Stay ConnectedDeconstructor 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 www.linkedin.com/in/michailkatkoff/
Eric Kress www.linkedin.com/in/erickress/
Phillip Black www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-black-economist/
Jen Donahoe www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdonahoe
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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
On his 55th visit to beyond the Wall (aka. Finland) Peter Levin of Griffin Gaming Partners delves into the influence of Finland's gaming scene, the global success of companies like Supercell, and the legacy of titles such as Angry Birds and Habbo Hotel.
We discuss the impact of technology, transmedia trends, and how non-endemic players like Netflix are entering the gaming space. The conversation covers strategic mergers and acquisitions, the resurgence of PC gaming, and the exciting potential in emerging markets.
Tune in to understand how cultural adaptability, partnership dynamics, and IP management are driving the gaming industry forward.
00:00 Introduction and Peter's Frequent Visits to Finland
02:59 Rovio and Angry Birds
08:35 Impact of Nokia and Finnish Gaming Success
15:08 Challenges and Opportunities in the Finnish Gaming Market
18:56 Global Perspective and Market Dynamics
27:09 Transmedia and Gaming Adaptations
37:33 Disney's Aha Moment
38:12 Legacy Media and Gaming
38:37 Warner Brothers' Gaming Success
39:21 Advice for Big IP Holders
39:37 Investing in Gaming Executives
40:37 Strategic Acquisitions
41:27 Sports Leagues and Gaming
41:55 Overinvestment Concerns
42:48 Netflix's Gaming Strategy
50:18 Transmedia Business Case
52:16 John Wick in Fortnite
55:20 Skills and IP Partnerships
01:07:01 Future of Gaming
01:10:49 Closing Thoughts
In this episode of TWIG (This Week in Games), the team dives into recent gaming industry news, starting with Google’s Play and Xbox announcements, followed by the Game Freak data breach and Xbox developments.
'They discuss Supercell’s mysterious Project Rise, the rumored Destiny Rising mobile game, and blockchain gaming with Off the Grid. The episode also highlights Azra Games’ Project Legends, speculates on Scopely’s next mega-deal, and wraps up with Supercell’s marketing shakeup.
00:00 Intro
01:55 Quick Hits
05:28 Google Play and Xbox Announcements
07:43 Game Freak Data Breach and Xbox News
13:16 Supercell's Project Rise
14:17 Destiny Rising Mobile Game
20:54 Off the Grid: Blockchain Gaming
29:54 Web3 Game Development Challenges
30:37 Marketing and Investor Influence
31:23 Player Reception and Crypto Integration
36:16 Azra Games and Project Legends
45:06 Scopely's Mega Deal Speculations
56:40 Supercell's Marketing Shakeup
Michail Katkoff sits down with Javier Ferreira, Co-CEO of Scopely, to explore the success behind Scopely's hit game Monopoly Go, which has generated over $3 billion in lifetime revenue.
Javier shares insights into Scopely's acquisition by Savvy, the impact of solid partnerships, and Scopely's future ambitions with original IPs.
Learn about effective game development, strategic risk-taking, and the evolving landscape of the gaming industry. Discover what makes Scopely a leader in IP-based gaming and Javier's views on the bright future of gaming.
00:00 Introduction and Learning Journey
01:06 Monopoly Go's Commercial Success
07:05 Scopely's Approach to IP and Game Development
13:13 Challenges and Convictions in Game Development
22:44 Impact of Savvy's Acquisition on Scopely
31:05 Future of the Gaming Industry and Final Thoughts
The TWIG team unpacks the latest developments in Ubisoft’s internal drama. They also dive into the troubled launch of Squadbusters and explore whether toxic positivity is a growing issue in game development. Plus, get the latest on the Epic vs. Google legal battle and the controversies surrounding Roblox. Tune in for sharp analysis and thoughtful discussion on all things gaming!
02:02 Event Highlights and Industry Insights
04:37 Savvy Games Group and Upcoming Podcasts
08:21 Ubisoft Drama and Tencent's Stake
13:35 Squadbusters Game Launch Misfires?
32:51 Exploring Toxic Positivity in Game Development
52:23 Epic vs Google Legal Battle
59:00 Roblox Under Fire
Saudi Arabia has a bold vision - to transform itself into a global gaming hub by 2030.
With insights from Savvy Games Group CEO Brian Ward and Gerard Miles, co-CEO of executive headhunting company Mission One, we delve into the Kingdom's strategic efforts to build a robust gaming ecosystem in the Middle East.
