Deconstructor of Fun

Up Down Up is now available as an audiobook on Audible! https://www.amazon.com/UP-DOWN-companies-succeed-others/dp/B0CR7T9DPT In this episode, Kim Nordstrom joins the podcast to discuss his journey in the gaming industry, from releasing his first game in 1995 to significant roles at PlayStation, King, and Paradox. The conversation delves into topics from his book 'Up, Down, Up,' exploring what it...

In this episode of This Week in Games , we dive into the intriguing rumors surrounding a potential new PlayStation Portable and discuss Elon Musk’s rumored AI game studio , which could reshape innovation in the space. On the business side, we analyze the closure of Ubisoft studios and the enduring popularity of the Pokémon Trading Card Game .  In mobile gaming, we spotlight Habby’s big launches ,...

In this episode, host Mishka Katkoff is joined by Sergei Vasiuk, LiveOps Director at Wargaming and author of 'Running a Successful Live Service Game.' The two delve into Sergei's book, discussing everything from the evolution of gaming models to data-driven development, player engagement, monetization strategies, and the challenges of global operations. This episode is a treasure trove of insights...

Dive deep into the world of game development and user acquisition with AppLovin’s Daniel TchernahovskyIn this episode, we explore the growth of mobile gaming, the significance of hybrid monetization, and the impact of automation and AI on user acquisition strategies. Learn how Applovin's journey from startup to powerhouse company evolved, the importance of maintaining company culture, and strategi...

Happy Thanksgaming! This week, the Deconstructor of Fun crew kicks things off with a recap of the buzzing Slush event before diving into a deep analysis of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. From there, we tackle Ubisoft’s heated return-to-office controversy and explore Hasbro’s massive $150 million investment in gaming. The latter half of the episode delves into Royal Kingdom’s prolonged soft launch stra...

Phillip Black sits down with Leo Yao, General Manager of Timi Studio Group’s J3 studio, for an exclusive look at the making of Call of Duty Mobile and the upcoming Delta Force . Discover how Timi shocked Activision with a two-month Nuketown demo, the secrets behind COD Mobile’s record-breaking live ops, and why Delta Force pivots to tackle Battlefield . Insights: The surprising dominance of Crossf...

As Kress’ World of Warcraft account turns 20, we blow out the candles and reflect on a surprising reason behind EA’s disastrous AI investor presentation. Jen delivers a valiant defense of Monopoly Go’s new TV campaign, while Phil reviews the early returns of Pokémon TCG Pocket. Big in Japan, as they say? The group wraps up with what might be the year’s final Embracer hazing session, absolving them...

Join us on the Deconstructor of Fun Podcast as we delve into LiveOps strategies for Q5 with esteemed guests Sezer Degirmenbasi, head of EMEA for mobile gaming at TikTok, and John Wright, head of publishing at Kwalee. In this episode, you’ll discover what Q5 is and why it's crucial for game marketers and learn detailed strategies for leveraging TikTok's LiveOps tools to extend your game's lifecycle...

HYBRIDCASUAL PLAYBOOK: metahybridcasualplaybook.splashthat.com   In this podcast episode, Michail Katkoff hosts Manish Gajria, Director of Product from Meta, and Ryan Davies, Head of Performance Marketing from Kwalee to discuss the current trends in the mobile gaming market, focusing on value optimization, hybrid casual games, and the impact of AI on user acquisition strategies. They explore the c...

After Kress released the rockets at large VCs last week the crew gets back into heated venture capital discussions exploring the complexities of VC investments in gaming and the shifting landscape of game development and funding. The conversation also touches on the potential leadership changes at EA, the implications of recent acquisitions in the gaming industry, and the performance of companies...

Jen Donahoe, Laura Taranto, and Eric Kress live from GamesForum San Francisco. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 01:29 Panelist Intros 05:53 First Topic: Unfiltered Growth and Monetization 12:50 Incentivized Advertising: Past and Present 17:59 Challenges and Future of Incentivized Ads 27:27 Expanding Beyond Gaming: Brand Collaborations 32:15 Exploring Roblox's Integration with Shopify 32:52...

Eric roleplays as his Old Man Yells at Cloud Halloween costume, sparing no expense at Netflix’s strange announcement and an ugly breakdown of modern venture capital. Laura tells us if Pokemon’s new mobile game looks more like Go or Masters, while Jen gives a eulogy for Space Ape. Phil raves at Call of Duties monster success and asks Nadella to release the Game Pass tapes. 00:26 Nintendo Switch Ear...

