Deconstructor of Fun

 “The way we survive is built on being creative every day” We sit down with Burak Vardal, CEO and co-founder of Rollic, to explore how the company skyrocketed in just a couple of years from a Turkish startup to one of the most successful mobile game publishers in the world.Burak shares insights on: The early days of Rollic and its quick acquisition by Zynga for $168M How they consistently launch hit mobile games The shift from hyper-casual to hybrid-casual and how it changed their business model Why being a gamer-first company is key to their success What makes Turkey a global hub for mobile game development The future of Rollic under Take-Two InteractiveDownload the FREE Hybrid Casual Playbook: metahybridcasualplaybook.splashthat.com/🎙️ Join the Deconstructor of Fun Slack Community:www.deconstructoroffun.com/slack00:00 Introduction and Background of Rollic06:41 Türkiye as a Hub for Game Development13:18 Business Model and Future Vision25:54 Competition and Talent in the Turkish Gaming Industry29:45 Creativity in Gaming: The Key to Success31:54 The Importance of Ideation in Mobile Gaming33:52 The Role of Testing in Game Development36:32 Transitioning from Startup to Industry Leader46:46 Advice for Aspiring Game Developers52:47 Final Thoughts and Future Prospects

The podcast dives into the intriguing world of gaming, analyzing Niantic's valuation and questioning the future of AR. Unity's earnings post-restructuring raise eyebrows, while PrizePix blurs lines between gaming and gambling. Hasbro Digital's surprising success and Steam Deck's impact on PCs ignite discussions, alongside Epic Game Store's strategy. The return of Overwatch loot boxes sparks nostalgia, and emerging mobile trends like Last War Survival and unique RPGs are unveiled. Plus, fake ads continue to shape the landscape!

Marcos Muller, the Director of Abu Dhabi Gaming, is revolutionizing the gaming landscape in Abu Dhabi. He discusses the city’s ambitious vision for a vibrant gaming ecosystem focused on talent development and job creation. Marcos shares insights into the financial incentives attracting studios and addresses the growing gaming economy in the UAE. He also dispels myths about living in Abu Dhabi, highlighting its community warmth and opportunities for game developers. This conversation is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the future of gaming in emerging markets.

Get ready for some gaming gossip! Scopely is shaking things up, while Niantic faces its own challenges. The departure of Marvel Rivals' studio raises eyebrows—politics or strategy? Microsoft is grappling with console woes and a shaky future, contrasting with Sony’s steady rise. Plus, King surprises everyone with a brand-new Solitaire game. As older players lean towards solitary gaming experiences, the landscape is evolving. Tune in for insights on the industry's intricate dynamics and what's next for major players!

Boris Kalnikov, CEO and Co-founder of Hype Masters, shares his exciting journey relocating his gaming studio from London to Abu Dhabi. He discusses the vibrant gaming ecosystem in Abu Dhabi, highlighting government incentives and tax benefits that enhance the appeal for studios. Boris also contrasts life in Abu Dhabi with London, focusing on shorter commutes and better living conditions. He explores the region's untapped gaming potential and the supportive community that fosters collaboration and innovation in the industry.

Supercell had a spectacular year, raking in €2.8B, though not without a flop in Squad Busters. Unity struggles with talent loss and ad tech woes, while AppLovin shines with a 700% stock increase thanks to AI ads. The company plans to sell its entire gaming portfolio for $900M, sparking curiosity about potential buyers like Scopely and Zynga. Discussions also include the evolving landscape of game monetization and competitive strategies, highlighting the pressures and triumphs within the gaming industry.

In this discussion, Jonathan Briskman, Marketing Insight Guru at Sensor Tower, dives into the tantalizing world of mobile gaming and app trends. He reveals surprising growth in in-app purchases and user engagement, even amid concerns of a mature market. Jonathan highlights the importance of localization, especially for cracking tough markets like Japan and South Korea. He also tackles the intriguing rise of hybrid apps and the growing phenomenon of digital fatigue, suggesting innovative solutions for engaging users in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Wilfrid Obeng, Co-founder and CTO of AudioMob, shares his remarkable journey from Goldman Sachs and Google to the gaming startup world. He discusses how AudioMob is transforming in-game advertising with audio and why they opted for Abu Dhabi over Silicon Valley to scale their team. Wilfrid highlights critical leadership lessons, hiring strategies for a diverse workforce, and the challenges of startup life. Discover the unique dynamics of building a performance culture and navigating the evolving landscape of ad monetization.

The hosts dive into the chaotic gaming landscape, dissecting the major Roblox acquisition and the potential of Battlefield to attract dormant fans. Adam reveals his Multiversus thesis while Phil grapples with the woes of Battlefield. They debate the evolving role of AI in games, questioning whether it's a flop or just too soon to tell. With a mix of humor and critique, they challenge the gaming industry's metaverse narratives and spotlight the need for innovation in character design and player engagement strategies.

This episode features insights from top industry professionals on player engagement, revenue models, and the challenges faced by new releases like Helldivers 2, First Descendant, and Once Human. Dive into in-depth discussions on successful PvE models, key strategies for game success, and the future of game monetization. Join Adam Telfer and a panel of experts as they explore the latest trends in PvE shooters and the evolving tools needed for effective LiveOps. Brought to you by Heroic Labs, AppsFlyer, Sensor Tower, and Xsolla. 02:31 Market Overview of PVE Shooters03:25 Recent Releases and Trends04:07 Revenue and Engagement07:54 PVE Live Service Challenges08:42 Helldivers 2: Success and Future13:54 The Competitive Landscape27:04 First Descendant and Once Human27:38 First Descendant's Elder Loop29:27 PvE Shooter Systems30:42 Helldivers 2: On The Way Out36:34 Warframe's Sustained Success40:13 Strategies for PvE Shooter Success45:52 The Future of PvE Shooters