes his return to the podcast as the team discusses Newzoo’s latest PC and Console data as well as Liftoff’s 2024 Casual Gaming Apps Report. Hold tight for your weekly dose of news! 

Hosts: Jen Donahoe, Laura Taranto, Phillip Black & Ethan Levy

Andrew Rose, the Chief Product Officer of Voldex, shares his journey and experiences in the Roblox game development space. Voldex, a company that acquires and scales Roblox games, has seen success by applying traditional free-to-play game development strategies in the unique ecosystem of Roblox. 

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Get ready for your weekly dose of unfiltered game industry news. In this episode, the crew discusses Supercell's and Dream's latest titles. We also talk about the history and future of celebrity collaborations within games.

Your hosts: Jen Donahoe, Eric Kress, Laura Taranto & Phillip Black

our partners: AppsFlyer, Xsolla, Heroic Labs & Data.ai

Product Deep Dives looks at Playrix's Township to deconstruct how this game went from a farming sim to a multi-billion dollar success. Join Laura Taranto and Jen Donahoe as they reap what this game has to offer!

Make sure to watch with video, as we have data and insights you won't want to miss.

Who are BIG gaming funds good for? Are the AAA game studios going to extinct? And why is Fallout such a damn good show? This and many more questions were mulled by the TWIG crew. 

Oh, and Eric Kress is back. That means that the profanities are flying once again. 

Your hosts: Eric Kress, Michail Katkoff, Jen Donahoe, and Phillip Black.

Our partners: Xsolla, AppsFlyer, Heroic Labs, and Sensor Tower.

Dive into the world of Istanbul's venture capital scene with Laton Venture's Görkem Türk.

Together we explore essential topics like investment strategies prioritizing founding teams' quality, the evolving role of culture in startups, and future trends in gaming such as AI and socialization-focused experiences.

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Buckle up kids because this episode has barely any profanity. Kress is MIA while the team talks about Brawl Stars' Baby Shark collaboration and the state of the gaming market. Phil geeks out on inflation, Mishka talks about interest rates, Jen discusses toy lines and Laura is put on the spot to cover the latest layoffs news.