Deconstructor of Fun
Deconstructor of Fun
Deconstructor of Fun podcast is created by games professionals for games professionals. We explore the business side of the games industry with the goal of bringing listeners content that is relevant, insightful, and entertaining on a weekly basis.
Hosts:
Michail Katkoff @mkatkoff www.linkedin.com/in/michailkatkoff/
Eric Kress @ekress
www.linkedin.com/in/erickress/
Laura Taranto @laurataranto www.linkedin.com/in/laurataranto/
Phillip Black @econosopher www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-black-economist/
Jen Donahoe @Jen_Donahoe www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdonahoe
Hosts:
Michail Katkoff @mkatkoff www.linkedin.com/in/michailkatkoff/
Eric Kress @ekress
www.linkedin.com/in/erickress/
Laura Taranto @laurataranto www.linkedin.com/in/laurataranto/
Phillip Black @econosopher www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-black-economist/
Jen Donahoe @Jen_Donahoe www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdonahoe
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 11, 2024 • 1h 5min
TWIG #290 Nintendo's anti-AI Stance, 4-day Work Weeks and Netflix Games' Clap Back
The podcast discusses Nintendo's stance on AI, hybrid casual puzzle games, Squad Busters, Netflix's gaming strategy, and the debate on 4-day work weeks. They also cover industry investments, mergers in entertainment, gaming employment news, and tech solutions, along with game performance analysis and the slow adoption of AI in creative fields.
Jul 8, 2024 • 1h 25min
AI Integration, Psychological Insights & Market Trends with Founders of Solsten
Join host Mishka Katkoff as he chats with Solsten founders Joe Schaeppi and Bastian Bergmann about AI integration, market trends, and audience resonance in the gaming industry. They discuss the value of change management, the role of psychological data in user experiences, and the efficient use of AI in studio operations. Dive into the discussion on new revenue models, Web3 gaming revolution, and the synergy between marketing and game development.
Jul 4, 2024 • 1h 22min
TWIG #289 King's AI, Amazon's games strategy, Netflix's problems solved
The podcast discusses Singularity 6's acquisition, Netflix Games' challenges, and Amazon Games' strategy. They explore AI in game development and compare Netflix and Amazon's gaming strategies. Hosts share insights on the gaming industry trends and player behavior, offering a humorous take on vacation drinks and European traditions.
Jul 1, 2024 • 60min
What’s so special about k-ID, the company that raised $51M in just 9 months!?!
Founder of k-ID, Kieran Donovan, shares his journey transitioning from screenwriter to lawyer to successful startup founder, raising $51M in 9 months. They discuss creating safe online gaming experiences for youth, navigating gaming regulations, securing investments from Lightspeed Ventures and a16z, and the importance of robust online safety solutions for children.
Jun 27, 2024 • 1h 6min
TWIG #288 Fortnite in Trouble, Anime Girl Horse Racing, and Switch’s New Life
Topics discussed include Apple's legal troubles, Rocket League partnership with FIFA, VC investments, Fortnite's future, Nintendo Direct highlights, and anime girl horse racing. The crew also talks about Tango Closure Mystery, Dungeon Fighter's mobile success, and Epic's mobile strategy.
Jun 24, 2024 • 1h 6min
The State of Gaming 2024 with Sensor Tower's Lexi Sydow
Lexi Sydow from Sensor Tower discusses mobile gaming trends, marketing strategies, regional differences, and the impact of platforms like TikTok. The podcast explores subscription gaming, IP collaborations, future market changes, and the rise of apps over gaming revenues.
Jun 21, 2024 • 1h 11min
TWIG #287 Trouble in Paradise: Squad Busters and Netflix Games
The podcast discusses the rapid rise and fall of Squad Busters, the challenges faced by Netflix Games, Zenless Zone Zero's success with over 40M preregistrations, pros and cons of preregistration campaigns, and analyzes product and marketing strategies in free-to-play games.
Jun 17, 2024 • 1h 17min
FOMO Capital: Klang Games & The Power of Storytelling in Fundraising
Discover the journey of Klang Games, raising millions without releasing their game. Explore the co-founders' diverse backgrounds, past projects, and securing funding. Unveil the innovative prototyping, strategic partnerships, and the importance of storytelling in fundraising challenges.
Jun 13, 2024 • 1h 3min
TWIG #286 Voodoo splurges $500M, Summer Game Fest goes adapocalypse
Podcast discusses Voodoo's $500M acquisition, Xbox Showcase, Ubisoft Forward, and Summer Game Fest. Exploration of executive headhunting, marketing campaigns, IP monetization, Voodoo's tech approach, Sensor Tower's acquisition, investment news in gaming, new puzzle game launch, Rainbow Six, and high cost of ad placements in media presentations.
Jun 10, 2024 • 1h 18min
Mastering Executive Headhunting with Gerard Miles, co-CEO of Mission One
Veteran executive headhunter Gerard Miles discusses challenges in attracting top talent, qualities of exceptional executives, importance of diversity, and common hiring pitfalls in the gaming industry. Insights on executive search process, client culture, and red flags in hiring. Practical advice for professionals navigating executive careers in gaming.
