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

Marion Balinoff and Sara Guerola share data-driven strategies for maximizing influencer marketing in gaming. As CPIs rise and privacy regulations evolve, influencer marketing is becoming a key performance channel. Marion and Sara break down budget calculations, track organic uplift, and analyze campaign performance while highlighting tactics like QR codes, giveaways, and custom in-game assets to boost conversions. Whether you’re testing with smaller creators or scaling with top-tier influencers, this episode provides a strategic framework for driving profitable results.00:00 Introduction to Influencer and Podcast Marketing02:56 Meet the Experts: Marion and Sarah04:33 Defining Influencer and Podcast Marketing08:16 Budgeting and Setting Objectives14:24 Measuring Campaign Performance23:58 Tracking Links and Performance Metrics24:35 Challenges in Getting Clicks25:08 Podcast Advertising Strategies27:21 Creative Performance Reports30:40 Influencer Integration in Games32:56 Effective Campaign Strategies34:45 Deep Integration Benefits38:11 Creative and Contract Tips42:57 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Dive into the rapidly changing landscape of mobile gaming as industry leaders discuss the far-reaching effects of major acquisitions like Triple Dot and Scopely's latest moves. Insights from the Turkish gaming scene reveal a fusion of cultural significance and innovative strategies. Explore the vibrant rise of female gamers and the ever-present debate between mobile and console gaming. With ongoing developments in hyper-casual games and a look at enduring titles like Farmville and Subway Surfers, the future of gaming looks both thrilling and complex.

www.skillz.com/developeraccelerator/We dive deep into the world of real-money skill-based gaming and the exciting new Developer Accelerator launched by Skills Inc. Our special guest, Andrew Paradise, CEO and co-founder of Skillz, sheds light on the potential and market opportunity within this rapidly growing industry, discussing what types of games and studios Skillz is looking to support. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:19 Skill-Based Mobile Games Accelerator04:09 Monetization and Market Strategy13:32 Retention and Engagement Metrics22:07 Skill-Based Gaming Market Insights25:36 Understanding Sweepstakes and Skill-Based Gaming26:17 Skill-Based Gaming Prizes and Competitions28:06 Future of Skill Gaming30:32 Expanding Game Genres and Market Reach32:57 Skill-Based Gaming on Different Platforms33:36 Addressing Bot Concerns in Skill Gaming37:43 Insights from the Startup Journey43:14 Challenges and Benefits of Going Public45:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The world-class panel of Turkish founders and investors with Mehmet Ecevit (ex-CEO and co-founder of Gram Games), Batuhan Celebi (CEO and co-founder of Grand Games), and Görkem Turk (founder of Laton Ventures) shares their thoughts on what makes the Turkish gaming ecosystem unique, the importance of data-driven design, and how to maintain company culture while scaling.THE HYBRIDCASUAL PLAYBOOK: https://metahybridcasualplaybook.splashthat.com/Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Guests00:30 Success Stories and Achievements03:31 Challenges and Strategies in Game Development09:14 Company Culture and Hiring Practices17:47 Scaling Companies and Future Prospects21:14 Insights on the Turkish Gaming Ecosystem31:07 Balancing Creativity and Data-Driven Decisions44:46 Balancing Internal and External Motivations45:56 Early Days and Scaling Merge Dragons47:25 The Impact of External Validation49:29 Cultural Differences in Handling Failure53:20 Challenges in the Turkish Gaming Industry01:07:32 The Importance of Mentorship and Partnerships01:24:22 Future of the Turkish Gaming Ecosystem01:30:43 Conclusion and Community Engagement

Eric tries his best to make sense of the AppLovin deal, while Monster Hunter Wilds has never made more sense. Laura covers Supercell’s Lonely Island play, Boat Game, while Jen defends Disney IP as it STEPs it up in Japan. Phil wants a recount of Guitar Hero’s demise, while Activision announces another entry in the franchise.The Deconstructor of Fun Newsletter:www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribeContinue the conversation on our Slack channel:www.deconstructoroffun.com/slack00:00 Introduction and Hosts02:27 Today's Topics Overview03:01 Jen's UCLA Story04:00 GDC Announcements05:46 AppLovin's Short Seller Drama07:26 Steam's Record-Breaking Numbers08:32 AppLovin's Game Division Sale12:50 Sony's PlayStation VR 2 Price Drop13:55 Supercell and SpaceApe Updates17:15 Forte's Acquisition of Sealants18:06 Miniclip Acquires Lessmore18:38 Supercell's New Boat Game23:05 Supercell's Market Mismatch23:34 Roblox Comparison Debate24:06 Monetization Challenges25:01 Split Faction Reviews25:43 Fable Delayed Again26:44 Monster Hunter's Global Success31:29 Disney Step in Japan34:10 Scopely's Vanity Play39:06 Guitar Hero Mobile Announcement44:45 The Fall of Music Games46:52 Conclusion and Farewell

 “The way we survive is built on being creative every day” We sit down with Burak Vardal, CEO and co-founder of Rollic, to explore how the company skyrocketed in just a couple of years from a Turkish startup to one of the most successful mobile game publishers in the world.Burak shares insights on: The early days of Rollic and its quick acquisition by Zynga for $168M How they consistently launch hit mobile games The shift from hyper-casual to hybrid-casual and how it changed their business model Why being a gamer-first company is key to their success What makes Turkey a global hub for mobile game development The future of Rollic under Take-Two InteractiveDownload the FREE Hybrid Casual Playbook: metahybridcasualplaybook.splashthat.com/🎙️ Join the Deconstructor of Fun Slack Community:www.deconstructoroffun.com/slack00:00 Introduction and Background of Rollic06:41 Türkiye as a Hub for Game Development13:18 Business Model and Future Vision25:54 Competition and Talent in the Turkish Gaming Industry29:45 Creativity in Gaming: The Key to Success31:54 The Importance of Ideation in Mobile Gaming33:52 The Role of Testing in Game Development36:32 Transitioning from Startup to Industry Leader46:46 Advice for Aspiring Game Developers52:47 Final Thoughts and Future Prospects

The podcast dives into the intriguing world of gaming, analyzing Niantic's valuation and questioning the future of AR. Unity's earnings post-restructuring raise eyebrows, while PrizePix blurs lines between gaming and gambling. Hasbro Digital's surprising success and Steam Deck's impact on PCs ignite discussions, alongside Epic Game Store's strategy. The return of Overwatch loot boxes sparks nostalgia, and emerging mobile trends like Last War Survival and unique RPGs are unveiled. Plus, fake ads continue to shape the landscape!