Deconstructor of Fun

Deconstructor of Fun
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Deconstructor of Fun

Deconstructor of Fun podcast is created by games professionals for games professionals. We explore the business side of the games industry with the goal of bringing listeners content that is relevant, insightful, and entertaining on a weekly basis. Hosts: Michail Katkoff @mkatkoff www.linkedin.com/in/michailkatkoff/ Eric Kress @ekress www.linkedin.com/in/erickress/ Laura Taranto @laurataranto www.linkedin.com/in/laurataranto/ Phillip Black @econosopher www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-black-economist/ Jen Donahoe @Jen_Donahoe www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdonahoe Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

  1. 1 HR AGO

    TWiG Bonus Episode: Holiday Special (UEFN, Royal Kingdom, and the Steam race)

    No agenda? No problem! Ethan returns from UEFN dormancy to break some exciting news. Jen sells a BMW, while Eric tries to sell a Roblox correction. The Puzzle Queen herself ascends to browbeat Royale Kingdom into better KPIs, and Phil shares pictures of his cat in a banana.  01:17 Holiday Reflections and Family Updates 03:03 Good News, Bad News 04:01 Parenting Challenges and Teenage Years 06:23 Podcast Banter and Personal Stories 08:29 Cat Updates and Car Stories 12:50 Seattle Winter and Personal Updates 14:22 Startup Exit and GameFam 15:09 Roblox and UEFN Discussion 29:03 The Evolution of Fortnite's Algorithm 29:17 Challenges with Limited Analytics 30:27 Licensed Content and Revenue Sharing 31:45 The Future of Survival Crafting Games 33:21 Comparing Royal Kingdom and Royal Match 35:13 Analyzing Game Revenue Trends 37:06 Predictions for 2025 Gaming Trends 39:22 Golden Twig Awards Recap 53:21 Handheld Gaming Innovations 55:25 Holiday Wishes and Final Thoughts --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

    57 min
  2. 260. David Nelson: The Maverick’s Guide for Thriving in BIG Organizations

    3 DAYS AGO

    260. David Nelson: The Maverick’s Guide for Thriving in BIG Organizations

    In this episode, David Nelson co-Founder of Magnetic and a true maverick of our industry, dives deep into the nuances of mobile gaming innovation. David discusses his journey through King, including the formation and successes of the experimentation group. As the industry transforms, he explains the importance of understanding your audience, the pitfalls of following trends blindly, and the necessity of building a strong company strategy. David also offers insights on how to navigate organizational changes and cultivate a culture of constructive conflict. Finally, get a sneak peek into what Magnetic is working on and its approach to creating the next big hit in mobile gaming. 01:03 David Nelson's Background and Identity 04:38 Career at King and Experimentation Group 06:18 Starting a New Company and Investor Insights 09:44 Importance of Honest Feedback and Alignment 11:59 Challenges and Strategies in Game Development 24:31 The Role of Conflict in Meetings 33:07 The Debate Over Small Games 34:04 Testing and Proving Concepts 38:04 Framework for High-Impact Tests 40:35 Challenges of Creative Work 43:33 Experimentation Group Achievements 49:59 Navigating Corporate Culture 55:58 Building Trust and Social Capital 01:03:46 Advice for Driving Change 01:12:21 Insights on Mobile Game Industry 01:35:23 Final Thoughts and Reflections --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

    1h 41m
  3. TWIG #313 Netflix Games Gets Jacked while the Game Awards Jacks Up Numbers

