Deconstructor of Fun

Sophie Vo, a studio founder and podcast host known for creating Orin Retreats, shares her journey from the startup grind to crafting soul-aligned ventures. She discusses her redefined version of success, emphasizing depth over scale. Sophie critiques the venture capital model and its pitfalls, highlighting the importance of community and meaningful connections. The conversation also delves into female relationships in the workplace and the role of self-awareness in leadership, offering insightful advice for those questioning their career paths.

The podcast dives into the turmoil at Supercell, examining its stagnating performance and cryptic communication. It highlights Netflix's surprising decision to cut mobile games and discusses the layoffs at Mind’s Eye. Microsoft's muddled Xbox strategy is critically analyzed, raising questions about innovation in gaming. The 20th anniversary of YouTube sparks a conversation about the future of gaming content, while emerging trends in mobile and Steam hint at an exciting landscape for 2025.

Lauren Steidl, CEO and co-founder of Integrated Reality Labs, dives into the evolution of geogames, particularly her innovative creation, SLAP. She discusses how Pokémon GO showcased the potential and limitations of GPS gaming, and the rise of SLAP as a fast-paced, socially engaging experience. The conversation highlights how TikTok culture influences mobile gameplay, with an impressive 10 sessions a day for SLAP. Steidl also shares insights on marketing strategies, tech innovations for real-world multiplayer, and the future of mobile gaming enriching neighborhood interactions.

The podcast dives into the record-breaking momentum surrounding the Switch 2, hinting at Nintendo's resurgence. Tencent's potential acquisition of Nexon could redefine the Korean gaming landscape. The return of Candy Crush veterans sparks discussions on industry upheavals, including closures of major studios like Believer and the reorganization of Warner Bros. The latest mobile gaming trends are analyzed, showcasing the rise of innovative titles like King Shot and the challenges in the gaming industry, from delayed projects to the complexities of market dynamics.

George Ng, co-founder and CTO of GGWP, shares his expertise in AI and gaming, revealing the unseen crises linked to AI in game development. He discusses how AI can manipulate player engagement and the ethical dilemmas it presents in personalization and monetization. George delves into the balance of creativity versus efficiency, the risks of algorithmic bias, and the emotional connections players form with NPCs. He raises crucial points about the future of fully AI-generated games and the potential for AI to overshadow human designers.

Exciting developments in the gaming industry take center stage, with Habby's surprise launch potentially pushing them to $1B ARR. The turmoil continues as Embracer's CEO departs and Xbox faces disappointing news. A fascinating comparison emerges between a new Pokémon-inspired game and Genshin Impact, highlighting gameplay innovations that engage players creatively. The Summer Games Fest brings showcases and significant announcements, raising questions about major players like Nintendo's absence. Plus, discussions on Apple's new gaming app and the future of Fortnite spice up the conversation.

Carla Rylands, an external development expert and chair of the XDS Advisory Committee, joins the discussion to explore trends in the gaming industry. She highlights the shift towards co-development, particularly post-COVID, and the rising budgets for external projects. The conversation delves into the transformative role of AI in game development, addressing its applications and legal challenges. Carla emphasizes the importance of trusted partnerships and adaptability in navigating industry changes, alongside emerging insights from the latest XDS Insights Report.

This week, the crew dives into Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 and Epic's evolving Store strategy. They discuss the importance of social features in gaming and the exciting new D&D project from the Star Wars Jedi director. The brutal satisfaction of Elden Ring's Night Reign expansion is highlighted, alongside the closure of Zynga’s studio behind Torchlight. The conversation rounds off with a critique of Activision’s in-game ads and a deep dive into why many AAA green lights fail, calling for urgent improvements in development processes.

Sam Aune, a gaming insights analyst at Sensor Tower, dives deep into the future of mobile gaming. He highlights download trends and innovative user acquisition strategies that game makers should adopt. Aune discusses the hybrid casual game boom and its monetization potential, while also addressing growing engagement in genres like strategy. The conversation touches on emerging markets, the needs of Gen Z players, and the importance of gender targeting in game development. He emphasizes both opportunities and challenges in this ever-evolving landscape.

Thibault de Vésinne-Larüe, VP of Core Gaming at Voodoo, shares insights on the ruthless yet effective publishing strategies in gaming. He reveals how Voodoo tests over 2,000 prototypes annually and identifies key characteristics of successful game studios. The discussion covers the evolution from ad-based monetization to in-app purchases, emphasizing player retention and lifetime value. Thibault also explores the critical dynamics in developer-publisher partnerships, highlighting innovation, collaboration, and the emotional challenges in game development.