Best Deconstructor Of Fun Podcasts (2024)

1
#307: Pokemon Game Rises, Supercell's IPO Dreams and VC Misdeeds 1:06:43

1d ago1:06:43

1:06:43

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 rele…

1
Winning with Creators: How Gaming’s Marketing Strategy is Evolving 51:06

22m ago51:06

51:06

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—ex…

1
TWIG #306 Is Apple’s Big Move a Trick or a Treat? 1:12:56

13m ago1:12:56

1:12:56

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…

51
Shooting for Success: Navigating the Ultra Competitive Shooter Genre 59:15

2d ago59:15

59:15

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 challenge…

51
TWIG #305 Music Stops at Netflix Games as Hell's Bells Ring for AA Games 1:16:17

5d ago1:16:17

1:16:17

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 ep…

1
Beyond the Wall: Peter Levin on Transmedia Trends, the Future of Global Gaming and Finland’s Gaming Legacy 1:12:17

15d ago1:12:17

1:12:17

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…

1
TWIG #304 Supercell's Marketing Shakes Up while Web3 Shoots Back! 58:47

12d ago58:47

58:47

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 episo…

1
Scopely Co-CEO, Javier Ferreira, on the Gaming Industry's Future and Strategies for Success 34:24

16d ago34:24

34:24

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 effectiv…

1
TWIG #303 Toxic Positivity, Squad Busters Speculation and Roblox 🔥 1:13:12

20d ago1:13:12

1:13:12

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 d…

1
Savvy Moves: Saudi Arabia’s Gaming Vision 1:15:49

29d ago1:15:49

1:15:49

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 challeng…

1
TWIG #302 Epic Legal Showdowns, Ubisoft Woes, and MMO Thrills 1:01:01

27d ago1:01:01

1:01:01

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 impr…

1
Breaking In & Leveling Up: Meet the Game Industry’s Next Generation 52:39

1M ago52:39

52:39

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 diffic…

1
TWIG #301 $1B Company Emerges From the Shadows 1:03:54

1M ago1:03:54

1:03:54

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: Origin…

1
Indie Publishing and Growth Strategies with Sebastian Forsström, Head of Paradox ARC 1:03:22

1M ago1:03:22

1:03:22

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 importanc…

1
TWIG #300 🎉🎉🎉 SPECIAL EPISODE 🎉🎉🎉 1:25:49

1M ago1:25:49

1:25:49

The crew gets together to talk about the past and the future of This Week in Game show in this special 300th episode. But it wouldn’t be a TWIG without a bit of news. Kress gets triggered by EA’s AI + UGC + Apps presentation. And we all wonder what happened to Spectre Divide - a highly anticipated shooter from a top team that seems to have missed i…

1
TWIG #299 Product Strategy, Market Insights & Marketing Challenges 44:14

2M ago44:14

44:14

In this episode of the terrific trio: Jen Donahoe, Laura Taranto, and Adam Telfer dive into product strategy and market insights, highlighting how developers are differentiating themselves in a saturated market. The three also discuss Apple’s September event, analyze the PlayStation 5 Pro, analyze Sony’s broader strategy, and look at Roblox’s ambit…

1
Top 3 Mistakes Gaming Startups Make - According to the VCs 58:21

2M ago58:21

58:21

Join host Jen Donahoe for an in-depth discussion on venture capital funding in the gaming industry with experts from Transcend Fund, Sisu Game Ventures, and PlayVentures. The panel covers key topics including how VCs work, investment processes, team equity structures, board dynamics, and the unique challenges and opportunities within different gami…

1
TWIG #298 Spectre Divide, Supercell IPO and the Crypto Czar's Farewell 59:27

2M ago59:27

59:27

Phillip phones it in from Taipei as the team covers the launch of Spectre Divide, Crypto Czar's last hurrah Supercell's potential IPO. Eric Kress dives into Ubisoft’s mismanagement and its effect on company valuation while Adam compares key data insights from NewZoo and Circana. Mishka and Jen talk about influencer marketing trends and shooter game…

