
two & a half gamers
This is a no BS gaming podcast. We share insights, knowledge and fun gossip relating to the topics of User Acquisition, Game Design and Ad monetisation. You will find here actionable insights in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. A safe space where we mimic the honesty of a 4am conference discussion. Enjoy & let us know your feedback!
Latest episodes

Aug 15, 2024 • 48min
Idle Outpost Zombie Apocalypse Review: (down)scaling?
Jakub Remiar, a game design consultant, joins the discussion to dive into the dynamics of idle games, particularly 'Idle Outpost.' The guests explore the challenges of scaling within the game, highlighting its unique mechanics in a zombie apocalypse setting. They emphasize the power of storytelling in enhancing player engagement and ad performance. There's a humorous take on user retention struggles, alongside an urgent call for more creative concepts in the genre. Insightful comparisons with other idle games round out a lively debate.

Aug 12, 2024 • 47min
Creative trends in mobile games - July 2024
This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.
Panelists: Jakub Remiar, Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric
Youtube: https://youtu.be/yBym7yuDi5A
Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q
Agenda
00:00 Epic intro and Discussion on Mobile Gaming Podcast
01:18 Creative Trends for July
05:15 Analyzing Hustle Castle
08:57 Exploring Kingdom Guard
09:53 The Rise of Survivor IO
10:23 Analyzing Whiteout Survival
11:33 The Use of Rivers, Fences, and Tracks in Mobile Game Creatives
14:16 The Wild West of Copyright Infringement in Mobile Gaming
18:33 The Importance of Creating New Creatives for Different UA Channels
20:22 Analyzing Idle Outpost
22:59 Analyzing Township
23:15 The Use of Playables in Mobile Game Creatives
00:37 Near-Death Experiences and Tension in Creatives
10:23 Pushing Objects Off the Screen
20:13 Expanding Gates in Game Mechanics
27:27 Importance of High-Quality Visuals and Sound
31:57 Popular Games Showcasing Creative Trends
38:25 Clash of Clans' 12th Anniversary Celebration
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Matej Lancaric
User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant
https://lancaric.me
Felix Braberg
Ad monetization consultant
https://www.felixbraberg.com
Jakub Remiar
Game design consultant
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar
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Takeaways
Fear, tension, and near-death experiences are effective creative strategies in mobile gaming.
Creating new creatives is crucial for different UA channels, such as TikTok and Facebook.
Rivers, fences, and tracks are common elements used in mobile gaming creatives.
Playables play a significant role in driving engagement.
The conversation provides insights into the creative trends and strategies in mobile gaming for July. Near-death experiences and tension-inducing mechanics are popular in casual mobile game creatives.
Pushing objects off the screen is a common game mechanic used in creatives.
Expanding gates in game mechanics is a trend observed in casual mobile games.
High-quality visuals and sound are essential for engaging creatives.
Popular games like Brawl Stars, Royal Match, and Block Blast showcase these creative trends.
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Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!
Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!
Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me
---------------------------------------
If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit lancaric.substack.com & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric
Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask Matej AI - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai
Felix Latest Article -
https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Aug 8, 2024 • 1h 7min
Inside Stormgate with Tim Morten: In-Depth Live Review & Gameplay with Insights
This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.
Panelists: Jakub Remiar, Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric
Special guest: Tim Morten
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-morten/
Stormgate
https://playstormgate.com/
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2012510/Stormgate/
Youtube: https://youtu.be/pVaQS942xI0
Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q
Agenda
00:00 Epic intro
01:30 Introduction to Storm Gate
09:26 The Free-to-Play Model and Content Differences
14:07 The Business Model and Inspiration from StarCraft II
18:26 The Power of Custom Maps and the Editor
23:02 Ongoing Campaign Content Updates
25:24 Improving the Game and Listening to Feedback
31:57 Observing Recent Game Launches
35:10 The Evolution of Stormgate
44:47 Maintaining Independence
50:18 Support from Investors and the Community
01:00:12 Future Updates
01:03:11 Creating a Long-lasting Game
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Matej Lancaric
User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant
https://lancaric.me
Felix Braberg
Ad monetization consultant
https://www.felixbraberg.com
