two & a half gamers

We dive into the world of ad monetization in mobile games, reviewing several recent titles that rely heavily on ad revenue. We discuss the strategies behind these games, their performance metrics, and the implications for the gaming industry. We discuss the challenges parents face with kids' gaming, the success of ultra-casual games, and the aggressive monetization tactics employed by develope...

In this podcast, Jakub Remiar discusses the performance and updates of the Pokemon TCG Pocket game, focusing on revenue trends, user engagement, the new expansion, and the controversial trading system. He highlights the game's revenue spikes, user retention rates, and the implications of the trading mechanics on player experience. Also touches on the need for improved game features and the fut...

In this episode, we explore game apps—their growth, challenges, and performance metrics. We examine monetization, user engagement, and the impact of offline and hybrid games while discussing anticipated titles and marketing strategies. We also cover scaling strategies, power progression layers, and future predictions for trading card games, emphasizing the need for creativity and innovation in the...

We explored the complexities of game scaling, user acquisition, and the mechanics of Century Games' new game, High Seas Hero. In our discussion, we unpacked game progression systems, monetization strategies, and the intricacies of global launches. We reflected on how gameplay innovation often clashes with monetization tactics that prioritize short-term revenue over long-term player satisfactio...

Felix Braberg discusses the evolving landscape of ad monetization in mobile apps and games. He highlights the shift towards mobile apps, the increasing importance of ad quality, and innovative strategies for driving in-app purchases (IAPs) and subscriptions. He delves into the brain training app market, effective ad messaging techniques, and psychological pricing strategies that enhance user engag...

We dive into the mechanics, revenue, and market positioning of the new puzzle game Color Block Jam by @rollic-games We discuss its gameplay design, ad revenue potential, user engagement, and competitive landscape while also exploring future prospects and user acquisition strategies. The discussion highlights the game's deterministic nature and its appeal in the mobile gaming market, alongside...

We dive into the closed alpha testing of Project Rise, a new game from Supercell. We discuss gameplay mechanics, user interface changes, and the challenges players face. The conversation also touches on the importance of tower upgrades, the introduction of new features and perks, and the role of bots in gameplay. We also expressed our thoughts on the game's long-term viability and compared it...

In this episode, Matej Lancaric discusses the critical relationship between Cost Per Install (CPI) and Lifetime Value (LTV) in mobile gaming. He explores how different game genres affect these metrics, the importance of churn prediction for user retention, and strategies for optimizing user acquisition. The monologue also covers the significance of payback periods and how to utilize LTV prediction...

We dive into the phenomenon of Block Blast! by Hungry Studio, exploring its massive success in the mobile gaming industry. We discuss the game's impressive download numbers, user engagement strategies, and unique game mechanics that keep players hooked. Our conversation also touches on the dynamic difficulty adjustments that personalize the gaming experience and the revenue generation strategies c...

The ban of TikTok in the United States has sparked widespread discussion, but the implications extend beyond the loss of a single social media platform. While some may dismiss TikTok as a trivial app, this situation is part of a broader historical pattern where access to popular media is used as a means of control. Examining the ban within this larger context offers a framework to understand its s...

We dive into the latest creative trends and insights in the gaming industry, focusing on creative trends and strategies, emotional advertising, and the growing impact of AI in mobile game marketing. --------------------------------------- PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers. Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/ They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital...

In this episode, Jakub discusses the evolving landscape of mobile gaming, focusing on the impact of CPI and IDFA on user acquisition, product trends for 2025, and the adaptation of successful Steam games to mobile platforms. He highlights the disruption in casual genres, particularly solitaire, and the evolution of hidden object games. His presentation also dives into the proliferation of fake cre...

In this episode, we delve into the latest industry trends, focusing on Magic Sort, a game gaining significant attention in Türkiye. We explore its gameplay mechanics, monetization strategies, and user acquisition insights, highlighting the importance of production quality and effective ad strategies. Our discussion also touches on the game's future prospects and the overall landscape of puzzle gam...

In this episode, we are focusing on the game Dark and Darker. We discuss its mechanics, survival elements, class systems, and monetization strategies. The conversation also touches on the trends in mobile gaming and the importance of community engagement for game longevity. At the end, we share insights on the game's hype and its potential impact on the gaming landscape. --------------------------...

In this episode, Felix Braberg dives deep into the mobile mediation market, exploring its history, the evolution of mobile advertising, and the key players in the mediation space. He discusses the importance of ad revenue, how it is calculated, and best practices for app developers to maximize their earnings. He also covers strategies for soft launching apps and optimizing ad stacks as developers...

In this episode, we explore the latest trends shaping the gaming industry, focusing on user acquisition strategies, game performance metrics, and the evolving impact of advertising channels. We also explore the rise of new games, the top UA advertisers, the dynamics of real-money gaming, and how platforms like TikTok and Unity influence marketing and development. Packed with insights, we discuss t...

In this episode, we dive into the latest developments in the gaming world, focusing on Path of Exile 2. We explore the game's mechanics, its free-to-play model, and the historical context of the franchise. Our discussion also touches on player engagement, game balance, and community feedback, offering insights into the current state and future of the game. Together, we unpack the intricacies of Pa...

In this episode, our friend John Wright discusses his predictions for the gaming industry in 2025, covering a range of topics from the rise of anime games to the impact of AI on game development. He emphasizes the importance of direct-to-consumer models and alternative stores while also addressing the challenges of privacy and user acquisition. He highlights the evolving gaming landscape and the s...

In this episode, we explore the gaming industry's evolving landscape, focusing on CPI testing, game mechanics, and market trends. We also explore the new games in Soft Launch, the impact of new game launches, the disruption of traditional genres like Solitaire, and the potential of branded games like Barbie. The conversation also touches on the strategies of various game developers, including Cent...

In this episode, we dive into the game Blossom Sort, exploring its revenue generation, user engagement metrics, game design mechanics, and monetization strategies. Together, we unpack the dynamics of the Chinese gaming market and discuss the creative marketing strategies that have propelled the game’s success. We also share our thoughts on future trends in the casual gaming sector, offering insigh...

In this new segment, I explore the farming games market, its growth, key players, revenue insights, and player engagement strategies. I also discuss the importance of retention rates, monetization strategies, and mini-games emergence as a crucial trend. The conversation highlights opportunities for new entrants in the market and emphasizes the need for innovation and an understanding of player dem...

In this episode, we dive into the latest creative trends and insights in the gaming industry, focusing on creative strategies, emotional advertising, and the growing impact of AI in mobile game marketing. We analyze successful game creatives, share thoughts on the evolution of marketing strategies, and explore how emotions are essential for engaging players. Together, we highlight the importance o...

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of match3 games, exploring their core design, the evolution of game mechanics, and what it takes to succeed in this highly competitive genre. We look back at the historical context of match 3 games, discuss today’s market leaders, and highlight the challenges faced by new entrants. Our conversation focuses on striking the right balance between luck and...

In this conversation, we have a guest Gonçalo from Boombit and delve into the intricacies of cross-promotion in the gaming industry. We discuss the significance of cross-promotion for profitability, the strategies employed by Boombit to effectively engage users, and the technical aspects of implementing cross-promotion. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced in cross-promotion and t...

We delve into the gaming industry, focusing on the recent launch of Royal Kingdom, a sequel to Royal Match. We discuss the game's performance, monetization strategies, and the competitive landscape, comparing it to its predecessor. The conversation also touches on financial insights regarding Dream Games, the company behind these titles, and the evolving game mechanics that cater to a specific aud...