The Gaming Playbook w/ Harry Phokou

Why do most good games still fail today, even with great gameplay?Markus Wilding – former marketing leader at Take-Two, 2K, and Private Division – joins me to reveal why visibility is now more critical than quality... and how developers and publishers must adapt to survive.We unpack how outdated marketing playbooks are killing games, why community building is non-negotiable, and the practical strategies every studio needs to market smarter in 2025.Expect deep dives into:- Why 90% of marketing strategies are stuck in the past- How to use influencer marketing correctly in today's market- How early-stage market validation can save your studio- How to build community momentum before launch- Why the future belongs to "snackable fun" games, not bloated AAA- Practical frameworks for self-auditing your game's marketing readinessWhether you're an indie developer, publisher, marketer, or founder, this conversation will shift how you approach game success today.Connect with Markus:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markus-wilding/Website: https://beyondthewall.games/Connect with Harry:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hphokouInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hphokouGet exclusive podcast recaps & industry insights:→ Subscribe to the Gaming Rally NewsletterEnjoyed the episode? Like, comment, and subscribe to help more developers find us.Chapters:00:00 Introduction02:01 Markus' Transition From AAA to Consulting07:03 Why Visibility Beats Quality Today12:51 Discord, Reddit, and Building Real Player Communities17:01 Why the "19,000 Games on Steam" Stat Is Misleading21:31 The Old Game Problem30:20 Why Graphics No Longer Guarantee Success33:42 Finding the Fun: What AAA Forgets35:00 Why "Snackable Gameplay" Dominates38:48 What Good Marketing Advice Actually Looks Like42:50 Why Understanding Development Is Non-Negotiable48:37 Why Markus Is Optimistic About Gaming’s Future50:25 Connect With Markus#GameMarketing #IndieGameDev #GamingIndustry #MarketingStrategy #CommunityBuilding

In this episode of The Gaming Playbook, I sit down with Peter Fodor, founder and CEO of AppAgent, a top-tier mobile marketing agency behind games from Supercell, Netflix, and Scopely. Peter shares the unfiltered truth about why most mobile games fail to scale, the critical mistakes studios make, and how to win in today's privacy-first, saturated market.Expect deep dives into:- How to test game ideas before writing a single line of code- The role of creative frameworks and hooks in ad success- Why LiveOps is the future of monetization- Managing remote creative teams without losing your mind- How AI is reshaping mobile game marketing and who should be scaredWhether you're a mobile dev, a UA manager, or building the next breakout title, this episode will make you rethink your strategy from the ground up.Connect with Peter:LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/petrfodor/⁠Connect with Harry:LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/⁠Youtube: ⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@hphokou⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/hphokouGet exclusive podcast recaps & industry tips – Sign up for the Gaming Rally Newsletter! http://http//gamingrally.net/Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop your thoughts in the comments.Chapters:00:00 Introduction02:04 The State of Mobile Gaming Post-COVID05:20 The Biggest Mistakes Mobile Studios Make07:35 How Small Teams Can Pre-test Game Ideas10:13 Increasing LTV through LiveOps14:13 Are IP & Influencer Collabs Only For Big Studios?16:41 Testing IPs & Understanding Your Audience18:31 The Power of Creative Frameworks23:00 Lessons from Walking Planet & Player Surveys27:15 Timeless Creative Principles (AIDA, KISS)30:42 Why Most Game Ads Fail at the Hook32:32 Hooks vs. Storytelling: The Key Mindset Shift35:04 Managing Creative Teams Remotely39:17 Frameworks: Who Builds Them And How?43:37 How to Build Systems Collaboratively46:07 Hiring Creatives: What to Look For49:28 AppAgent’s Future & Vision53:39 AI's Impact on UA, Creative Production & Future Roles58:02 Advice to Young People Entering Games59:44 Final Thoughts For The Mobile Games Industry#MobileGameMarketing #GameDevTips #UserAcquisition #CreativeStrategy #MobileGames2025

