Deconstructor of Fun TWIG #348 Roblox’s Big Bet, Blizzard's Mobile Chaos & Destiny Rising’s Flop
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Sep 11, 2025 This week, the discussion dives into Roblox's ambitious new monetization strategies and its major announcements from the recent conference. Blizzard faces chaotic leadership changes while trying to navigate the mobile gaming market. The flop of Destiny Rising raises eyebrows after a hefty investment, prompting talks about the shifting dynamics between Western and Chinese developers. Marketers are encouraged to embrace effective analytics, while the success of indie games like Hollow Knight: Silksong captures hearts. Plus, insights on the evolving landscape of social gaming!
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Host's Medical Leave And Surgery
- Jen Donahoe announced she will take medical leave for brain surgery and joked through the explanation.
- She described the procedure, recovery timeline, and practical preparations for her absence.
High Quality Alone Didn't Save Destiny Mobile
- Destiny Rising shows high production quality but failed commercially on mobile despite heavy investment.
- NetEase/Netmarble's mobile releases illustrate that Western IP + Chinese development doesn't guarantee market fit or monetization.
China Can Own Western IP Mobile Ports
- Chinese developers increasingly execute Western IP mobile ports and sometimes operate without deep Western co-dev involvement.
- This trend shows China can both license and originate hits without Western studios driving the product.