Deconstructor of Fun

• TWIG #326 Supercell Goes VC while Minecraft Kills at the Box Office

  In this week’s episode of This Week in Games, we’re joined by special guest Chris Sides for a jam-packed conversation covering everything from transmedia storytelling to the latest moves in the gaming industry. We dive into the surprising momentum behind the Minecraft movie, explore Gen Z trends and market predictions, and unpack Netflix’s bold push into interactive fiction. Plus, we break down A16Z’s new Speed Run initiative, take a close look at Supercell’s evolving investment strategy, and compare War Robots to the newly launched Steel Hunters. 00:00 Introduction and Host Introductions01:58 Special Guest Chris and His Background02:49 Transmedia and Pop Culture Discussion03:48 Industry Updates and News07:03 Podcast Highlights and Recent Episodes09:21 Minecraft Movie Success16:54 Gen Z and Market Predictions20:48 Netflix's Interactive Fiction Strategy28:44 Speed Run Initiative by A16Z30:22 Supercell's Investment Strategy31:19 Supercell's Investment Philosophy32:54 Supercell's Investment History and Performance43:14 Blueprints: The Best Rated Game of 202549:21 RE's Latest Deck Recap53:36 Steel Hunters: Early Access and Unreal Engine01:03:02 War Robots vs. Steel Hunters01:05:02 Conclusion and Farewell

  --------  

  1:06:37
• 278. Unlocking Gen Z: Strategies for Game Publishers and Developers

  In this episode, Deconstructor of Fun’s Michail Katkoff sits down with Tobias Knoke — long-time Googler, gaming industry expert, and Gen Z whisperer — to unpack what game developers need to know right now about the fastest-growing and most misunderstood audience in gaming.👉 Learn why Gen Z is about to become the biggest spending group on mobile👉 Why they’re less loyal to individual games, and how to win them back👉 How to build creator strategies that actually work👉 What Gen Z hates about ads — and what they love👉 How AI is quietly reshaping game development (and why Gen Z doesn’t care)🧠 Read more at: www.deconstructoroffun.com00:00 The State of Gaming Post-Pandemic03:51 Understanding Gen Z's Gaming Behavior06:53 Strategies for Engaging Gen Z10:05 The Role of Creators in Gaming Marketing12:52 Building Effective Creator Strategies15:43 The Impact of Social Connections on Gaming18:43 Achieving Escape Velocity in Game Launches33:38 Navigating Competition in Mobile Gaming36:52 Understanding Gen Z's Unique Gaming Preferences41:23 Ad Monetization Strategies for Gen Z46:53 High Expectations and LiveOps for Gen Z49:37 The Role of AI in Game DevelopmentGen Z, gaming strategies, mobile gaming, creator marketing, ad monetization, LiveOps, AI in gaming, audience engagement, gaming behavior, influencer strategies

  --------  

  59:33
• TWIG #325 Ubisoft Bails Out, AppLovin Fights Back, Roblox Becomes an Ad Network

  GDC’s over, but the takes are still hot. Eric Kress recaps the chaos and questions Dark Legion’s staying power, while Phil gives the Game Craft boys a well-deserved nod. Then it’s Switch 2 speculation time: is Nintendo finally back in the power game? Meanwhile, Roblox cozies up to Google for rewarded ads—what does that mean for the ecosystem? Meanwhile, AppLovin fights off short seller heat while asserting market dominance. Plus, Tencent’s playing the long game with Ubisoft, again—no surprise, but lots to unpack.02:12 GDC Highlights and Dark Legion Update03:18 Game Craft Podcast05:27 CEO Interviews and App Charge Partnership07:31 GDC Attendance and Dark Legion Performance15:58 Switch 2 Announcement23:26 Roblox Rewarded Ads and Google Partnership31:54 AppLovin's Short Seller Allegations36:17 Hedge Fund Hotels and Market Dynamics36:36 AppLovin Market Dominance38:49 Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Acquisition43:57 Supercell's New Game: First Impressions53:22 Ubisoft's $1.25 Billion Tencent Deal01:05:36 Tencent's Long Game and Market Strategy 

  --------  

  1:08:47
• 277. Leadership, AI, and Mobile Growth – Insights from AppsFlyer’s CEO and co-Founder, Oren Kaniel

  What makes the company a great place to work? We discuss the significance of company culture, leadership evolution, and the vital role of customer obsession with AppsFlyer's CEO and co-founder, Oren Kaniel. Oren shares his entrepreneurial journey, how the company overcame early financial challenges, and the importance of remaining innovative and passionate. Additionally, we explore AI's role in the future of business, balancing data privacy with technological advancements, and the grand vision for AppsFlyer's continued growth and impact.02:44 Building a Company Culture06:33 The Importance of Customer Obsession15:24 Challenges and Early Days of the Startup20:15 Navigating Growth and Scaling Up25:06 Hiring and Nurturing Talent42:15 Transparency vs. Clarity in Leadership44:02 Innovative Solutions for Business Growth56:39 The Role of AI in Business Transformation01:05:47 Building a Sustainable Business Ecosystem01:15:20 Future Prospects and Innovations

  --------  

  1:20:20
• 276. Growing in a Mature Market with Josh Wilson, CEO of SciPlay

  Josh Wilson, CEO of SciPlay, returns to the podcast for the third time to discuss key topics such as the significance of Q5, the challenges of app store reliance, the stalled growth in the gaming market, the emergence of hybrid casualization, and the role of AI in gaming.Subscribe to the Deconstructor of Fun Newsletter: www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribeContinue the conversation on our Slack channel: www.deconstructoroffun.com/slack00:00 Introduction and Previous Conversations03:28 Understanding Q5 and Its Impact on Gaming12:38 Navigating App Store Reliance and Customer Ownership21:46 Stalled Growth in the Gaming Market31:24 Customer Retention as a Business Strategy37:44 Embracing Change and Innovation40:55 The Shift to Hybrid Casual Gaming55:15 The Role of AI in Gaming01:09:02 Future Skills in a Changing Landscape

  --------  

  1:11:39

Más podcasts de Ocio

Podcasts a la moda de Ocio

Acerca de Deconstructor of Fun