Deconstructor of Fun

Deconstructor of Fun
  • 4.5 (89)
  • 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 Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

  1. Value Optimization, Hybridcasual, and the Impact of AI

    3 DAYS AGO

    Value Optimization, Hybridcasual, and the Impact of AI

    HYBRIDCASUAL PLAYBOOK: metahybridcasualplaybook.splashthat.com  In this podcast episode, Michail Katkoff hosts Manish Gajria, Director of Product from Meta, and Ryan Davies, Head of Performance Marketing from Kwalee to discuss the current trends in the mobile gaming market, focusing on value optimization, hybrid casual games, and the impact of AI on user acquisition strategies. They explore the challenges of measurement and attribution in a changing landscape, and the importance of creative strategies, and share success stories from the industry. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of gaming marketing and the tools that Meta is developing to support advertisers in achieving better outcomes. Chapters 0:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:46 Meet the Guests: Manish Kashria and Ryan Davis 02:19 Current Trends in Mobile Gaming 04:15 Value Optimization in User Acquisition 07:24 Challenges and Strategies in Gaming Marketing 17:37 Hybrid Casual Games: The New Frontier 33:19 Success Stories and Case Studies 34:54 Gaming Apps and Value Optimization 36:17 Subscription Apps and Value Optimization 38:14 The Role of UA Managers and Automation 44:53 Combining Optimization Techniques 48:24 AI in User Acquisition 57:16 Measurement and Attribution Challenges0 1:04:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

    1h 6m
  2. TWIG #308 Plarium Gets Raided / Take-Two Divests / EA CEO Flirts With Disney

    6 DAYS AGO

    TWIG #308 Plarium Gets Raided / Take-Two Divests / EA CEO Flirts With Disney

    After Kress released the rockets at large VCs last week the crew gets back into heated venture capital discussions exploring the complexities of VC investments in gaming and the shifting landscape of game development and funding. The conversation also touches on the potential leadership changes at EA, the implications of recent acquisitions in the gaming industry, and the performance of companies like Roblox. The discussion highlights the strategic moves by companies like MTG and Take-Two, as well as the challenges and opportunities in the current market landscape. Hosts: Eric Kress, Jen Donahoe, Phillip Black, Jen Donahoe Content: 01:30 Mishka's Banter and Shills 06:41 Corrections and Clarifications 10:22 VC Investments in Gaming 22:04 Crunchyroll and Meta Updates 24:59 EA and Disney Rumors 27:20 Wall Street's Favorite CEOs 30:18 MTG's Strategic Acquisitions 31:46 Plarium's Surprising Valuation 37:51 Take-Two's Divestments and Chartboost Sale 43:51 Roblox's Impressive Growth 49:55 Dream's New Puzzle RPG 56:00 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics Keywords: game industry, venture capital, Crunchyroll, mobile gaming, EA leadership, gaming news, game funding, gaming trends, gaming investments, acquisitions, MTG, Plarium, Take-Two, Roblox, --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

    57 min
  3. LIVE from San Francisco with Special Guest Stars

    NOV 12

    LIVE from San Francisco with Special Guest Stars

    Jen Donahoe, Laura Taranto, and Eric Kress live from GamesForum San Francisco. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 01:29 Panelist Intros 05:53 First Topic: Unfiltered Growth and Monetization 12:50 Incentivized Advertising: Past and Present 17:59 Challenges and Future of Incentivized Ads 27:27 Expanding Beyond Gaming: Brand Collaborations 32:15 Exploring Roblox's Integration with Shopify 32:52 The Shift in Game Design and Monetization 35:29 Surviving in 2025 36:12 Mobile and Console Gaming's Existential Crisis 37:55 Opportunities and Challenges in Mobile Gaming 39:00 The Role of Small Studios in the Gaming Market 44:11 Netflix's Foray into Gaming 50:57 Challenges in Game Discovery and Engagement 59:42 The Future of Gaming and AI in Marketing 01:00:05 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

    1h 1m
  4. #307: Pokemon Game Rises, Supercell's IPO Dreams and VC Misdeeds

    NOV 7

    #307: Pokemon Game Rises, Supercell's IPO Dreams and VC Misdeeds

    Eric roleplays as his Old Man Yells at Cloud Halloween costume, sparing no expense at Netflix’s strange announcement and an ugly breakdown of modern venture capital. Laura tells us if Pokemon’s new mobile game looks more like Go or Masters, while Jen gives a eulogy for Space Ape. Phil raves at Call of Duties monster success and asks Nadella to release the Game Pass tapes. 00:26 Nintendo Switch Earnings Analysis 16:31 Netflix's Interactive Titles and Generative AI 20:49 Supercell Acquires SpaceApe 23:02 Dragon Age and Call of Duty Updates 31:51 Pokemon TCG Mobile: First Impressions 38:50 The Role of VC in Gaming Startups 42:09 Investment Trends and Success Stories 45:22 VC Firm Challenges + The Future of VCs in Gaming --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