Jakub Remiar
Game design consultant
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar
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Takeaways
Frost Giant Studios is developing Storm Gate, a new PC real-time strategy game that follows the gameplay heritage specific to Blizzard RTS.
The game has different modes, including campaign, cooperative, and competitive, and Frost Giant Studios aims to avoid pay-to-win mechanics and grind.
Players can try the game for free and then purchase additional content if they choose.
The studio plans to release new campaign content regularly and is committed to listening to player feedback and improving the game. Stormgate is an evolving game that blends elements from Warcraft and Starcraft to appeal to a broad audience.
The team behind Stormgate is committed to maintaining their independence and creating the best game possible.
The game has received support from investors and the community through crowdfunding campaigns.
Future updates for Stormgate include new co-op maps, more heroes, seasonal events, a map editor, and a learning tool system.
The goal is to create a game that players enjoy and continue to purchase, similar to the longevity of Blizzard games.
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Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!
Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!
Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me
---------------------------------------
If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit lancaric.substack.com & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric
Latest article - https://lancaric.substack.com/p/how-to-market-a-merge-game-top3-ua
Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask Matej AI - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai
Felix Latest Article -
https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Aug 5, 2024 • 48min
How to create high performing AI statics? Top 6 Ad placement inspiration in last 30days
This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.
Panelists: Jakub Remiar, Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric
Youtube: https://youtu.be/jHiBI7HRv0M
Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ
Agenda
00:00 Epic intro
06:03 RoomSorts by GamingCat
08:33 Traffic Escape
12:22 Pizza Ready by Supercent
15:24 Hexa Sword by Lion Studios
19:32 App Open Rewarded Interstitial Ads in Hexasaur
25:09 The Brilliance of App Open-Rewarded Interstitial Ads
27:06 Using AI-Generated Images for Creative Inspiration
32:20 The Power of Static Images in Facebook Advertising
38:41 The Importance of Regular Creative Refreshes
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Matej Lancaric
User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant
https://lancaric.me
Felix Braberg
Ad monetization consultant
https://www.felixbraberg.com
Jakub Remiar
Game design consultant
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar
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Takeaways
Different mobile games use various ad placements to monetize their apps
Rewarded ad placements can be strategically placed to enhance the gameplay experience
Banner ads can be conveniently located near core gameplay mechanics to increase click-through rates
App open interstitials can generate revenue from users who show intent to play the game
The effectiveness of ad placements depends on the number of sessions and session time App open rewarded interstitial ads can significantly increase ad impressions and revenue
The game Hexasaur uses a clever implementation of app open rewarded interstitial ads to maximize ad exposure
AI-generated images from the Mid-Journey library can provide creative inspiration for ad campaigns
Static images are currently outperforming videos in Facebook advertising
Regular creative refreshes, including the use of static images, are crucial for maintaining ad performance
---------------------------------------
Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!
Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!
Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me
---------------------------------------
If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit lancaric.substack.com & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric
Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/how-to-market-a-merge-game-top3-ua?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask Matej AI - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai
Felix Latest Article -
https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Aug 1, 2024 • 39min
Softlaunch Sonar #5: More Whiteout survival-like games coming!
Jakub Remia, a seasoned expert in user acquisition and game design, joins the lively discussion. They dive into the innovative merging of genres, especially whimsical survival games set in treacherous whiteout conditions. The team humorously evaluates various titles like 'Dark and Darker Mobile' and the evolution of room-based puzzles. They also highlight the dominance of Chinese developers in the casual market, shedding light on emerging trends and strategic insights in mobile gaming.

