Gamecraft

Mitch and Blake delve into the tight grip Apple and Google have over mobile gaming, warning how their current distribution models might bleed into PCs and consoles. They explore the historical evolution of mobile tech, highlighting how past innovations shaped today's content. The conversation reveals the troubling advertising tactics of some developers, designed to prioritize profit over player engagement. They argue for government intervention to combat cost exploitation in the app store duopoly, raising alarms about the unsettling parallels to Steam's practices.

Mitch and Blake examine the current state of the gaming industry, challenging the notion of cyclical downturns or stagnant maturity. They argue for the interplay of content, distribution, and technology as key innovation forces. The discussion highlights the decline in venture capital and its impact on both independent and major studios, while exploring the shift to free-to-play models and the revolutionary role of AI. They critique the stagnation in content innovation and the monopolistic trends in game distribution, urging for a deeper understanding of market dynamics.

Exploring the impact of AI advancements on the games business, from creative efficiencies to potential disruptions in the labor force. Delving into the dark arts of customer acquisition through behavioral analysis and ad personalization. Examining the bull and bear cases for game AI and its implications for the future of the industry.

Mitch and Blake delve into the world of intellectual property licensing in games, discussing the value of licensed IP and sharing secrets to finding gems for licensing. They dissect EA Sports' success in licensing real teams and players, and explore the recent Epic/Disney partnership for a massive re-engagement scheme. The podcast touches on celebrity endorsements vs. IP licensing and the challenges faced in the gaming industry with licensing deals.

Exploring the importance of distribution in the video game industry, discussing the evolution of distribution costs from physical to digital era, and analyzing the impact of platforms like Steam. Delving into the transformation of distribution platforms within the gaming sector, discussing profitability, curation, and innovative marketing approaches. Highlighting Netflix's strategic venture into the gaming industry with a bundled game subscription service.

Discussions on the expansion of gaming in emerging markets like Middle East, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Insights on the challenges of introducing games in diverse regions and the importance of localization. Exploring the growth potential of Indian gaming market and the regulatory impact on China's gaming industry.

Exploring the definition and origins of indie game developers, the impact of digital distribution platforms, and the success story of Minecraft. Discussing the rise of indie game publishers and the emergence of indie developers on platforms like Roblox and Unreal Engine Fortnite. Exploring monetization opportunities and the importance of the independent games movement in driving innovation.

The podcast discusses the emergence of game-enabling software platforms like Epic, Unity, AppLovin, Discord, and Roblox. It explores their strategies, market value, and Wall Street response. The evolution of Epic Games and Unity is explored, highlighting their adaptability and success. The rise of Apple Oven in the ads business and Discord's evolution into a communication platform are also discussed. The hosts reflect on the pitfalls of industry maps and offer advice for entrepreneurs.

Mitch and Blake discuss game financing, including publishing financing and venture capital. They explore the trade-offs of securing funding and the promises made to venture capitalists. They also discuss aqua hiring, innovation in distribution, spending money in game studios, going public, and the current state of venture investing in the game industry.

The hosts discuss the paradoxical state of the games business, comparing it to the post-pandemic video streaming industry. They explore the implications of increasing consolidation, the end of the ten year surfeit of cheap money, and the over-investment of private capital into studios. They also cover topics such as the evolving definition of gaming, challenges faced by gaming studios, and the impact of COVID-19 on valuation and growth. Additionally, they touch upon the challenges faced by the gaming industry in China.