Ever feel like your writing isn’t landing the way you want? Whether you’re posting on LinkedIn, crafting a sales page, or trying to grow an audience, better writing leads to better results.In this episode, I sit down with Matt Barker, a copywriter who’s helped businesses generate over $3M through content. We talk about what really makes writing work - without the fluff, fake authority, or overhyped promises.- How Matt went from corporate marketing to solopreneurship- Why most people write the wrong way online - and how to fix it- The secret to writing content that attracts, nurtures, and converts- How to avoid the “scamfluencer” trap and build real authority- What top creators do differently to make their writing stand outIf you’ve ever wanted to write better, grow an audience, and turn words into results, this episode is for you.Connect with Matt:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjbarker1/Newsletter: https://www.mattbarker.xyz/newsletterConnect with Harry:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/Youtube: ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@hphokouInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hphokouGet exclusive podcast recaps & industry tips – Sign up for the Gaming Rally Newsletter! gamingrally.netLike, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into copywriting, content marketing, and personal branding.Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:26 Matt’s Transition from Corporate to Solopreneurship09:23 The Difference Between Writing Online & High School Writing12:34 How To Start Writing16:24 How to Get Better at Writing (Practical Steps)23:15 Strategic Writing vs. Creative Writing26:13 Crafting a Content Strategy That Works28:57 Overcoming Boredom and Staying Consistent32:48 The Two Main Goals of Writing on LinkedIn35:43 The Power of Emotional Storytelling in Copywriting39:44 The "Scamfluencer" Trend & Why It’s Misleading42:12 How Long Does It Take to Master Online Writing?45:42 Unexpected Side Benefits of Writing47:35 Matt’s Future Plans & Advice to His Past Self52:32 - Where to Follow & Connect with Matt#Copywriting #ContentMarketing #Ghostwriting #PersonalBranding #LinkedInGrowth

Today’s guest is Lara Acosta, a personal branding expert, content strategist, and founder of Literally Academy. Lara went from being unemployed in 2022 to becoming the #1 female creator on LinkedIn, amassing over 300,000 followers and generating millions through her personal brand. She now teaches others how to build a standout online presence, create engaging content, and turn their audience into a thriving business. In this episode, Lara shares her journey of building a personal brand as a woman in business and the strategies that helped her grow to over 200,000 followers on LinkedIn. She dives into the power of self-promotion, why most people struggle with content creation, and how to talk with your audience, not at them, using her SLAY framework. If you're a content creator, business owner, or someone looking to build an authentic personal brand, this episode is for you! Connect with Lara:LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/laraacostar/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Laraacosta𝕏: ⁠https://twitter.com/LaraacostarInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/laraacostar/Connect with Harry:LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/⁠Youtube: ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@hphokouInstagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/hphokou⁠Get exclusive podcast recaps & industry tips – Sign up for the Gaming Rally Newsletter!⁠ gamingrally.net⁠Chapters:00:00 Introduction02:37 Building a Personal Brand as a Woman in Business07:12 Celebrate Wins or Keep Moving?11:00 How to Celebrate Wins the Right Way on LinkedIn12:49 Lara’s Cohort Launch: The Power of Self-Promotion18:29 Talking With Your Audience, Not At Them: The SLAY Framework23:17 How to Approach Content Creation as a Beginner31:11 Why Visual Hooks Work (and Why People Get Them Wrong)37:55 Overcoming Impostor Syndrome as a Creator43:40 Why Offline Experiences Are the Future of Personal Branding52:01 Finding Purpose in Business Beyond Money

Today's guest is Hendrik Lesser, president of the European Game Developer Federation and CEO of Remote Control Productions (RCP).Hendrik started out selling and writing about games before spending nearly five years at Take-Two Interactive. In 2005, he founded Remote Control Productions (RCP), which has grown from a small startup into a global network of 16 studios, shipping over 400 projects. Through RCP, he helps developers focus on making great games while handling business operations, and he continues to advocate for the industry through policy, education, and mentorship.In this episode, he breaks down the real challenges facing the gaming industry in 2025, from cash flow struggles to why bad business, not bad games, is what really kills studios. He shares hard-earned lessons on studio leadership, competing with old games, and the biggest risks developers need to watch out for. Hendrik also talks about the power of partnerships, how to make remote teams work, and why strong leadership matters more than ever.Whether you're running a studio, breaking into the industry, or just want a behind-the-scenes look at the business of games, this episode is for you!Connect with Hendrik:LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendriklesser/⁠Website: ⁠https://rcp.family/⁠Connect with Harry:LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/⁠Youtube: ⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@hphokou⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/hphokou⁠Get exclusive podcast recaps & industry tips – Sign up for the Gaming Rally Newsletter! ⁠gamingrally.net⁠Chapters:00:00 Introduction02:16 The Reality of the Gaming Industry in 202504:10 Biggest Risks for Studio Leaders This Year10:20 What Is Remote Control Productions (RCP)?16:25 The Old Games Problem: Why It’s Harder to Compete21:46 The Power of Community: RCP’s Approach23:48 Finding Mentors, Building Community, and the Value of Events29:41 Why Bad Business Kills Studios, Not Bad Games34:32 Consensus Culture vs. Strong Studio Leadership40:19 The Role of Partnerships in Game Development43:35 Making Remote Collaboration Work48:06 Why Hierarchy Matters in Remote Teams53:58 Hendrik’s Favorite Part of the Job58:58 Balancing Game Development and Gaming Habits1:05:08 Advice for Gaming Industry Leaders1:06:42 Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Game Developers1:08:40 How to Connect with Hendrik

