Deconstructor of Fun

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 episode off with Amazon Games' strategy debate. your hosts: Jen Donahoe, Eric Kress, Phillip Black and Michail Katkoff --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

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 pioneering platform aimed at creating safe online gaming experiences for youth, and their significant traction with major investors like Lightspeed Ventures and a16z. Learn about the complexities of gaming regulation, strategic decisions in venture capital, and the importance of robust youth online safety solutions. Don't miss this insightful conversation! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

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 Intro03:05 Shills08:39 Apple's Legal Troubles with the EUDMA12:52 FIFA and Rocket League Partnership15:01 Investments and M&A26:47 Executive Departures and Speculations33:22 Tango Closure Mystery34:21 Dungeon Fighter's Mobile Success36:10 New Games47:46 Nintendo Direct Highlights57:32 Epic's Mobile Strategy and Fortnite's Future --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

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 Marketing and Insights at Sensor Tower, unleashes her mobile gaming market insights. She covers significant trends in mobile gaming and marketing, app vs game dynamics, ad spending on TikTok and YouTube, regional differences, IP collaborations, and the future of subscription gaming. Gain valuable insights on market normalization post-COVID and ATT changes, and learn about the trajectory of apps surpassing gaming revenues. 00:00 Introduction 02:58 Mobile Gaming Market Trends 07:26 Regional Differences in Mobile Gaming 11:23 Impact of ATT and Post-COVID Market 21:38 Subscription Gaming: Netflix and Apple Arcade 25:48 Top Games and Publishers 28:56 Marketing Trends in Mobile Gaming 31:01 UGC Ads and Community Engagement 31:21 Monopoly Go's Strategic Community Targeting 34:53 The Power of Social Media Platforms in Gaming Ads 36:27 The Rise of IP and Brand Integration in Games 39:41 Transmedia Trends  44:11 Apps vs. Games 58:42 Marketing Predictions  01:04:50 Final Thoughts --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

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 period and is now having a come-to-Jesus moment after big investments and not-so-big returns. your hosts: Mishka Katkoff, Eric Kress, Jen Donahoe and Phillip Black --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

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 heading in the right direction.  And despite all of this, they are somehow able to raise consecutive rounds of tens of millions. Year after year!  In this episode, we got Klang co-founders talking about their journey thus far and me trying to figure out how in the hell they are able to get funded for their never-ending story.  Huge thanks to co-founders Mundi Vondi and Odder Magnusson for coming on the podcast. I wish their game, when or if it eventually comes out, much success.  Trigger warning: if you’re a founder struggling to raise funding despite doing every little thing that VCs requested and showing promising early KPIs, this podcast may enrage you. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

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: Xsolla, Heroic Labs, AppsFlyer and Sensor Tower --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

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 industry.  Gain valuable insights into the complexities of hiring gaming executives, cultural integration, and the exclusive value of knowing both the industry and its people.  Discover the challenges of headhunting for key roles, the importance of leadership, communication, and strategic understanding, and how to build long-term relationships in this high-stakes world.  We also tackle diversity, cultural fit, and common hiring pitfalls, offering practical advice for professionals aiming to navigate executive careers in the dynamic gaming sector. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview 02:31 Gerard's Journey into Gaming Recruitment 06:16 Executive Search Process 13:52 Challenges in Attracting Top Talent 29:50 Qualities of Exceptional Executives 45:31 Understanding Client Culture 46:39 Soft Signals in Candidate Assessment 51:13 The Importance of Diversity in Hiring 58:16 Common Mistakes Executives Make 01:02:07 Community Questions: Industry Insights 01:07:17 How to Get Noticed by Headhunters 01:10:07 Red Flags in Executive Hires 01:13:24 Big vs. Small Companies: Executive Hiring --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

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 411 on new EU app stores, and Eric thinks Star Wars Hunters breaks the MOBA curse. Or not. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

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

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, Laura Taranto, and Phillip Black --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

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://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support