Deconstructor of Fun

Jen and Phil close the book on licensing…or do they…while Eric closes the book on the 500 World of Warcraft gear score. Laura looks at Scopley’s new global forgotten franchise, and the team examines mounting Twitch losses. Eric makes 10 x new faces in the episode.

Subscribe to our weekly insights-filled newsletter: https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe In this episode, we’re focusing on the impact of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and antitrust policies on game monetization. Our guest, Archie Stonehill, Chief Product Officer at Stash, is providing insights into how the DMA is changing the landscape for app stores and game developers. From sideloading...

After dropping mice nuts somewhere on the Blizzard campus, Eric returns to remind Matthew Ball of his crypto advocacy. Jen raises the banner for games as toy brand extensions and enrolls in Joost’s class. Phil is ready to be The Second Descendant and reports on Rainbow Seige’s new marketplace. 

Pete Hawley (former executive at 100 Thieves, EA, Zynga, Lionhead, Sony, Telltale, and Mythical Games) and Alexander Seropian (founder of Bungie, Industrial Toys, Wideload, and Look North Games) unpack their experiences with the Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) platform, discussing marketing strategies, player engagement, technical limitations, and opportunities.  00:00 Introduction to Heroic Lab...

The one newsletter to rule them all - not really, but it is good: https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe The prodigal pair of Jen and Eric return from trotting around L.A. in the Jade Inferno mobile, while Laura laments the lack of Disco Ball. Phil stacks the chips on Zenless Zone Zero’s role in MiHoYo’s portfolio. Jen gives us the 411 on Disney IP’s 911 on mobile. Why do they all fail? And...

Join the industry's leading weekly newsletter: www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe This episode is perfect for those interested in game development while managing significant brand collaborations. Join our host Mishka Katkoff as we delve into game development and IP licensing with Peter Hansen-Chambers,  co-CEO of Hutch.  Peter shares his journey to become a co-CEO and explores the unique str...

Join us for a Whiskey Tasting at Gamescom: https://event.appsflyer.com/gamescomwwwtasting/DOF   The Californians are out and it’s two-and-a half-Europeans running the show! Instead of talking about the ongoing European Football Championship or the election results in France and the UK, the trio will dive into Nintendo’s AI avoidance, hybridcasual puzzle games, and Squad Busters. We will also addre...

Join host Mishka Katkoff on the Deconstructor of Fun podcast as he talks with Solsten founders Joe Schaeppi and Bastian Bergmann. They discuss the latest gaming industry trends, the importance of change management, and the critical role of audience resonance. Learn how AI enhances studio efficiency, the value of a measured approach, and how Solsten uses psychological data to improve user experienc...

So much news, and so little time! The crew discusses the acquisition of Singularity 6 and how it's one of the first superfunded star-studded studios that burned all the capital raised only to be acquired at a micenut valuation. We discuss Netflix Games' latest spin on how all is great despite the head of games leaving the organization and replacement still to be announced. And we cap the e...

Industry's leading newsletter: www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe Join host Michail Katkoff on the Deconstructor of Fun podcast as he delves into the remarkable career journey of Kieran Donovan, founder of k-ID. Explore how Kieran transitioned from a screenwriter to a lawyer and then to a successful startup founder, raising $51 million in just 9 months. Discover what k-ID is all about, a pio...

With Miska discovering the true meaning of Tinto Verano, the crew convenes to celebrate Eric’s promotion to senior consultant. Meanwhile, Jen reminds us that Rocket League isn’t a real football game, and Eric finally finds a VC investment with scale. Phil stares down Fortnite numbers while Laura reminds us Switch is the train that keeps chugging. Plus, anime girl horse racing. 00:00 Intro 03:05 Sh...

Sensor Tower State of Gaming 2024 www.sensortower.com/state-of-gaming-2024 Data.ai Mobile App Market Forecast 2030 www.data.ai/en/go/mobile-app-market-forecast/ Don't miss out on this in-depth discussion — subscribe to the Deconstructor of Fun Podcast and newsletter for more expert insights. https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe In this episode, Lexi Sydow, Director of Corporate Marketi...

They say a week without TWIG is like a beach without sand. Well, it seems like there's sand in Squad Busters' growth engine. The game had the most bombastic launch of any Supercell game and is now experiencing the fastest fall as well. The crew analyzes early numbers and potential reasons behind the rapid decline. We also talk about Netflix Games, which seems to have ended its honeymoon pe...

