281. Do It Better: Creative Production with AI

Deconstructor of Fun

#Lifestyle #Video Games #Tech #Deconstructor Of Fun #Mobile Game

34:56

In this premiere episode of "The God Hook," host Carol Costello introduces the chilling story of Richard Beasley, infamously known as the Ohio Craigslist Killer. In previously unreleased jailhouse recordings, Beasley portrays himself as a devout Christian, concealing his manipulative and predatory behavior. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Beasley's deceitfulness extends beyond the victims he buried in shallow graves. Listen to the preview of a bonus conversation between Carol and Emily available after the episode. Additional info at ( carolcostellopresents.com ) Do you have questions about this series? Submit them for future Q&A episodes . Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see additional videos, photos, and conversations. For early and ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content, subscribe to the podcast via Supporting Cast or Apple Podcasts. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder SPECIAL THANKS Kevin Huffman Zoe Louisa Lewis GUESTS Doug Oplinger - Former Managing Editor of the Akron Beacon Journal Volkan Topalli - Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology Amir Hussain - Professor of Theological Studies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://evergreenpodcasts.supportingcast.fm…

about a year ago 27:37

MP3•Episode home

00:00 Introduction: Misconceptions About AI in Marketing

01:53 Revolutionizing Ad Creation with AI

02:53 Personalization and Creative Control

04:15 Continuous Creative Cycle

04:37 AI in Gaming and Brand Marketing

09:22 Balancing Volume and Quality in AI-Driven Marketing

16:37 Predictive Analytics and Data Fluency

20:19 Future Skills for Marketing Leaders

23:13 Enhancing Human Creativity with AI

25:22 Conclusion and Contact Information

648 episodes

281. Do It Better: Creative Production with AI

Deconstructor of Fun

88 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

00:00 Introduction: Misconceptions About AI in Marketing

01:53 Revolutionizing Ad Creation with AI

02:53 Personalization and Creative Control

04:15 Continuous Creative Cycle

04:37 AI in Gaming and Brand Marketing

09:22 Balancing Volume and Quality in AI-Driven Marketing

16:37 Predictive Analytics and Data Fluency

20:19 Future Skills for Marketing Leaders

23:13 Enhancing Human Creativity with AI

25:22 Conclusion and Contact Information

648 episodes

#Lifestyle #Video Games #Tech #Deconstructor Of Fun #Mobile Game

All episodes

Deconstructor of Fun

1
TWIG #329: Royal Match Goes All-In, Discord Shifts Gears, Call of Duty Meets Its Match 1:08:10

19 hours ago1:08:10

1:08:10

We start where we ended last week: the $50M Royal Match campaign and the issue of overspending. Then it's all about Discord’s new CEO and how that signals a potential pivot toward enterprise, ending the platform’s gaming-first DNA. Then, the crew covers NetEase’s sudden executive shakeup and the surprising Delta Force vs. Call of Duty Mobile battle before unpacking Blizzard’s Nexon partnership in Korea. We cap it off with an explanation on why VCs are suddenly frothing over AI in gaming. 02:39 MAU Event and Fireside Chat 04:15 Royal Match Campaign Follow-up 19:53 Discord's New CEO and Future 29:26 NetEase Executive Departures 33:19 AI in Gaming Venture Capital 37:12 Delta Force vs. Call of Duty Mobile 41:08 Blizzard's Publishing Strategy: Nexon Partnership 46:34 The Impact of Distribution Duopoly on Gaming 53:35 The Future of Game Distribution and Innovation 01:02:55 Web Shops and the Changing Revenue Landscape…

Deconstructor of Fun

1
282. Do It Better: Creative Production with AI 27:37

2 days ago27:37

27:37

Alexei Chemenda, CEO and co-founder of Poolday.ai, discusses how AI enables marketers to focus on strategy and storytelling. Discover the future of personalized video ads, the evolving role of A/B testing, and the importance of combining creative and analytical skills in marketing. 00:00 Introduction: Misconceptions About AI in Marketing01:53 Revolutionizing Ad Creation with AI02:53 Personalization and Creative Control04:15 Continuous Creative Cycle04:37 AI in Gaming and Brand Marketing09:22 Balancing Volume and Quality in AI-Driven Marketing16:37 Predictive Analytics and Data Fluency20:19 Future Skills for Marketing Leaders23:13 Enhancing Human Creativity with AI25:22 Conclusion and Contact Information…

