Deconstructor of Fun

Deconstructor of Fun
  • 4.5 (91)
  • VIDEO GAMES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
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. TWIG #325 Ubisoft Bails Out, AppLovin Fights Back, Roblox Becomes an Ad Network

    4H AGO

    TWIG #325 Ubisoft Bails Out, AppLovin Fights Back, Roblox Becomes an Ad Network

    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 Update03:18 Game Craft Podcast05:27 CEO Interviews and App Charge Partnership07:31 GDC Attendance and Dark Legion Performance15:58 Switch 2 Announcement23:26 Roblox Rewarded Ads and Google Partnership31:54 AppLovin's Short Seller Allegations36:17 Hedge Fund Hotels and Market Dynamics36:36 AppLovin Market Dominance38:49 Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Acquisition43:57 Supercell's New Game: First Impressions53:22 Ubisoft's $1.25 Billion Tencent Deal01:05:36 Tencent's Long Game and Market Strategy

    1h 9m
  2. 277. Leadership, AI, and Mobile Growth – Insights from AppsFlyer’s CEO and co-Founder, Oren Kaniel

    1D AGO

    277. Leadership, AI, and Mobile Growth – Insights from AppsFlyer’s CEO and co-Founder, Oren Kaniel

    What makes the company a great place to work? We discuss the significance of company culture, leadership evolution, and the vital role of customer obsession with AppsFlyer's CEO and co-founder, Oren Kaniel. Oren shares his entrepreneurial journey, how the company overcame early financial challenges, and the importance of remaining innovative and passionate. Additionally, we explore AI's role in the future of business, balancing data privacy with technological advancements, and the grand vision for AppsFlyer's continued growth and impact. 02:44 Building a Company Culture 06:33 The Importance of Customer Obsession 15:24 Challenges and Early Days of the Startup 20:15 Navigating Growth and Scaling Up 25:06 Hiring and Nurturing Talent 42:15 Transparency vs. Clarity in Leadership 44:02 Innovative Solutions for Business Growth 56:39 The Role of AI in Business Transformation 01:05:47 Building a Sustainable Business Ecosystem 01:15:20 Future Prospects and Innovations

    1h 20m
  3. 276. Growing in a Mature Market with Josh Wilson, CEO of SciPlay

    4D AGO

    276. Growing in a Mature Market with Josh Wilson, CEO of SciPlay

    Josh Wilson, CEO of SciPlay, returns to the podcast for the third time to discuss key topics such as the significance of Q5, the challenges of app store reliance, the stalled growth in the gaming market, the emergence of hybrid casualization, and the role of AI in gaming. Subscribe to the Deconstructor of Fun Newsletter: www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe Continue the conversation on our Slack channel: www.deconstructoroffun.com/slack00:00 Introduction and Previous Conversations 03:28 Understanding Q5 and Its Impact on Gaming 12:38 Navigating App Store Reliance and Customer Ownership 21:46 Stalled Growth in the Gaming Market 31:24 Customer Retention as a Business Strategy 37:44 Embracing Change and Innovation 40:55 The Shift to Hybrid Casual Gaming 55:15 The Role of AI in Gaming 01:09:02 Future Skills in a Changing Landscape

    1h 12m
  4. TWIG #324: Netflix Games Build Back Better Plan, Launch of DC Dark Legion and Death of Fragpunk

    MAR 28

    TWIG #324: Netflix Games Build Back Better Plan, Launch of DC Dark Legion and Death of Fragpunk

    Eric speedruns through an a16z correction, while Phil can’t wrap his head around Funplus’ new 4x Dark Legion thesis. Adam tells us Netease’s Fragpunk is dead, and Jen tells us games journalism is alive. Against all odds, Netflix Games records its first positive segment. And did you hear that? It’s the inZOI train CHUGGin’. Subscribe to the Deconstructor of Fun Newsletter: www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe Continue the conversation on our Slack channel: www.deconstructoroffun.com/slack 02:16 Post-GDC Debriefing09:35 A16Z Speed Run13:48 Game Journalism is Back!!17:08 Nintendo Direct and Switch 2 Rumors18:41 MOBA Shutdowns and VC Funded Games25:15 FunPlus and Dark Legion31:00 DC Comics in Gaming: Challenges and Failures35:03 The Future of 4X Strategy Games37:18 Marvel Rivals and Rag Punk Analysis56:27 Netflix's Gaming Strategy

    1h 7m
  5. TWIG #323 LIVE at GDC!!!

    MAR 26

    TWIG #323 LIVE at GDC!!!

