Deconstructor of Fun

Laura Taranto, a puzzle-product specialist, returns to provide deep insights on Match Squad's gameplay and the intricacies of the market. Josh Chandley, a performance marketing expert, dives into the SEC probe facing AppLovin and its impact on ad tech. They discuss the ramifications of the EU's regulations on free-to-play games, the excitement around Epic's new web shops, and the booming gaming scene in Istanbul. The conversation wraps up with critical thoughts on AI's potential pitfalls, highlighting the necessity for human oversight in tech-driven creativity.

In this insightful discussion, Harvey Elliott, CEO of Playstack and a veteran in indie publishing, shares how Balatro, a one-person poker roguelike, soared to over seven million copies sold. He reveals the importance of aligning developer creativity with publisher support, highlighting the significance of trust in fostering successful partnerships. Elliott also dives into the unique challenges indie games face in a crowded market and the evolving role of AI in game development, stressing that authenticity should remain central to the indie experience.

In this discussion, guest Josh Chandley, President and COO of Wildcard Games, dives into the shocking $55 billion acquisition of EA by Saudi Arabia, marking a pivotal moment in gaming history. He analyzes Microsoft’s recent strategic moves and their implications for the gaming landscape. The conversation shifts to AppLovin's ambitious expansion into e-commerce, exploring how this could disrupt the market. Finally, they touch on Unity's challenges and prospects in the evolving ad tech arena. It’s a thought-provoking look at the future of gaming!

This week, the hosts dive into Supercell's internal culture struggles and ongoing IPO rumors. They tackle the 'brain rot' controversy surrounding Roblox and discuss Newzoo's latest gaming market report. Discord's reliability takes a hit as users report bugs, while Google's new features stir concerns about platform control. Xbox faces scrutiny over Game Pass price hikes, and Epic Games shifts its Fortnite monetization strategy. Plus, there’s an update on Lingo Kids' impressive funding and Borderlands 4's rocky launch.

In this engaging discussion, Emmanuel Rosier, Director of Market Intelligence at Newzoo, dives into the shifting landscape of the gaming market. They explore why mobile gaming is facing a slowdown and who might benefit from it. Emmanuel reveals insights on player demographics, the impact of nostalgia on game remakes, and how Roblox is reshaping audience engagement. The conversation also touches on the future of gaming platforms, including the trade-offs of alternative app stores and evolving player preferences. A must-listen for gaming enthusiasts!

The hosts dive into Unity's recent blunders and their implications for game development. They discuss Apple's bold gaming app strategy and how it might shift the industry. With TikTok's potential U.S. acquisition on the horizon, the conversation turns to AI-driven app trends. Nintendo's latest announcements promise to redefine their future. Finally, the crew urges Supercell to make difficult decisions to navigate a challenging year ahead.

In this enlightening discussion, Bastian Bergmann, COO of Solsten and author of Press Play, explores the intricate relationship between brands and gaming. He reveals how consumer psychology drives player engagement and emphasizes the transformative potential of video games. The conversation touches on the challenges of brand integration, fostering authenticity in marketing, and the evolving landscape of advertising within gaming. Bergmann also highlights the importance of balancing enjoyment and responsibility in gaming for children, encouraging deeper connections.

This week, the discussion dives into Roblox's ambitious new monetization strategies and its major announcements from the recent conference. Blizzard faces chaotic leadership changes while trying to navigate the mobile gaming market. The flop of Destiny Rising raises eyebrows after a hefty investment, prompting talks about the shifting dynamics between Western and Chinese developers. Marketers are encouraged to embrace effective analytics, while the success of indie games like Hollow Knight: Silksong captures hearts. Plus, insights on the evolving landscape of social gaming!

Joe Ferencz, CEO of GameFam, and Stephen Dypiangco, Founder of Max Power Gaming, share insights from the Roblox Developer Conference 2025. They discuss Roblox's impressive growth, boasting 112M daily active users, and the increase in developer payouts to attract top talent. Innovations like the 'ad flywheel' and AI tools for user-generated content are explored, alongside challenges in integrating brands and intellectual property into the platform. Safety measures are also a hot topic as Roblox reinforces its commitment amid growing scrutiny.

In a lively conversation, Pranav Singhvi, Co-founder at General Catalyst, and Joe Wadakethalakal, CEO of PBX Partners, explore the transformative world of user acquisition financing. They discuss how traditional funding struggles to meet the needs of tech companies and the innovative approach of treating cohorts as assets. The duo shares insights on successful strategies, like Superplay's remarkable $2 billion exit. They also tackle the importance of capital allocation and the significance of CAC in a rapidly evolving gaming landscape.