Deconstructor of Fun

Alexei Chemenda, CEO and co-founder of Poolday.ai, is a leader in AI-driven marketing solutions. He dives into how AI enhances human creativity and allows marketers to focus on strategy. The discussion includes the rise of personalized video ads and the evolving significance of A/B testing. Alexei highlights the balancing act between volume and quality in AI-driven marketing, while emphasizing the necessity of data fluency. He also shares insights on upcoming skills that marketing leaders will need in an AI-centric landscape.

Mishka Katkoff sits down with Uri Marchand, CEO of Overwolf, to break down how user-generated content (UGC) is quietly reshaping the gaming industry. They dive into Overwolf’s mission to turn in-game creation into a viable profession, and why modding — once a hobby for the few — is now a legitimate career path for thousands.This isn’t just about mods anymore — it’s about the future of gaming economies.00:00Introduction to Overwolf and UGC04:05 The Evolution of Modding in Gaming06:56 Industry Trends: Embracing UGC10:05 Challenges and Opportunities in Modding13:17 The Role of Platforms like Roblox and Fortnite16:32 Balancing Creator Support and Developer Benefits19:37 Sustainability of the Modding Economy22:23 Revenue Share Models in the Creator Economy25:34 The Impact of AI on Modding29:14 The Power of AI in Game Development30:15 Democratizing Game Creation31:01 Challenges in Scaling Overwolf33:51 Overcoming Investment Hurdles37:41 The Future of Overwolf and Gaming43:24 Innovations in User-Generated Content45:39 Changing Mindsets on Premium Mods48:17 Disruption in the Gaming Industry52:09 Lessons Learned from Overwolf's Journey

The team dives into Supercell's latest investments and the contradictions in VC incentives that affect game development. They debate the independence of GamesBeat and scrutinize the sustainability of esports funding. Netflix’s Rebel Moon game sparks discussion, while the launch of Valorant Mobile in China signals Riot's ambitions. The conversation heats up over Royal Kingdom’s celebrity ad campaign as they question if TV ads still resonate with mobile gamers or if legacy marketing is fading fast.

Lightspeed’s Moritz Baier-Lentz joins us for a no-holds-barred conversation on venture capital, gaming, and the inner workings of multi-billion-dollar venture funds. No fluff—just real talk about fund math, spotting exceptional founders, the future of AI in gaming, and why most investments won’t work out (and why that’s okay).00:00 from pro-gamer in Diablo II to Goldman Sachs to Lightspeed VC10:00 The Lightspeed model18:00 How Moritz spots truly exceptional founders (hint: not a checklist)24:00 Fund math 10130:00 Studio investing vs. tech investing in games 36:00 How consolidation is reshaping gaming M&A (and why it’s a big deal)43:00 Speedrun, a16z’s gaming accelerator: innovation or red flag?51:00 Debunking big VC myths58:00 The future of gaming: AI, generative content, and creating the next Roblox1:05:00 How Lightspeed wins competitive deals—and what founders should ask VCs1:12:00 Is raising VC money harder now? Yes. But here’s why it’s still a golden era.1:20:00 Final thoughts: investing at the edge of what’s possible

Kress is fresh back from Turkiye, sharing on-the-ground insights before diving headfirst into the week’s big beats. We break down Epic Games Store’s revenue, debate the Minecraft movie’s potential for franchise dominance, and unpack the latest M&A and investment trends shaping gaming’s future. Inflation’s creeping impact on game pricing gets a hard look, while the crew wrestles with the evolving MTX and revenue models. Things heat up with Marvel Rivals throwing punches at Overwatch, a sharp take on Western vs. Eastern LiveOps strategies, and a no-holds-barred discussion about Bungie’s Marathon pivot into extraction shooters. To wrap, a quick (and slightly roasted) look at Kingdom’s celebrity-packed ad campaign.00:00 Introduction and Host Introductions03:09 Chris' Insights from Turkey07:02 Epic Games Store Revenue Discussion13:30 Minecraft Movie and Franchise Management21:07 M&A and Investment Trends in Gaming29:47 Game Pricing and Inflation30:31 MTX and Revenue Models32:59 Marvel Rivals vs. Overwatch37:33 Western vs. Eastern LiveOps44:24 Marathon: The Extraction Shooter58:13 Kingdom's Celebrity Ad Campaign

In this conversation, Charles Hambro, CEO of GEEIQ, and Matt Edelman, President of Super League, unpack the evolution of brand activations in the gaming space. They discuss the strategic shift towards user-generated content, revealing how brands engage with audiences on platforms like Roblox and Fortnite. The duo shares exciting insights into the effectiveness of playable ads and the significant ROI they bring. They also highlight the importance of adapting marketing strategies to capture the attention of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, turning gaming into a powerhouse for brand loyalty.

Chris Sides, a seasoned gaming veteran with experience at EA and Bungie, brings insights into the industry's evolution. He discusses the booming success of the Minecraft movie and its cultural significance. Topics include Gen Z's influence on mobile gaming and innovative marketing strategies behind blockbuster hits. Sides also explores Supercell's new investment philosophy and compares popular games like War Robots and Steel Hunters, shedding light on emerging trends and interactive storytelling in gaming.

Tobias Knoke, Gaming Industry Expert and head of Gaming at Google, dives into the world of Gen Z gamers. He explains why this generation is set to dominate mobile spending and how they’re less loyal to individual games. Tobias shares insights on creating authentic connections with creators and effective ad strategies that appeal to Gen Z’s unique preferences. He also discusses how AI is reshaping game development and why this generation prioritizes immersive experiences over traditional ads. Tune in for a crash course on engaging this influential audience!

The podcast dives into the aftermath of GDC, questioning the future of Dark Legion and celebrating Game Craft. Speculation revolves around Switch 2 and Nintendo’s return to form. Roblox teams up with Google for innovative rewarded ads, reshaping its monetization strategies. AppLovin grapples with short seller accusations while asserting its market hold. Meanwhile, Tencent's strategic moves surrounding Ubisoft raise eyebrows, highlighting a complex gaming ecosystem filled with challenges and opportunities.

Oren Kaniel, CEO and co-founder of AppsFlyer, shares his journey from startup struggles to leading a successful mobile analytics company. He emphasizes the importance of company culture and customer obsession in growth. Kaniel discusses navigating leadership challenges and innovating despite financial hurdles. He highlights AI's transformative role in business while balancing technology with data privacy concerns. With insights on nurturing talent and fostering resilience, he outlines a vision for sustainable growth and innovation in the tech landscape.