

Naavik Gaming Podcast
Naavik
The Naavik Gaming Podcast is a business-focused exploration of the companies, trends, strategies and leaders that are defining the future of games. To learn more and see other great content visit www.naavik.co.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 23, 2024 • 1h 10min
Helldivers 2 Invades Steam / Xbox’s Big Non-Event / Supercell’s Annual Letter
The podcast dives into the success of Helldivers 2 on PlayStation and PC, Microsoft's strategic decisions for Xbox exclusives, the Epic Game Store's performance review and Fortnite's return to iOS. They also analyze Supercell's annual public letter and discuss the evolving dynamics of game development and distribution in the industry.

5 snips
Feb 20, 2024 • 60min
Midnight, the AA Web 3 Games Consolidator
Hear about Midnight's ambitious plans in the struggling web3 gaming industry, including acquiring studios, AA games, and the MMO Evergreen. Dive into the intersection of mystery novels and gaming tokens, explore popular titles like Fortnite, and learn about Midnight's unique approach to web3 gaming.

Feb 18, 2024 • 53min
Decoding Success: From Operator to Venture Capitalist
Shanti Bergel, a top performer in the games industry, discusses platform shifts, global expansions, sales, and startups focusing on distribution innovations. His insights on gaming VC and adapting to diverse audiences are valuable lessons from his career at EA, Gree, and FunPlus.

Feb 11, 2024 • 55min
Games: Once Upon Now in Hollywood
Roy Lee, producer of films like the LEGO Movie and IT, discusses the deal making process for gaming adaptations and the upcoming Minecraft Movie and God of War TV and film properties. They explore the challenges of adapting video game properties, leveraging success to boost game sales, and balancing fan expectations. The significance of creating lasting impact and satisfying both hardcore fans and wider audiences is also highlighted.

Feb 9, 2024 • 1h 9min
Disney x Fortnite / Heroes of Mavia Launch / WB Live Service Stumbles
Disney's $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games and potential collaboration with Fortnite. Lawsuit involving Mythical Games' $150 million investment debacle. Successful launch of Heroes of Mavia mobile web3 game and its implications for future of web3 gaming. Palworld's explosive growth and potential for smaller studios. Challenges and consumer backlash faced by WB's live service game Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. Potential crossover between Disney and Fortnite with DC versus Marvel fight.

Feb 6, 2024 • 50min
Parallel, the $500 Million Web3 TCG
Parallel, a Toronto-based company building an ambitious sci-fi themed game, discusses the intersection of web3 and trading card games. They explore their target audience, revenue model, upcoming 3v3 team mode, gameplay mechanics, and distribution strategies. Additionally, they share their favorite games and express excitement for new releases.

23 snips
Feb 4, 2024 • 1h 4min
The State of UGC Gaming in 2024
This podcast episode discusses the growing impact of user-generated content (UGC) in gaming, including trends and developments on platforms like Roblox and UEFN. It explores successful UGC experiences, game-changing features, and strategies for approaching this market. Additionally, it touches on the changing landscape of the gaming market, challenges faced by Fortnite compared to Roblox, unlocking creativity through UGC, and Novik's offerings.

Feb 2, 2024 • 1h 2min
China's Regulations / Microsoft & EA Earnings / Apple’s Legal Challenges
China's proposed bans on game monetization tactics and their impact on Chinese game stocks; Tencent's CEO's reflections on the company's gaming performance and outlook on AI; EA's and Microsoft's earnings reports including boost from Activision Blizzard acquisition; Microsoft's layoffs at Activision Blizzard and Johanna Faries' new role at Blizzard; Apple's compliance with EU DMA law; smartphones surpassing Nintendo as primary gaming gateway for younger audiences.

Jan 28, 2024 • 53min
Between the Lines: Eastern Europe’s Gaming Market
Maria Kochmola, Managing Partner at The Games Fund, and Arseny Lebedev, CEO and Co-Founder at Original Games, discuss the challenges and opportunities in Eastern Europe's gaming market. They explore misconceptions about the region, the process of relocating gaming teams, and the advantages of countries like Cyprus. They also address issues such as managing bank accounts, legal challenges, and bureaucratic delays. The speakers predict a promising future for the gaming market in Eastern Europe and provide their contact information for those interested in learning more.

9 snips
Jan 26, 2024 • 1h 7min
Palworld Explodes / Riot Scales Back / Newzoo’s 2024 Report
The podcast discusses the popularity of Palworld, the layoff news from Riot, and Newzoo's 2024 market predictions. They also offer their insights on the future of the gaming industry.