Deconstructor of Fun

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.

Saad Hameed, CEO of Game District, shares fascinating insights into Pakistan's rapidly evolving gaming industry. He discusses the rise of Lahore as a significant player in the global market and the potential of the ecosystem, comparing it to Turkey and Vietnam. The conversation explores challenges faced by local studios, the vital role of education and talent development, and innovative monetization strategies. Saad also highlights the unique strengths of Pakistan's gaming sector and pathways to overcoming bottlenecks for future success.

The hosts dive into a fiery critique of Supercell's recent strategies and IPO rumors. They analyze critical topics like the profitability of Xbox Game Pass and the ramifications of Apple's EU regulations. Gen Z's evolving spending habits are explored, shedding light on mobile monetization trends. The conversation shifts to the Merge game genre's potential revival and breakthroughs like Mecha Break. Additionally, they discuss changes in studio cultures and where investors are placing their bets in the gaming landscape.

In this conversation, Seth Sivak, former head of the Boston Studio for World of Warcraft and now a consultant, shares his journey in the gaming industry. He discusses the critical role of culture in startups and how it influences product market fit. Seth emphasizes the need for intentional leadership to shape a positive company culture, particularly during growth phases. He highlights cultural onboarding, team dynamics, and the lessons learned from navigating challenges like layoffs, all while advocating for regular assessments to ensure alignment and success.

Recent layoffs are shaking up the Swedish gaming scene and Xbox is feeling the heat too. The discussion dives into Apple’s tense relationship with EU regulations and contrasts private equity with venture capital in gaming. Marvel Mystic Mayhem is struggling out of the gate, while Splitgate 2 faces tough questions about its future. The boys also reflect on the challenges smaller developers face in a landscape dominated by big studios, highlighting the need for innovation in these uncertain times.

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.