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PODCAST

Deconstructor of Fun

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

leisure video games

All Episodes

01:08:30

268. Wilfrid Obeng on How to Scale a $100M Startup...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2025/02/10

Wilfrid Obeng’s journey from Goldman Sachs and Google to gaming startup CTO is anything but typical.In this episode, he breaks down how AudioMob is redefining in-game ads with audio, why they chose Abu Dhabi over Silicon Valley to scale their engineering team, and what it takes to transition from corporate structure to startup chaos. We dig into leadership lessons, hiring strategies, and the future of ad monetization—all from someone who’s been in the trenches. If you’re scaling a startup or

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00:54:50

TWIG #317: Big Dream, Bigger Battlefield, and the...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2025/02/07

signup to our newsletter and join our on-site events:https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe With Jen at a meditation retreat in California and Miska fully embracing his jet-set life, Eric reminds us just how wrong Matthew Ball got it. Adam reveals the Multiversus thesis and argues that Battlefield has room to grab dormant fans and grow the market. Phil spews Battlefield tears and worries about Roblox’s value destruction. They conclude by debating the AI integration in-games: flop or tbd?

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00:52:08

267. Helldivers 2, Warframe, First Descendant, and...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2025/02/03

This episode features insights from top industry professionals on player engagement, revenue models, and the challenges faced by new releases like Helldivers 2, First Descendant, and Once Human. Dive into in-depth discussions on successful PvE models, key strategies for game success, and the future of game monetization. Join Adam Telfer and a panel of experts as they explore the latest trends in PvE shooters and the evolving tools needed for effective LiveOps. Brought to you by Heroic Labs,

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00:58:06

TWIG #316 Metaverse Myths, Ubisoft’s Struggles and...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2025/01/30

We start off with Kress coming after Matthew Ball and his take on the Metaverse and end the episode with Jen making the last stance for brand marketers. In between the team breaks down the FTC’s latest settlement on loot boxes and what it means for the industry. Deep dive into Ubisoft's sea of worries and discuss Habby’s latest launch hurdles. 00:00 Intros01:40 Shills02:50 GDC Announcements and Sponsors06:35 Corrections and Apologies08:09 Matthew Ball and the Metaverse Debate19:20 Loot Boxes

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00:54:23

266. Money, Markets & Disruptive Trends – Xsolla’s...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2025/01/29

Xsolla State of Play report: https://xsolla.com/newsroom/xsolla-autumn-2024-report Mobile gaming is bigger than ever, with the industry set to hit $98.7 billion in 2024. But where is that growth coming from? In this episode, we sit down with Xsolla’s Chris Hewish to break down the key trends shaping the global market—from Asia’s dominance to the rise of emerging regions like Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. We also dig into how player demographics are shifting and what it means for game

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01:07:12

265. How do Playtika and Wooga nail their Live Ops...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2025/01/27

How do Playtika and Wooga nail their Live Ops strategies? What does GameRefinery say you’re missing?In this episode, Nadav Moshes (Product & Market Insights Lead at Playtika), Maxime Graux (Head of Product Management at Wooga), and Erno Kiiski (Chief Game Analyst at GameRefinery) sit down with our very own Jen Donahoe to dissect the art and science of Live Ops. From mobile to PC/console gaming, we break down the latest trends driving social, engagement, and monetization events. Discover how

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01:12:51

TWIG #315 TikTok Ban and Matthew Ball's State of the...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2025/01/24

TikTok’s gaming experiment closures and Marvel Snap’s China operations highlight the challenges of scaling global hits. Netflix’s games strategy is dissected, alongside surprising trends like the resurgence of Solitaire, which seems to be tapping into the nostalgia economy.The discussion turns heavier as the team unpacks sweeping workforce cuts at Huuuge Games and the growing dominance of Chinese game developers on the global stage. Bonfire Studios’ new game announcement and Matthew Ball’s analysis

