Deconstructor of Fun

Join industry experts Chris Sides, ex-Bungie director, and Chris Anjos, strategist with a history at Activision and Tencent, as they dissect the fierce rivalry between Battlefield and Call of Duty. They dive into the evolution of gameplay mechanics, the challenges of progression systems, and the significance of player feedback. Expect insightful discussions on Battlefield's potential comeback and the impact of mobile gaming on FPS titles. With tales from their experiences, this conversation reveals what drives engagement in this fast-paced genre.

Kalle Heikkinen, Lead Analyst at App Refinery, shares insights into the gamification strategies of popular apps. He delves into Duolingo's innovative use of AI for language learning and discusses how Tinder is transforming user experience with live events. The conversation also covers BeReal’s evolution beyond its initial success, DraftKings' unique social features enhancing community interaction, and Crypto.com’s engaging gamification elements like missions and rewards. This exploration reveals how apps are merging entertainment with habit-forming experiences.

Discover the latest buzz in gaming, from Minecraft's corny updates to exciting insights from Gamescom. Dive into the psychology of streaks that keep players hooked. Unpack Supercell's surprising revival of Clash Royale and its innovative strategies. Plus, get a sneak peek at Nintendo's plans for the Switch 2, highlighting the competitive landscape. Join in on lively discussions that blend gaming culture with creativity and community.

Aaron Loeb, the founding president of LEGO Digital Play, shares his visionary insights on LEGO's bold leap into digital gaming. He discusses the importance of building trust with kids and families and the emotional connections users have with LEGO. Loeb highlights the company's focus on innovative experiences and its ambitions to create 'forever games' like Minecraft. He also touches on the significance of diverse talent and how his journey from gaming to LEGO informs their bright future. Tune in for a fascinating look at LEGO's digital evolution!

Dive into the controversies surrounding Tencent and their latest gaming dramas. AppLovin celebrates a record quarter, while Blizzard navigates significant leadership changes. Explore the challenges of launching Storm Gate and the reasons good games sometimes flop. Duolingo ventures into music games, and Playtika bets on direct-to-consumer strategies. Get excited for Battlefield’s anticipated comeback, and discover Moon Active's fresh gaming portfolio with innovative titles on the horizon.

Miklos Blasko, an executive headhunter specializing in gaming and apps, dives into the exciting shift towards fractional leadership. He discusses how founders are increasingly opting for flexible leadership teams, swapping out C-level executives as needed. Miklos highlights when these fractional hires can drive growth and when they can derail a company’s momentum. He shares insights on common hiring pitfalls, the importance of alignment, and the benefits of fractional roles for both organizations and professionals seeking work-life balance.

Dive into the fascinating world of celebrity marketing in gaming and its mixed results. Explore the impressive $220 million ROI goals of Probably Monsters and the remarkable growth of Roblox, currently attracting over 112 million daily users. Discover innovations like the multi-armed bandit approach to user experience and the dynamism within Turkey's gaming market. Plus, there's a look at Atari's strategy with Thunderful and the challenges facing puzzle games in scaling revenue. It's all about navigating the evolving landscape of gaming!

Join Phil Mohr, Justin Stolzenberg, and Puli Liyanagama, the innovative minds behind Metica, as they dive into the future of gaming personalization. They discuss the shift from traditional segmentation to scalable experimentation for enhanced user experiences. With insights on navigating user acquisition in a privacy-first world, they reveal how AI and machine learning can transform game development. Expect to hear about practical applications that drive player engagement and the critical importance of blending creativity with data-driven strategies.

The hosts dive into the rise of private equity in the gaming world, sparking discussions on industry growth and challenges. They report back from an anime convention, critiquing the mainstream status of anime in America. Scopely's acquisition strategies and their impact on portfolio performance take center stage, raising eyebrows. A deep dive into behavioral economics reveals surprising truths about player spending. Controversies arise with Sony's legal issues against Tencent, all while laughter ensues over an innovative Candy Crush dessert cookbook!

In this insightful discussion, Josh Chandley, COO at Wildcard Games, Warren Woodward, Chief Growth Officer at Uptick, and Paul Bowen, Chief Revenue Officer at StreamElements, explore the future of mobile marketing. They debate the evolution of user acquisition strategies post-IDFA and the impact of AppLovin in the ad tech space. The trio critiques traditional growth tactics and emphasizes the importance of creative optimization and collaboration. Listeners will gain actionable insights on navigating the challenges of user acquisition amidst shifting market dynamics.