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 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.
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.
