Deconstructor of Fun

Join Phil Mohr, Justin Stolzenberg, and Puli Liyanagama, the innovative minds behind Metica, as they dive into the future of gaming personalization. They discuss the shift from traditional segmentation to scalable experimentation for enhanced user experiences. With insights on navigating user acquisition in a privacy-first world, they reveal how AI and machine learning can transform game development. Expect to hear about practical applications that drive player engagement and the critical importance of blending creativity with data-driven strategies.

The hosts dive into the rise of private equity in the gaming world, sparking discussions on industry growth and challenges. They report back from an anime convention, critiquing the mainstream status of anime in America. Scopely's acquisition strategies and their impact on portfolio performance take center stage, raising eyebrows. A deep dive into behavioral economics reveals surprising truths about player spending. Controversies arise with Sony's legal issues against Tencent, all while laughter ensues over an innovative Candy Crush dessert cookbook!

In this insightful discussion, Josh Chandley, COO at Wildcard Games, Warren Woodward, Chief Growth Officer at Uptick, and Paul Bowen, Chief Revenue Officer at StreamElements, explore the future of mobile marketing. They debate the evolution of user acquisition strategies post-IDFA and the impact of AppLovin in the ad tech space. The trio critiques traditional growth tactics and emphasizes the importance of creative optimization and collaboration. Listeners will gain actionable insights on navigating the challenges of user acquisition amidst shifting market dynamics.

The conversation dives into Ubisoft's ambitious foray into reality TV with a Succession-inspired show, revealing the company's internal family dynamics. Battlefield's comeback strategy is analyzed, including the buzz around its latest trailer and release leaks. Personal anecdotes lighten the mood, while discussions on gaming’s future and ongoing legal dramas add depth. A nod to Candy Crush's anniversary and an overview of Apple’s latest games create a vibrant landscape of industry insights and challenges.

Joseph Kim, CEO of LILA Games, shares his gripping journey from emotional struggles in Bangalore to tense moments at Gamescom. He discusses the harsh realities of chasing a vision, examining the emotional and familial toll of entrepreneurial ambition. The conversation touches on defining success, the misconception of wealth equating to fulfillment, and the hidden costs of startup life, including panic attacks. Joseph reflects on the delicate balance between personal values and financial goals, all while emphasizing the importance of team dynamics and resilience in parenting.

Roblox is shaking things up with a new IP licensing platform, raising questions about its potential success. The Turkish mobile gaming market is evolving rapidly, revealing exciting growth prospects. Kixeye's comeback with Kingdom Maker offers a look into its storied past. The intense user acquisition war between Scopely and Moon Active showcases fierce competition and industry espionage. Plus, Monopoly Go finds itself compared to Coin Master— is it clever innovation or just a fancy copy?

Ben Webley, CMO of Scopely, shares insights on the record-breaking launch of Monopoly GO!. He discusses the innovative strategies that drove its success, including how color psychology enhances marketing appeal. Webley highlights the significance of community engagement and the role of celebrity endorsements in their 'Friendship Pays' campaign featuring stars like Will Ferrell and Jason Momoa. Dive into the clever fusion of brand and performance marketing that made this mobile game launch a standout in the industry.

Saad Hameed, CEO of Game District, shares fascinating insights into Pakistan's rapidly evolving gaming industry. He discusses the rise of Lahore as a significant player in the global market and the potential of the ecosystem, comparing it to Turkey and Vietnam. The conversation explores challenges faced by local studios, the vital role of education and talent development, and innovative monetization strategies. Saad also highlights the unique strengths of Pakistan's gaming sector and pathways to overcoming bottlenecks for future success.

The hosts dive into a fiery critique of Supercell's recent strategies and IPO rumors. They analyze critical topics like the profitability of Xbox Game Pass and the ramifications of Apple's EU regulations. Gen Z's evolving spending habits are explored, shedding light on mobile monetization trends. The conversation shifts to the Merge game genre's potential revival and breakthroughs like Mecha Break. Additionally, they discuss changes in studio cultures and where investors are placing their bets in the gaming landscape.

In this conversation, Seth Sivak, former head of the Boston Studio for World of Warcraft and now a consultant, shares his journey in the gaming industry. He discusses the critical role of culture in startups and how it influences product market fit. Seth emphasizes the need for intentional leadership to shape a positive company culture, particularly during growth phases. He highlights cultural onboarding, team dynamics, and the lessons learned from navigating challenges like layoffs, all while advocating for regular assessments to ensure alignment and success.