x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

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

01:04:11

293. Walking Away from Venture Capital with Sophie Vo

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2025/06/30

In this episode, I sit down with Sophie Vo, studio founder, podcast host, and now the creator of Orin Retreats, to unpack why she walked away from the startup rat race to build something intentionally small, sustainable, and soul-aligned. We talk about the version of success that nearly broke her, why the VC model fails most founders, and how depth, not scale, became her new metric for impact. If you’ve ever questioned the path you’re on, this conversation might just reframe what “winning” really

en

01:03:17

TWIG #337 Supercell's AI Ruse and Microsoft’s Muddled...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2025/06/26

We discuss Believer’s potential survivor, the layoffs at Mind’s Eye, and Netflix’s surprising decision to axe key mobile titles. But the real meat is Supercell: what the hell is going on in Helsinki? From performance stagnation to communication silence, we unpack the company’s evolving strategy—or lack thereof.Also on deck: Riot’s dev woes, Microsoft’s muddled Xbox strategy, and what YouTube’s 20th anniversary tells us about the future of game content. We wrap with a look at emerging trends in

en

00:35:32

Where Do Geogames Go After Niantic’s $3.5B Exit with...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2025/06/22

From Niantic’s $3.5B sale of Pokémon GO to Scopely, to the rise of SLAP, a fast-paced, IRL multiplayer game that blends social tagging with viral video content Jen Donahoe and Lauren Steidl, CEO and co-founder of Integrated Reality Labs, explore how geogames are evolving from novelty apps into a new genre of play.Why Pokémon GO showed both the power and the limits of GPS gamingThe tech leap making real-world multiplayer actually workSLAP’s breakout performance—10 sessions/day, no paid UAHow TikTok

en

01:05:08

TWIG #336 Candy Crush Veterans Return as Marathon...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2025/06/19

We start with a massive Switch 2 record-breaking pre-launch momentum and what it signals for Nintendo’s comeback strategy. Then it’s on to Tencent’s rumored bid for Nexon that could reshape the Korean gaming landscape.Candy Crush OGs jump back into the game as we unpack the shock closures (RIP Believer), restructures (Warner Bros Games), and slowdowns (Bungie’s Marathon, Build a Rocket Boy). Plus: Mobile Gaming Trends 2025, Remedy’s mysterious new drop, and why Kingshot might be the next game to

en

00:44:24

291. AI in Games: Innovation or Ethical Time Bomb?...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2025/06/16

Mishka Katkoff talks with George Ng, co-founder and CTO of GGWP, about the real AI crisis in gaming—and it’s not what you think.From manipulative personalization to privacy nightmares, we unpack how AI is already reshaping development, monetization, and the player experience. George breaks down the tech behind the buzz, the moral minefields, and whether AI will elevate creativity or just flood the market with noise.Topics: • AI as a tool—or a trap—for player engagement • The shifting role of

en

00:59:53

TWiG #335: Embrace CEO Exits, Pokémon meets Genshin...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2025/06/13

Habby has a new surprise launch that may push the publisher to $1B ARR. Apple somehow does worse than Game Center 2.0, while Xbox delivers a near swan song. Did we mention LARS IS GONE FROM EMBRACER? Eric vows a commitment of swear-free chastity, while Jen and Phil remind him of his true podcast self.03:33 Off the Record in LA05:27 Phil's Singapore Experience07:28 Dune Awakening and Game of Thrones Kings Road09:14 Off the Record Event Highlights12:53 Embracer CEO Shakeup15:55 Unity CTO

en

01:07:02

290. 10 x Co-Development Trends: Why the Best Studios...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2025/06/09

Mishka Katkoff sits down with Carla Rylance - external development expert, XDS Advisory Committee Chair, and Head of Business Solutions for XDS Spark - to dive deep into the 2025 XDS Insights Report.In this episode:Key trends in external development, co-development, and industry shifts following the pandemic. The growing role of AI in game development: how publishers and service providers are using (or not using) AI. Budget trends, rates, and the business realities facing external studios. Why

en

00:53:25

TWIG #334 The $200,000,000 Greenlight Failures and...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2025/06/06

