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
Sep 21, 2023 • 51min
TWIG #250 XBOX SAID WHAT???
The podcast discusses Unity drama, leaked XBOX emails, and key takeaways from the Roblox conference. They also talk about Unity's market share and revenue, potential design changes for Xbox, challenges with Game Pass, payment solutions for game developers, and leaked documents revealing game app costs and content gaps. They analyze the impact of removing stock-based compensation for a specific company.
Sep 19, 2023 • 1h 11min
AI GAMING REVOLUTION: Shaping the Future of Play with Pieter Kooyman
Pieter Kooyman, CEO and Founder of Half Moon Studios, explores the impact of AI on the gaming industry, including the benefits of using Heroic Labs in game development and the consequences of hiring specialists. He also discusses the AI's implications for organizational culture, the use of AI in writing, and the challenges of transforming organizations in the gaming industry.
Sep 14, 2023 • 55min
TWiG #249 Epic Unity Talk
In this podcast, the hosts discuss Unity's new pricing model and the controversy surrounding it. They also talk about the challenges faced by Epic in finding skilled developers for their Unreal engine. Additionally, they address the difficulties of accurately tracking app installs and revenue in the gaming industry, as well as the lack of innovation in AAA video games.
Sep 12, 2023 • 1h 17min
NAVIGATING GAMING MARKET: TRENDS, TRIUMPHS & TROUBLES with Tom Wijman, Newzoo'a Lead Analyst
Tom Wijman, Newzoo's Lead Analyst, discusses the trends in gaming, including the growth of console gaming, the impact of life services, and the challenges in the console gaming market. They also explore the differences between console and PC games, the macroeconomic factors affecting the industry, the role of AI in game development, and the effectiveness of transmedia in gaming.
Sep 9, 2023 • 48min
In Conversation: Minecraft Creator Program Exec Producer Kayla Kinnunen
Kayla Kinnunen, Executive Producer for the Minecraft Creator Platform, shares expert tips on managing expectations for Minecraft's devoted community and how early access and developer participation ensure new features deliver delight. The conversation also touches on the importance of building a positive community, creating an inclusive workplace, and diversifying organizations in the gaming industry.
Sep 7, 2023 • 54min
TWIG #248 Nintendo - Past, Present, and Future!
Explore the success of the Nintendo Switch, its hybrid design, first-party games, and demographic appeal. Discuss limitations like outdated hardware and underwhelming online features. Speculate on the future Nintendo Switch expected in 2024. Delve into challenges faced by game journalism and the importance of supporting press. Dive into rumors and speculation about Nintendo's future hardware design. Explore the cancellation of Floodrush and insights gained from its development.
Sep 4, 2023 • 1h 47min
MASTERING COMPANY GROWTH with JOE SCHAEPPI, CEO & Co-Founder of Solsten
Joe Schaeppi, CEO & Co-Founder of Solsten, shares secrets of success for entrepreneurs. Topics include mastering board meetings, building cultural diversity, cracking the code on tricky interviews, and nurturing empathy. Tune in to level up your game!
Aug 31, 2023 • 1h 2min
TWIG #247 From Gamescom with a LOT of ❤️❤️❤️
We have a full house! Phil and Mishka are back from Gamescom reminiscing their flourishing bromance causing Kress to gag (he’s just jealous). We talk about the recently announced slate of games. Jen and Laura debate Netflix Stories. And we summarize the latest market insight report from Data.ai.
Link > Helsinki VIP Happy Hour
Aug 28, 2023 • 59min
ISTANBUL CONFIDENTlAL with RINA ONUR , CEO @ Spyke Games / co-Founder of Peak Games
Rina Onur, CEO of Spyke Games/co-Founder of Peak Games, shares insights on Turkish gaming companies, entering mature categories successfully, building a winning culture, and raising monster seed rounds.
Aug 24, 2023 • 48min
TWiG 246: Getting cozy with Palia! Merge games trends revealed!
The podcast discusses cozy games and the successful beta for cozy MMO Palia. They also delve into Gossip Harbor and the latest trends in the Merge game genre. Other topics include apprehension towards scary games, excitement for the game Starfield, Nintendo's potential entry into mobile gaming, and LGBTQ characters in games.
