PocketGamer.biz Podcast

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and news editor Aaron Astle discuss the latest games industry news on the 68th episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week’s show we discuss:The reveal of the Top 50 Mobile Game Makers 2025 list.Supercell CEO Ilkka Paananen's letter sounding the alarm on potential EU regulation he says could kill the region's industry.New Texas age verification laws for app stores.The SEC's AppLovin investigation and why it could spread to other ad tech firms.** Let's Connect **👉🏻 Twitter - https://twitter.com/pgbiz👉🏻 LinkedIn Group - https://www.linkedin.com/company/pocketgamer-biz/👉🏻 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PGbiz👉🏻 Website - https://www.pocketgamer.biz 👉🏻 Pocket Gamer Connects - https://www.pgconnects.com👉🏻Pocket Gamer Connects Speaker Submission form - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdoS5n-vdHu6aU-2d_rR7x1FAgewG51y3nlU1aB8RdetiKaGw/viewform👉🏻 The Top 50 Mobile Game Makers 2025 - https://www.pocketgamer.biz/the-top-50-mobile-game-makers-of-2025/👉🏻 Download the PocketGamer.biz Mobile Games Developer Trends Survey Winter 2024/25 report - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3tbjUxVkG17CuHHljMblfmUC3DZ6gNAzV8qiz8bAALUXSvQ/viewform👉🏻 Join the AI Gamechangers newsletter - https://aigamechangers.substack.com

What if your most powerful game mechanic isn’t in your code—but in your players’ minds?In Part 1 of this special PocketGamer.biz podcast, Solsten CEO Bastian Bergmann joins hosts Peggy Anne Salz and Brian Baglow to unpack how behavioral science is transforming how great games get made.Bastian—also the author of the new book Press Play: Designing Games That Understand Us—shares how neuroscience, psychometrics, and player psychology can unlock deeper engagement, better retention, and more meaningful play.From building for subconscious needs to busting myths about “data-driven design,” this episode is packed with insights for anyone ready to design with empathy—and build games that truly resonate.🎧 This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Stay tuned for Part 2 next week!Bastian Bergmann: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bergmannbastian/Solsten:  https://solsten.io/Elaris: https://elaris.new

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and news editor Aaron Astle discuss the latest games industry news on the 67th episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week’s show we discuss:That $55 billion EA acquisition by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake and Affinity Partners.Genshin Impact's fifth anniversary.The Xbox Game Pass price hike and where Microsoft goes from here.A slow start for Nintendo's surprise new mobile game Fire Emblem Shadows.** Let's Connect **👉🏻 Twitter - https://twitter.com/pgbiz👉🏻 LinkedIn Group - https://www.linkedin.com/company/pocketgamer-biz/👉🏻 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PGbiz👉🏻 Website - https://www.pocketgamer.biz 👉🏻 Pocket Gamer Connects - https://www.pgconnects.com👉🏻Pocket Gamer Connects Speaker Submission form - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdoS5n-vdHu6aU-2d_rR7x1FAgewG51y3nlU1aB8RdetiKaGw/viewform👉🏻 The Top 50 Mobile Game Makers 2024 - https://www.pocketgamer.biz/the-top-50-mobile-game-makers-of-2024/👉🏻 Download the PocketGamer.biz Mobile Games Developer Trends Survey Winter 2024/25 report - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3tbjUxVkG17CuHHljMblfmUC3DZ6gNAzV8qiz8bAALUXSvQ/viewform👉🏻 Join the AI Gamechangers newsletter - https://aigamechangers.substack.com

