Deconstructor of Fun

Lightspeed’s Moritz Baier-Lentz joins us for a no-holds-barred conversation on venture capital, gaming, and the inner workings of multi-billion-dollar venture funds. No fluff—just real talk about fund math, spotting exceptional founders, the future of AI in gaming, and why most investments won’t work out (and why that’s okay).00:00 from pro-gamer in Diablo II to Goldman Sachs to Lightspeed VC10:00 The Lightspeed model18:00 How Moritz spots truly exceptional founders (hint: not a checklist)24:00 Fund math 10130:00 Studio investing vs. tech investing in games 36:00 How consolidation is reshaping gaming M&A (and why it’s a big deal)43:00 Speedrun, a16z’s gaming accelerator: innovation or red flag?51:00 Debunking big VC myths58:00 The future of gaming: AI, generative content, and creating the next Roblox1:05:00 How Lightspeed wins competitive deals—and what founders should ask VCs1:12:00 Is raising VC money harder now? Yes. But here’s why it’s still a golden era.1:20:00 Final thoughts: investing at the edge of what’s possible

Kress is fresh back from Turkiye, sharing on-the-ground insights before diving headfirst into the week’s big beats. We break down Epic Games Store’s revenue, debate the Minecraft movie’s potential for franchise dominance, and unpack the latest M&A and investment trends shaping gaming’s future. Inflation’s creeping impact on game pricing gets a hard look, while the crew wrestles with the evolving MTX and revenue models. Things heat up with Marvel Rivals throwing punches at Overwatch, a sharp take on Western vs. Eastern LiveOps strategies, and a no-holds-barred discussion about Bungie’s Marathon pivot into extraction shooters. To wrap, a quick (and slightly roasted) look at Kingdom’s celebrity-packed ad campaign.00:00 Introduction and Host Introductions03:09 Chris' Insights from Turkey07:02 Epic Games Store Revenue Discussion13:30 Minecraft Movie and Franchise Management21:07 M&A and Investment Trends in Gaming29:47 Game Pricing and Inflation30:31 MTX and Revenue Models32:59 Marvel Rivals vs. Overwatch37:33 Western vs. Eastern LiveOps44:24 Marathon: The Extraction Shooter58:13 Kingdom's Celebrity Ad Campaign

In this conversation, Charles Hambro, CEO of GEEIQ, and Matt Edelman, President of Super League, unpack the evolution of brand activations in the gaming space. They discuss the strategic shift towards user-generated content, revealing how brands engage with audiences on platforms like Roblox and Fortnite. The duo shares exciting insights into the effectiveness of playable ads and the significant ROI they bring. They also highlight the importance of adapting marketing strategies to capture the attention of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, turning gaming into a powerhouse for brand loyalty.

Chris Sides, a seasoned gaming veteran with experience at EA and Bungie, brings insights into the industry's evolution. He discusses the booming success of the Minecraft movie and its cultural significance. Topics include Gen Z's influence on mobile gaming and innovative marketing strategies behind blockbuster hits. Sides also explores Supercell's new investment philosophy and compares popular games like War Robots and Steel Hunters, shedding light on emerging trends and interactive storytelling in gaming.

Tobias Knoke, Gaming Industry Expert and head of Gaming at Google, dives into the world of Gen Z gamers. He explains why this generation is set to dominate mobile spending and how they’re less loyal to individual games. Tobias shares insights on creating authentic connections with creators and effective ad strategies that appeal to Gen Z’s unique preferences. He also discusses how AI is reshaping game development and why this generation prioritizes immersive experiences over traditional ads. Tune in for a crash course on engaging this influential audience!

The podcast dives into the aftermath of GDC, questioning the future of Dark Legion and celebrating Game Craft. Speculation revolves around Switch 2 and Nintendo’s return to form. Roblox teams up with Google for innovative rewarded ads, reshaping its monetization strategies. AppLovin grapples with short seller accusations while asserting its market hold. Meanwhile, Tencent's strategic moves surrounding Ubisoft raise eyebrows, highlighting a complex gaming ecosystem filled with challenges and opportunities.

Oren Kaniel, CEO and co-founder of AppsFlyer, shares his journey from startup struggles to leading a successful mobile analytics company. He emphasizes the importance of company culture and customer obsession in growth. Kaniel discusses navigating leadership challenges and innovating despite financial hurdles. He highlights AI's transformative role in business while balancing technology with data privacy concerns. With insights on nurturing talent and fostering resilience, he outlines a vision for sustainable growth and innovation in the tech landscape.

Josh Wilson, CEO of SciPlay, returns to the podcast for the third time to discuss key topics such as the significance of Q5, the challenges of app store reliance, the stalled growth in the gaming market, the emergence of hybrid casualization, and the role of AI in gaming.Subscribe to the Deconstructor of Fun Newsletter: www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribeContinue the conversation on our Slack channel: www.deconstructoroffun.com/slack00:00 Introduction and Previous Conversations03:28 Understanding Q5 and Its Impact on Gaming12:38 Navigating App Store Reliance and Customer Ownership21:46 Stalled Growth in the Gaming Market31:24 Customer Retention as a Business Strategy37:44 Embracing Change and Innovation40:55 The Shift to Hybrid Casual Gaming55:15 The Role of AI in Gaming01:09:02 Future Skills in a Changing Landscape

Eric speedruns through an a16z correction, while Phil can’t wrap his head around Funplus’ new 4x Dark Legion thesis. Adam tells us Netease’s Fragpunk is dead, and Jen tells us games journalism is alive. Against all odds, Netflix Games records its first positive segment. And did you hear that? It’s the inZOI train CHUGGin’.Subscribe to the Deconstructor of Fun Newsletter:www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribeContinue the conversation on our Slack channel:www.deconstructoroffun.com/slack02:16 Post-GDC Debriefing09:35 A16Z Speed Run13:48 Game Journalism is Back!!17:08 Nintendo Direct and Switch 2 Rumors18:41 MOBA Shutdowns and VC Funded Games25:15 FunPlus and Dark Legion31:00 DC Comics in Gaming: Challenges and Failures35:03 The Future of 4X Strategy Games37:18 Marvel Rivals and Rag Punk Analysis56:27 Netflix's Gaming Strategy

The rowdy and tired DoF crew closed down their GDC with a live TWIG show at Moscone Center. Tune in!Chapters:02:47 Kickoff03:15 GDC Vibe Check06:30 Industry Sentiment and Challenges21:20 Emerging Markets and New Game Development22:26 A16Z Speed Run and Industry Shifts26:21 Funding Trends and Credit Lines27:40 Absurd Ideas and Rumors31:00 Supercell's MoCo Launch33:53 Embracing Experimentation in Gaming38:31 Absurd Compensation Packages in the US43:28 The Future of AA and Indie Game Funding46:57 Highlights from Recent Gaming Events51:55 Impact of the Podcast on Careers01:02:54 The Rise of Apps and AI in Mobile Gaming01:05:05 VCs, Ad Tech, and Online Gambling01:07:41 Closing Remarks and Thank Yous