    6 DAYS AGO

    TWIG #313 Netflix Games Gets Jacked while the Game Awards Jacks Up Numbers

    We kick things off with a deep dive into what separates different Nordic countries with regional experts Phillip Black and Mishka Katkoff. Next, we tackle Squad Busters’ ambitious new update. Will it be enough to reverse its decline, or is it too little, too late? Then, there will be chaos in the streaming world as Netflix Games gets GTAd! What went down, and what does it mean for the company’s gaming ambitions? Only Kress can give it to us. Finally, Jen takes us through the Game Awards (aka. the Jeff Keighley Awards) — the wins, the snubs, and what it all means for the industry. Hosts: Mishka Katkoff, Eric Kress, Jen Donahoe, and Phillip Black. 02:07 Supercell's LinkedIn Antics 03:07 Nordic Rivalries Explained 05:09 Event Updates 07:43 Path of Exile Monetization 08:32 Roblox and UEFN Profitability 12:11 Epic Games and Telefonica Deal 15:52 AppLovin's Ad Strategy Change 16:43 Brawl Stars and Toy Story Collaboration 17:25 Netflix Games Licensing Issues 26:07 Build a Rocket Boy Acquisition 28:28 Beam Ventures Gaming Fund 33:40 Game Updates: Path of Exile 2, Marvel Rivals, Delta Force 37:57 Pokemon TCG Pocket's Performance 39:56 Pokemon Go vs. TCG Pocket 44:07 Royal Kingdom's Launch and Comparison 49:42 Supercell's Squadbusters Update 57:17 Game Awards 2024 Highlights --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

    1h 13m
  4. 259. From Segmentation to Personalization: The SciPlay Approach to Success

    16 DEC

    259. From Segmentation to Personalization: The SciPlay Approach to Success

    Cameron Stewart, Group Vice President at SciPlay, shares valuable insights on the robust growth of social casinos, emphasizing retention and monetization strategies. We explore how SciPlay operates with low concentration levels in the market, the importance of personalizing user experiences, and the innovative approaches driving their success. Get an insider's look at the strategic decisions, including talent investment and the unified infrastructure for game development, that make SciPlay a leader in the field. Additionally, Cameron speaks on the benefits and challenges of a return-to-office workplace culture and the strategic value of acquisitions and portfolio diversification. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:28 Understanding the Social Casino Market 03:15 Challenges and Strategies in Game Development 06:15 Segmentation to Personalization 10:25 Retention and Engagement Metrics 16:39 Monetization and Live Operations 33:09 Direct-to-Consumer Strategies 37:19 Exploring the Social Casino Market 38:32 Partnerships and Strategies 40:37 Innovations and Player Behavior 42:11 The Role of IP in Casino Games 43:45 Player Engagement and Retention 51:05 Work Culture and Talent Investment 59:04 Strategic Acquisitions and Diversification 01:06:18 Key Learnings and Advice 01:10:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Social Casino, Monetization, Retention, Personalization, Gaming KPIs, Player Experience, Live Operations, Direct to Consumer, Market Trends, SciPlay, social casino, game development, innovation, acquisitions, player engagement, market strategy, IP integration, casino industry --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

    1h 13m

  5. 12 DEC

    TWIG #312 THE GREATEST WEEK IN F2P. EVER? EVER!

    With Miska set on another jet, Q5 launches in earnest with Marvel Rivals, Delta Force, Path of Exile 2, Infinity Nikki, and Girlsfront Line 2. Oh my, oh my. Kress gives his full review of Infinity Nikki’s costumes, while Jen pulls “Franchise” Beetlejuice. How can Marvel Rivals cross-promote in every Marvel game?  Adam pours cold water retention down the acquisition’s back while Phil tries to light the Chinese game industry fire while wearing a tight desert camouflage shirt (?). 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:56 Meet the Hosts 01:33 Secret Level Screening Review 06:13 Game Exec Supper Club Announcement 07:47 Industry News and Corrections 09:55 Investment and M&A Updates 12:36 New Game Releases and Performance 34:43 Mastery Issues in the Game 35:11 Unique Selling Points and Differentiation 35:46 Honeymoon Phase and Meta Development 36:56 Onboarding and Mastery Curve 39:22 Marvel Cross-Promotions and IP Management 44:32 Path of Exile 2: Strategy and Success 53:59 Delta Force: A Battlefield Clone 58:12 Fortnite's New Tactical Shooter 01:00:59 Infinity Nikki: A Unique Pivot 01:07:36 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

