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
Jan 4, 2024 • 1h 8min
TWIG #264 New China Regulations, Market Predictions and Sony Leaks
Chinese game regulations and their impact on the industry, Insomniac leak insights, Sony's approach to live service games and acquiring Bungie, challenges of monetization and expanding the demo.
Dec 21, 2023 • 1h 10min
TWIG #263 The DoF Game Industry Awards
Discover the winners and losers in the gaming industry in our unique awards show. We discuss disappointing games, layoffs, and inaccurate takes. Explore the challenges of designing high production value games and the importance of standing out. Hear our thoughts on Zynga's poor performance and Embracer's flawed strategy. Get recommendations for favorite small games and learn about engaging narratives. Dive into the world of progression RPGs and collection mechanics in mobile games. Evaluate popular games and join our community for more gaming insights!
31 snips
Dec 20, 2023 • 1h 11min
AD APOCALYPSE 2024 with Felix Braberg, Ad Monetization Consultant
Guest Felix Braberg, ad monetization expert, discusses the impact of privacy changes on ad monetization, practical ways for games to double their ad revenue, and the efficacy of different ad formats. They also talk about the changes brought by Apple, Amazon, and Google to the ad monetization ecosystem.
10 snips
Dec 15, 2023 • 43min
The State of Play from Real-Time Payments to Web Shops
The podcast covers the rise of real-time payments, alternative payments, web shops, and the upcoming EU DMA. They discuss the importance of real-time payments in various industries, maximizing revenue from web shops, managing forums on web shops, and the potential impact of sideloading in iOS. They also explore the potential impact of sideloading on the Apple ecosystem and legal disputes surrounding the DMA.
Dec 14, 2023 • 1h 3min
TWIG #262 GOOGLE V. EPIC WON'T SAVE US 🧑⚖️ 📵
They discuss the Epic versus Google lawsuit, Apple's end-of-year awards, and the strategic shift and layoffs at Hasbro. They also explore the potential of mobile racing games and criticize Microsoft's creativity. The podcast covers the winners of top mobile gaming awards and the limitations of a great game for mobile platforms.
Dec 11, 2023 • 1h 1min
Mobile Gaming Market in 2024 with Lexi Sydow of Data.ai
Lexi Sydow, an expert in the gaming market, joins the hosts to discuss the current state of the gaming industry. They explore areas of growth, engagement features, and predict a shift towards casual games. The podcast also covers the effects of AI technology on smaller gaming studios, trends in mobile gaming, and strategies for increased retention and monetization design. User-generated content is highlighted as a powerful tool for user acquisition and virality.
Dec 8, 2023 • 1h 3min
"Zero" Cost Acquisition Tactics
Julie Bonnecarrère and Pavel Afanasiev from NLE share their journey of soft launching on a budget. Topics discussed include unconventional marketing tactics like using Tinder, leveraging influencers, and dressing up in costumes, as well as strategies for game development, audience engagement, and monetizing communities.
Dec 7, 2023 • 1h 4min
TWIG #261 Reacting to GTA VI 🚗 🔫
The hosts discuss the GTA 6 trailer, recap their experience at Slush, predict the console gaming market in 2024, and explore the latest Forza and Chrome Valley Customs. They also discuss the threats to the gaming industry, the performance of Star Field, and express disappointment with Forza Customs.
Nov 30, 2023 • 1h
TWIG #260 Get the F out of here! State of Mobile
Philip Black, Jen Donahoe, and Michai join the show to discuss the state of mobile games, the nominees for the gam3.gg Web 3 awards, and the upcoming SKAN5.
Nov 27, 2023 • 34min
#200 Product Marketing Management in Games with Jesse Lempiäinen, Founder/CEO of Geeklab
Jesse Lempiäinen, Founder/CEO of Geeklab, discusses the role of Product Marketing Managers in gaming, including identifying product-market fit early on, enhancing KPIs and team efficiency, and navigating post-privacy changes. Jesse provides insights on what to expect from a PMM, how to identify a good one, and their optimal placement within a company's structure.
