Deconstructor of Fun Deconstructor of Fun

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!


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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 Intro03:05 Shills08:39 Apple's Legal Troubles with the EUDMA12:52 FIFA and Rocket League Partnership15:01 Investments and M&A26:47 Executive Departures and Speculations33:22 Tango Closure Mystery34:21 Dungeon Fighter's Mobile Success36:10 New Games47:46 Nintendo Direct Highlights57:32 Epic's Mobile Strategy and Fortnite's Future


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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


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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.


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