1
Gameloft's Cross Platform Live Services: Past, Present, and Future with Dima Dimov, VP of Live Operations 1:13:16

2M ago1:13:16

1:13:16

Sign up for the industry's most insightful weekly newsletter!https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe Ever fancied yourself becoming a VP of a large publisher managing multiple cross-platform teams across several countries? Tune in to the episode and figure out if this is a job for you! Dimo Dimov, Vice President of Live Games at Gameloft, shar…

1
TWIG #297 Gamescom Confidential, Why Steam ain't Blocked by China and the TRUTH about Tim Hortons 46:02

2M ago46:02

46:02

The crew is one down as Eric Kress, Jen Donahoe, and Mishka Katkoff hop in to knock one off on the road for #300. In this episode, Mishka gives his takeaways from Gamescom. We discuss a conspiracy theory on why Steam is allowed in China and talk about Wukong and Supercell's new CFO. Most importantly, this episode settles the case about Tim Hortons …

1
5 x Tactics for the Volatile PC/Console Gaming Market with Newzoo's Devan Brennan 1:09:47

2M ago1:09:47

1:09:47

Order your cup of Tim Hortons super hot for this first all-Canadian episode! The lost-and-found podcast host Adam Telfer delves into the state of the industry with Newzoo's Devan Brennan.Topics covered include market trends, forecasts for mobile gaming and the PC market, console performance, and the challenges faced by new free-to-play live service…

1
TWiG #296: THE RETURN OF LONG LOST HOST + Black Myth Wukong Goes Ape Shit and Stormgate Flops 1:06:22

2M ago1:06:22

1:06:22

Fresh from another Tim Hortons ribbon cutting in Dubai, Adam Telfer returns to the cast. He’s packing heat, laying down hot takes on The Finals, Once Human, and the colossal capital required to ship single-player games. Meanwhile, Eric drops a margin call on Riot’s transmedia move while Jen rallies in defense. Phil thinks everyone is missing the re…

1
TWIG #295 GTA UGC Future, the Borderlands Movie, and VR Headset Wars 1:05:17

3M ago1:05:17

1:05:17

Get the latest dose of game industry news shaken, not stirred. In this episode, Eric Kress, Jen Donahoe, and Laura Taranto debate the merits of VR, discuss Zynga's match-three strategies, and evaluate market trends in the mobile gaming sector. Plus, the crew takes a look at the dreadful reception of the Borderlands movie and the ongoing challenges …

1
Building (and Selling) Four Companies – Dennis Fong’s Journey 1:20:37

3M ago1:20:37

1:20:37

In this episode, Dennis Fong, CEO and co-founder of GGWP, discusses his remarkable journey from being the world's first professional gamer to a successful serial entrepreneur. He shares insights from founding and selling four companies, emphasizing the importance of open conversations and the tough realities of making pivots and layoffs. Dennis als…

1
TWIG #294 Bungie Fires, Supercell Hires and Roblox Grows 1:05:24

3M ago1:05:24

1:05:24

In this episode, Jen Donahoe, Laura Taranto, Phillip Black, and Mishka Katkoff dive into the unexpected closure of Game Informer. The conversation then shifts to financial matters, with insights on the stock market and breakdowns of quarterly earnings reports. We examine the latest on the Microsoft & Activision deal, VC funding trends, and web-base…

1
Crafting Winning Games: The Critical Role of Consumer Insights 1:01:54

3M ago1:01:54

1:01:54

We assembled an Avengers-style team of Consumer Insights leaders from publishers and Vendors Blizzard, Riot, Zynga, and Beta Hat to dig into how Consumer Insights can help Devs and Marketers make and market successful games. The team digs into how each company approaches CI, uncovers trends around older and younger gamers, and gives tips for teams …

1
TWiG #293: Twitch Loses $1B while Apple Admits the Truth about VR 1:02:37

3M ago1:02:37

1:02:37

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. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/…

