Deconstructor of Fun

Join Barak Witkovsky, Chief Product Officer at AppsFlyer, as he shares insights on transforming a company by pausing regular goals for an intensive AI training initiative for all 1,300 employees. Discover how AppsFlyer evolved from a measurement platform to a modern marketing cloud, embracing autonomous AI agents. Barak discusses building trust in AI among marketers, the challenges of omnichannel measurement, and the importance of an open AI ecosystem. This bold experiment sets a new standard for fostering an AI-first culture in the workplace.

In this insightful discussion, Alison Biles, COO at Game Analytics and seasoned game analyst, shares her expertise on the evolving role of analytics in game development. She explores how data maturity hinges on building infrastructures aligned with decision-making. Alison emphasizes avoiding analysis paralysis by focusing on crucial metrics and highlights the balance between data-led and intuition-led choices. She also discusses AI's supportive role in analytics and urges developers to leverage third-party tools early for efficiency.

Teis Mikkelsen, a Senior Director of Revenue with 20 years in the games industry, shares his insights on player retention and monetization strategies. He reveals that retention issues stem from mismatched expectations rather than flawed features. Teis emphasizes the importance of early planning for monetization and warns against short-sighted tactics. He discusses the significance of segmentation, balancing ad and IAP models, and the surprising relationship between engagement and spending. His advice? Players value rewarding purchases and thoughtful monetization enhances their experience.

Nikolaj Allberg Peterson, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer at Game Analytics, shares his deep insights into game monetization strategies. He emphasizes the importance of understanding player motivation for sustainable revenue. The discussion covers crucial topics like LTV curves, retention metrics, and the significance of cohort analysis. Nikolaj reveals how fake ads can drive installs but may harm retention and urges careful evaluation of A/B testing results. His expert advice helps developers understand when to iterate or abandon projects for success.

Stephanie Zhang, head of product growth at Game Analytics, and Frederik V, CMO of Trophy Games, dive into the intricacies of game marketability. They discuss the importance of metrics beyond CPI, emphasizing product-channel fit and audience insights. Frederik shares practical strategies for testing prototypes and soft launches, highlighting how community feedback influences early validation. Plus, they debunk common marketability myths and explore how AI can enhance creative production. A must-listen for those wanting to scale confidently in the gaming industry!

Dive into the latest on legal battles with Epic vs. Google, highlighting the judge's concerns over their settlement. Discover why Duolingo faces challenges with its gamification approach and the implications for learning. Square Enix is restructuring, raising questions about cultural expertise in gaming. Royal Match's staggering $200M ad budget shows the high stakes in casual gaming. Meanwhile, Arc Raiders stirs controversy over its AI-generated voice work, opening debates on ethics and innovation in the modern games industry.

Join industry veterans Christopher Anjos, with over 20 years at EA and Activision, Chris Sides from Bungie, and Feras Musmar of DICE as they dive into the evolving world of shooters. They discuss the surprise success of Arena Breakout Infinite and whether it's paving the way for free-to-play titles. Arc Raiders' rapid rise and its unique PvE twist get analyzed, alongside critiques of Battlefield 6’s progression issues. The trio also debates if Battlefield can dethrone Call of Duty while exploring the pitfalls of external monetization in modern gaming.

Epic triumphs in a legal showdown with Google, paving the way for new payment structures. Unity partners with Epic, hinting at exciting developments for game developers. Roblox faces investor scrutiny despite impressive engagement numbers, grappling with monetization challenges. Meanwhile, Supercell cancels Squad Busters following a quick rise and fall, reflecting on the emotional toll of failure and strategic shifts. Arcadia Gaming Partners grows in influence, particularly in Turkey, raising questions about regional investment dynamics.

Alex Siamantas, co-founder and CEO of Holyday Studios, shares insights from his eleven years in Cyprus's gaming industry. He discusses the economic evolution of the island post-crisis and contrasts it with Greece's atmosphere. Alex highlights the cultural dynamics of his diverse team and examines local educational barriers that deter gaming careers. He also advocates for investments in universities and tax incentives to boost the gaming ecosystem. Finally, he reflects on the community's reaction to rapid growth and the significance of cultural exchange.

Julia Lebedeva, Partner and CEO at WN Media Group, shares insights from her extensive experience in the gaming industry. She discusses the launch of Women in Games Cyprus, aiming to create a supportive environment for women in the field. Julia highlights the vibrant game studio scene in Cyprus and the challenges women face pursuing careers in gaming. She also notes the historical balance in conference attendance and the role of early exposure tools like Roblox in encouraging young girls to explore game development.