Afleveringen
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Michail Katkoff and Rhys Elliott break down the widening gap between legacy studios bogged down by process and fresh teams building with urgency.
From the slow death of bloated AAA games to the shaky economics of Game Pass, they explore why shorter, more creative games are winning hearts—and why team quality now matters more than genre. Plus: why subscription models are struggling, and how devices like Switch 2 and Steam Deck might reshape portable play.
Rhys Elliotwww.linkedin.com/in/rhyselliott/Alinea Analyticswww.alineaanalytics.com
00:00 Introduction and Background
04:52 Fat Cats vs. Hungry Cats
22:05 Evaluating Game Development Teams
24:36 Investment Principles in Startup Life
26:31 The Shift from AAA to AA Games
33:25 The Demand for Shorter Games
39:45 The Challenges of Subscription Gaming
49:04 The Future of Game Pass and Subscription Models
53:35 The State of Subscription Services
55:50 Live Services vs. Premium Games
66:20 The Future of Portable Gaming
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The BIG stories:
1. Finland’s game awards controversy (yes, it’s messier than you think)
2. Epic’s endless courtroom war with Apple
3. Supercell’s dual bet on transmedia and AI.
The team also breaks down the implications of ChatGPT infiltrating development workflows, the battle brewing in the Solitaire segment, and what Roblox’s new in-game shopping means for UGC economies. Add in Take-Two’s financials and some spicy predictions on AI’s workplace takeover—and you’ve got a packed episode that hits strategy, creativity, and the future of the industry in one fatality-worthy sequence.
02:29 Industry News Highlights
04:24 Meta Horizon Worlds and Game Development Insights
05:25 Podcast and Blog Updates
07:00 Dreams TV Campaign Analysis
09:32 Finn Game Awards Controversy
13:36 Epic Games vs. Apple: A Legal Battle
21:45 Supercell's Transmedia Ventures
29:03 Supercell's AI Initiatives
29:55 AI's Impact on the Workplace
30:34 ChatGPT in Game Development
32:00 The Future of AI in Gaming
41:23 Solitaire Market Shake-Up
45:15 Take-Two's Financial Overview
53:41 Roblox's New In-Game Shopping
01:00:57 Conclusion and Outro -
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We are joined by George Ng, co-founder and CTO of GGWP, to dive deep into the world of bots in gaming.
We explore the differences between game-created bots and player-created bots, the cat-and-mouse game of detecting and preventing bots, and regional differences in bot usage.
We also look ahead at the evolving landscape of bots in gaming and discuss strategies that studios can adopt to stay ahead.
01:09 The Impact of Bots on Player Experience
13:21 Regional Trends in Bot Usage
14:57 The Future of Bots in Gaming
20:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Why are seasoned PMs, growth leads, and designers ditching games for fintech, wellness, or even dating apps? What do these companies see in game industry vets—and what blind spots do they have?
In this episode, Mishka Katkoff talks with executive headhunter Gerard Miles about one of the most underreported shifts in tech: gaming talent is migrating to the app world.
03:14 Understanding Talent Migration and Skill Sets
12:20 Engagement and User Experience in Apps
18:17 The Future of Gaming and Consumer Apps
31:07 The Evolution of Game Marketing Strategies
37:04 Cultural Differences Between Game and App Industries
56:41 Career Transitioning: From Gaming to Broader App Ecosystem
01:03:47 The Future of Gaming Professionals in Diverse Sectors
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The team reacts to this year’s World Video Game Hall of Fame inductees and unpacks Triple Dot’s surprising acquisition of AppLovin’s mobile games business—what does it signal for the midcore M&A market? With public gaming companies hitting all-time highs, we discuss whether this is a sustainable trend or a short-term sugar high. Supercell’s major
Squadbusters revamp gets the DoF treatment, and we debate Nintendo’s cautious forecasts in light of its market position. Rounding things out, we analyze Microsoft’s strategic shifts post-console wars and what the completed Activision deal actually changes for the ecosystem. Packed episode. Big takes. No filler.
