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
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.
5 snips
Nov 24, 2023 • 1h 13min
TWIG #259 Monopoly Go's Winning Formula
Monopoly Go has crossed $1B in revenue in just 7 months. They also talk about Esports, Web3, and the challenges of turning League of Legends into a profitable venture.
Nov 20, 2023 • 1h 6min
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE WEB3 GAMING DREAM???
The podcast explores what happened to the Web3 gaming dream and the challenges faced by the industry. It discusses marketing strategies and tactics used in the Web3 gaming bubble, the integration of Web3 components in a collectible card battling game, and the negative effects of in-game token models. The hosts also reflect on the hype around the metaverse and express relief about the removal of non-genuine actors in the gaming industry.
Nov 16, 2023 • 1h 10min
TWIG #258 Grouchy Kress Alert 🚨
The podcast covers various topics including grouchiness, behavioral economics, Call of Duty's decline, console developers backtracking from Games-as-a-Service model, and Zynga's Match Factory breakdown.
11 snips
Nov 13, 2023 • 1h 16min
7 x GAME INDUSTRY TRUTHS with CHRIS HEWISH, PRESIDENT of XSOLLA
Chris Hewish, President of Xsolla, discusses macroeconomics, challenges in console gaming, behavioral economics, Unity's success, transmedia, generative AI, and the new Solo Mall platform.
