Deconstructor of Fun

Deconstructor of Fun
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Deconstructor of Fun

Deconstructor of Fun podcast is created by games professionals for games professionals. We explore the business side of the games industry with the goal of bringing listeners content that is relevant, insightful, and entertaining on a weekly basis. Hosts: Michail Katkoff @mkatkoff www.linkedin.com/in/michailkatkoff/ Eric Kress @ekress www.linkedin.com/in/erickress/ Laura Taranto @laurataranto www.linkedin.com/in/laurataranto/ Phillip Black @econosopher www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-black-economist/ Jen Donahoe @Jen_Donahoe www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdonahoe

  1. VOR 2 TAGEN

    267. Helldivers 2, Warframe, First Descendant, and Once Human - How to Operate a PvE Shooter?

    This episode features insights from top industry professionals on player engagement, revenue models, and the challenges faced by new releases like Helldivers 2, First Descendant, and Once Human. Dive into in-depth discussions on successful PvE models, key strategies for game success, and the future of game monetization. Join Adam Telfer and a panel of experts as they explore the latest trends in PvE shooters and the evolving tools needed for effective LiveOps. Brought to you by Heroic Labs, AppsFlyer, Sensor Tower, and Xsolla. 02:31 Market Overview of PVE Shooters03:25 Recent Releases and Trends04:07 Revenue and Engagement07:54 PVE Live Service Challenges08:42 Helldivers 2: Success and Future13:54 The Competitive Landscape27:04 First Descendant and Once Human27:38 First Descendant's Elder Loop29:27 PvE Shooter Systems30:42 Helldivers 2: On The Way Out36:34 Warframe's Sustained Success40:13 Strategies for PvE Shooter Success45:52 The Future of PvE Shooters

    52 Min.
  2. TWIG #316 Metaverse Myths, Ubisoft’s Struggles and the Stance for Marketing

    VOR 5 TAGEN

    TWIG #316 Metaverse Myths, Ubisoft’s Struggles and the Stance for Marketing

    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 Intros01:40 Shills02:50 GDC Announcements and Sponsors06:35 Corrections and Apologies08:09 Matthew Ball and the Metaverse Debate19:20 Loot Boxes and FTC Settlement23:54 Sony, Marvel Snap, and Warner Brothers28:58 Tech Company Operations29:09 Star Wars Outlaws Sales Analysis29:58 Ubisoft Helsinki and Gwen's Getaway31:05 Rainbow Six Mobile's Struggles32:34 Virtuous Acquisitions and Outsourcing36:23 Habby's Game Launch Challenges41:04 EA's Top Selling Games and Earnings46:18 Marketing Strategies and Impact57:15 Conclusion and Sign-Off

    58 Min.
  3. 266. Money, Markets & Disruptive Trends – Xsolla’s Chris Hewish

    29. JAN.

    266. Money, Markets & Disruptive Trends – Xsolla’s Chris Hewish

    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.

    54 Min.
  4. 265. How do Playtika and Wooga nail their Live Ops strategies?

    27. JAN.

    265. How do Playtika and Wooga nail their Live Ops strategies?

    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

    1 Std. 7 Min.
  5. TWIG #315 TikTok Ban and Matthew Ball's State of the Market Report

    24. JAN.

    TWIG #315 TikTok Ban and Matthew Ball's State of the Market Report

    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 Marketing02:49 Marketing Strategy Debate06:14 Shills10:19 Nintendo Switch 2 Leaks12:56 TikTok and Marvel Snap Shutdowns16:36 Industry Moves and New Roles19:44 Netflix Games Strategy21:36 Solitaire Making a Comeback??31:31 Bonfire Studios’ New Game34:36 Huge Games Workforce Cuts35:28 Matthew Ball’s Market Analysis47:12 The Rise of Chinese Game Developers49:57 The Cost of Game Development58:02 Future Growth Levers in Gaming

    1 Std. 13 Min.
  6. 264. Breaking Barriers: The Journey of a Next-Gen Game Developer Alexandra Takei

    20. JAN.

    264. Breaking Barriers: The Journey of a Next-Gen Game Developer Alexandra Takei

    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-Off gaming 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

    1 Std. 6 Min.
  7. TWIG #314 Market Predictions, Nintendo Leaks and an Award Ceremony

    17. JAN.

    TWIG #314 Market Predictions, Nintendo Leaks and an Award Ceremony

    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 Intros01:28 California Wildfires + How to Help03:18 Shills05:34 Predictions for 2025 in Mobile09:44 Corrections and Hyper Casual Talk14:06 Nintendo Switch 2 Leaks16:05 Investments and Funding News20:15 Marvel Rivals34:10 Talk of the Year: Mass Layoffs34:53 Embarrassing Predictions35:58 Company Damage: Ubisoft's Downfall37:04 Most Disappointing Game40:36 Financial Success: Mice Nuts42:32 Questionable Moves47:46 Brilliant Moves50:35 Crushing It: Brawl Stars53:13 Layoff Lowlights53:43 Limping Donkey Award55:20 Listener Feedback and Wrap-Up

    1 Std. 2 Min.
  8. 263. From Failures to Funding: Strategic Moves Founders Should Know with Joe Wadakethalakal, CEO of PvX Partners

    13. JAN.

    263. From Failures to Funding: Strategic Moves Founders Should Know with Joe Wadakethalakal, CEO of PvX Partners

    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 Experience 12:28 Challenges and Lessons Learned 18:53 Joining MPL and Strategic Growth 49:20 The Importance of Capital in Startups 54:10 Leaving MPL and Starting PVX 01:00:48 PVX's Unique Approach to UA Financing 01:19:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    1 Std. 32 Min.
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Info

Deconstructor of Fun podcast is created by games professionals for games professionals. We explore the business side of the games industry with the goal of bringing listeners content that is relevant, insightful, and entertaining on a weekly basis. Hosts: Michail Katkoff @mkatkoff www.linkedin.com/in/michailkatkoff/ Eric Kress @ekress www.linkedin.com/in/erickress/ Laura Taranto @laurataranto www.linkedin.com/in/laurataranto/ Phillip Black @econosopher www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-black-economist/ Jen Donahoe @Jen_Donahoe www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdonahoe

Informationen

  • Erstellt von
    Deconstructor of Fun
  • Jahre aktiv
    2017 - 2025
  • Folgen
    619
  • Bewertung
    Anstößig
  • Copyright
    © Deconstructor of Fun
  • Sendungswebsite
    Deconstructor of Fun

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