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 brin...
TWIG #309: EA’s AI problems, Monopoly GO’s decline, and Pokémon Pocket’s success
As Kress’ World of Warcraft account turns 20, we blow out the candles and reflect on a surprising reason behind EA’s disastrous AI investor presentation. Jen delivers a valiant defense of Monopoly Go’s new TV campaign, while Phil reviews the early returns of Pokémon TCG Pocket. Big in Japan, as they say? The group wraps up with what might be the year’s final Embracer hazing session, absolving themselves of any remaining crimes.
chapters:
01:19 Birthday Wishes for WoW and Half-Life 2
04:48 EA Tries to Soothe AI Worries
10:03 Game Industry Awards and Nominations
14:47 AAA Devs and Startups
19:04 PlayVentures' New Gaming Fund
21:24 Miniclip Acquires EasyBrain
28:32 X Rioters and Supervive
31:15 Capybara Go and Archero 2
32:02 Pokemon TCG Pocket Success
38:47 Marvel Snap and Sinister Loot Boxes
41:15 New Monopoly Go Campaign
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53:41
TikTok's LiveOps Enchantment
Join us on the Deconstructor of Fun Podcast as we delve into LiveOps strategies for Q5 with esteemed guests Sezer Degirmenbasi, head of EMEA for mobile gaming at TikTok, and John Wright, head of publishing at Kwalee.
In this episode, you’ll discover what Q5 is and why it's crucial for game marketers and learn detailed strategies for leveraging TikTok's LiveOps tools to extend your game's lifecycle, increase user engagement, and maximize revenue
00:00 Introduction
00:56 Understanding Q5: The Invisible Quarter
06:10 LiveOps Strategies and Definitions
11:27 TikTok's Role in LiveOps Success
16:24 TikTok's LiveOps Program Explained
21:56 Creative Strategies for LiveOps
27:55 The Need for Differentiation
29:34 Reviving Older Games with TikTok
36:56 Success Metrics for LiveOps Campaigns
46:54 Final Thoughts and Advice for Developers
51:02 Culturalization in LiveOps
54:35 Conclusion and Community Engagement
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55:22
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
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1:06:22
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,
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56:53
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
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support
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