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 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.
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.
