
Game Economist Cast
What does the new wave of open economies mean for monetization? Will negative externalities overcome cosmetics economies in the long run? What exactly does a game economist do? Game Economist Cast is a roundtable discussion of the latest developments in mobile, HD, and crypto games through a bunch of people figuring it out using the economic tool kit.
Latest episodes

Jun 27, 2023 • 1h 8min
E10: Monetizing Reddit, Fortnite Into The Bloodstream, & Game Thesis
Send us a textChris discovers a small indie title called Fortnite, Eric throws salt on Diablo's big numbers, while Phil peddles his Game Thesis. The group tries to understand Reddit monetization while Phil tallies another win for the supply-siders. Talked about links:Diablo Esquire ExposéReddit drama unfolded

May 29, 2023 • 1h 11min
E09: Regressive & Progressive UGC Taxes
Send us a textThe economics of platform success, taxation, and lots of autochess. Definition and implications of the metaverse.

May 21, 2023 • 1h 6min
E08: Voluptuous Consumer Surplus
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Apr 3, 2023 • 20min
GEC BONUS EP: What's up at GDC 2023?
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Mar 28, 2023 • 56min
E07: The Mailbag Episode
Send us a textThe mailbag has arrived with all the weirdness you'd expect;Can we get a little bit about each of your backgrounds? We know that Chris' parents believe that Pokemon is the devil's creation, but what else is there? What are some actual new models where play to earn can work?How many swords do you own? Follow up:....why?What examples of innovative or unique approaches to game economies have you seen in recent years?

Mar 14, 2023 • 1h 13min
E06: What's the deal with markets anyways?
Send us a textNEXT EPISODE IS ALL MAIL. We'll read and respond on air. SEND QUESTIONs/COMMENTs to mail@gameeconomistcast.com! The full crew is back after a stealth EP5 drop. We refuse to stop talking about Hogwarts, earn our economist bread & butter discussing Eric's new piece on markets, and try to solve for a $6M Super Bowl ad.

Mar 8, 2023 • 1h 6min
E05: Korv, Deluxe Edition Theory, & Market Power
Send us a textEric had to leave early, we’ll see more of him next episode!Mail episode: only two away! We have 12 messages; the next episode is the last reminder. Lots of crypto questions.Phil talks Harry Potter and Deluxe Editions, while Chris talks double auctions and market efficiency.

Jan 30, 2023 • 54min
E04: Costco Hot Dogs, Matchmaking, & More Snap
Send us a textThe crew returns for the most irregular cadence yet. We talk about the price of Costco Hot Dogs, go under the matchmaking hood, and obsess over the progression problems of Marvel Snap.Send mail to mail@gameeconomistcast.com. Mailbag E07 is coming!

Jan 8, 2023 • 51min
E03: Land, Where's the Beef?
Send us a textThe crew is back to think about the 2023 web3 meta, and digital Georgism, before closing with our most exciting games of 2022.Remember to send in mail. On episode 7, we’ll read it and respond. Thanks to those who already sent mail in.

Dec 5, 2022 • 1h 3min
E02: Fork & Knife
Send us a textPhil, Chris, and Eric talk about buying organs, cookie art, and a game that's not quite as good as Hades.We dive into the economics of subscriptions, what makes a marketplace fun, and the line between games and gamification. Learn more about Eric's analysis of fun marketplaces here.NOW WITH HATE MAIL. Send comments, questions, or concerns to mail@gameeconomistcast.com.We will have a mailbag episode soon!
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