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
May 9, 2024 • 1h 8min
Product Deep Dive #3: Legend of Mushroom, the fungal phenomenon
Industry veteran Ken Landen joins the podcast to deep dive into the mobile game 'Legend of Mushroom' with discussions on game mechanics, in-game purchases, player engagement, battle pass systems, optimization strategies, critique of game mechanics, and analysis of game design elements.
6 snips
May 6, 2024 • 1h 12min
Mastering Cozy Game Design with Spry Fox' CCO Daniel Cook
Spry Fox' Chief Creative Officer, Daniel Cook, discusses the success of cozy games and the importance of finding a shared team voice. They explore how specialization led to efficiency and market success. Cook reflects on his 30-year gaming career and the evolution of game design, emphasizing creative decisions beyond combat systems and the impact of intrinsic motivations on design
May 2, 2024 • 1h 14min
TWIG #280 Game Industry Reports Galore
Ethan Levy makes a return to discuss Newzoo's PC and Console data, Liftoff's Casual Gaming Apps Report, and updates from the gaming industry. Topics include collaborations with major brands, new game launches, payment solutions, mobile gaming trends, and the impact of the Snyder Cut release.
Apr 29, 2024 • 1h 8min
Secrets to Sustainable Success on Roblox with Andrew Rose, CPO at Voldex
Andrew Rose, CPO of Voldex, shares insights on sustainable success in Roblox game development. Topics include applying traditional F2P strategies in Roblox, optimizing game development with Heroy claves and Exola, growth strategies of Voldex, meaningful metrics in gaming, challenges in Roblox game development, transitioning creators to employees, and long-term growth in Roblox.
Apr 25, 2024 • 1h 8min
TWIG #279 Supercell's Squad Busters vs. Dream's Royal Kingdom
Discussion on Supercell's and Dream's latest titles, history and future of celebrity collaborations in games, adaptation of video games into streaming shows, venture capital in gaming, legal battles, industry updates, nostalgic reflections in game development, performance metrics in game companies, Embrace's division into three entities, gaming industry acquisitions, impact of celebrity partnerships in mobile games, evolution of collaborative events in gaming industry.
16 snips
Apr 24, 2024 • 1h 1min
Township Deconstructed: The Secrets to Its Multi-Billion Strategy
Laura Taranto, an expert in the mobile gaming industry, and Jen Donahoe deep dive into Playrix's Township, discussing its evolution into a multi-billion dollar success. They analyze the game's revenue growth, innovative gameplay mechanics, level design strategies, social elements, and inclusive gaming trends. The podcast offers valuable insights into the competitive dynamics in successful games.
Apr 22, 2024 • 1h 18min
The Power of Gaming Branding: Real Insights from a Creative Agency
Guest Martin Mohr, CCO at Bond Creative Agency, shares insights on revitalizing Merge Gardens through strategic IP creation, branding, and storytelling. They discuss synergistic collaborations, game monetization, crafting compelling narratives, tech partnerships, refining visual identity, marketing strategies, and the significance of premium animations in gaming branding for sustainable success.
Apr 18, 2024 • 1h 9min
TWIG #278 The AAA Studio Model is Dead???
Eric Kress, known for his profane humor, joins the hosts to discuss the future of AAA game studios, Fallout TV show, and binge-watching series. They delve into revenue strategies, gaming trends, web store impact, venture capital updates, game performance metrics, and Disney's investment in gaming. The conversation also explores tipping practices and cultural differences in the gaming industry.
Apr 17, 2024 • 55min
Inside Istanbul’s Newest Venture Fund, Laton Ventures
Görkem Türk from Laton Ventures discusses investment strategies prioritizing founding teams' quality, evolving role of culture in startups, and future trends in gaming like AI and socialization-focused experiences. They cover the success of Laton in the Turkish gaming ecosystem, investing in non-IP games, team dynamics in startup ventures, and the importance of efficiency, creativity, and company culture in achieving success.
Apr 15, 2024 • 53min
Privacy vs. Ad Monetization with Google and Kwalee
Google's Ross Brockman and Kwalee's John Wright discuss adapting to privacy updates, leveraging first-party data for user experiences, and the balance between challenges and optimism in ad monetization. They explore real-time bidding, ARPU reduction impact, user consent in Google Publisher Products, and insights for future growth in the ad landscape.