Jul 29, 2024 • 46min
ChinaJoy 2024 POV: WeChat mini-games, the speed of game development & Impressive market growth
This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.
Panelists: Jakub Remiar, Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric
Youtube: https://youtu.be/_FM7O4K803c
Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ
Agenda
00:00 Introduction and Overview of the ChinaJoy Trip
02:56 The Impressive Growth of the Chinese Gaming Market
06:07 Exploring WeChat Mini Games and Unique Features of the Chinese Market
11:30 The Gray Area of Renting ISBNs and Other Publishing Insights
14:51 Data Sharing and Quick Payments in the Chinese Gaming Industry
17:19 Immediate Advertising Revenue and the Convenience of the Chinese Market
21:58 Long Working Hours and the Shrinking China Joy Expo
24:20 Grumpiness and Hunger
24:44 Big Brands and High Production Value Booths
25:14 The Popularity of Gacha Machines
26:06 The Rise of Live Games
29:03 The Importance of UA and Creatives
32:08 The Differences Between Western and Chinese Markets
32:34 The Speed of Game Development in China
33:13 The Abundance of Doodle Magic-like Games
38:07 Admiration for Chinese Game Developers
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Matej Lancaric
User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant
https://lancaric.me
Felix Braberg
Ad monetization consultant
https://www.felixbraberg.com
Jakub Remiar
Game design consultant
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar
---------------------------------------
Takeaways
The Chinese gaming market is rapidly growing and is projected to reach $40 billion in revenue this year.
Mobile games dominate the Chinese gaming market, with nearly 75% of the market share.
WeChat mini-games are popular in China and offer fully-fledged gaming experiences within the WeChat app.
The Chinese gaming industry operates quickly, with fast payments and data sharing among industry players.
The Chinese market has unique features, such as the use of QR codes for payments and the extensive sharing of data within the industry. ChinaJoy is a major gaming expo in China that attracts big brands and showcases booths with high production values.
Gacha machines are prevalent at ChinaJoy, offering various items and experiences.
Live games, where players battle in real-time, are popular in China and can run thousands of games simultaneously.
UA (user acquisition) and creatives are highly valued positions in the Chinese game industry.
The Chinese market is known for its speed of game development and the abundance of Doodle Magic-like games.
Chinese game developers have a different mindset and approach to creativity compared to the Western market.
The hosts express their admiration for the creativity and expertise of Chinese game developers and their desire to return to China in the future.
---------------------------------------
Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!
Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!
Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me
---------------------------------------
If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit lancaric.substack.com & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric
Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask Matej AI - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Jul 25, 2024 • 46min
Is Zenless Zone Zero FLOP or NOT?
In this gaming podcast, industry professional Jakub Remia joins the hosts to dissect the success of Genshin Impact and the potential flop of Zenonzard. They critique gameplay mechanics, visual design, and revenue potential, offering valuable insights into the anime RPG genre. The discussion highlights the need for innovation and change in game mechanics to stay competitive in the market.

Jul 22, 2024 • 1h 5min
10+ billion installs x Azur Games Review live: Launching hypercasual with long ROAS
Gaming expert Jakub Remia discusses Hyper Casual Market potential, Azur Games' publishing strategy, profitability & ROAS targets, Survivor IO evolution, AI in creatives, user acquisition channels, ad partners, team structure, developer collaborations, and early publisher outreach.

Jul 19, 2024 • 60min
2.5 gamers x Live AM(F)A #4 - Ask Me Anything @ July 18 6 pm CET
Gaming industry professional Jakub Remia joins the podcast to discuss game design, ad monetization, app monetization strategies, non-game ads, meta games impact, playable ads, localization importance, value optimization campaigns, ad network performance optimization, and industry trends like machine learning translation in Google Play.

Jul 15, 2024 • 1h 1min
Project RISE review: Supercells *NEW* Rogue-lite Game is in pre-alpha!
A discussion on the new rogue-lite game Project Rise by Supercell with 6 unique heroes. Shared perks and limited respawns add to the challenge. The panelists provide valuable insights without taking themselves too seriously. They highlight gameplay mechanics, strategies, and challenges of the game, finding it enjoyable despite technical issues. Exciting exploration of game genres and player experiences with references to popular titles like Archero and Hades.
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