Deconstructor of Fun

Gerard Miles, Co-CEO of Mission One and an expert in executive headhunting within the games and interactive media sectors, shares valuable insights on navigating career trajectories toward the C-suite. He discusses the importance of personal branding and mentorship, as well as common pitfalls in the executive search process. Gerard emphasizes empathy during interviews and the significance of building genuine relationships. The conversation also addresses the challenges of international relocation and the rising influence of AI in hiring practices.

In this lively holiday special, Ethan Levy, VP of game design at GameFam and a UEFN startup founder, shares insights on fostering creativity in gaming. The hosts dive into parenting challenges and laugh over personal stories, including a BMW sale and a cat in a banana. They discuss the tricky landscape of indie game development, the evolution of Fortnite's algorithms, and revenue sharing in gaming. Predictions for the future of survival crafting games and gaming trends in 2025 add an intriguing touch, making for a vibrant conversation.

David Nelson, co-founder of Magnetic and former leader at King, shares his insights on mobile gaming innovation. He reflects on his journey with the experimentation group, emphasizing the need for deep audience understanding over blind trend-following. Nelson discusses the importance of honest feedback, navigating corporate culture, and the power of constructive conflict in fostering innovation. He also reveals how Magnetic is approaching the next big hit in gaming, focusing on originality in a saturated market.

Dive into Nordic rivalries with lively banter and cultural quirks. Explore the struggles of Squad Busters as it attempts a comeback amidst declining numbers. Learn about Netflix Games facing unexpected challenges, raising questions about its future in gaming. Finally, unpack the highlights and snubs from the Game Awards, revealing deeper insights into the industry's trends and community debates. Join the hosts as they navigate through chaos, competition, and creativity in the gaming world!

Cameron Stewart, Group Vice President at SciPlay, sheds light on the booming social casino market and strategies for growth. He emphasizes the importance of personalizing user experiences over mere innovation. Discover insights into effective monetization, retention metrics, and the significance of team collaboration in game development. Cameron also discusses the challenges of returning to office culture and the strategic value of acquisitions in a competitive landscape. Tune in for a deep dive into the future of gaming with practical takeaways!

With Miska set on another jet, Q5 launches in earnest with Marvel Rivals, Delta Force, Path of Exile 2, Infinity Nikki, and Girlsfront Line 2. Oh my, oh my. Kress gives his full review of Infinity Nikki’s costumes, while Jen pulls “Franchise” Beetlejuice. How can Marvel Rivals cross-promote in every Marvel game?  Adam pours cold water retention down the acquisition’s back while Phil tries to light the Chinese game industry fire while wearing a tight desert camouflage shirt (?). 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:56 Meet the Hosts01:33 Secret Level Screening Review06:13 Game Exec Supper Club Announcement07:47 Industry News and Corrections09:55 Investment and M&A Updates12:36 New Game Releases and Performance34:43 Mastery Issues in the Game35:11 Unique Selling Points and Differentiation35:46 Honeymoon Phase and Meta Development36:56 Onboarding and Mastery Curve39:22 Marvel Cross-Promotions and IP Management44:32 Path of Exile 2: Strategy and Success53:59 Delta Force: A Battlefield Clone58:12 Fortnite's New Tactical Shooter01:00:59 Infinity Nikki: A Unique Pivot01:07:36 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions

Mishka Kaktoff is joined by Steve Lockwood from TikTok and Roy Yanai from AppsFlyer, who share their extensive insights on evolving attribution techniques, overcoming challenges in the privacy landscape, and future-proofing measurement strategies.  This episode is packed with valuable information that can help improve your campaign performance, game design, and overall marketing outcomes.  Chapters: 00:00 Understanding Mobile Marketing Attribution 01:11 Guest Introductions 04:11 Evolution of Attribution 07:40 Challenges in Attribution 08:59 TikTok's Role in Attribution 12:12 Debate on Last Click Attribution 18:02 Incremental Testing and Media Mix Modeling 31:29 Questioning the Truth in Marketing 32:35 The Evolution of Attribution Methods 33:28 Advertiser Perspectives on Ad Networks 35:07 The Importance of Views in Advertising 36:57 TikTok's Unique Role in Advertising 42:44 Future-Proofing Measurement Strategies 45:28 The Role of Privacy in Measurement 56:06 Success Stories in Attribution 01:01:57 Future Trends in Measurement 01:08:38 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

In this engaging discussion, Kim Nordström, a gaming industry veteran and CEO of PlayerUnknown Productions, shares his journey from releasing his first game in 1995 to leading innovative teams. He dives deep into his book 'Up, Down, Up,' exploring the significance of company culture and psychological safety in fostering creativity. Nordström highlights the critical transition between growth and maturity phases, reflecting on leadership principles and the challenges of sustaining innovation in established companies. His insights are shaped by interviews with top industry leaders, providing a treasure trove of wisdom.

Explore the buzz around a potential new PlayStation Portable and Elon Musk's ambitious AI game studio. The discussion touches on the fallout from Ubisoft's studio closures and the ongoing success of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Mobile gaming gets a spotlight with big launches like Archero 2 and Capybara Go. Lastly, dive into a showdown between Marvel Rivals and Delta Force, along with insights on the challenges new MOBAs face in gaining traction in a competitive landscape.

Sergei Vasiuk, LiveOps Director at Wargaming and author of 'Running a Successful Live Service Game,' shares his expertise in game development. He discusses the evolution of gaming models, emphasizing the importance of data-driven development and community engagement. Sergei provides insights on navigating player retention amidst saturated markets, balancing monetization with a positive player experience, and the value of local community managers. Tune in for actionable strategies and predictions about the future of LiveOps in gaming!