Deconstructor of Fun

1
281. How UGC Is Extending the Lifespan of Games with Uri Marchand, CEO of Overwolf 54:16

4 days ago54:16

54:16

Mishka Katkoff sits down with Uri Marchand, CEO of Overwolf, to break down how user-generated content (UGC) is quietly reshaping the gaming industry. They dive into Overwolf’s mission to turn in-game creation into a viable profession, and why modding — once a hobby for the few — is now a legitimate career path for thousands. This isn’t just about mods anymore — it’s about the future of gaming economies. 00:00Introduction to Overwolf and UGC0 4:05 The Evolution of Modding in Gaming 06:56 Industry Trends: Embracing UGC 10:05 Challenges and Opportunities in Modding 13:17 The Role of Platforms like Roblox and Fortnite 16:32 Balancing Creator Support and Developer Benefits 19:37 Sustainability of the Modding Economy 22:23 Revenue Share Models in the Creator Economy 25:34 The Impact of AI on Modding 29:14 The Power of AI in Game Development 30:15 Democratizing Game Creation 31:01 Challenges in Scaling Overwolf 33:51 Overcoming Investment Hurdles 37:41 The Future of Overwolf and Gaming 43:24 Innovations in User-Generated Content 45:39 Changing Mindsets on Premium Mods 48:17 Disruption in the Gaming Industry 52:09 Lessons Learned from Overwolf's Journey…

Deconstructor of Fun

1
TWIG #328 The Hidden Cost of Celebrity Ads and the How Hollywood Doesn’t Get Games 1:07:53

8 days ago1:07:53

1:07:53

The crew unpacks a week of spicy news and strategic contradictions, starting with Supercell’s latest investments and how VC incentives often clash with long-term game building. We weigh in on GamesBeat’s move to independence, the ongoing esports funding debate, and whether Netflix’s Rebel Moon game is a flex or a fumble. Valorant Mobile’s China launch signals Riot’s next big move, while Tencent continues to dominate with titles like Gunfight King . The team dives into Disney’s Solitaire push, Habby's intriguing new soft launch, and the return of Royal Kingdom’s celebrity-fueled ad campaign—capped off by a heated debate: do TV ads still move the needle for mobile games, or are we watching legacy marketing die in real time? 01:56 Industry News Highlights 02:47 Supercell Investments Analysis 05:35 VC Contradictions and Incentives 17:43 GamesBeat Independence 20:17 Esports Investment 22:31 Oblivion 24:15 Netflix's Rebel Moon Game 31:00 Valorant Mobile Launch in China 32:36 Gunfight King and Tencent's Gaming Dominance 33:19 Disney Solitaire 40:00 Habby's New Game in Soft Launch 46:33 Royal Kingdom's Celebrity Ad Campaign 48:44 Debating the Effectiveness of TV Ads for Mobile Games 01:06:53 Concluding Thoughts on Marketing Strategies…

Deconstructor of Fun

1
280. The Harsh Truths Behind Venture Capital No One Tells Founders with Lightspeed's Mortiz Baier-Lentz 1:32:42

10 days ago1:32:42

1:32:42

Lightspeed’s Moritz Baier-Lentz joins us for a no-holds-barred conversation on venture capital, gaming, and the inner workings of multi-billion-dollar venture funds. No fluff—just real talk about fund math, spotting exceptional founders, the future of AI in gaming, and why most investments won’t work out (and why that’s okay). 00:00 from pro-gamer in Diablo II to Goldman Sachs to Lightspeed VC 10:00 The Lightspeed model 18:00 How Moritz spots truly exceptional founders (hint: not a checklist) 24:00 Fund math 101 30:00 Studio investing vs. tech investing in games 36:00 How consolidation is reshaping gaming M&A (and why it’s a big deal) 43:00 Speedrun, a16z’s gaming accelerator: innovation or red flag? 51:00 Debunking big VC myths 58:00 The future of gaming: AI, generative content, and creating the next Roblox 1:05:00 How Lightspeed wins competitive deals—and what founders should ask VCs 1:12:00 Is raising VC money harder now? Yes. But here’s why it’s still a golden era. 1:20:00 Final thoughts: investing at the edge of what’s possible…

