Naavik Gaming Podcast

Christopher Molozian, CEO of Heroic Labs and a veteran in game tech, shares insights on the pivotal role of metagames in player retention and monetization. He discusses how innovative features like event leaderboards can enhance engagement and the seamless integration of technology across platforms. The conversation touches on the importance of social interactions and competitive mechanics, as well as the challenges of developing personalized gaming experiences. Molozian also explores the potential of user-generated content in fostering long-term player involvement.

In this enlightening discussion, Tabish Ahmed (Founder of Playroom), Vishnu Hari, and Peggy Wang (Co-founders of Ego) explore the revolutionary impact of AI in gaming. They dive into how AI can enhance user-generated content while discussing the challenges of game development after leaving major tech companies. The trio also analyzes platforms like Discord and Meta's Horizon Worlds, touching on fundraising hurdles and the innovative concepts like AI-driven characters. The conversation culminates in reflections on community engagement and the philosophical aspects of AI.

Kate Kellogg, the COO of EA Studios, shares insights from her diverse background at Irrational and 2K. She discusses how EA is adapting to industry shifts, emphasizing strategic pillars like Play, Watch, Create, and Connect. The conversation dives into the successful launch of EA Sports College Football and highlights the company's innovative use of AI in game development. Kellogg also advocates for inclusivity and female leadership in gaming, showing how these elements shape EA's future success.

Discover the surprising rise of gaming on Telegram as a viable distribution platform. Explore the explosive success of titles like Hamster Kombat and Goat Gaming, which have captivated millions in weeks. Learn about the unique user engagement and retention strategies that are driving this trend, especially in emerging markets. Delve into the challenges of game discovery and the integration of Web3 elements. This discussion sheds light on Telegram's potential to inspire innovation and offer new opportunities for indie developers.

Jiten Dajee, a General Partner at Rendered VC, dives into the technical roots of the challenges facing the gaming industry. He discusses how outdated game tech hampers development and the disconnect between teams and executives. Jiten highlights the shift to microservices in major gaming platforms and the role of AI in enhancing game infrastructure. He also explores the broader application of 3D graphics technology in various industries, showcasing gaming's influence beyond its own walls.

Rohit Gupta, Founder and CEO of Dream Games Studios, discusses the booming world of fantasy sports and cricket gaming. He shares insights on Dream11's expansion and the unique challenges of creating an authentic cricket video game. The conversation highlights the evolution of cricket in mobile gaming, the complexities of player licensing, and the potential for Dream Cricket in global markets. Rohit emphasizes the importance of real-time user feedback and innovative approaches to keep fans engaged, setting the stage for the future of sports video gaming.

Over the last few years, brands have increasingly gravitated to platforms like Roblox as a way to reach younger audiences. In 2023 alone, we saw 240 brand activations on Roblox, which doubled from the year prior. In terms of revenue, this contributed to over $80 million in brand spend, which equates to roughly 10% of Roblox's developer earnings for 2023.From the brand perspective, results can vary greatly depending on the execution. As advertisers, the cost per play session in a branded experience can range from as much as $1 to a fraction of a cent. Critical decisions include whether a brand should build its own experience versus integrate into an already popular one, and it's important to understand how well the brand resonates with Roblox's audience as well as any specific genre. With such uncertainty around outcomes, much of the spend so far has come from innovation budgets rather than traditional marketing allocations.To explore these trends further and discuss what needs to happen for advertising to further scale on Roblox, our host, David Taylor, sat down with three veterans of the Roblox advertising space, each with their own unique approaches: Matt Edelman, President of Super League Gaming, Harry Bienenstock, Head of Growth at Voldex, and Evan Zirschky, CEO of Turning Tables. We’d also 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=naavikIf 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 this engaging discussion, guests Ben Feder, former CEO of Take-Two, and Ken Wee, ex-Chief Strategy Officer at Activision Blizzard King, dissect the evolving gaming landscape. They tackle the impacts of layoffs and lofty budgets across studios, as well as how Microsoft, Sony, Valve, and Roblox are adapting to new challenges. The duo delves into content discovery, the transformative role of AI in game creation, and shifting gaming trends. Expect insights into whether a singular platform will emerge victorious or if a diverse ecosystem will flourish.

Sean Kauppinen, Chief Strategy Officer at Hiber, shares insights on the rise of user-generated content in gaming, emphasizing the democratization of 3D world creation. HiberWorld is making it easy for anyone, regardless of age or skills, to build virtual spaces. The discussion highlights Hiber’s rapid growth, innovative platform Hiber3D, and the balance between creativity and moderation in gaming communities. Kauppinen also delves into the evolution of AI in gaming and the changing landscape of player engagement, emphasizing the importance of analytics for creators.

Devin Finzer, founder and CEO of OpenSea, discusses the SEC's recent investigation into his NFT marketplace. He shares concerns that labeling NFTs as securities could hinder innovation for countless artists and creators. The conversation highlights the implications of this regulatory scrutiny on the future of Web3 gaming, where creators face unique challenges. They also delve into how existing securities laws could clashing with the evolving NFT landscape, and what this means for both investors and game developers navigating these murky waters.