Deconstructor of Fun

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.

The hosts delve into evolving trends in the gaming industry, discussing Apple's looming game app launch and Ubisoft's legal challenges. They critique the impact of TV advertising on mobile gaming and debate the effectiveness of recent marketing strategies. Insights emerge on EA's cancellation of the Black Panther game and the surprising success of the indie title Expedition 33. In a fascinating twist, the hosts explore Fortnite's decline post-iOS relaunch and the rising popularity of Delta Force, revealing shifts in player engagement and monetization tactics.

Rhys Elliott, Head of Market Analysis at Alinea Analytics and a gaming veteran, dives into the contrasts between established studios and nimble new teams. He explores the decline of bloated AAA games and the rise of shorter, creative experiences. The conversation also critiques the struggling subscription models like Game Pass and evaluates how sleek devices like the Steam Deck could revolutionize portable gaming. Elliott emphasizes the importance of team quality over genre, shedding light on the evolving landscape of the gaming industry.

Ethan Levy, a former Gacha Master and current UGC Vanguard at GameFam, dives into a whirlwind of gaming industry topics. He discusses the controversial state of Finland’s game awards and the ongoing legal battle between Epic Games and Apple. Levy sheds light on Supercell's exciting transmedia ventures, including an animated series tied to Clash of Clans and its strategic use of AI in development. The conversation also explores Roblox's new in-game shopping features and their impact on user-generated content economies, revealing the future of gaming monetization.

In this insightful discussion, George Ng, Co-founder and CTO of GGWP, shares his expertise in AI-based content moderation for games. He delves into the dual nature of bots, exploring how they can enhance gameplay for new players while creating challenges for others through cheating. The conversation uncovers the impact of aimbots and wall hacks on player experiences and highlights regional trends in bot usage. Ng also predicts the evolving landscape of bots and offers strategies for game studios to adapt and thrive in this dynamic environment.

Gerard Miles, an executive headhunter at Mission One, specializes in recruiting gaming talent for the app industry. He discusses why app companies are drawn to seasoned gaming professionals, particularly for their expertise in user engagement and monetization. The conversation dives into the evolving relationship between gaming and diverse sectors like fintech and wellness. Miles also shares insights on cultural differences in industry practices and offers valuable advice for gaming experts transitioning into the app ecosystem.

The hosts dive into the World Video Game Hall of Fame's latest inductees and the surprising acquisition of AppLovin's mobile games by Triple Dot, signaling shifts in the midcore M&A landscape. They discuss whether the soaring public gaming stocks are sustainable or just a temporary spike. Supercell's revamp of Squadbusters is up for debate, alongside Nintendo's cautious forecasts. Finally, the team examines Microsoft's strategic moves post-console wars and the implications of the Activision deal for the gaming ecosystem.

In this engaging chat, Aaron Thandi, CCO of Mistplay, dives into innovative strategies for user acquisition and retention in mobile gaming. He shares how loyalty programs and AI enhance personalized experiences, driving gamer engagement. Thandi discusses Mistplay's unique approach to rewarding users, which fosters longer playtimes. He also addresses global expansion tactics, emphasizing the need for market localization and strong developer relationships. Additionally, he reflects on the future growth opportunities in emerging markets while sharing insights into player behavior.