Today’s guest is Ali Farha, a Senior Technical Producer at Star Stable Entertainment.Ali has helped studios build scalable technology, optimize tools, and even port a 12+-year-old game to platforms like Metal, iOS, and Android. With a background in QA and a passion for tech leadership, he’s all about creating high-performing teams and future-proofing game development.In this episode, Ali breaks down what it truly means to be a producer in the gaming industry, sharing how the role adapts to different teams and challenges. He discusses the art of simplifying complexity, balancing long-term vision with immediate priorities, and the difference between coaching and mentoring to empower teams. Ali also shares his personal journey, from breaking into the industry without connections to building skills that set him apart.This episode is perfect for producers, aspiring game developers, or anyone curious about leadership and succeeding in the world of game production.Connect with Ali:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alifarha/Connect with Harry:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/Youtube: ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@hphokouInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hphokouChapters:00:00 Introduction00:30 Understanding the Role of a Game Producer02:52 Mentoring vs. Coaching: How Producers Boost Productivity07:32 What Makes a Great Game Producer15:10 Balancing Short-Term Tasks with Long-Term Vision32:33 Tough Decisions Producers Face: Saying No and Prioritizing41:01 Breaking into the Gaming Industry: Ali’s Journey44:21 Tips for Aspiring Game Developers49:12 Microlearning, Building a Portfolio, and Networking Tips53:02 Enriching Your Portfolio and Networking59:11 How to Improve as a Producer01:03:04 Rapid-Fire Q&A with Ali

Today’s guest is Alexander Brazie, a veteran game designer with over 20 years of experience and co-founder of Game Design Skills.Alexander has worked on some of the biggest titles in gaming, including World of Warcraft at Blizzard, League of Legends at Riot, and Ori and the Will of the Wisps at Moon Studios. With a track record of building and mentoring design teams, he’s helped ship over 32 projects and is passionate about teaching the craft of game design to the next generation.In this episode, he breaks down how to land your first game design job, what recruiters look for in portfolios, and the mistakes new designers should avoid. Alexander also explains how reverse engineering games can sharpen your design skills and why a strong portfolio matters more than a degree.If you're an aspiring game designer, a student, or someone looking to transition into the industry, this podcast is for you!Connect with Alexander:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-brazie/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xelnath/Twitter/X: https://x.com/xelnath?mx=2Connect with Harry:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/Youtube: ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@hphokouInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hphokouChapters:00:00 Introduction01:37 Alexander’s Journey Into Game Design05:14 How to Land Your First Game Design Job08:10 What Recruiters Look for in Game Designers10:10 Mistakes New Designers Must Avoid15:14 Useful Resources for Game Designers16:37 Reverse Engineering Games to Learn Design22:14 Common Mistakes In Game Design Interviews32:25 How To Prepare For Design Tests And Interviews41:12 Q&A: Action Game Design43:41 Creating an Efficient Website Portfolio44:33 Smarter Ways to Reapply After Rejection46:49 Transferring Skills Into Game Design47:13 Closing Thoughts and How to Connect

Today’s guest is Jacob Pegs, a solopreneur, mentor, friend, and founder of Modern Maker, a coaching community.After years of web development and running a marketing agency, Jacob went solo and built a business that’s served 250+ clients, 2000+ customers, and $3.4M in client sales. He helps people craft offers that sell and create content that actually works.In this episode, Jacob shares how he built a thriving solo business by crafting simple offers and using power writing to connect with his audience. He explains his "Teach, Share, Show, Invite" method for creating engaging content, tips for crafting your first offer, and how to scale a business without stress.This episode is perfect for solopreneurs, anyone starting a solo business, those looking to improve their LinkedIn content, or anyone struggling to create their first offer.Connect with Jacob:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-pegs/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@most_mojoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mostmojo/Free Offer Doc Template: https://swipemymojo.com/Connect with Harry:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hphokouChapters:00:00 Introduction02:00 Jacob’s Unique Way of Writing04:21 The Journey to Solopreneurship09:16 Biggest Mistakes Solopreneurs Make13:10 The “Teach, Share, Show, Invite” Content14:54 How to Create Your First Offer19:00 Presenting Your Offer Effectively23:35 The Role of Energy in Content Creation30:05 Understanding the Mind Reader Effect35:18 Turning Leads Into Customers Before Clients40:14 How to Start Monetizing Your Audience45:12 Scaling a Solo Business Without Burnout47:47 Recognizing When You’ve Hit Your Capacity50:42 The Mindset Shift That Shaped Jacob’s Success52:59 How to Connect With Jacob