Discover the opportunities and challenges of navigating business in Saudi Arabia, and learn how cultural understanding and genuine connections can foster success in this burgeoning market. Gain valuable advice on investment prospects and expansion strategies from those at the forefront of these exciting developments.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Episode Overview
03:01 Guest Introductions and Backgrounds
05:18 Brian's Move to Saudi Arabia
07:35 Perceptions and Realities of Saudi Arabia
11:15 Female Participation and Workforce Transformation
16:29 Understanding Savvy Games Group
23:37 Long-Term Investment Strategy and E-Sports
30:00 Financial Discipline and Strategic Investments
34:49 Building a Self-Sustaining Gaming Ecosystem
38:13 Empowering Saudi Entrepreneurs
39:05 Building a Gaming Ecosystem
42:28 Global Comparisons and Strategies
49:18 Talent Development and Ecosystem Growth
01:02:06 Navigating Business Culture in Saudi Arabia
01:10:03 Opportunities and Advice for Businesses and Individuals
01:14:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Jen Donahoe, Eric Kress, Phillip Black, and Mishka Katkoff discuss the impact of California's new digital ownership law, highlights from the Tokyo Game Show, and the record-breaking numbers on Steam. They also delve into Ubisoft's delays, Behavior Interactive's acquisitions, and Meta's new AR glasses, concluding with a look at Genshin Impact's impressive revenue and market influence.
Takeaways
* Mishka shares insights from his recent travels and conferences.
* Squad Busters faces challenges in the competitive gaming market.
* Indie game publishing is on the rise with new trends emerging.
* California's new law impacts digital ownership for gamers.
* The relevance of the Tokyo Game Show is declining in the gaming industry.
* Steam continues to break user records, showcasing its dominance.
* Ubisoft's delays raise concerns about its leadership and future.
* Behavior Interactive is expanding through acquisitions despite challenges.
* Meta's AR glasses could revolutionize user interaction with technology.
* Genshin Impact's success highlights the potential for high-budget mobile games.
Segments:
03:07 Mishka's Adventures and Industry Insights
06:32 Squadbusters
08:14 Quick Hits
15:50 Epic Games and Legal Battles
18:58 Ubisoft Struggles
22:09 Behavior Interactive + M&A
27:16 Throne and Liberty: A New MMO Experience
31:34 Sports FC 25
34:51 India
37:52 Match Factory'
39:08 Monopoly Go's Going Soft?
44:20 Dragon Ball Z
45:27 Chris Likes Meta's Orion AR Glasses??
52:58 Genshin Impact
Host Jen Donahoe is joined by a panel of emerging game industry professionals—Pedro Bravo (Lead PM Monopoly Go at Scopely), Vlada Kumova (Game Producer at GameFam), and Lara Burić (Game Designer at Hutch).
The discussion centers around the challenges and barriers faced by the next generation of game developers as they enter the industry, the difficulties of securing opportunities, and the ongoing changes in hiring practices.
They share candid experiences about breaking into the industry, the expectations placed on junior versus senior talent, and the evolving dynamics of leadership and mentorship. The panel also explores the importance of fostering supportive environments and reducing crunch culture.
Tune in to hear valuable insights on how the next wave of creators is navigating the complexities of game development and paving the way for future industry practices.
02:34 Guest Intro
03:16 Pedro
04:07 Vlada
04:47 Laura
05:14 Challenges of Breaking into the Industry
11:20 Bipolar Hiring Vibes
18:07 Training and Mentorship
24:42 Early Career Challenges
28:10 Crunch Culture and Work-Life Balance
34:09 Specialization and Workload Management
36:54 Creating a Positive Work Environment
42:19 Effective Communication and Management
46:45 Gen-A and the future of Social Gaming
51:35 Wrap-Up
Kress bites back at Cupcake listeners, while Adam thinks a Space Marine live service is as dead as the Necrons. Phil thinks MoPoGo is groundbreaking, but no one is surfing the waves yet. Laura tells us the real origin story, and Jen has her best Italian accent.
00:00 Intro
01:49 Shills
02:46 AI in Gaming
07:16 EA Strategy
09:28 Adam & Laura: Origins
18:32 Industry Trends and Predictions
31:28 Favorite Podcast Moments
36:36 GDC Memories and Parasocial Relationships
37:55 Nintendo vs. Palworld Legal Battle
40:45 Dreamhaven's First Publishing Partnership
42:57 Microsoft's Game Pass Spending
44:27 Everdale's End and Brawl Stars' Rise
46:40 Space Marine 2's Success
49:10 Raid Shadow Legends' Impressive Run
50:42 Playtika's Acquisition of Superplay
53:17 Monopoly Go: A Social Casino Debate
59:07 Future of IP in Mobile Gaming
Mishka Katkoff chats with Sebastian Forsström, Head of Paradox ARC, to explore the world of indie game publishing at Paradox Interactive. Sebastian provides an overview of Paradox Interactive and dives into the role of Paradox ARC, a division dedicated to helping indie developers.
They discuss how Paradox evaluates and develops games, the importance of sustained user engagement, and effective marketing strategies. Sebastian also shares insights on publishing deals, revenue sharing, co-publishing agreements, and the critical role of DLCs in player retention.
01:08 Sebastian's Intro
02:46 Paradox Interactive
05:23 Paradox Arc
11:35 Game Evaluation and Development
18:13 Sustained User Base + Marketing
23:44 Paradox Arc Deep Dive
34:09 Publishing Deals and Development Fees
38:26 Co-Publishing Agreements + Revenue Sharing
42:49 Marketing and Release Strategies
48:57 The Role of DLCs in Player Retention
53:27 Trends in the Indie Game Industry
59:39 Advice for Indie Developers
01:04:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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