Deconstructor of Fun

Dive into the controversies surrounding Tencent and their latest gaming dramas. AppLovin celebrates a record quarter, while Blizzard navigates significant leadership changes. Explore the challenges of launching Storm Gate and the reasons good games sometimes flop. Duolingo ventures into music games, and Playtika bets on direct-to-consumer strategies. Get excited for Battlefield’s anticipated comeback, and discover Moon Active's fresh gaming portfolio with innovative titles on the horizon.

Miklos Blasko, an executive headhunter specializing in gaming and apps, dives into the exciting shift towards fractional leadership. He discusses how founders are increasingly opting for flexible leadership teams, swapping out C-level executives as needed. Miklos highlights when these fractional hires can drive growth and when they can derail a company’s momentum. He shares insights on common hiring pitfalls, the importance of alignment, and the benefits of fractional roles for both organizations and professionals seeking work-life balance.

Dive into the fascinating world of celebrity marketing in gaming and its mixed results. Explore the impressive $220 million ROI goals of Probably Monsters and the remarkable growth of Roblox, currently attracting over 112 million daily users. Discover innovations like the multi-armed bandit approach to user experience and the dynamism within Turkey's gaming market. Plus, there's a look at Atari's strategy with Thunderful and the challenges facing puzzle games in scaling revenue. It's all about navigating the evolving landscape of gaming!

Join Phil Mohr, Justin Stolzenberg, and Puli Liyanagama, the innovative minds behind Metica, as they dive into the future of gaming personalization. They discuss the shift from traditional segmentation to scalable experimentation for enhanced user experiences. With insights on navigating user acquisition in a privacy-first world, they reveal how AI and machine learning can transform game development. Expect to hear about practical applications that drive player engagement and the critical importance of blending creativity with data-driven strategies.

The hosts dive into the rise of private equity in the gaming world, sparking discussions on industry growth and challenges. They report back from an anime convention, critiquing the mainstream status of anime in America. Scopely's acquisition strategies and their impact on portfolio performance take center stage, raising eyebrows. A deep dive into behavioral economics reveals surprising truths about player spending. Controversies arise with Sony's legal issues against Tencent, all while laughter ensues over an innovative Candy Crush dessert cookbook!

In this insightful discussion, Josh Chandley, COO at Wildcard Games, Warren Woodward, Chief Growth Officer at Uptick, and Paul Bowen, Chief Revenue Officer at StreamElements, explore the future of mobile marketing. They debate the evolution of user acquisition strategies post-IDFA and the impact of AppLovin in the ad tech space. The trio critiques traditional growth tactics and emphasizes the importance of creative optimization and collaboration. Listeners will gain actionable insights on navigating the challenges of user acquisition amidst shifting market dynamics.

The conversation dives into Ubisoft's ambitious foray into reality TV with a Succession-inspired show, revealing the company's internal family dynamics. Battlefield's comeback strategy is analyzed, including the buzz around its latest trailer and release leaks. Personal anecdotes lighten the mood, while discussions on gaming’s future and ongoing legal dramas add depth. A nod to Candy Crush's anniversary and an overview of Apple’s latest games create a vibrant landscape of industry insights and challenges.

Joseph Kim, CEO of LILA Games, shares his gripping journey from emotional struggles in Bangalore to tense moments at Gamescom. He discusses the harsh realities of chasing a vision, examining the emotional and familial toll of entrepreneurial ambition. The conversation touches on defining success, the misconception of wealth equating to fulfillment, and the hidden costs of startup life, including panic attacks. Joseph reflects on the delicate balance between personal values and financial goals, all while emphasizing the importance of team dynamics and resilience in parenting.

Roblox is shaking things up with a new IP licensing platform, raising questions about its potential success. The Turkish mobile gaming market is evolving rapidly, revealing exciting growth prospects. Kixeye's comeback with Kingdom Maker offers a look into its storied past. The intense user acquisition war between Scopely and Moon Active showcases fierce competition and industry espionage. Plus, Monopoly Go finds itself compared to Coin Master— is it clever innovation or just a fancy copy?

Ben Webley, CMO of Scopely, shares insights on the record-breaking launch of Monopoly GO!. He discusses the innovative strategies that drove its success, including how color psychology enhances marketing appeal. Webley highlights the significance of community engagement and the role of celebrity endorsements in their 'Friendship Pays' campaign featuring stars like Will Ferrell and Jason Momoa. Dive into the clever fusion of brand and performance marketing that made this mobile game launch a standout in the industry.