The Deconstructor of Fun Newsletter: https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe Klang Games out of Berlin has raised 77M over 6 funding rounds from reputable investors like Supercell, LVP, North Zone, and Makers Fund.  The company was established in 2013, 11 years ago. They haven’t shipped the game they have been raising against. So they can’t have any scalable objective data to show they are he...

In this week's show, the crew dives into Voodoo's acquisition of BeReal and the Sandbox's 20M convertible note. With all the events taking place the crew discusses Xbox Showcase, Ubisoft Forward, and the Summer Game Fest. With Phil out and Miska in Spain, this is the first Nordic-free episode in a year. hosts: Jennifer Donahoe, Laura Taranto, Erick Kress, and Mishka Katkoff sponsors: X...

Gerard Miles (www.linkedin.com/in/gerard-miles) is a veteran executive headhunter, who shares his extensive 15-year journey with a special focus on the gaming industry over the past decade.  We explore Gerard’s founding of Mission One (www.missionone.io), a company dedicated to sourcing top-tier executives globally, and delve into the significance of executive search in a rapidly expanding industr...

Join the industry's spiciest newsletter: https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe With Mishka gobbling birthday whey cakes, the crew looks at Squad Busters’ week 1 returns, and it’s not pretty. The specter of Boom Beach is starting to cast its shadow. Meanwhile, Phil talks about Destiny 2 stumbling in its last hoorah, while Laura talks about Stumble Guys standing straight. Jen gives the 41...

Join us for an insider tour of Voodoo’s HQ and uncover the journey to hybrid casual success with Voodoo’s Gabriel Rivaud, VP of Gaming. Gabriel Rivaud: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-rivaud-21210744/ Michail Katkoff https://www.linkedin.com/in/michailkatkoff/ Sign up for our weekly newsletter. You won't regret it! https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe

Squad Busters is released and we have more thoughts about it. Ubisoft's XDefiant hits 1M unique users, bringing Phil immense joy. Crew debates who does Fall Guys better than Fall Guys? Stumble Guys...? We'll also warm you up for the upcoming Summer Games Fest on June 7. signup to our masterful weekly newsletter:https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe The hosts: Jen Donahoe, Eric Kress...

Phillip Black, Michail Katkoff, and guest analyst Matthew Emery deconstruct Supercell's 6th billion Dollar franchise just before it is launched to the global audience. To read the full deconstruction, go to: https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/blog/2024/5/26/squad-busters-supercell-hits-the-apex-or-spins-off-track

Anime corrections, baseless speculation about Applovin, Take-Two earnings, and the GTA 6 launch date window. We speculate on the reason for Squad Busters’ massive 40M pre-registrations. Phil can’t wait to talk xDefiant. Mishka cosplays Jen and covers ad creative.  All that and more on today’s TWIG your hosts: Jen Donahoe, Eric Kress, Phillip Black and Michail Katkoff

Join seasoned UA and marketing consultant Matej Lančaric as he shares his decade-long journey from being an employee to running a global user acquisition consulting business. Discover his transition to solopreneurship, client management tips, and leveraging AI tools. Gain insights on balancing work, creativity, and family life alongside the importance of genuine passion and unique goal-setting app...

The big topic of the episode is Netflix which struck a partnership with Roblox. What does this mean to Netflix Games? Hear our hypothesis. The crew has BIG debates about Eurovision, and Tencent's role is Supercell's turnaround as well as anime. Your hosts: Jen Donahoe, Michail Katkoff, Phillip Black, and Eric Kress Segments: 00.00 Shill & Banter 09:20 News & HOT takes 44:23 Netflix...

In this episode of the Deconstructor of Fun podcast, host Mishka Katkoff engages with Ben Porter, NewZoo's Director of Consulting, to delve into the profound shifts within the gaming industry reflected in NewZoo's latest report.  They explore a variety of pressing topics such as the industry trends post-COVID-19, console market dynamics, opportunities for game developers, the impact of AI...

Players prevail with Helldivers 2 vs Sony PSN, Nintendo announces Switch 2 is coming before the end of Q125, Unity gets a new boss, Squadbusters racks up the pre-registrations, and Turkish Spyke Games goes to the Moon (Active). Hosts: Eric Kress, Jen Donahoe, Laura Taranto & Phillip Black