Send us a textThe best tech firm experimentation seems to offer thousands of button color experiments. Dr.Runge has a better approach, which changes at every game development stage. We debate gaming's broken relationship with science, the proper experimentation framework, and how much you'd bet on yourself to complete Cousera assignments.Read Dr.Runge's new paper NOW! Showlinks:Julian RungeGaming Companies Run Thousands of Experiments a YearGame Data ProsHow to use games to build relationships with your customers

Send us a textPokémon TCG Pocket is one of a handful of games to implement P2P trading on mobile. Yet it sucks. On purpose. As @Eric explains, their game economy needs high sinks to combat hourly sourcing of card packs. Without the nearly 80% trading tax, prices would tend toward $0. However, that's secondary to a UX that is so gimped it makes Friend Codes look seamless by comparison.We deconstruct Matthew Ball's new State of Gaming report slide by slide (or at least curated slides.) @Chris thinks we're failing to keep pace with inflation, putting the industry at risk, while @Phil wants to know why TikTok is winning at the margin. Is gaming becoming LESS compelling relative to social media?

Send us a textLoot boxes have all the markings of a moral panic. Dr.McCaffrey reviewed the emerging literature, and like the research on video game violence, it's destined for methodological malfunction. We discuss why everything isn't a loot box, the apathetic interest of economists in games, what George R.R. Martin's economic equilibrium teaches us, and how to get more people interested in economics.Follow Dr.McCaffrey on Twitter [1], see him on video games [2], and read his loot box and A Song of Fire and Ice papers here [3].

Send us a textIs game balance bullshit? The crew goes toe-to-toe debating Sirland’s Don't Use Math in Balancing Games. Chris emerges from his Roblox hibernation, Eric tells us Street Fighter is more accessible than platform fighters, and Phil goes bonanza for All in Hole. 

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Jason Arentz, a game economist with a rich background in physics and experimental economics, dives into the economics of game design and player behavior. He shares insights on the complexities of pricing experiments and the balance between player satisfaction and profit. Arentz also explores the emerging world of Web3 ownership in gaming, tackling issues like cheating and bot activity. The conversation highlights the emotional connections players have with their virtual purchases and the evolving landscape of game development.

Send us a textEconomist Dr.Peter G. Klein joins the cast to discuss Why Managers Matter: The Perils of the Bossless Company. We debate Valve's organizational structure, the evidence for manager economic impact, and Sweden's success. Read more about Dr.Klein here and find his book below:https://hankamer.baylor.edu/person/peter-g-klein-0https://www.amazon.com/Why-Managers-Matter-Bossless-Company/dp/1541751043/15:37 Why Managers Matter22:29 CEOs35:22 Valve

Send us a textPhil and Chris return from Asia, and it's gachupon from here in-out. Eric talks vertical progression in single player games, while Chris actually agree on the future of web 2.5. The economics of unions weigh heavily: within or between professions? The crew finally makes it to THE KING PAPER; Eric and Chris make surprising revalation.Quantity discounts on a virtual good: The results of a massive pricing experiment at King Digital Entertainment

In this engaging discussion, Eric, an expert in economic modeling for game development decisions, teams up with Phil, who champions a block-grant style incentive alignment. Chris returns with insights on Marvel Snap’s new social casino mechanics. They dive into player frustrations with card collection systems and compare the beta performance of sci-fi and steampunk games. Plus, the conversation touches on profit-sharing models in the gaming industry, new matchmaking insights, and how temporary game modes can enhance player engagement. Tune in for a blend of economics and gaming!

Send us a textCan a stick of butter keep you sober during high-stakes diplomatic meetings? Eric is sure to tell us. Chris provides a compelling theory for the death of mods, while Phil undergoes a Supercell detox after analyzing Squad Buster's launch. The crew gets back in touch with their microeconomic selves and looks at one of the most interesting explanations for the gender pay gap.ONE COHORT AT A TIME: A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON THE DECLINING GENDER PAY GAP

Send us a textPlay to earn hits Steam, and the crew is here to dissect the phenomenon. Why now, and why bananas? Phil is back into the economics of social casinos, while Chris develops a progression model for Darts. Eric and Phil debate the externalities of bots, while Chris solves for equilibrium.