    1h 7m
  5. Winning with Creators: How Gaming’s Marketing Strategy is Evolving

    NOV 4

    Winning with Creators: How Gaming’s Marketing Strategy is Evolving

    In this episode of Deconstructor of Fun, we dive into the shifting landscape of influencer marketing in the gaming industry, focusing on the emergence and impact of creator programs. Our guests: Patrick "Chief Pat" Carney (Tribe Gaming), Scott Walker (Ninja Kiwi), and Justin Sacks (Nexus.gg) — industry experts and key voices in creator marketing—explore the evolving roles of influencers and creators, moving from short-term campaigns to deeper, sustained partnerships that drive community engagement and revenue. We discuss how companies like Supercell have pioneered successful creator programs and examine the role of platforms in supporting these initiatives. We also address the challenges developers face in managing creator programs, particularly for smaller studios, and how user-generated content (UGC) is reshaping the gaming experience. Tune in to learn how creator programs are transforming marketing, community building, and even game development itself. Host: Jen Donahoe Chapters: 04:36 Defining Creator Programs 06:47 Creator Program Benefits 11:52 Supercell's Creator Program 20:09 Building a Creator Platform 21:44 Implementation 26:08 Challenges in Developer-Marketer Collaboration 26:45 Web2 Play-to-Earn Concept 28:52 Impact on Small Developers 30:38 Revenue and Engagement Metrics 34:04 Nexus and Creator Programs 36:06 Supercell's Creator Program Evolution 38:18 Brawl Stars and Community Management 40:57 Administrative Challenges in Creator Programs 43:45 UGC and Future Developers Keywords: influencer marketing, creator programs, gaming, Supercell, Nexus.gg, community engagement, mobile games, revenue share, content creators, game development, game development, content creators, revenue sharing, player engagement, user-generated content, mobile games, creator programs, game marketing, community building, game monetization --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

    51 min
  6. TWIG #306 Is Apple’s Big Move a Trick or a Treat?

    OCT 31

    TWIG #306 Is Apple’s Big Move a Trick or a Treat?

    It’s Halloween and conference season, so we’re diving into all the latest insights without of course missing a basketball update. In today’s episode, we got Call of Duty’s continued dominance, Battlefield’s woes, Apple’s App Store for gaming, China’s rise in 4x games, and Barbie’s design mismatch. Dive in for all things gaming, snark included! Hosts: Jen Donahoe, Eric Kress, Phillip Black and Mishka Katkoff Keywords: gaming news, game industry, conferences, shooter games, Netflix gaming, Apple gaming store, gaming industry, Switch 2, Roblox, web stores, child safety, investments, Bungie, Sony, studio closures, Tencent, shooter games, Forex games, mobile gaming, Barbie game, Call of Duty, Battlefield, gaming trends Chapters: 01:39 Halloween and Conference Season 03:56 Basketball Update and Conference Insights 10:36 Shooter Panel + Market Trends 16:46 Netflix's AAA Game Shutdown and Apple App Store Rumors 22:15 Nintendo Switch 2 Rumors 26:34 Roblox's Child Safety Measures 31:29 Investments, Divestments, and M&A 38:50 The Struggles of IP-Driven Games 41:40 The MOBA Market in the West 45:30 Bungie Under PlayStation: Not Good 47:14 Sony Shuts Down Firewalk Studios 52:21 Chinese Developers and 4x Games 56:24 Barbie Game's Creative Mismatch 01:05:19 Call of Duty Continues Crushing It 01:10:21 Battlefield's Downfall --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

    1h 13m
  7. Shooting for Success: Navigating the Ultra Competitive Shooter Genre

    OCT 28

    Shooting for Success: Navigating the Ultra Competitive Shooter Genre

    In this deep dive discussion, Adam Telfer, Chris Sides, Phillip Black, and Davan Brannan explore the current state of the PC and console shooter genre, analyzing player engagement trends, the impact of COVID-19, and the struggles of new game entrants in a saturated market. They discuss the decline in player numbers for popular titles, the challenges of maintaining engagement, and the implications for future game development. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the challenges and strategies surrounding the launch and retention of new first-person shooter (FPS) games. The four also discuss the importance of live content, player migration, and the barriers new titles face in a saturated market. The conversation ends with an exploration of the future of extraction shooters and the key elements developers must focus on to succeed in the competitive landscape of PvP shooters. Chapters: 00:00 The Shooter Genre Landscape 02:36 Analyzing Player Engagement in Shooters 09:06 The Impact of COVID on Shooter Game Popularity 11:00 Contrasting Successes and Failures in Recent Titles 21:33 New Entrants and Their Struggles in the Market 28:35 The Challenge of Launching New FPS Games 32:00 Player Migration and Retention in FPS Titles 35:32 Barriers for New PvP Shooters 38:09 Strategies for Competing in a Saturated Market 41:58 The Future of Extraction Shooters 49:57 Key Takeaways for Developing Successful Shooters Keywords: PC, console, shooter games, player engagement, market analysis, COVID impact, game launches, FPS, PvP, PvE, FPS games, player retention, game development, extraction shooters, PvP shooters, gaming market, player migration, live service, game thesis, competitive gaming --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

    59 min
  8. TWIG #305 Music Stops at Netflix Games as Hell's Bells Ring for AA Games

    OCT 25

    TWIG #305 Music Stops at Netflix Games as Hell's Bells Ring for AA Games

    Arguably the most fun newsletter for games industry professionals: www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe --- This episode of This Week in Games covers major shifts in gaming, as Netflix shutting down its AAA studio, TikTok’s LiveOps program, and the rise of influencer marketing and Supercell’s all-hands-on-deck approach to save Squad Busters. The episode also addresses the perceived decline of AA studios. Hosts: Jen Donahoe, Adam Telfer, Phillip Black and Mishka Katkoff --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

    1h 16m
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4.5
out of 5
89 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 Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

Information

  • Creator
    Deconstructor of Fun
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2024
  • Episodes
    594
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Deconstructor of Fun
  • Show Website
    Deconstructor of Fun

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