Deconstructor of Fun

Jen Donahoe, a gaming industry expert, joins financial commentator Laura Taranto, stock market analyst Phillip Black, and strategist Mishka Katkoff. They delve into the shocking closure of Game Informer, the ramifications of Bungie's layoffs, and Jam City's strategic decisions. The panel discusses Supercell's aggressive hiring in Helsinki and the highly anticipated console launch of Valorant. They also explore Roblox's phenomenal growth and user engagement, providing insights on the evolving dynamics of the gaming sector.

Join consumer insights leaders from Blizzard, Riot, Zynga, and Beta Hat for an engaging discussion on the power of understanding gamers. These industry veterans explore the evolving landscape of player preferences, from casual play to social connectivity. They share how qualitative insights can shape game marketing and development strategies. Key topics include the critical relationship between devs and marketers and the necessity for early-stage developers to engage directly with players for a successful launch. Get ready for invaluable tips and fascinating trends!

Eric, a seasoned World of Warcraft player, and Laura, a mobile gaming analyst, dive into Twitch's staggering $1 billion losses. They dissect Scopley’s strategy with a forgotten franchise and explore the complexities of game monetization. Eric showcases his comedic flair while discussing engaging gaming experiences versus passive entertainment. The duo also touches on the implications of unionization in the gaming industry, shedding light on labor relations and trends that are shaping the future.

Archie Stonehill, Chief Product Officer at Stash, shares his expertise on the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and its impact on game monetization. He discusses how new regulations are reshaping app store ecosystems, allowing for sideloading and third-party app stores. The conversation highlights the implications for game developers and publishers while emphasizing the potential positive changes in competition and fairness. Archie also addresses the global antitrust movements and their significance for the gaming industry, suggesting a hopeful future for innovative business models.

Crypto advocate Matthew Ball discusses the evolving metaverse concept and the potential of creator economies in gaming. Topics include Microsoft's Gamepass pricing, Rainbow Siege's marketplace, and games as toy brand extensions.

Industry legends Pete Hawley and Alexander Seropian discuss their experiences with the Unreal Editor for Fortnite platform, covering marketing strategies, player engagement, technical limitations, and opportunities. They delve into challenges and opportunities with UEFN, ROI in development, monetization strategies, and marketing tactics. Insights on game development challenges, player engagement, and the future of UEFN are also shared.

Topics include Valve salaries, MiHoYo strategy, Disney IPs failing on mobile, and the challenges faced by Disney brands. Also discussed are new in-game features driving revenue, a leak related to Valve, and the success and growth strategy of Valve. The episode explores the rising popularity of free-to-play games, challenges in monetization, and company strategies in the gaming market.

Join Mishka Katkoff as he talks to Peter Hansen-Chambers, co-CEO of Hutch, about game development and IP licensing. They discuss Hutch's successful racing games, the importance of relationships with car manufacturers, navigating brand partnerships, and maintaining long-term relationships with major brands.

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.

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.