Deconstructor of Fun

1
TWIG #327 The East-West LiveOps Clash and the New Era of Extraction Shooters 59:31

15 days ago59:31

59:31

Kress is fresh back from Turkiye, sharing on-the-ground insights before diving headfirst into the week’s big beats. We break down Epic Games Store’s revenue, debate the Minecraft movie’s potential for franchise dominance, and unpack the latest M&A and investment trends shaping gaming’s future. Inflation’s creeping impact on game pricing gets a hard look, while the crew wrestles with the evolving MTX and revenue models. Things heat up with Marvel Rivals throwing punches at Overwatch, a sharp take on Western vs. Eastern LiveOps strategies, and a no-holds-barred discussion about Bungie’s Marathon pivot into extraction shooters. To wrap, a quick (and slightly roasted) look at Kingdom’s celebrity-packed ad campaign. 00:00 Introduction and Host Introductions 03:09 Chris' Insights from Turkey 07:02 Epic Games Store Revenue Discussion 13:30 Minecraft Movie and Franchise Management 21:07 M&A and Investment Trends in Gaming 29:47 Game Pricing and Inflation 30:31 MTX and Revenue Models 32:59 Marvel Rivals vs. Overwatch 37:33 Western vs. Eastern LiveOps 44:24 Marathon: The Extraction Shooter 58:13 Kingdom's Celebrity Ad Campaign…

Deconstructor of Fun

1
279. From Experiment to Essential: How UGC Gaming Became a Marketing Powerhouse 54:33

18 days ago54:33

54:33

In this episode of Deconstructor of Fun , Jen Donahoe is by Charles Hambro, CEO and Co-Founder of GEEIQ, and Matt Edelman, President and CEO of Super League, to dive deep into the evolving world of brand activations and UGC (user-generated content) in gaming. We explore how brands navigate virtual worlds, the ROI of successful campaigns, and why gaming audiences are more valuable than ever. The conversation spans the rise of playable ads, IAB standards, and the growing distinction between branded content and traditional ads. Charles and Matt also share their insights on the future of campaign-based activations and why entertainment brands are doubling down on gaming. 00:00 Introduction to Brand and UGC Activations 04:57 UGC and Virtual Worlds 07:44 Brand Activations 15:47 ROI and Success Stories 21:02 Challenges and Future of UGC Platforms 27:12 The Power of Gaming Audiences 27:45 Mobile Advertising 29:00 Playable Ads 29:42 IAB and Playable Ad Standards 31:34 Engaging Audiences with Playable Ads 35:49 Branded Content vs. Traditional Ads 36:41 The Future of Branded Content in Gaming 42:40 The Importance of Campaign-Based Activations 44:47 Entertainment Brands in Gaming 46:59 Concluding Thoughts and Future Trends…

Deconstructor of Fun

1
TWIG #326 Supercell Goes VC while Minecraft Kills at the Box Office 1:06:37

22 days ago1:06:37

1:06:37

In this week’s episode of This Week in Games, we’re joined by special guest Chris Sides for a jam-packed conversation covering everything from transmedia storytelling to the latest moves in the gaming industry. We dive into the surprising momentum behind the Minecraft movie, explore Gen Z trends and market predictions, and unpack Netflix’s bold push into interactive fiction. Plus, we break down A16Z’s new Speed Run initiative, take a close look at Supercell’s evolving investment strategy, and compare War Robots to the newly launched Steel Hunters. 00:00 Introduction and Host Introductions 01:58 Special Guest Chris and His Background 02:49 Transmedia and Pop Culture Discussion 03:48 Industry Updates and News 07:03 Podcast Highlights and Recent Episodes 09:21 Minecraft Movie Success 16:54 Gen Z and Market Predictions 20:48 Netflix's Interactive Fiction Strategy 28:44 Speed Run Initiative by A16Z 30:22 Supercell's Investment Strategy 31:19 Supercell's Investment Philosophy 32:54 Supercell's Investment History and Performance 43:14 Blueprints: The Best Rated Game of 2025 49:21 RE's Latest Deck Recap 53:36 Steel Hunters: Early Access and Unreal Engine 01:03:02 War Robots vs. Steel Hunters01:05:02 Conclusion and Farewell…