02:43 Hobby Updates and Banter
05:06 Dream Games TV Campaign Analysis
06:40 Interview with Mike Quigley
07:29 Prize Picks and Predictive Markets
17:37 World Video Game Hall of Fame Inductees
20:38 Triple Dot Acquires AppLovin's Mobile Game Business
30:03 Publicly Traded Gaming Companies at All-Time Highs
36:03 Supercell & Squadbusters Revamp
50:48 Nintendo's Conservative Forecast
54:16 Microsoft's Strategic Shift and Console Market Impact
56:58 The Activision Deal and Its Implications
01:02:23 Conclusion and Wrap-Up
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Mishka Katkoff interviews Aaron Thandi, Chief Commercial Officer at Mistplay, discussing the innovative approaches to loyalty-driven user acquisition and retention in the mobile gaming industry.
They explore how Mistplay has established itself as a leader in rewarded engagement, the importance of personalized user experiences, and the strategic methods behind their global expansion.
The conversation also delves into the role of AI in enhancing user engagement and the future opportunities for growth in emerging markets.
Get the AppsFlyer Creative Report: https://shorturl.at/Mjaiz00:00 Introduction to Misplay and Its Market Position04:11 Understanding Loyalty and Reward Systems08:02 User Acquisition and Retention Strategies10:52 Game Catalog and User Engagement14:26 Geographic Expansion and Market Localization17:32 Future Roadmap and Innovations20:15 Building Strong Developer Relationships23:18 Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion33:14 Work with DoF!
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Can someone really grow from 3D artist to GM of a billion-dollar title — without switching companies, logos, or careers? SciPlay’s Justin McFarlane did just that, and his story is a masterclass in product-first leadership and long-term growth.
03:48 Navigating Remote Work Challenges and Team Engagement
07:10 Making Tough Decisions: Prioritizing Team Cohesion
15:56 Transitioning Teams: Managing Relocation and Operations
19:05 The Importance of Listening in Leadership
27:57 From Artist to General Manager: Career Growth Insights
39:09 The Importance of Purpose in Work
45:22 Understanding LiveOps: The Key to Success
56:06 Balancing LiveOps and New Game Development
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Get the AppsFlyer Creative Report: https://shorturl.at/Mjaiz
The crew jumps into a galaxy of transmedia takes with May the Fourth and how IPs stretch across games, shows, and beyond—sometimes elegantly, sometimes painfully. We dissect the long-awaited GTA 6 trailer and release window, then shift gears into Dream Games’ latest raise and what it says about Turkey’s still-thriving gaming ecosystem.The team breaks down Super League’s acquisition of Super Social and digs into Roblox’s beast-mode growth metrics and smart (if aggressive) pricing strategies.
There’s love for Expedition 33, curiosity around Overwatch’s new stadium mode, and a sharp look at the Epic vs. Apple legal saga—culminating in a bold discussion on the future of app store economics and a tip of the hat to the ever-controversial Tim Sweeney.
02:13 May the Fourth and Transmedia
18:18 GTA 6 Trailer and Release Date
23:03 Dream Games Investment and Turkey's Gaming Ecosystem
32:35 Super League Acquires Super Social
34:13 Roblox's Impressive Growth Metrics
39:08 Roblox's Pricing Strategies
43:43 Expedition 33's Success Story
47:07 Overwatch's New Stadium Mode
50:43 Epic Games vs. Apple: The Legal Battle
55:57 The Future of App Store Economics
01:09:31 Thank You, Tim Sweeney
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🚨 Deconstructor of Fun Exclusive — We’re releasing the UNCUT version of our legendary interview with Javier Ferreira, co-CEO of Scopely. This is the twice-as-long version only a handful of insiders have ever heard before.
In this rare, candid, and *fully unfiltered* conversation, Javier breaks down Scopely’s transformation from a $12M startup to a $3B+ revenue machine. Why *Monopoly GO!* succeeded where so many IP-based games fail. How Scopely builds “learning machines,” not just game teams, and the secrets to long-term conviction, even in the face of failure
If you want the real story behind the game industry’s biggest hit — and how Scopely is building the definitive free-to-play company — this is the one to watch.
