Deconstructor of Fun

The podcast discusses the demise of Xbox, analyzes the troubled state of gaming, and explores the implications of Microsoft bringing games to competing platforms. It also delves into the possibility of Microsoft divesting from gaming, Roblox's real-time AI-based chat translation feature, and the current state of the gaming industry in 2023. Additionally, the podcast explores the impact of AI on layoffs in the gaming industry.

Former founder and CEO of Murka, Anton Krasnyy, shares four important reminders for founders: not trusting experts, not relying on business friendships, staying true to your vision, and valuing your worth. They discuss prioritizing oneself in the entrepreneurial journey, cultural differences in company culture, the myth of experts, and the role of founder CEOs.

The podcast covers Apple's plans to address the EU's DMA rules, Zynga's potential this year, and Blizzard's new president. The hosts discuss the Istanbul Games Summit and Riot and Blizzard being called cults. They also explore the gaming market, Genshin Impact's record-breaking revenue, and Apple's tactics to maintain control and revenue streams. The chapter on Blizzard expresses concerns about their decline and inexperienced leadership. Lastly, they delve into different game mechanics in the mobile gaming industry.

Tom Wijman, Newzoo's Lead Analyst, joins the hosts to discuss gaming market predictions. Topics include challenges faced by the gaming industry, decrease in development budgets, impact of web shops on in-app purchases, the relationship between economic recession and gaming, gameplay and progression systems, challenges of live service games, and the role of AI in game development.

Eric Kress, Jen Donahoe, Philip Black, and Laura Taranto discuss the implications of the Epic v. Apple case, the freedom for developers to push iOS players into web shops, and the potential impact on the gaming industry. They also dive into the success of Palworld, explore the decline of Embark, and give advice on transitioning to PC and console gaming in the post-IDFA era.

SciPlay, a gaming company, has sustained growth despite privacy changes and economic challenges by implementing operational changes and prioritizing customer relationship management. They discuss the importance of standardized base features and game differentiation, as well as consistent progression features in game design. Strategies for growth include cost-cutting measures, enhancing ad tech infrastructure, personalizing user experiences, and investing in their own platform. Additionally, they share insights on the cost of losing a payer and the impact of an acquisition. SciPlay also highlights their new hiring strategy and expresses concern for their team in Israel.

The podcast discusses the Monopoly Go drama and the profitability claims of Scopely's blockbuster. They also delve into the sudden alliance between NetEase and Activision and Tencent's launch of another mobile MOBA. Furthermore, they explore the state of mobile gaming and analyze the challenges of launching games in Southeast Asia. The episode concludes with an analysis of the global gaming market and the impact of webshops on the mobile gaming industry.

Elena Grigorian, newly appointed CEO of MyGames, discusses the challenges and strategies of her first 100 days as a CEO. Topics covered include team management, work-life balance, intercompany knowledge sharing, portfolio strategy, expansion into Asian territories, and the importance of mass adoption and user onboarding.

Unity and Twitch experience layoffs, Clash Mini struggles, and Netflix's gaming strategy sparks confusion and concern.

Marketing expert Eric Seufert discusses predictions for mobile marketing, Microsoft's potential future plans for a standalone mobile gaming app network and search ads, regulatory challenges for a Unity-Microsoft partnership, the impact of the DMA Act on game monetization in the EU, analyzing game revenue and trends, and the challenges faced by lockdown mobile gaming studios in fundraising.