1
DMA for Dummies with Archie Stonehill, Head of Product of Stash 48:19

3M ago48:19

48:19

Subscribe to our weekly insights-filled newsletter:https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribeIn 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 a…

1
TWIG #292 Matthew Ball’s Metaverse 2.0 / Top Game License IPs Unveiled 1:11:47

4M ago1:11:47

1:11:47

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. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.co…

1
UEFN Magic and Frustrations with Industry Legends 1:16:00

3M ago1:16:00

1:16:00

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, an…

1
TWiG #291 Valve Salaries, Leaked MiHoYo Strategy, and Failing Disney IPs! 1:07:15

4M ago1:07:15

1:07:15

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 Disn…

1
Behind the Wheel of IP Licensing with Hutch's co-CEO, Peter Hansen-Chambers 1:01:26

4M ago1:01:26

1:01:26

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…

1
TWIG #290 Nintendo's anti-AI Stance, 4-day Work Weeks and Netflix Games' Clap Back 1:05:29

4M ago1:05:29

1:05:29

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 puz…

1
AI Integration, Psychological Insights & Market Trends with Founders of Solsten 1:24:42

4M ago1:24:42

1:24:42

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…

1
TWIG #289 King's AI, Amazon's games strategy, Netflix's problems solved 1:21:50

4M ago1:21:50

1:21:50

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 replaceme…

1
What’s so special about  k-ID, the company that raised $51M in  just 9 months!?! 59:44

4M ago59:44

59:44

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 …

1
TWIG #288 Fortnite in Trouble, Anime Girl Horse Racing, and Switch’s New Life 1:06:24

4M ago1:06:24

1:06:24

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. P…

1
The State of Gaming 2024 with Sensor Tower's Lexi Sydow 1:05:33

5M ago1:05:33

1:05:33

Sensor Tower State of Gaming 2024www.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 episo…

1
TWIG #287 Trouble in Paradise: Squad Busters and Netflix Games 1:10:53

4M ago1:10:53

1:10:53

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, …

1
FOMO Capital: Klang Games & The Power of Storytelling in Fundraising 1:17:23

5M ago1:17:23

1:17:23

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 hav…

1
TWIG #286 Voodoo splurges $500M, Summer Game Fest goes adapocalypse 1:02:41

5M ago1:02:41

1:02:41

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…

1
Mastering Executive Headhunting with Gerard Miles, co-CEO of Mission One 1:18:14

5M ago1:18:14

1:18:14

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 o…

1
TWIG #285 Squad Busters Busted? Destiny 2, Too? 1:09:14

5M ago1:09:14

1:09:14

Join the industry's spiciest newsletter:https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribeWith 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 Stumb…

1
Voodoo’s Secret Sauce with Gabriel Rivaud, VP Gaming 37:31

5M ago37:31

37:31

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 Katkoffhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/michailkatkoff/Sign up for our weekly newsletter. You won't regret it!https://www.deconstructoroffun.com…

1
TWIG #284 Squad Busters launch talk / Stumble Guys vs. Fall Guys 1:00:36

5M ago1:00:36

1:00:36

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/su…

1
Supercell's Squad Busters - The Definitive Deconstruction 1:15:50

5M ago1:15:50

1:15:50

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 --- Support this podcast: https://pod…

1
TWIG #283 Anime correction, Applovin speculations, Ad creative trends and Ubisoft’s xDefiant 1:10:19

5M ago1:10:19

1:10:19

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 a…

1
Solopreneur Success: Balancing Work, Life, and Passion with Matej Lancaric 1:18:19

5M ago1:18:19

1:18:19

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 importa…

1
TWIG #282 Is Netflix Games in trouble? Xbox PR stumble 🤕 1:07:14

6M ago1:07:14

1:07:14

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:…

1
The Shifting Landscape of the Gaming Industry in 2024 with Newzoo's Ben Porter 1:18:22

6M ago1:18:22

1:18:22

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, opportuniti…

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