Deconstructor of Fun

Ethan Levy, a former Gacha Master and current UGC Vanguard at GameFam, dives into a whirlwind of gaming industry topics. He discusses the controversial state of Finland’s game awards and the ongoing legal battle between Epic Games and Apple. Levy sheds light on Supercell's exciting transmedia ventures, including an animated series tied to Clash of Clans and its strategic use of AI in development. The conversation also explores Roblox's new in-game shopping features and their impact on user-generated content economies, revealing the future of gaming monetization.

In this insightful discussion, George Ng, Co-founder and CTO of GGWP, shares his expertise in AI-based content moderation for games. He delves into the dual nature of bots, exploring how they can enhance gameplay for new players while creating challenges for others through cheating. The conversation uncovers the impact of aimbots and wall hacks on player experiences and highlights regional trends in bot usage. Ng also predicts the evolving landscape of bots and offers strategies for game studios to adapt and thrive in this dynamic environment.

Gerard Miles, an executive headhunter at Mission One, specializes in recruiting gaming talent for the app industry. He discusses why app companies are drawn to seasoned gaming professionals, particularly for their expertise in user engagement and monetization. The conversation dives into the evolving relationship between gaming and diverse sectors like fintech and wellness. Miles also shares insights on cultural differences in industry practices and offers valuable advice for gaming experts transitioning into the app ecosystem.

The hosts dive into the World Video Game Hall of Fame's latest inductees and the surprising acquisition of AppLovin's mobile games by Triple Dot, signaling shifts in the midcore M&A landscape. They discuss whether the soaring public gaming stocks are sustainable or just a temporary spike. Supercell's revamp of Squadbusters is up for debate, alongside Nintendo's cautious forecasts. Finally, the team examines Microsoft's strategic moves post-console wars and the implications of the Activision deal for the gaming ecosystem.

In this engaging chat, Aaron Thandi, CCO of Mistplay, dives into innovative strategies for user acquisition and retention in mobile gaming. He shares how loyalty programs and AI enhance personalized experiences, driving gamer engagement. Thandi discusses Mistplay's unique approach to rewarding users, which fosters longer playtimes. He also addresses global expansion tactics, emphasizing the need for market localization and strong developer relationships. Additionally, he reflects on the future growth opportunities in emerging markets while sharing insights into player behavior.

Justin McFarlane, General Manager at SciPlay and former 3D artist, shares his inspiring career journey in game development. He discusses navigating remote work challenges and the importance of team cohesion during transitions. McFarlane emphasizes continuous learning and purpose-driven choices, revealing how these elements fueled his growth. He also dives into mastering LiveOps, highlighting strategies for engaging players and optimizing game content. His insights provide a fresh perspective on leadership in the gaming industry.

The discussion kicks off with a dive into transmedia storytelling and its highs and lows. The highly anticipated GTA 6 trailer is dissected, revealing much about its release strategy. Roblox's impressive growth and pricing tactics are scrutinized, while the acquisition of Super Social by Super League sparks conversations about market dynamics. Insights into the ongoing Epic vs. Apple legal drama hint at a shift in app store economics, and Overwatch's new stadium mode adds an exciting twist to the gaming landscape.

Javier Ferreira, Co-CEO of Scopely, shares insights from his journey in transforming the company from a $12M startup to a $3B powerhouse in mobile gaming. He delves into what made *Monopoly GO!* successful, discussing the importance of a learning culture that embraces feedback and failure. Ferreira emphasizes the role of collaboration in game development and the critical nature of executive intervention. He also touches on strategic acquisitions and partnerships, providing valuable advice for those navigating the challenges of the gaming industry.

Maor Sason, CEO and co-founder of AppCharge, dives into the groundbreaking Epic vs. Apple ruling, reshaping the mobile gaming payment landscape. He highlights how developers can benefit from linking to external payment methods, especially small to medium-sized studios. Strategies for enhancing user engagement and optimizing payment processes are crucial. Sason emphasizes the importance of customer loyalty programs and quick adaptation to thrive in this evolving market. This conversation offers valuable insights for developers navigating the new era of mobile payments.

The discussion kicks off with a deep dive into the $50M marketing campaign for Royal Match and the pitfalls of overspending. A major shift in Discord's strategy is highlighted, showcasing how new leadership may push the platform towards enterprise uses. The podcast also delves into surprising leadership changes at NetEase and a fierce competition between Delta Force and Call of Duty Mobile. Lastly, there's a lively debate on the growing interest of venture capitalists in AI's role in gaming, reflecting industry trends and future innovations.