01:11 The Role of a CEO in Company Success
07:06 Company Culture and Learning
19:54 Challenges and Successes with IP Partnerships
29:30 The Process of Game Development
38:37 The Role of Intervention in Product Strategy
40:45 The Responsibilities of a GM
49:47 The Impact of the Savvy Acquisition
01:04:31 Advice for Laid-Off Game Developers
01:10:08 Exciting Future Prospects in the Gaming Industry
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In this emergency podcast episode, Mishka Katkoff and Maor Sason, CEO and co-founder of AppCharge, discuss the implications of the recent Epic vs. Apple ruling, which allows developers to link to external payment methods.
They explore the potential benefits for small to medium-sized studios, the strategies larger publishers can adopt, and the importance of building customer relationships through loyalty programs.
The conversation emphasizes the need for developers to act quickly and adapt to the changing landscape of mobile gaming and payment methods.
00:00 Introduction to the Emergency Podcast
05:41 The Impact of the Epic vs. Apple Ruling
12:35 Strategies for Developers Post-Ruling
19:39 Long-Term Considerations for Developers
27:41 Building Customer Relationships and Loyalty Programs
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We start where we ended last week: the $50M Royal Match campaign and the issue of overspending. Then it's all about Discord’s new CEO and how that signals a potential pivot toward enterprise, ending the platform’s gaming-first DNA.
Then, the crew covers NetEase’s sudden executive shakeup and the surprising Delta Force vs. Call of Duty Mobile battle before unpacking Blizzard’s Nexon partnership in Korea. We cap it off with an explanation on why VCs are suddenly frothing over AI in gaming.
02:39 MAU Event and Fireside Chat
04:15 Royal Match Campaign Follow-up
19:53 Discord's New CEO and Future
29:26 NetEase Executive Departures
33:19 AI in Gaming Venture Capital
37:12 Delta Force vs. Call of Duty Mobile
41:08 Blizzard's Publishing Strategy: Nexon Partnership
46:34 The Impact of Distribution Duopoly on Gaming
53:35 The Future of Game Distribution and Innovation
01:02:55 Web Shops and the Changing Revenue Landscape -
Alexei Chemenda, CEO and co-founder of Poolday.ai, discusses how AI enables marketers to focus on strategy and storytelling. Discover the future of personalized video ads, the evolving role of A/B testing, and the importance of combining creative and analytical skills in marketing. 00:00 Introduction: Misconceptions About AI in Marketing01:53 Revolutionizing Ad Creation with AI02:53 Personalization and Creative Control04:15 Continuous Creative Cycle04:37 AI in Gaming and Brand Marketing09:22 Balancing Volume and Quality in AI-Driven Marketing16:37 Predictive Analytics and Data Fluency20:19 Future Skills for Marketing Leaders23:13 Enhancing Human Creativity with AI25:22 Conclusion and Contact Information
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Mishka Katkoff sits down with Uri Marchand, CEO of Overwolf, to break down how user-generated content (UGC) is quietly reshaping the gaming industry. They dive into Overwolf’s mission to turn in-game creation into a viable profession, and why modding — once a hobby for the few — is now a legitimate career path for thousands.
This isn’t just about mods anymore — it’s about the future of gaming economies.
00:00Introduction to Overwolf and UGC0
4:05 The Evolution of Modding in Gaming
06:56 Industry Trends: Embracing UGC
10:05 Challenges and Opportunities in Modding
13:17 The Role of Platforms like Roblox and Fortnite
16:32 Balancing Creator Support and Developer Benefits
19:37 Sustainability of the Modding Economy
22:23 Revenue Share Models in the Creator Economy
25:34 The Impact of AI on Modding
29:14 The Power of AI in Game Development
30:15 Democratizing Game Creation
31:01 Challenges in Scaling Overwolf
33:51 Overcoming Investment Hurdles
37:41 The Future of Overwolf and Gaming
43:24 Innovations in User-Generated Content
45:39 Changing Mindsets on Premium Mods
48:17 Disruption in the Gaming Industry
52:09 Lessons Learned from Overwolf's Journey
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The crew unpacks a week of spicy news and strategic contradictions, starting with Supercell’s latest investments and how VC incentives often clash with long-term game building. We weigh in on GamesBeat’s move to independence, the ongoing esports funding debate, and whether Netflix’s Rebel Moon game is a flex or a fumble.
