Naavik Gaming Podcast Why the Games Industry Might Triple (Despite Its Challenges)
Jul 29, 2025
Owen Mahoney, former CEO of Nexon, shares sharp insights on the gaming industry, critiquing current norms and exploring future trends. He discusses the complexities of managing huge budgets and the challenges faced by Western publishers. Mahoney believes the industry could triple in size despite current stagnation, emphasizing the potential of AI and the need for strategic shifts in decision-making. He contrasts the success of Eastern companies with the hurdles of their Western counterparts, advocating for innovation and proactive governance to foster growth.
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Episode notes
Simplify Game Industry Strategy
- Simplify your games business by segmenting the industry into casual vs. hardcore and online vs. offline.
- This framework clarifies focus and helps make tough strategic decisions easier.
Match Management to Game Type
- Recognize that different game types require different skills, metrics, and management.
- Avoid treating all segments as one, as their KPIs and customer experiences vary hugely.
Make Hard Focus Choices
- Define clearly what your company will and will not do to avoid strategic confusion.
- Make hard choices about focus to avoid being pulled in too many directions.