The crew dives into a jam-packed week of industry news from Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 launch to Epic’s evolving Store strategy. We unpack the growing importance of social features in games and the buzz around the new D&D project from the Star Wars Jedi director. Meanwhile, Elden Ring’s Night Reign expansion proves brutally satisfying, while Zynga quietly shuts down the studio behind Torchlight. We also tackle Activision’s tone-deaf in-game ads and finish with a sharp Philosophy Corner: why do

en

00:51:13

289. Mobile Gaming in 2025: 10 Trends That Matter

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2025/06/05

In this episode, Mishka Katkoff sits down with Sensor Tower gaming insights analyst Sam Aune to dissect the state of mobile gaming in 2025. They unpack download trends, the evolving UA playbook, the hybrid casual boom, and shifting genre engagement. The conversation dives into emerging markets, how ads really impact player behavior, and what Gen Z expects from modern mobile games. Backed by fresh Sensor Tower data, Aune breaks down where the biggest opportunities—and pitfalls—lie for today’s game

en

00:51:22

288. Why Most Games Deserve to Die — And How Voodoo...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2025/06/02

In this episode, Deconstructor of Fun’s Mishka Katkoff sits down with Thibault de Vésinne-Larüe, VP of Core Gaming at Voodoo, to unpack one of the industry’s most ruthless yet successful publishing machines. How does Voodoo test 2,000 prototypes a year? What separates great studios from the rest? Why do most games get killed — and how do you know which ones to bet on? If you’re serious about understanding hybrid-casual publishing, this is required listening.00:40 Characteristics of Top Performing

en

01:03:35

TWIG #333: Apple's Stand Up Comedy, Fortnite Mobile's...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2025/05/30

With Michail out, and definitely not living a jetset life, Jen, Eric, Adam, and Phil huddle around the WWDC campfire to tell tales of Game Center. There’s a big change to Battlefield that threatens the franchise, while Delta Force rises as a threat to the East. Split Gate 2? Not so much. Jen defends Apple, marketing, and transmedia, all in one, while Adam claims a Marvel Rival bet and claps for the French. Eric certainly isn’t clapping for Game Pass and Doom, while Phil tries to Grow a Garden.02:19

en

01:18:45

287. Fat Cats, Steaming Decks, all GaaS and no...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2025/05/27

Michail Katkoff and Rhys Elliott break down the widening gap between legacy studios bogged down by process and fresh teams building with urgency. From the slow death of bloated AAA games to the shaky economics of Game Pass, they explore why shorter, more creative games are winning hearts—and why team quality now matters more than genre. Plus: why subscription models are struggling, and how devices like Switch 2 and Steam Deck might reshape portable play.Rhys

en

01:02:23

TWIG #332 Finland’s Game Industry Woes, Supercell's...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2025/05/23

The BIG stories: 1. Finland’s game awards controversy (yes, it’s messier than you think)2. Epic’s endless courtroom war with Apple 3. Supercell’s dual bet on transmedia and AI. The team also breaks down the implications of ChatGPT infiltrating development workflows, the battle brewing in the Solitaire segment, and what Roblox’s new in-game shopping means for UGC economies. Add in Take-Two’s financials and some spicy predictions on AI’s workplace takeover—and you’ve got a packed episode that hits

en

00:24:27

286. Bots in Gaming: The Good, The Bad, and The...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2025/05/22

We are joined by George Ng, co-founder and CTO of GGWP, to dive deep into the world of bots in gaming. We explore the differences between game-created bots and player-created bots, the cat-and-mouse game of detecting and preventing bots, and regional differences in bot usage. We also look ahead at the evolving landscape of bots in gaming and discuss strategies that studios can adopt to stay ahead. 01:09 The Impact of Bots on Player Experience13:21 Regional Trends in Bot Usage14:57 The Future of Bots