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01:05:31

264. Breaking Barriers: The Journey of a Next-Gen...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2025/01/20

Jen Donahoe sits down with Alexandra Takei, a rising star who’s making waves in the gaming industry. They dive into what it takes to bridge the gap between business and creativity in gaming, the hard-earned lessons from startups, and how proactive collaboration can drive innovation. Alexandra discusses empathy and mentorship's critical role in her career and shares advice for those navigating the fast-paced gaming ecosystem. 01:04 About Alex Takei03:43 Early Career and Entry into Gaming10:30

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01:01:34

TWIG #314 Market Predictions, Nintendo Leaks and an...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2025/01/17

Join us at PGC After Dark: ⁠https://lu.ma/m75avtgb⁠This week’s TWIG episode starts with bold predictions for 2025 in mobile gaming, followed by Eric Kress’s half-hearted backtracking on hyper-casual games and the latest Nintendo Switch 2 leaks before deep diving into Marvel Rivals’ potential impact. The team revisits the year’s most significant moments, explores standout moments, and wraps up with listener feedback and reflections. 00:00 Squad Intros01:28 California Wildfires + How to Help03:18

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01:32:18

263. From Failures to Funding: Strategic Moves...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2025/01/13

CEO and co-founder of PvX Partners (www.pvxpartners.com), Joe Wadakethalakal shares his unique journey from India to Indonesia and beyond. Key takeaways from our chat with Joe Wadakethalakal:**Resilience matters**: Entrepreneurship is brutal—Joe’s journey shows how surviving failures and tough times builds long-term success. **Market size over Network**: Starting in large, scalable markets (U.S., India, China) beats hustling in smaller ones. Lesson learned the hard way. **Smart fundraising

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01:10:42

🏆 The 2024 Golden TWIG Awards: an Unfiltered Gaming...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2025/01/10

CAST YOUR VOTE!https://forms.gle/BfBn6H123S2D1QdY9 Brace yourself for the most candid awards show in gaming! Join us as we dissect the highs and lows of 2024, dishing out Golden TWIGs for the year’s most memorable moments. From epic fails to surprising triumphs, we’re covering it all: Company Carnage: Who took the biggest hits? Gaming Letdowns: Which hyped title fell flat? Layoff Lowlights: The most brutal workforce cuts Oops, We Did It Again: Our most embarrassing predictions Get ready for

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01:03:31

262. The Secret Sauce of 🇫🇷 French Game Publishers...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2025/01/07

The Hybridcasual Playbook https://metahybridcasualplaybook.splashthat.com/ In this episode of the Deconstructor of Fun podcast, Mishka Katkoff interviews Vincent Fevrier, CMO of Tap Nation, discussing the evolution of hybrid casual games and the unique position of French publishers in the gaming industry. They explore Tap Nation's growth from a startup to a mid-size publisher, the challenges of transitioning from hypercasual to hybrid casual, and the importance of user acquisition and marketing

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01:17:34

261. Climbing to the C-Suite: Insights from Mission...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2024/12/30

Michail Katkoff and Gerard Miles dive into the nuances of executive headhunting, exploring the role of headhunters, pathways to the C-suite, and the significance of personal branding and mentorship in career growth. They share insights on how candidates can position themselves for leadership roles and embrace strategic thinking to thrive in a competitive hiring landscape.The discussion also highlights common mistakes in the executive search process, the importance of empathy in interviews, and the

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00:56:59

TWiG Bonus Episode: Holiday Special (UEFN, Royal...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2024/12/27

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 Updates03:03 Good News, Bad News04:01 Parenting Challenges and Teenage Years06:23 Podcast Banter and Personal Stories08:29 Cat Updates and Car Stories12:50 Seattle Winter and Personal

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01:40:30

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

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2024/12/24

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

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01:12:39

TWIG #313 Netflix Games Gets Jacked while the Game...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2024/12/21

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

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01:12:40

259. From Segmentation to Personalization: The...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2024/12/16

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

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01:08:27

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

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2024/12/12

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

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01:10:03

258. Unlocking Attribution with TikTok and AppsFlyer

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2024/12/11

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

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01:29:53

257. Up Down Up with Kim Nordström

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2024/12/09

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

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204 results

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