Naavik Gaming Podcast

Yuga Labs introduces a sequel to Dookie Dash with new features, partnership with Faraway Games, and IP acquisition. The episode delves into Yuga's strategy, learnings from Dookie Dash, and the transition of Yuga's Chief Gaming Officer to Faraway. Explore the evolution of Faraway Games, gaming partnerships, multi-genre game development strategies, game metrics analysis, community building in Web3 gaming, and early success in the industry.

Maria Park, Head of Corporate Development at Krafton, discusses the company's growth strategy post-PUBG success, including extending the brand to new games, platforms, and regions, kickstarting new IPs, and partnering with emerging developers. They explore lessons learned in going multiplatform, scaling up creativity, managing investments, and leveraging emerging technologies like UGC and AI.

Exploring the lucrative world of Roblox with experienced developers, discussing game design strategies, navigating competition and collaboration, and the importance of uniqueness in thriving on the platform. Delving into the transformative impact of Roblox on creators' careers and their reflections on achievements, showcasing the keys to success and perseverance in game development.

Tim Morten and Cara LaForge from Frost Giant Studios discuss the success of their Kickstarter campaign for Stormgate ($2.4M, 2280% over target) and crowd equity on StartEngine. They share insights on campaign planning, marketing strategies, Founder's pack design, and lessons learned. Exploring the differences between crowd equity and crowdfunding, dos and donts of Kickstarter, and the importance of transparency and strategic planning for game launches.

Former Magic the Gathering: Arena Design Director and key figure behind Guild of Guardians, Chris Clay, discusses the evolution of the highly anticipated web3 game, Guild of Guardians. Topics include game pivots, lessons learned from Gods Unchained, new blockchain technology, and early metrics leading up to the global release on May 15th. Dive into the art and science of game development, integration of NFTs, and post-launch plans for Guild of Guardians.

Ben Cousens, Chief Strategy Officer of ZBD, and Paul West, Founder of Fumb Games, discuss the integration of Bitcoin rewards in gaming to enhance player retention and engagement. They explore the effectiveness of financial incentives in player acquisition, cost-efficiency for developers, and the potential for alternative rewards like NFTs. The conversation delves into managing fluctuating Bitcoin prices, player segmentation, and the evolving landscape of gaming incentives.

Two Forbes 30 under 30 game developers, Emily Pitcher and Karla Reyes, discuss narrative innovation and socially conscious storytelling in games. They emphasize the importance of representation, innovative storytelling mechanics, and the limited innovation in business models. The conversation highlights the power of games for storytelling and social change, led by developers like Emily and Karla who are committed to building studios with uniquely qualified developers.

Nyan Heroes is a team-based hero shooter featuring small cats piloting giant mechs. The studio was founded in Singapore in 2021 and is staffed by industry veterans from hit franchises like Marvel’s Avengers, Destiny, and Halo. Combining web3 and web2 elements, the game aspires to competitive gameplay and has already secured partnerships with top names in the esports space. The game also has garnered impressive reviews and early stats. Nyan Heroes is a top 5 most wishlisted game on the Epic Games Store, a top 16 most played game on the Epic Games Store during its recent alpha demo, and boasts over 1.3 million registered users, 80% of whom are web3 Solana natives. In this episode, your host, Niko Vuori, speaks with Nyan Heroes Creative Director & CEO, Max Fu, about the game, how he intends to compete in esports, and how he’s thinking about balancing web2 and web3 elements. Max also unpacks his love for cats and how the Nyan Heroes felines can form the foundation for a major new IP.Check out Nyan Heroes online and in the Epic Games Store. You can find Max Fu on LinkedIn.We’d also like to thank Nefta for making this episode possible. Nefta has created an advertising network that pays game publishers higher eCPMs on their iOS opt-out users and drives better results for advertisers. Learn more about how Nefta can boost your results at http://nefta.io/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.

Serial entrepreneur and general partner of F4 Fund, David Kaye, shares insights on why most game studios aren't fit for venture capital, how early-stage teams can gain a competitive edge, and the underrated aspects F4 looks for in its portfolio. The discussion covers distribution strategies, the state of gaming venture capital, and the importance of unique advantages for gaming founders to succeed.

Learn about the rise of UGC content in Fortnite, with insights from key figures in Fortnite Creative. Explore the challenges in tool development, creating engaging content through mini-games, and driving player engagement with social media platforms. Discover the future aspirations and entrepreneurial challenges in game development.