    The rowdy and tired DoF crew closed down their GDC with a live TWIG show at Moscone Center. Tune in! Chapters: 02:47 Kickoff03:15 GDC Vibe Check06:30 Industry Sentiment and Challenges21:20 Emerging Markets and New Game Development22:26 A16Z Speed Run and Industry Shifts26:21 Funding Trends and Credit Lines27:40 Absurd Ideas and Rumors31:00 Supercell's MoCo Launch33:53 Embracing Experimentation in Gaming38:31 Absurd Compensation Packages in the US43:28 The Future of AA and Indie Game Funding46:57 Highlights from Recent Gaming Events51:55 Impact of the Podcast on Careers01:02:54 The Rise of Apps and AI in Mobile Gaming01:05:05 VCs, Ad Tech, and Online Gambling01:07:41 Closing Remarks and Thank Yous

    1h 10m
  6. 275. Beyond User Acquisition: How to Win with Influencer Marketing

    MAR 24

    275. Beyond User Acquisition: How to Win with Influencer Marketing

    Marion Balinoff and Sara Guerola share data-driven strategies for maximizing influencer marketing in gaming. As CPIs rise and privacy regulations evolve, influencer marketing is becoming a key performance channel. Marion and Sara break down budget calculations, track organic uplift, and analyze campaign performance while highlighting tactics like QR codes, giveaways, and custom in-game assets to boost conversions. Whether you’re testing with smaller creators or scaling with top-tier influencers, this episode provides a strategic framework for driving profitable results. 00:00 Introduction to Influencer and Podcast Marketing 02:56 Meet the Experts: Marion and Sarah 04:33 Defining Influencer and Podcast Marketing 08:16 Budgeting and Setting Objectives 14:24 Measuring Campaign Performance 23:58 Tracking Links and Performance Metrics 24:35 Challenges in Getting Clicks 25:08 Podcast Advertising Strategies 27:21 Creative Performance Reports 30:40 Influencer Integration in Games 32:56 Effective Campaign Strategies 34:45 Deep Integration Benefits 38:11 Creative and Contract Tips 42:57 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

    49 min

  7. MAR 14

    TWIG #322 Farmville, Pokemon Go, and Female Gamers

    Mishka wrestles with the implications of AppLovin’s Triple Dot acquisition, while Scopely’s latest move has everyone questioning the future of Pokémon Go. Eric breaks down the latest insights from the Turkish gaming industry, while Jen dissects the Midia Research gamer segmentation report. Phil revisits the hypercasual ad playbook, while Subway Surfers just keeps running. Plus, a final look at GDC announcements, the mobile vs. console showdown, and what it all means for the industry. The Deconstructor of Fun Newsletter:www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribeContinue the conversation on our Slack channel:www.deconstructoroffun.com/slack 04:24 Turkish Gaming Industry Insights 06:20 GDC Event Announcements 09:16 Triple Dot and AppLovin Acquisition Analysis 22:58 Midia Research Gamer Segmentation Report 30:10 Social Elements in Gaming 30:35 Mobile vs Console 31:13 Farmville, Monopoly Go, and Female Gamers 33:41 Subway Surfers 34:23 The Hypercasual Ad Strategy 41:12 Scopely's Acquisition of Niantic Games 44:04 The Future of Pokemon Go 53:50 Scopely's Strategy

    57 min
  8. 274. Skillz CEO Andrew Paradise on the $75M Accelerator and the Future of Skill-Based Gaming

    MAR 12

    274. Skillz CEO Andrew Paradise on the $75M Accelerator and the Future of Skill-Based Gaming

    www.skillz.com/developeraccelerator/ We dive deep into the world of real-money skill-based gaming and the exciting new Developer Accelerator launched by Skills Inc. Our special guest, Andrew Paradise, CEO and co-founder of Skillz, sheds light on the potential and market opportunity within this rapidly growing industry, discussing what types of games and studios Skillz is looking to support. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:19 Skill-Based Mobile Games Accelerator 04:09 Monetization and Market Strategy 13:32 Retention and Engagement Metrics 22:07 Skill-Based Gaming Market Insights 25:36 Understanding Sweepstakes and Skill-Based Gaming 26:17 Skill-Based Gaming Prizes and Competitions 28:06 Future of Skill Gaming 30:32 Expanding Game Genres and Market Reach 32:57 Skill-Based Gaming on Different Platforms 33:36 Addressing Bot Concerns in Skill Gaming 37:43 Insights from the Startup Journey 43:14 Challenges and Benefits of Going Public 45:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    48 min
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    4.5
    out of 5
    91 Ratings

    About

    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

    Information

    • Creator
      Deconstructor of Fun
    • Years Active
      2017 - 2025
    • Episodes
      638
    • Rating
      Explicit
    • Copyright
      © Deconstructor of Fun
    • Show Website
      Deconstructor of Fun

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