Naavik Gaming Podcast

Chris Faught, CEO of Neon and an expert in direct-to-commerce platforms for games, shares his insights on the evolving gaming landscape. He discusses the aftermath of the Apple vs. Epic ruling and its implications for game developers adopting direct-to-consumer strategies. Chris highlights the new monetization opportunities and alternative payment models that empower studios to connect with players directly. He also offers practical steps for implementing these changes and predicts future trends in the gaming market.

Africa’s gaming market is young, fast-growing, and mobile-first. In this episode, host Alexandra Takei, Director at Ruckus Games, is joined by Cordel Robbin-Coker, CEO of Carry1st, and Temi Afolabi, a lead on XBOX’s Global Expansion team, to examine the opportunity and hurdles of scaling games in Africa. They break down Africa’s demographics, monetization challenges, and infrastructure gaps. Cordel highlights Carry1st’s approach — aggregating payments across nearly 80+ payment methods and pairing African talent with global veterans. Temi emphasizes Africa’s creative potential in narrative design, a rising indie class, and shares why XBOX sees the African consumer as attractive. The group compares Africa’s market trajectory to China’s, though key differences include Africa’s fragmentation across language, infrastructure, and regulation. On the development side, they explore co-dev, creator-first pathways, and the long-term role governments may play in accelerating industry growth to build a billion-person market and capitalize on untapped potential and a growing talent base. We’d like to thank Neon – a merchant of record with customizable webshops optimized for conversion – for making this episode possible! Neon is trusted by some of the biggest names in gaming and can help you sell direct without the typical overhead. To learn more, visit https://www.neonpay.com/?utm_source=naavik We’d also like to thank Levellr — the Discord community intelligence platform — for making this episode possible. Learn more about unlocking real-time community insights at levellr.com.If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at podcast@naavik.co.Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

In today's episode, host David Taylor dives into the world of Minecraft’s massive creator ecosystem with two of its most influential creators:Raf is the co-founder of Spark Universe, a studio behind one of the most widely used Minecraft tools, Essential Mod, which connects millions of players through a live services platform. With over 50 million downloads and nearly 2 million monthly active users, Spark Universe is one of the largest Minecraft creative studios. Spark Universe also led the development of all official in-game content tied to the Minecraft Movie, including a DLC, Add-On, and a live event.Zed is the Director of CubeCraft Games, one of the most popular Minecraft multiplayer servers in the world. Since launching in 2012 and becoming a Minecraft Partner in 2017, CubeCraft has reached over 100 million players. Known for its fast-paced minigames and long-form experiences like Skyblock, CubeCraft continues to be a staple in the Minecraft multiplayer community.We’d also like to thank Reforged Labs for making this episode possible. This YC startup automates the traditionally costly and time-consuming ad production process, delivering high-quality, cost-effective video ads in under 24 hours – and it’s all powered by a proprietary AI engine trained on thousands of successful game ads. Learn more: https://reforgedlabs.com/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=naavik_promo&utm_id=naavik+promo&utm_term=newsletter&utm_content=october30 We’d also like to thank Heroic Labs for making this episode possible! Thousands of studios have trusted Heroic Labs to help them focus on their games and not worry about gametech or scaling for success. To learn more and reach out, visit https://heroiclabs.com/?utm_source=Naavik&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=Podcast If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at podcast@naavik.co.Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

Alexander Hicks, co-founder of Twin Atlas, shares his journey from passionate gamer to successful studio leader in the Roblox ecosystem. He discusses the creative process behind blockbuster games like Creatures of Sonaria, emphasizing sustainable game design that prioritizes long-term engagement. Hicks also explores the challenges of monetization and the potential for transforming Roblox IP into television and film, all while navigating a competitive landscape through strategic mergers and innovative use of technology.

Derek Qiu, Head of Overseas Operations at NetEase, sheds light on the global publishing landscape influenced by China's gaming boom. He discusses the strategic PC-first launch of the supernatural survival game Once Human and how cosmetic-only monetization sets them apart in a mobile-driven market. The conversation highlights cultural differences in publishing between East and West, the importance of local teams, and the advantages of hyperlocalization. Derek emphasizes that the future lies in studios that cater to niche audiences rather than chasing mass-market success.

Crystin Cox, Head of Publishing at ArenaNet and a 20-year veteran in the gaming industry, shares invaluable insights on live-ops and player engagement. She discusses her journey from film to gaming and the evolution of monetization strategies, emphasizing player satisfaction. The conversation delves into the transformation of publishing from physical to digital, navigating funding options, and the critical role of player feedback. Crystin highlights how cultural differences shape gaming experiences and the continuous shift in player tastes.

David Taylor, Founder of Creator Games and UGC consultant, joins the discussion about the future of user-generated content in gaming. They delve into the evolution of platforms like Roblox and Fortnite, analyzing brand integrations and startling income disparities among creators. With age demographics shifting and older players joining the mix, the conversation speculates on new contenders emerging in the scene. Additionally, they explore how AI might redefine creation and the strategic choices companies make to foster a thriving UGC ecosystem.

Join Wiktoria Wójcik, co-founder of InStreamly and former streamer, as she shares her expertise on blending brand marketing with live streaming. Discover innovative strategies for brands like Cheetos to engage audiences authentically through live platforms. Wójcik discusses overcoming challenges in streamer collaborations and the power of parasocial relationships. The conversation also dives into unique campaigns designed to connect brands with gamers, emphasizing the transformative impact of interactive technology on marketing in the gaming world.

Devin Reimer, founder and CEO of AstroBeam, and Ed Saxton, Chief Product Officer at Schell Games, dive into the vibrant world of VR gaming. They share insights on the evolution of iconic games like Job Simulator and Among Us VR, discussing how humor and creativity shape immersive experiences. The duo debates the future of generative AI in gaming, voice interactions, and the intriguing notion of smell-o-vision. With tales of smart NPCs and sensory immersion, they explore the uncharted territories of virtual relationships and player engagement.

Nick Popovich, CEO and Founder of Monomi Park, shares insights from his journey in indie game development, known for the hit Slime Rancher. He discusses the challenge of growing a studio without external funding, emphasizing strategic hiring and a strong studio culture. The conversation covers how to engage players effectively, innovative game design principles, and the balance between creative integrity and business fundamentals. Nick also addresses navigating luck in game success, making it a valuable listen for aspiring developers.