Deconstructor of Fun

1
278. Unlocking Gen Z: Strategies for Game Publishers and Developers 59:33

25 days ago59:33

59:33

In this episode, Deconstructor of Fun’s Michail Katkoff sits down with Tobias Knoke — long-time Googler, gaming industry expert, and Gen Z whisperer — to unpack what game developers need to know right now about the fastest-growing and most misunderstood audience in gaming. 👉 Learn why Gen Z is about to become the biggest spending group on mobile 👉 Why they’re less loyal to individual games, and how to win them back 👉 How to build creator strategies that actually work 👉 What Gen Z hates about ads — and what they love 👉 How AI is quietly reshaping game development (and why Gen Z doesn’t care) 🧠 Read more at: www.deconstructoroffun.com 00:00 The State of Gaming Post-Pandemic 03:51 Understanding Gen Z's Gaming Behavior 06:53 Strategies for Engaging Gen Z 10:05 The Role of Creators in Gaming Marketing 12:52 Building Effective Creator Strategies 15:43 The Impact of Social Connections on Gaming 18:43 Achieving Escape Velocity in Game Launches 33:38 Navigating Competition in Mobile Gaming 36:52 Understanding Gen Z's Unique Gaming Preferences 41:23 Ad Monetization Strategies for Gen Z 46:53 High Expectations and LiveOps for Gen Z 49:37 The Role of AI in Game Development Gen Z, gaming strategies, mobile gaming, creator marketing, ad monetization, LiveOps, AI in gaming, audience engagement, gaming behavior, influencer strategies…

Deconstructor of Fun

1
TWIG #325 Ubisoft Bails Out, AppLovin Fights Back, Roblox Becomes an Ad Network 1:08:47

28 days ago1:08:47

1:08:47

GDC’s over, but the takes are still hot. Eric Kress recaps the chaos and questions Dark Legion’s staying power, while Phil gives the Game Craft boys a well-deserved nod. Then it’s Switch 2 speculation time: is Nintendo finally back in the power game? Meanwhile, Roblox cozies up to Google for rewarded ads—what does that mean for the ecosystem? Meanwhile, AppLovin fights off short seller heat while asserting market dominance. Plus, Tencent’s playing the long game with Ubisoft, again—no surprise, but lots to unpack. 02:12 GDC Highlights and Dark Legion Update 03:18 Game Craft Podcast 05:27 CEO Interviews and App Charge Partnership 07:31 GDC Attendance and Dark Legion Performance 15:58 Switch 2 Announcement 23:26 Roblox Rewarded Ads and Google Partnership 31:54 AppLovin's Short Seller Allegations 36:17 Hedge Fund Hotels and Market Dynamics 36:36 AppLovin Market Dominance 38:49 Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Acquisition 43:57 Supercell's New Game: First Impressions 53:22 Ubisoft's $1.25 Billion Tencent Deal 01:05:36 Tencent's Long Game and Market Strategy…

Deconstructor of Fun

1
277. Leadership, AI, and Mobile Growth – Insights from AppsFlyer’s CEO and co-Founder, Oren Kaniel 1:20:20

29 days ago1:20:20

1:20:20

What makes the company a great place to work? We discuss the significance of company culture, leadership evolution, and the vital role of customer obsession with AppsFlyer's CEO and co-founder, Oren Kaniel. Oren shares his entrepreneurial journey, how the company overcame early financial challenges, and the importance of remaining innovative and passionate. Additionally, we explore AI's role in the future of business, balancing data privacy with technological advancements, and the grand vision for AppsFlyer's continued growth and impact. 02:44 Building a Company Culture 06:33 The Importance of Customer Obsession 15:24 Challenges and Early Days of the Startup 20:15 Navigating Growth and Scaling Up 25:06 Hiring and Nurturing Talent 42:15 Transparency vs. Clarity in Leadership 44:02 Innovative Solutions for Business Growth 56:39 The Role of AI in Business Transformation 01:05:47 Building a Sustainable Business Ecosystem 01:15:20 Future Prospects and Innovations…