In this episode of Deconstructor of Fun, we dive into the shifting landscape of influencer marketing in the gaming industry, focusing on the emergence and impact of creator programs. Our guests: Patrick "Chief Pat" Carney (Tribe Gaming), Scott Walker (Ninja Kiwi), and Justin Sacks (Nexus.gg) — industry experts and key voices in creator marketing—explore the evolving roles of influencers and creato...

It’s Halloween and conference season, so we’re diving into all the latest insights without of course missing a basketball update. In today’s episode, we got Call of Duty’s continued dominance, Battlefield’s woes, Apple’s App Store for gaming, China’s rise in 4x games, and Barbie’s design mismatch. Dive in for all things gaming, snark included! Hosts: Jen Donahoe, Eric Kress, Phillip Black and Mish...

In this deep dive discussion, Adam Telfer, Chris Sides, Phillip Black, and Davan Brannan explore the current state of the PC and console shooter genre, analyzing player engagement trends, the impact of COVID-19, and the struggles of new game entrants in a saturated market. They discuss the decline in player numbers for popular titles, the challenges of maintaining engagement, and the implications...

Arguably the most fun newsletter for games industry professionals: www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe --- This episode of This Week in Games covers major shifts in gaming, as Netflix shutting down its AAA studio, TikTok’s LiveOps program, and the rise of influencer marketing and Supercell’s all-hands-on-deck approach to save Squad Busters. The episode also addresses the perceived decline of AA s...

On his 55th visit to beyond the Wall (aka. Finland) Peter Levin of Griffin Gaming Partners delves into the influence of Finland's gaming scene, the global success of companies like Supercell, and the legacy of titles such as Angry Birds and Habbo Hotel.  We discuss the impact of technology, transmedia trends, and how non-endemic players like Netflix are entering the gaming space. The conversation...

In this episode of TWIG (This Week in Games), the team dives into recent gaming industry news, starting with Google’s Play and Xbox announcements, followed by the Game Freak data breach and Xbox developments. 'They discuss Supercell’s mysterious Project Rise, the rumored Destiny Rising mobile game, and blockchain gaming with Off the Grid. The episode also highlights Azra Games’ Project Legends, sp...

Michail Katkoff sits down with Javier Ferreira, Co-CEO of Scopely, to explore the success behind Scopely's hit game Monopoly Go, which has generated over $3 billion in lifetime revenue. Javier shares insights into Scopely's acquisition by Savvy, the impact of solid partnerships, and Scopely's future ambitions with original IPs. Learn about effective game development, strategic risk-taking, and the...

The TWIG team unpacks the latest developments in Ubisoft’s internal drama. They also dive into the troubled launch of Squadbusters and explore whether toxic positivity is a growing issue in game development. Plus, get the latest on the Epic vs. Google legal battle and the controversies surrounding Roblox . Tune in for sharp analysis and thoughtful discussion on all things gaming! 02:02 Event Highl...

Saudi Arabia has a bold vision - to transform itself into a global gaming hub by 2030.  With insights from Savvy Games Group CEO Brian Ward and Gerard Miles, co-CEO of executive headhunting company Mission One, we delve into the Kingdom's strategic efforts to build a robust gaming ecosystem in the Middle East.  Discover the opportunities and challenges of navigating business in Saudi Arabia, and l...

Jen Donahoe, Eric Kress, Phillip Black, and Mishka Katkoff discuss the impact of California's new digital ownership law, highlights from the Tokyo Game Show, and the record-breaking numbers on Steam. They also delve into Ubisoft's delays, Behavior Interactive's acquisitions, and Meta's new AR glasses, concluding with a look at Genshin Impact's impressive revenue and market influence. Takeaways * M...

Host Jen Donahoe is joined by a panel of emerging game industry professionals—Pedro Bravo (Lead PM Monopoly Go at Scopely), Vlada Kumova (Game Producer at GameFam), and Lara Burić (Game Designer at Hutch). The discussion centers around the challenges and barriers faced by the next generation of game developers as they enter the industry, the difficulties of securing opportunities, and the ongoing...

Kress bites back at Cupcake listeners, while Adam thinks a Space Marine live service is as dead as the Necrons. Phil thinks MoPoGo is groundbreaking, but no one is surfing the waves yet. Laura tells us the real origin story, and Jen has her best Italian accent. 00:00 Intro 01:49 Shills 02:46 AI in Gaming 07:16 EA Strategy 09:28 Adam & Laura: Origins 18:32 Industry Trends and Predictions 31:28...

Mishka Katkoff chats with Sebastian Forsström, Head of Paradox ARC, to explore the world of indie game publishing at Paradox Interactive. Sebastian provides an overview of Paradox Interactive and dives into the role of Paradox ARC, a division dedicated to helping indie developers. They discuss how Paradox evaluates and develops games, the importance of sustained user engagement, and effective mark...