The Gaming Playbook's first-ever studio panel discussion features three LinkedIn powerhouses: Lara Acosta, Jacob Pegs, and Matt Barker. Episode Sponsor: Aware The LinkedIn Engagement & Analytics Tool Use code "HARRY" for 20% off at: ⁠https://useaware.co/?fpr=harry ⁠ Lara Acosta - #1 UK Female Creator, runs Literally Academy Jacob Pegs - Founder of Modern Maker, a coaching community. Matt Barker - Author of The Digital Writer - Copywriting Course. Collectively, with over 400k followers, they’ve made $1,000,000s of dollars using LinkedIn. In this episode, the panel and host dive deep into the art of content creation and building a business you truly enjoy. Topics include using AI to simplify writing, creating connections through in-jokes, and strategies for making your videos stand out in the LinkedIn feed. They also explore managing time effectively, achieving balance, and crafting high-ticket offers, all while avoiding burnout. Whether you're a creator, entrepreneur, or someone looking to level up your LinkedIn content game, this episode is packed with actionable insights for you. Connect with the guests:Jacob: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-pegs/⁠Lara: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/laraacostar/⁠Matt: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjbarker1/⁠ Connect with Harry:LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/⁠Youtube: ⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@hphokou⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/hphokou⁠ Chapters: 00:00 Introductions 04:08 How We Use AI to Make Writing Easier 11:07 Why Celebrating Wins Can Be So Challenging 17:52 Building Connection Through In-Jokes and Comments 26:43 Battling Boredom in Content Creation 30:12 The Unexpected Power of Beginner Content 34:55 The Mind Reader Effect For Writing 40:31 What We Learned Selling High-Ticket Offers 47:46 Balancing And Optimizing Business - Matt Barker Example 56:51 Leveraging Time and Sticking to Your Boundaries 01:04:02 Rapid Q&A 01:07:24 How to win using LinkedIn Video 01:11:01 Closing Lessons

Today’s guests are Lara Acosta, Luke Matthews, Matt Barker, Sam G. Winsbury, and Jacob Pegs.Lara is a personal branding expert and founder of Literally Academy, boasting 20M+ impressions and a #1 LinkedIn creator title. Luke is an AI-driven ghostwriter with 175,000 followers, known for teaching how to craft posts with precision in just 7 days. Matt is a solopreneur copywriter who left a corporate job to build a thriving business teaching others to attract dream clients through organic content. Sam is the founder of a personal branding agency that has built over 150 brands, achieving millions in inbound leads for clients. Jacob is a former agency owner turned business coach who scaled his consulting business to $500K+ annually, specializing in content-led growth strategies.And I'm your host, Harry Phokou, I ghostwrite and get LinkedIn done for you.In this episode, we talk about our approaches to writing, managing leads, and using AI in content creation. We also share tips on building connections, making the most of video content, and deciding what really matters on LinkedIn.Whether you're new to LinkedIn or looking to refine your strategy, this episode has practical advice to help you grow your presence and get results.Connect with the guests:Lara: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laraacostar/Luke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukematthws/Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjbarker1/Sam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-g-winsbury/Jacob: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-pegs/Connect with Harry:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hphokou/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hphokouInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hphokouSign up to Gaming Rally Newsletter (Harry Phokou & Ali Farha's weekly newsletter): gamingrally.netChapters:00:00 Introduction to LinkedIn Live and Mastermind Session04:25 Discussion on Writing Processes28:11 Managing Leads and Contacts with CRMs37:04 The Significance of Vanity Metrics48:35 The Role of AI in Copywriting and Content Creation52:56 The Power of Video Content on LinkedIn54:54 Finding the Right Balance Between AI and Human Creativity57:17 Unique Services and Expertise Offered by Each Participant01:33:57 Writing with AI and Editing01:35:47 Dealing with Difficult Clients01:40:48 Figuring Out Your Offering01:45:07 Understanding the LinkedIn Algorithm01:50:28 Staying Motivated: Long-Term Vision and Outreach01:56:38 Responding to Comments and Community Building02:06:36 Monetizing Content on LinkedIn02:09:36 Building a Niche Community