Deconstructor of Fun

In this engaging discussion, Chris Hewish, President of Xsolla and former leader at gaming giants like Activision and DreamWorks, delves into the booming mobile gaming market projected to reach $98.7 billion. He unpacks emerging trends in regional markets, especially Africa and Latin America, and emphasizes the growing diversity among players. Hewish also discusses the implications of the Digital Markets Act, exploring new monetization avenues and the rise of direct-to-consumer sales, all while illustrating how gaming increasingly merges with mainstream entertainment.

Join Nadav Moshes from Playtika, Maxime Graux of Wooga, and Erno Kiiski of GameRefinery as they delve into effective Live Ops strategies. They discuss the power of understanding player motivations and how this fuels social events and collaborative gameplay. Listen in for innovative insights on personalized engagement, multi-stage missions, and gamified offers that drive monetization. The trio breaks down trends in the gaming landscape, emphasizing the need for adaptation and iteration to keep players invested long-term.

The hosts dive into TikTok's gaming challenges and Marvel Snap's shutdown, revealing the complexities of scaling global hits. They analyze Netflix’s game strategy and the surprising comeback of Solitaire in the nostalgia economy. Workforce cuts at Huuuge Games raise concerns amid the rise of Chinese developers. Bonfire Studios announces a new game, while Matthew Ball shares insights on shifting market dynamics. Expect a critical look at the industry's future, innovation, and growth strategies as they navigate these evolving trends.

Alexandra Takei, a dynamic force in gaming and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, discusses her journey from a marketing background to game development. She shares insights on bridging business and creativity, the significance of mentorship, and the challenges of raising capital in a competitive industry. Alexandra emphasizes the role of empathy in leadership and the importance of building inclusive teams. Her experiences at Blizzard and in venture capital offer valuable lessons for aspiring professionals in the fast-paced gaming world.

Bold predictions for mobile gaming in 2025 take center stage, while Nintendo Switch 2 leaks stir excitement. The hosts analyze hyper-casual games, revisit significant industry moments, and celebrate the winners of the Golden Twig Awards. Marvel Rivals' success and impactful investments are discussed, along with the challenges faced by major companies like Ubisoft. Listeners share feedback, adding to a lively wrap-up filled with humor and insights. The podcast balances serious reflections with lighthearted anecdotes, keeping the audience engaged.

Joe Wadakethalakal, CEO of PvX Partners and former president of Mobile Premier League, shares his entrepreneurial journey from India to Indonesia. He emphasizes the importance of resilience in facing failures as a path to success. Joe discusses the advantage of entering large markets over smaller ones and highlights smart fundraising as a critical strategy, showcasing how it can unlock growth and talent. He offers insights into unique funding strategies for game developers and stresses the value of constructive feedback in fostering relationships within the venture capital landscape.

CAST YOUR VOTE! https://forms.gle/BfBn6H123S2D1QdY9 Brace yourself for the most candid awards show in gaming! Join us as we dissect the highs and lows of 2024, dishing out Golden TWIGs for the year’s most memorable moments. From epic fails to surprising triumphs, we’re covering it all: Company Carnage: Who took the biggest hits? Gaming Letdowns: Which hyped title fell flat? Layoff Lowlights: The most brutal workforce cuts Oops, We Did It Again: Our most embarrassing predictions Get ready for unvarnished opinions, heated debates, and a no-holds-barred look at the gaming industry’s rollercoaster year. Don’t miss this annual tradition where you separate the gold from the garbage!

Vincent Février, CMO of TapNation, discusses the exciting evolution of hybrid casual games, highlighting the unique position of French publishers. He shares insights on transitioning from hyper-casual to hybrid casual gaming and the challenges faced in a post-COVID landscape. The conversation dives into user acquisition strategies, building internal capabilities for game development, and the future prospects for TapNation, including diversification of game types. Février also emphasizes the importance of marketing strategies in navigating a crowded gaming market.

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.