Valorant Mobile’s China launch signals Riot’s next big move, while Tencent continues to dominate with titles like Gunfight King.
The team dives into Disney’s Solitaire push, Habby's intriguing new soft launch, and the return of Royal Kingdom’s celebrity-fueled ad campaign—capped off by a heated debate: do TV ads still move the needle for mobile games, or are we watching legacy marketing die in real time?
01:56 Industry News Highlights
02:47 Supercell Investments Analysis
05:35 VC Contradictions and Incentives
17:43 GamesBeat Independence
20:17 Esports Investment
22:31 Oblivion
24:15 Netflix's Rebel Moon Game
31:00 Valorant Mobile Launch in China
32:36 Gunfight King and Tencent's Gaming Dominance
33:19 Disney Solitaire
40:00 Habby's New Game in Soft Launch
46:33 Royal Kingdom's Celebrity Ad Campaign
48:44 Debating the Effectiveness of TV Ads for Mobile Games
01:06:53 Concluding Thoughts on Marketing Strategies
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Lightspeed’s Moritz Baier-Lentz joins us for a no-holds-barred conversation on venture capital, gaming, and the inner workings of multi-billion-dollar venture funds. No fluff—just real talk about fund math, spotting exceptional founders, the future of AI in gaming, and why most investments won’t work out (and why that’s okay).
00:00 from pro-gamer in Diablo II to Goldman Sachs to Lightspeed VC
10:00 The Lightspeed model
18:00 How Moritz spots truly exceptional founders (hint: not a checklist)
24:00 Fund math 101
30:00 Studio investing vs. tech investing in games
36:00 How consolidation is reshaping gaming M&A (and why it’s a big deal)
43:00 Speedrun, a16z’s gaming accelerator: innovation or red flag?
51:00 Debunking big VC myths
58:00 The future of gaming: AI, generative content, and creating the next Roblox
1:05:00 How Lightspeed wins competitive deals—and what founders should ask VCs
1:12:00 Is raising VC money harder now? Yes. But here’s why it’s still a golden era.
1:20:00 Final thoughts: investing at the edge of what’s possible
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Kress is fresh back from Turkiye, sharing on-the-ground insights before diving headfirst into the week’s big beats.
We break down Epic Games Store’s revenue, debate the Minecraft movie’s potential for franchise dominance, and unpack the latest M&A and investment trends shaping gaming’s future. Inflation’s creeping impact on game pricing gets a hard look, while the crew wrestles with the evolving MTX and revenue models.
Things heat up with Marvel Rivals throwing punches at Overwatch, a sharp take on Western vs. Eastern LiveOps strategies, and a no-holds-barred discussion about Bungie’s Marathon pivot into extraction shooters. To wrap, a quick (and slightly roasted) look at Kingdom’s celebrity-packed ad campaign.
00:00 Introduction and Host Introductions
03:09 Chris' Insights from Turkey
07:02 Epic Games Store Revenue Discussion
13:30 Minecraft Movie and Franchise Management
21:07 M&A and Investment Trends in Gaming
29:47 Game Pricing and Inflation
30:31 MTX and Revenue Models
32:59 Marvel Rivals vs. Overwatch
37:33 Western vs. Eastern LiveOps
44:24 Marathon: The Extraction Shooter
58:13 Kingdom's Celebrity Ad Campaign
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In this episode of Deconstructor of Fun, Jen Donahoe is by Charles Hambro, CEO and Co-Founder of GEEIQ, and Matt Edelman, President and CEO of Super League, to dive deep into the evolving world of brand activations and UGC (user-generated content) in gaming.
We explore how brands navigate virtual worlds, the ROI of successful campaigns, and why gaming audiences are more valuable than ever. The conversation spans the rise of playable ads, IAB standards, and the growing distinction between branded content and traditional ads.
Charles and Matt also share their insights on the future of campaign-based activations and why entertainment brands are doubling down on gaming.