en

01:17:44

285. What Gaming Taught Them—And Why App Companies...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2025/05/19

Why are seasoned PMs, growth leads, and designers ditching games for fintech, wellness, or even dating apps? What do these companies see in game industry vets—and what blind spots do they have?In this episode, Mishka Katkoff talks with executive headhunter Gerard Miles about one of the most underreported shifts in tech: gaming talent is migrating to the app world. 03:14 Understanding Talent Migration and Skill Sets12:20 Engagement and User Experience in Apps18:17 The Future of Gaming and Consumer

en

01:03:19

TWIG #331 Supercell’s Second Shot, Triple Dot’s Power...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2025/05/15

The team reacts to this year’s World Video Game Hall of Fame inductees and unpacks Triple Dot’s surprising acquisition of AppLovin’s mobile games business—what does it signal for the midcore M&A market? With public gaming companies hitting all-time highs, we discuss whether this is a sustainable trend or a short-term sugar high. Supercell’s major Squadbusters revamp gets the DoF treatment, and we debate Nintendo’s cautious forecasts in light of its market position. Rounding things out, we

en

00:33:53

Why Everyone Wants to be the Next Mistplay with Aaron...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2025/05/14

Mishka Katkoff interviews Aaron Thandi, Chief Commercial Officer at Mistplay, discussing the innovative approaches to loyalty-driven user acquisition and retention in the mobile gaming industry. They explore how Mistplay has established itself as a leader in rewarded engagement, the importance of personalized user experiences, and the strategic methods behind their global expansion. The conversation also delves into the role of AI in enhancing user engagement and the future opportunities for growth

en

00:34:34

283. How I Went From a 3D Artist to GM of a...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2025/05/12

Can someone really grow from 3D artist to GM of a billion-dollar title — without switching companies, logos, or careers? SciPlay’s Justin McFarlane did just that, and his story is a masterclass in product-first leadership and long-term growth.03:48 Navigating Remote Work Challenges and Team Engagement07:10 Making Tough Decisions: Prioritizing Team Cohesion15:56 Transitioning Teams: Managing Relocation and Operations19:05 The Importance of Listening in Leadership27:57 From Artist to General Manager:

en

01:11:14

TWIG #330 The App Store Endgame, Roblox’s Growth...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2025/05/09

Get the AppsFlyer Creative Report: https://shorturl.at/MjaizThe crew jumps into a galaxy of transmedia takes with May the Fourth and how IPs stretch across games, shows, and beyond—sometimes elegantly, sometimes painfully. We dissect the long-awaited GTA 6 trailer and release window, then shift gears into Dream Games’ latest raise and what it says about Turkey’s still-thriving gaming ecosystem. The team breaks down Super League’s acquisition of Super Social and digs into Roblox’s beast-mode growth

en

01:15:11

282. UNCUT: Co-CEO Javier Ferreira and The Scopely...

Deconstructor of Fun ·

2025/05/08

🚨 Deconstructor of Fun Exclusive — We’re releasing the UNCUT version of our legendary interview with Javier Ferreira, co-CEO of Scopely. This is the twice-as-long version only a handful of insiders have ever heard before. In this rare, candid, and *fully unfiltered* conversation, Javier breaks down Scopely’s transformation from a $12M startup to a $3B+ revenue machine. Why *Monopoly GO!* succeeded where so many IP-based games fail. How Scopely builds “learning machines,” not just game teams, and

en

192 results

Similar Podcasts

Expres Ráno

Expres FM

詭哭郎嚎

郎祖筠 & FMTaiwan製作團隊

Ron en Erik Podcast

Ron en Erik

Poor Man"s Pinball Podcast

Poor Men Ian and Drew

WeAreChange on Odysee

WeAreChange