    1h 8m
  6. 258. Unlocking Attribution with TikTok and AppsFlyer

    11 DEC

    258. Unlocking Attribution with TikTok and AppsFlyer

    Mishka Kaktoff is joined by Steve Lockwood from TikTok and Roy Yanai from AppsFlyer, who share their extensive insights on evolving attribution techniques, overcoming challenges in the privacy landscape, and future-proofing measurement strategies.  This episode is packed with valuable information that can help improve your campaign performance, game design, and overall marketing outcomes.  Chapters: 00:00 Understanding Mobile Marketing Attribution 01:11 Guest Introductions 04:11 Evolution of Attribution 07:40 Challenges in Attribution 08:59 TikTok's Role in Attribution 12:12 Debate on Last Click Attribution 18:02 Incremental Testing and Media Mix Modeling 31:29 Questioning the Truth in Marketing 32:35 The Evolution of Attribution Methods 33:28 Advertiser Perspectives on Ad Networks 35:07 The Importance of Views in Advertising 36:57 TikTok's Unique Role in Advertising 42:44 Future-Proofing Measurement Strategies 45:28 The Role of Privacy in Measurement 56:06 Success Stories in Attribution 01:01:57 Future Trends in Measurement 01:08:38 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

    1h 10m
  7. 257. Up Down Up with Kim Nordström

    9 DEC

    257. Up Down Up with Kim Nordström

    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 takes to build a successful game company, the importance of culture and psychological safety, and the challenges of transitioning between growth and maturity phases. Kim also shares insights from his interviews with top industry leaders and how these experiences have shaped his current role as CEO of PlayerUnknown Productions. 01:05 Kim Nordstrom's Career Journey 03:06 The Making of 'Up, Down, Up' 06:31 Exploring Company Growth Patterns 10:19 The Importance of Company Culture 30:16 Understanding Psychological Safety 43:03 The Importance of Actions Over Words 44:10 Changing Culture Through Leadership 46:20 The SEAL Team Leadership Experiment 47:32 Scaling Teams and Maintaining Culture 48:57 Principles and Values in Leadership 53:34 The Role of Timing in Success 58:58 Navigating Growth and Maturity Phases 01:11:25 Challenges of Innovating Within Established Companies 01:24:32 Reflections on Leadership and Wisdom 01:28:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

    1h 30m

  8. 5 DEC

    TWIG #311 Musk Enters the Game, Archero 2 Aims for the Bullseye, PlayStation Goes Portable

    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, including Capybara Go and Archero 2, before discussing Path of Exile 2's early access success.  Plus, we compare two heavyweight Eastern shooters, Marvel Rivals and Delta Force, and examine why so many new MOBAs struggle to gain traction.  Don’t miss this deep dive into the industry’s most exciting stories! Chapters: 02:48 Shills 04:17 Hybrid Casual Playbook Release 04:38 App Monetization Report 10:30 Fortnite's Record-Breaking Season 14:29 PlayStation Portable Rumors 16:47 Elon Musk's AI Game Studio 18:39 Investments and M&A 24:33 Ubisoft Studio Shutdowns 30:07 Pokemon Trading Card Game Success 35:37 Habby's Big Launches: Capybara Go and Archero 2 40:44 Path of Exile 2 Early Access 43:18 Battle of the Eastern Shooters: Marvel Rivals vs. Delta Force 48:27 The Struggles of New MOBAs 56:51 Conclusion and Sign-Off --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

    57 min
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About

Deconstructor of Fun podcast is created by games professionals for games professionals. We explore the business side of the games industry with the goal of bringing listeners content that is relevant, insightful, and entertaining on a weekly basis. Hosts: Michail Katkoff @mkatkoff www.linkedin.com/in/michailkatkoff/ Eric Kress @ekress www.linkedin.com/in/erickress/ Laura Taranto @laurataranto www.linkedin.com/in/laurataranto/ Phillip Black @econosopher www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-black-economist/ Jen Donahoe @Jen_Donahoe www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdonahoe Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

Information

  • Creator
    Deconstructor of Fun
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2024
  • Episodes
    608
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Deconstructor of Fun
  • Show Website
    Deconstructor of Fun

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