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
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.
Jun 6, 2024 • 1h 9min
TWIG #285 Squad Busters Busted? Destiny 2, Too?
Topics include Squad Busters' disappointing returns, Destiny 2 struggles, Stumble Guys success, new EU app stores, and Star Wars Hunters breaking MOBA curse. With Mishka's birthday, industry updates, challenges, gaming market trends, mobile game revenues, and the launch of an alternative iOS game store in the European Union.
Jun 3, 2024 • 38min
Voodoo’s Secret Sauce with Gabriel Rivaud, VP Gaming
Gabriel Rivaud, VP of Gaming at Voodoo, discusses the transition from hyper-casual to hybrid-casual games, analyzing player engagement and monetization models. They explore the evolution from prototyping to live operations, strategies for developing hit games, and the innovative culture at Voodoo headquarters.
May 31, 2024 • 1h 1min
TWIG #284 Squad Busters launch talk / Stumble Guys vs. Fall Guys
The hosts debate Squad Busters, compare Stumble Guys to Fall Guys, anticipate Summer Games Fest, discuss Ubisoft's XDefiant success, and share personal gaming experiences. They delve into industry insights, acquisitions, stock market speculation, gaming genres evolution, game launches, subscription models, RPGs, marketing strategies, budget allocation, game metrics, and revenue strategies.
May 27, 2024 • 1h 16min
Supercell's Squad Busters - The Definitive Deconstruction
Gaming experts Phillip Black, Michail Katkoff, and analyst Matthew Emery dissect Supercell's upcoming billion-dollar franchise. They discuss core gameplay mechanics, character strategies, combat readability, and currency systems in Squad Busters. The podcast delves into balancing bots, player retention, and potential game enhancements for a dynamic gaming experience.
May 23, 2024 • 1h 10min
TWIG #283 Anime correction, Applovin speculations, Ad creative trends and Ubisoft’s xDefiant
Speculations on upcoming game launches like GTA 6, insights on Squad Busters' 40M pre-registrations, discussions on Ubisoft's xDefiant, ad creative trends, and Anime not objectifying women. Take-Two's earnings surprise, working hours in Europe, and gaming market analysis on new game launches.
May 20, 2024 • 1h 18min
Solopreneur Success: Balancing Work, Life, and Passion with Matej Lancaric
Seasoned UA and marketing consultant Matej Lancaric shares his journey to solopreneurship, client management tips, and leveraging AI tools. He discusses balancing work, creativity, and family life, emphasizing genuine passion and unique goal-setting approaches. The podcast provides valuable advice for aspiring and veteran consultants on growing professionally, networking, and content creation.
May 17, 2024 • 1h 7min
TWIG #282 Is Netflix Games in trouble? Xbox PR stumble 🤕
The podcast delves into Netflix's partnership with Roblox, sparking discussions on Netflix Games' future. Debates on Eurovision and Tencent's role in Supercell's turnaround. Insights on gaming industry trends, RPG game challenges, and Netflix's gaming strategy.
May 13, 2024 • 1h 18min
The Shifting Landscape of the Gaming Industry in 2024 with Newzoo's Ben Porter
Ben Porter, Director of Consulting at NewZoo, discusses the shifting landscape of the gaming industry in 2024. The podcast covers industry trends post-COVID-19, console market dynamics, opportunities for game developers, impact of AI, player engagement dynamics, economic aspects, challenges, strategies for growth, market concentration, and insights for global success. They touch on innovation, versatility, PS5 exclusives, mobile to AAA shift, and competitive landscape.
May 9, 2024 • 1h 3min
TWIG #281 Switch 2, Moon Active 💗 Spyke Games, Helldivers vs. PSN
Topics covered include player victories in Helldivers 2 vs Sony PSN, Nintendo's announcement of Switch 2, Unity's new CEO, Squadbusters' pre-registrations, and Turkish Spyke Games going to the Moon Active.