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and news editor Aaron Astle discuss the latest games industry news on the 66th episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week’s show we discuss:- UGC platform revenue share after Fortnite lets developers sell in-game items.- Nintendo's surprise launch of its latest mobile game: Fire Emblem Shadows.- Theories on why Apple and Google are releasing new gaming features to their stores.- How Ukranian studio Oxiwyle is making games during a time of war.** Let's Connect **👉🏻 Twitter - https://twitter.com/pgbiz👉🏻 LinkedIn Group - https://www.linkedin.com/company/pocketgamer-biz/👉🏻 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PGbiz👉🏻 Website - https://www.pocketgamer.biz 👉🏻 Pocket Gamer Connects - https://www.pgconnects.com👉🏻Pocket Gamer Connects Speaker Submission form - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdoS5n-vdHu6aU-2d_rR7x1FAgewG51y3nlU1aB8RdetiKaGw/viewform👉🏻 The Top 50 Mobile Game Makers 2024 - https://www.pocketgamer.biz/the-top-50-mobile-game-makers-of-2024/👉🏻 Download the PocketGamer.biz Mobile Games Developer Trends Survey Winter 2024/25 report - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3tbjUxVkG17CuHHljMblfmUC3DZ6gNAzV8qiz8bAALUXSvQ/viewform👉🏻 Join the AI Gamechangers newsletter - https://aigamechangers.substack.com👉🏻 Making games in Ukraine: "It's hard to focus on creative tasks when your city is under attack" - https://www.pocketgamer.biz/making-games-in-ukraine-its-hard-to-focus-on-creative-tasks-when-your-city-is-under-attack

How do you bring a beauty brand into Final Fantasy without losing authenticity?In this special episode recorded live at Gamescom, Paulina Besmehn, Brand Manager at Henkel, shares the story behind Henkel’s first-ever gaming activation—a bold crossover between their Schwarzkopf got2b hair color line and the iconic world of Final Fantasy.The result? Limited edition shades inspired by in-game avatars, influencer partnerships, and a full offline/online campaign designed around self-expression and community fit.Paulina shares how her team chose the right game, pitched the idea internally, collaborated with Square Enix, and made sure the activation respected the culture of gaming—not just the business opportunity.Whether you’re a brand exploring new touchpoints or a game studio open to partnerships, this episode is a masterclass in meeting players where they are—with purpose, not just product.Paulina Besmehn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pbesmehn/Henkel Consumer Brands: https://www.henkel-brand-hub.com/business-units/Henkel-Consumer-Brands.htmlFinal Fantasy XIV: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/Schwarzkopf gӧt2b: https://www.schwarzkopf.com/brands/haircolor/got2b-brand.html

From MMOs to Web3, James Hursthouse has seen it all—and now he’s sharing what’s next in gaming.In this episode, Peggy Anne Salz sits down with the founder of Greenstone Initiatives to explore a future where players co-own their experiences, AI augments creativity, and new business models put power back in the hands of developers and fans.James reflects on his journey—from the early days of MMO infrastructure to building global partnerships and helping shape Canada’s games ecosystem. Along the way, he unpacks what’s real (and what’s hype) about Web3, and why the next generation of games will be defined by instant access, ethical data, and cross-media convergence.Whether you’re building games, investing in the space, or just curious about where it’s all heading, this is your front-row seat to the future.James Hursthouse - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameshursthouse/Greenstone Initiatives - https://www.greenstone.one/Metaverse Roadmap: Pathways to the 3D Web - https://www.w3.org/2008/WebVideo/Annotations/wiki/images/1/19/MetaverseRoadmapOverview.pdfIron Maiden Legacy of the Beast: https://ironmaidenlegacy.com/

🎮 Welcome to a special episode of the PocketGamer.biz podcast!We’re bringing you two conversations with leaders from Xsolla—because together, they tell a powerful story about where gaming, monetization, and community are headed.First, we sit down with Sarah Chafer, who explains how brands can use gamification and offerwalls to move beyond awareness and into brandformance—campaigns that both build equity and drive measurable action. From loyalty to user choice, Sarah shares real examples (including Paramount+) that show how smart brands are meeting players where they are.Then, we talk to Travis Anderson, who widens the lens. He shares how publishers can unify webshops, offerwalls, social quests and even cloud gaming to create a seamless and rewarding ecosystem—all with fewer resources and a single integration.📌 Whether you’re a brand looking for meaningful reach or a publisher seeking smarter monetization, this episode gives you a glimpse into the future of game commerce.

