Week in Views E08 - The UK games industry's skills crisis, Fallout's TV success, and Epic's endless court battles
Apr 20, 2024
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Brian Baglow, Paige Cook, Craig Chapple, and Daniel Griffiths from PocketGamer.biz discuss UK games industry skills crisis, Fallout TV show success, and Epic's legal battles with Apple and Google. Also mention layoffs, Nintendo's future plans, and address the skills crisis in the UK games industry
The Fallout TV show's success led to a 516% increase in game downloads, showcasing the impact of cross-media promotion on user engagement.
The UK games industry faces a skills crisis, requiring a specialized body to address recruitment challenges and skill shortages for sustained growth.
Mag Interactive's revenue decline prompts a strategic shift towards new ventures like Crouzzle, demonstrating the need for adaptation in a competitive market.
Deep dives
Alternative App Stores on iOS and the Confusion Surrounding AltStore
AltStore is the first step into the world of alternative App Stores on iOS, introducing features like a Nintendo emulator and a clipboard manager. However, the decentralized design and lack of a central directory make it a confusing experience for users. Paid through Patreon donations, its unconventional approach raises questions about its sustainability and impact on Apple's tightly controlled ecosystem.
The Fall of Movement Puzzle Game in Soft Launch
After two years in soft launch, the movement puzzle game has been canceled due to failing to meet expectations. Despite popularity in certain regions like Finland and Japan, its niche appeal may not have translated well globally. This decision reflects the challenges faced by established brands in the crowded puzzle game space and the need to adapt to changing market dynamics.
Mag Interactive's Revenue Decline and Focus on New Game, Crouzzle
Mag Interactive's revenue declined by 25% in Q2, with an adjusted EBITDA of $1.8 million. The company also faced a tax bill dispute affecting its financials. Amidst this, the launch of Crouzzle, a crossword game, signals a strategic shift towards new ventures. Despite challenges, Mag Interactive aims to leverage its experience and resources to drive success in the mobile gaming market.
Increased Downloads for Fallout Shelter Due to TV Show Impact
The release of a TV show related to the Fallout series caused a significant boost in downloads for Fallout Shelter, amounting to a 516% increase. The connection between a successful show and increased engagement with associated games was highlighted. This surge in downloads showcased the power of leveraging existing fan bases from popular entertainment mediums to drive engagement in related products, leading to a substantial uptick in user acquisition and game activity.
Challenges and Recommendations Addressing the Skills Crisis in the UK Games Industry
A report highlighted the urgent need for a specialized UK games industry-led body to tackle the ongoing skills crisis within the sector. The report identified critical recruitment and personnel challenges, including a scarcity of skilled mid to senior level employees and a lack of data on skills shortages. The proposed body aims to collaborate with employers, policymakers, and educational institutions to address these challenges and create effective solutions to strengthen the industry's workforce for sustained growth and innovation.
Brian Baglow, Paige Cook, Craig Chapple and Daniel Griffiths from the PocketGamer.biz team discuss the latest mobile games industry news from the in our new 'Week in Views' series.
We cover a new report that delves into the UK games industry's skills crisis, the Fallout TV show's success, App Store emulators, and Epic's endless court battles with Apple and Google. Craig and Brian also have a moan about Rebel Moon.
Extra links:
RaptorVerse Presents... The DMA Breakdown Webinar: https://news.raptorpr.com/raptorverse-presentsthe-dma-breakdown
The top mobile games in soft launch right now: https://www.pocketgamer.biz/feature/60621/the-latest-and-most-interesting-mobile-games-in-soft-launch-update/
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The Dubai GameExpo Summit powered by Pocket Gamer Connects takes place on May 1st and 2nd. Details here - https://www.pgconnects.com/DubaiGameExpoSummit/
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