Naavik Gaming Podcast

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.

David Taylor, from Hasbro, discusses the company's impressive transition into the digital gaming space, generating $3.25 billion in the last year. He highlights successful launches like Baldur's Gate III and Monopoly Go! and the innovative licensing strategies that fueled their growth. The conversation also delves into the revitalization of Dungeons & Dragons through digital tools, partnerships, and potential advancements in virtual reality. Taylor shares insights on balancing the toy and gaming profit margins while teasing exciting upcoming retro game releases.

Dive into the exciting world of user-generated content in gaming! Discover how major companies are investing millions to drive creativity. Listen to personal journeys of industry veterans and their shifts from players to creators. Explore the challenges of accessibility in game development and the philosophical debates around ownership. Learn about innovative strategies for engaging players and building a vibrant creator community within game platforms. Get the inside scoop on an upcoming gaming platform and its commitment to fostering connections!

Discover how Animoca Brands champions Web3, pushing for digital property rights and a decentralized metaverse. The conversation dives into the thrilling world of the Motorverse and digital vehicle culture, highlighting the fusion of physical and digital ownership. Explore the challenges of transitioning gamers from Web2 to Web3, while uncovering the exciting features of Torque Drift, enhanced by partnerships with iconic brands like Lamborghini. The podcast also reflects on the emotional impact of games, from storytelling to immersive horror experiences.

Corey Wilton, Founder & CEO of Mirai Labs, discusses the incredible success of Pegaxy, a horse racing game that made waves in 2022. He shares insights on their upcoming game, Petopia, which introduces innovative features like guilds and fractional team ownership to the play-to-earn model. The conversation touches on the unique 'Play to AirDrop' strategy, which may reshape player engagement, and examines the shift from Polygon to Avalanche for improved user experiences. Dive into the exciting future of Web3 gaming!

In this discussion, Alexander Dunn, the founder of Cephable and an advocate for gaming accessibility, shares insights on the evolving landscape of adaptive gaming. He highlights the importance of inclusivity for the 3 billion gamers, particularly those with disabilities. Dunn discusses innovative technologies like voice activation and gesture control, and the standout games that exemplify accessibility. The conversation also touches on the potential of brain-computer interfaces, the challenges of acquiring adaptive technologies, and the role of developers in creating accessible experiences.

Join host Aaron Bush as he discusses the past and future of kidtech with Kieran Donovan and Dylan Collins. They cover changes in the kidtech market, k-ID's new approach, lessons from SuperAwesome, market trends, and how games teams can benefit from emerging solutions.