What does it take to turn a rogue-like poker game into one of the most talked-about indie hits of the year?In this episode of the PocketGamer.biz podcast, Harvey Elliott—CEO of Playstack and publisher of Balatro—joins us to share how the breakout success unfolded, why they bet big on an unconventional title, and what it means for the future of publishing.🎮 Why Playstack said “yes” to Balatro📈 How discoverability still decides winners🧠 Balancing creative freedom and commercial strategy🎯 What Playstack looks for in new titles🚀 Lessons for indie developers and studios trying to scaleIf you’re building, marketing, or publishing games—this conversation is your new cheat code.

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and news editor Aaron Astle discuss the latest games industry news on the 65th episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week’s show we cover:Insights from the show floor at Gamescom 2025.Google Play's new App Store-like rules for Europe.India's real-money gaming ban that has shocked the country's games industry and international investors.Uma Musume: Pretty Derby's international performance.** Let's Connect **👉🏻 Twitter - https://twitter.com/pgbiz👉🏻 LinkedIn Group - https://www.linkedin.com/company/pocketgamer-biz/👉🏻 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PGbiz👉🏻 Website - https://www.pocketgamer.biz 👉🏻 Pocket Gamer Connects - https://www.pgconnects.com👉🏻Pocket Gamer Connects Speaker Submission form - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdoS5n-vdHu6aU-2d_rR7x1FAgewG51y3nlU1aB8RdetiKaGw/viewform👉🏻 The Top 50 Mobile Game Makers 2024 - https://www.pocketgamer.biz/the-top-50-mobile-game-makers-of-2024/👉🏻 Download the PocketGamer.biz Mobile Games Developer Trends Survey Winter 2024/25 report - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3tbjUxVkG17CuHHljMblfmUC3DZ6gNAzV8qiz8bAALUXSvQ/viewform👉🏻 Join the AI Gamechangers newsletter - https://aigamechangers.substack.com👉🏻 Download our free Barcelona games industry report now - https://www.pocketgamer.biz/download-our-barcelona-games-industry-report-now/👉🏻 Voting begins for the Pocket Gamer Mobile Games Awards 2025 - https://www.pocketgamer.biz/mga2025/vote/👉🏻 Download our free report on China's games industry with insights from executives and key market data - https://www.pocketgamer.biz/gain-key-insights-into-chinas-games-industry-with-our-free-report

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple, news editor Aaron Astle and Steel Media COO Dave Bradley discuss the latest games industry news on the 64th episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week’s show we cover:Insights from our recent trip to ChinaJoy and Pocket Gamer Connects Summit Shanghai.How much money games publishers are earning from their direct-to-consumer strategies.Rovio and Sega's revenue slump.** Let's Connect **👉🏻 Twitter - https://twitter.com/pgbiz👉🏻 LinkedIn Group - https://www.linkedin.com/company/pocketgamer-biz/👉🏻 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PGbiz👉🏻 Website - https://www.pocketgamer.biz 👉🏻 Pocket Gamer Connects - https://www.pgconnects.com👉🏻Pocket Gamer Connects Speaker Submission form - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdoS5n-vdHu6aU-2d_rR7x1FAgewG51y3nlU1aB8RdetiKaGw/viewform👉🏻 The Top 50 Mobile Game Makers 2024 - https://www.pocketgamer.biz/the-top-50-mobile-game-makers-of-2024/👉🏻 Download the PocketGamer.biz Mobile Games Developer Trends Survey Winter 2024/25 report - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3tbjUxVkG17CuHHljMblfmUC3DZ6gNAzV8qiz8bAALUXSvQ/viewform👉🏻 Join the AI Gamechangers newsletter - https://aigamechangers.substack.com👉🏻 Download our free Barcelona games industry report now - https://www.pocketgamer.biz/download-our-barcelona-games-industry-report-now/👉🏻 Voting begins for the Pocket Gamer Mobile Games Awards 2025 - https://www.pocketgamer.biz/mga2025/vote/👉🏻 Download our free report on China's games industry with insights from executives and key market data - https://www.pocketgamer.biz/gain-key-insights-into-chinas-games-industry-with-our-free-report