Get ready for some gaming gossip! Scopely is shaking things up, while Niantic faces its own challenges. The departure of Marvel Rivals' studio raises eyebrows—politics or strategy? Microsoft is grappling with console woes and a shaky future, contrasting with Sony’s steady rise. Plus, King surprises everyone with a brand-new Solitaire game. As older players lean towards solitary gaming experiences, the landscape is evolving. Tune in for insights on the industry's intricate dynamics and what's next for major players!

Boris Kalnikov, CEO and Co-founder of Hype Masters, shares his exciting journey relocating his gaming studio from London to Abu Dhabi. He discusses the vibrant gaming ecosystem in Abu Dhabi, highlighting government incentives and tax benefits that enhance the appeal for studios. Boris also contrasts life in Abu Dhabi with London, focusing on shorter commutes and better living conditions. He explores the region's untapped gaming potential and the supportive community that fosters collaboration and innovation in the industry.

Supercell had a spectacular year, raking in €2.8B, though not without a flop in Squad Busters. Unity struggles with talent loss and ad tech woes, while AppLovin shines with a 700% stock increase thanks to AI ads. The company plans to sell its entire gaming portfolio for $900M, sparking curiosity about potential buyers like Scopely and Zynga. Discussions also include the evolving landscape of game monetization and competitive strategies, highlighting the pressures and triumphs within the gaming industry.

In this discussion, Jonathan Briskman, Marketing Insight Guru at Sensor Tower, dives into the tantalizing world of mobile gaming and app trends. He reveals surprising growth in in-app purchases and user engagement, even amid concerns of a mature market. Jonathan highlights the importance of localization, especially for cracking tough markets like Japan and South Korea. He also tackles the intriguing rise of hybrid apps and the growing phenomenon of digital fatigue, suggesting innovative solutions for engaging users in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Wilfrid Obeng, Co-founder and CTO of AudioMob, shares his remarkable journey from Goldman Sachs and Google to the gaming startup world. He discusses how AudioMob is transforming in-game advertising with audio and why they opted for Abu Dhabi over Silicon Valley to scale their team. Wilfrid highlights critical leadership lessons, hiring strategies for a diverse workforce, and the challenges of startup life. Discover the unique dynamics of building a performance culture and navigating the evolving landscape of ad monetization.

The hosts dive into the chaotic gaming landscape, dissecting the major Roblox acquisition and the potential of Battlefield to attract dormant fans. Adam reveals his Multiversus thesis while Phil grapples with the woes of Battlefield. They debate the evolving role of AI in games, questioning whether it's a flop or just too soon to tell. With a mix of humor and critique, they challenge the gaming industry's metaverse narratives and spotlight the need for innovation in character design and player engagement strategies.

This episode features insights from top industry professionals on player engagement, revenue models, and the challenges faced by new releases like Helldivers 2, First Descendant, and Once Human. Dive into in-depth discussions on successful PvE models, key strategies for game success, and the future of game monetization. Join Adam Telfer and a panel of experts as they explore the latest trends in PvE shooters and the evolving tools needed for effective LiveOps. Brought to you by Heroic Labs, AppsFlyer, Sensor Tower, and Xsolla. 02:31 Market Overview of PVE Shooters03:25 Recent Releases and Trends04:07 Revenue and Engagement07:54 PVE Live Service Challenges08:42 Helldivers 2: Success and Future13:54 The Competitive Landscape27:04 First Descendant and Once Human27:38 First Descendant's Elder Loop29:27 PvE Shooter Systems30:42 Helldivers 2: On The Way Out36:34 Warframe's Sustained Success40:13 Strategies for PvE Shooter Success45:52 The Future of PvE Shooters

The discussion kicks off with a critique of Matthew Ball's Metaverse predictions. The hosts dive into the FTC's settlement on loot boxes and its industry implications. Ubisoft's struggles come under the spotlight, alongside challenges faced by Habby in launching new games. There's also a lively analysis of marketing strategies, touching on how companies navigate community engagement and measure effectiveness. The conversation wraps up with insights into major tech players' motivations in the gaming landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Chris Hewish, President of Xsolla and former leader at gaming giants like Activision and DreamWorks, delves into the booming mobile gaming market projected to reach $98.7 billion. He unpacks emerging trends in regional markets, especially Africa and Latin America, and emphasizes the growing diversity among players. Hewish also discusses the implications of the Digital Markets Act, exploring new monetization avenues and the rise of direct-to-consumer sales, all while illustrating how gaming increasingly merges with mainstream entertainment.

Join Nadav Moshes from Playtika, Maxime Graux of Wooga, and Erno Kiiski of GameRefinery as they delve into effective Live Ops strategies. They discuss the power of understanding player motivations and how this fuels social events and collaborative gameplay. Listen in for innovative insights on personalized engagement, multi-stage missions, and gamified offers that drive monetization. The trio breaks down trends in the gaming landscape, emphasizing the need for adaptation and iteration to keep players invested long-term.