Deconstructor of Fun

Brian Ward, CEO of Savvy Games Group, and Gerard Miles, Co-CEO of Mission One, explore Saudi Arabia's ambitious plan to become a global gaming hub by 2030. They discuss the transformative changes in the workforce, including rising female participation in esports. The conversation dives into investment strategies, cultural nuances in business, and the importance of building a self-sustaining ecosystem. With insights on collaboration and local entrepreneurship, they paint a picture of a vibrant, evolving gaming landscape bursting with opportunities.

Discover the implications of California's new digital ownership law and the declining significance of the Tokyo Game Show. Ubisoft faces major delays and management challenges, while Behavior Interactive expands through strategic acquisitions. Steam continues to dominate the gaming market, breaking user records. Explore the potential of Meta's new AR glasses and the immense success of Genshin Impact, highlighting trends in high-budget mobile games. Plus, get insights from recent travels and discuss the competitive landscape for indie titles and niche games.

Jen Donahoe chats with Pedro Bravo, Lead PM for Monopoly Go at Scopely; Vlada Kumova, Game Producer at GameFam; and Lara Burić, Game Designer at Hutch. They share insights on the hurdles of entering the game industry, including hiring challenges and mentorship gaps. The conversation highlights the need for supportive environments to combat crunch culture and improve work-life balance. They also discuss how emerging talent is reshaping the future of gaming and the importance of fostering creative, inclusive workplaces.

In this engaging discussion, Adam shares his expertise on gaming service trends and hints that a Space Marine live service is as good as gone. Laura reveals the real origin story of the gaming industry, while Jen entertains with her delightful Italian accent. The trio dives into AI's role in gaming, the latest market predictions, and even a face-off between Nintendo and Palworld. They also reflect on the success of notable titles like Brawl Stars and the implications of recent acquisitions in the gaming landscape.

Sebastian Forsström, Head of Paradox ARC, supports indie game developers at Paradox Interactive. He explains how the division aids in game evaluation and development, emphasizing the importance of player engagement. Sebastian talks about effective marketing strategies and the nuances of publishing deals, revenue sharing, and co-publishing agreements. Insights into the role of DLCs for player retention and current trends in the indie game industry reveal valuable advice for aspiring developers looking to navigate the gaming landscape.

The crew celebrates their 300th milestone by reminiscing about their favorite moments. They dive into the controversy of EA's Glue acquisition and discuss the struggles of the highly anticipated shooter 'Spectre Divide.' Personal stories highlight the importance of mentorship in gaming. The conversation transitions to the shifting landscape of game monetization, with insights into app analytics. Finally, they analyze the unexpected success of 'Monopoly Go' and reflect on the ongoing evolution of the gaming industry.

The trio digs into product strategy and market differentiation in a cluttered gaming landscape. They dissect the latest from Apple's September event and analyze Sony's strategies surrounding the PlayStation 5 Pro. The discussion highlights Roblox's ambitious goals for user-generated content and explores the impact of recent industry layoffs. Additionally, they tackle marketing challenges, game quality, and the importance of understanding player preferences in crafting engaging experiences.

Featuring experts from Transcend Fund, Sisu Game Ventures, and PlayVentures, the discussion dives into the vital elements of gaming startup success. They reveal the top mistakes startups make with VCs, emphasizing the importance of strong founding teams and equitable cap tables. The panel explores the challenges of scaling in niche versus mature genres, strategies for effective marketing, and the significance of maintaining productive board dynamics. Insights on what VCs look for in pitches provide valuable guidance for aspiring game developers.

The launch of Spectre Divide is generating excitement and caution in the tactical shooter arena. Insights into the gaming industry reveal Ubisoft's struggles and the potential impact of Supercell’s IPO. Discussions on influencer marketing trends highlight innovative strategies shaping game success. The challenges of app store dominance and technical hurdles in modern gaming are dissected, along with a critique of gaming company mismanagement. Anticipation builds for new titles, especially the wedding planning game Ceng, aimed at engaging female gamers.

Dima Dimov, VP of Live Games at Gameloft, shares his incredible 17-year journey from Quality Assurance to leading live operations. He discusses the challenges of managing cross-platform games, such as Disney Speedstorm, and the evolution of LiveOps from monetization to comprehensive team strategies. Dima highlights the integration of AI in gaming, emphasizes the importance of player feedback, and explores the need for effective communication among remote teams. Listeners gain insights into future projects and the strategic decisions shaping the gaming landscape.