00:00 Introduction to Brand and UGC Activations
04:57 UGC and Virtual Worlds
07:44 Brand Activations
15:47 ROI and Success Stories
21:02 Challenges and Future of UGC Platforms
27:12 The Power of Gaming Audiences
27:45 Mobile Advertising
29:00 Playable Ads
29:42 IAB and Playable Ad Standards
31:34 Engaging Audiences with Playable Ads
35:49 Branded Content vs. Traditional Ads
36:41 The Future of Branded Content in Gaming
42:40 The Importance of Campaign-Based Activations
44:47 Entertainment Brands in Gaming
46:59 Concluding Thoughts and Future Trends
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In this week’s episode of This Week in Games, we’re joined by special guest Chris Sides for a jam-packed conversation covering everything from transmedia storytelling to the latest moves in the gaming industry.
We dive into the surprising momentum behind the Minecraft movie, explore Gen Z trends and market predictions, and unpack Netflix’s bold push into interactive fiction. Plus, we break down A16Z’s new Speed Run initiative, take a close look at Supercell’s evolving investment strategy, and compare War Robots to the newly launched Steel Hunters.
00:00 Introduction and Host Introductions
01:58 Special Guest Chris and His Background
02:49 Transmedia and Pop Culture Discussion
03:48 Industry Updates and News
07:03 Podcast Highlights and Recent Episodes
09:21 Minecraft Movie Success
16:54 Gen Z and Market Predictions
20:48 Netflix's Interactive Fiction Strategy
28:44 Speed Run Initiative by A16Z
30:22 Supercell's Investment Strategy
31:19 Supercell's Investment Philosophy
32:54 Supercell's Investment History and Performance
43:14 Blueprints: The Best Rated Game of 2025
49:21 RE's Latest Deck Recap
53:36 Steel Hunters: Early Access and Unreal Engine
01:03:02 War Robots vs. Steel Hunters01:05:02 Conclusion and Farewell
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In this episode, Deconstructor of Fun’s Michail Katkoff sits down with Tobias Knoke — long-time Googler, gaming industry expert, and Gen Z whisperer — to unpack what game developers need to know right now about the fastest-growing and most misunderstood audience in gaming.
👉 Learn why Gen Z is about to become the biggest spending group on mobile
👉 Why they’re less loyal to individual games, and how to win them back
👉 How to build creator strategies that actually work
👉 What Gen Z hates about ads — and what they love
👉 How AI is quietly reshaping game development (and why Gen Z doesn’t care)
🧠 Read more at:
www.deconstructoroffun.com
00:00 The State of Gaming Post-Pandemic
03:51 Understanding Gen Z's Gaming Behavior
06:53 Strategies for Engaging Gen Z
10:05 The Role of Creators in Gaming Marketing
12:52 Building Effective Creator Strategies
15:43 The Impact of Social Connections on Gaming
18:43 Achieving Escape Velocity in Game Launches
33:38 Navigating Competition in Mobile Gaming
36:52 Understanding Gen Z's Unique Gaming Preferences
41:23 Ad Monetization Strategies for Gen Z
46:53 High Expectations and LiveOps for Gen Z
49:37 The Role of AI in Game Development
Gen Z, gaming strategies, mobile gaming, creator marketing, ad monetization, LiveOps, AI in gaming, audience engagement, gaming behavior, influencer strategies
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GDC’s over, but the takes are still hot. Eric Kress recaps the chaos and questions Dark Legion’s staying power, while Phil gives the Game Craft boys a well-deserved nod.
Then it’s Switch 2 speculation time: is Nintendo finally back in the power game? Meanwhile, Roblox cozies up to Google for rewarded ads—what does that mean for the ecosystem?
Meanwhile, AppLovin fights off short seller heat while asserting market dominance. Plus, Tencent’s playing the long game with Ubisoft, again—no surprise, but lots to unpack.
02:12 GDC Highlights and Dark Legion Update
03:18 Game Craft Podcast
05:27 CEO Interviews and App Charge Partnership
07:31 GDC Attendance and Dark Legion Performance
15:58 Switch 2 Announcement
23:26 Roblox Rewarded Ads and Google Partnership
31:54 AppLovin's Short Seller Allegations
36:17 Hedge Fund Hotels and Market Dynamics
36:36 AppLovin Market Dominance
38:49 Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Acquisition
43:57 Supercell's New Game: First Impressions
53:22 Ubisoft's $1.25 Billion Tencent Deal
01:05:36 Tencent's Long Game and Market Strategy - Laat meer zien