Deconstructor of Fun

1
276. Growing in a Mature Market with Josh Wilson, CEO of SciPlay 1:11:39

5 weeks ago1:11:39

1:11:39

Josh Wilson, CEO of SciPlay, returns to the podcast for the third time to discuss key topics such as the significance of Q5, the challenges of app store reliance, the stalled growth in the gaming market, the emergence of hybrid casualization, and the role of AI in gaming. Subscribe to the Deconstructor of Fun Newsletter: www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe Continue the conversation on our Slack channel: www.deconstructoroffun.com/slack00:00 Introduction and Previous Conversations 03:28 Understanding Q5 and Its Impact on Gaming 12:38 Navigating App Store Reliance and Customer Ownership 21:46 Stalled Growth in the Gaming Market 31:24 Customer Retention as a Business Strategy 37:44 Embracing Change and Innovation 40:55 The Shift to Hybrid Casual Gaming 55:15 The Role of AI in Gaming 01:09:02 Future Skills in a Changing Landscape…

Deconstructor of Fun

1
TWIG #324: Netflix Games Build Back Better Plan, Launch of DC Dark Legion and Death of Fragpunk 1:06:42

5 weeks ago1:06:42

1:06:42

Eric speedruns through an a16z correction, while Phil can’t wrap his head around Funplus’ new 4x Dark Legion thesis. Adam tells us Netease’s Fragpunk is dead, and Jen tells us games journalism is alive. Against all odds, Netflix Games records its first positive segment. And did you hear that? It’s the inZOI train CHUGGin’. Subscribe to the Deconstructor of Fun Newsletter: www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe Continue the conversation on our Slack channel: www.deconstructoroffun.com/slack 02:16 Post-GDC Debriefing 09:35 A16Z Speed Run 13:48 Game Journalism is Back!! 17:08 Nintendo Direct and Switch 2 Rumors 18:41 MOBA Shutdowns and VC Funded Games 25:15 FunPlus and Dark Legion 31:00 DC Comics in Gaming: Challenges and Failures 35:03 The Future of 4X Strategy Games 37:18 Marvel Rivals and Rag Punk Analysis 56:27 Netflix's Gaming Strategy…

Deconstructor of Fun

1
TWIG #323 LIVE at GDC!!! 1:09:41

5 weeks ago1:09:41

1:09:41

The rowdy and tired DoF crew closed down their GDC with a live TWIG show at Moscone Center. Tune in! Chapters: 02:47 Kickoff 03:15 GDC Vibe Check 06:30 Industry Sentiment and Challenges 21:20 Emerging Markets and New Game Development 22:26 A16Z Speed Run and Industry Shifts 26:21 Funding Trends and Credit Lines 27:40 Absurd Ideas and Rumors 31:00 Supercell's MoCo Launch 33:53 Embracing Experimentation in Gaming 38:31 Absurd Compensation Packages in the US 43:28 The Future of AA and Indie Game Funding 46:57 Highlights from Recent Gaming Events 51:55 Impact of the Podcast on Careers 01:02:54 The Rise of Apps and AI in Mobile Gaming 01:05:05 VCs, Ad Tech, and Online Gambling 01:07:41 Closing Remarks and Thank Yous…

Deconstructor of Fun

1
281. Do It Better: Creative Production with AI 27:37

5 weeks ago27:37

27:37

Alexei Chemenda, CEO and co-founder of Poolday.ai, discusses how AI enables marketers to focus on strategy and storytelling. Discover the future of personalized video ads, the evolving role of A/B testing, and the importance of combining creative and analytical skills in marketing. 00:00 Introduction: Misconceptions About AI in Marketing 01:53 Revolutionizing Ad Creation with AI 02:53 Personalization and Creative Control 04:15 Continuous Creative Cycle 04:37 AI in Gaming and Brand Marketing 09:22 Balancing Volume and Quality in AI-Driven Marketing 16:37 Predictive Analytics and Data Fluency 20:19 Future Skills for Marketing Leaders 23:13 Enhancing Human Creativity with AI 25:22 Conclusion and Contact Information…

Deconstructor of Fun

1
275. Beyond User Acquisition: How to Win with Influencer Marketing 48:43

6 weeks ago48:43

48:43

Marion Balinoff and Sara Guerola share data-driven strategies for maximizing influencer marketing in gaming. As CPIs rise and privacy regulations evolve, influencer marketing is becoming a key performance channel. Marion and Sara break down budget calculations, track organic uplift, and analyze campaign performance while highlighting tactics like QR codes, giveaways, and custom in-game assets to boost conversions. Whether you’re testing with smaller creators or scaling with top-tier influencers, this episode provides a strategic framework for driving profitable results. 00:00 Introduction to Influencer and Podcast Marketing 02:56 Meet the Experts: Marion and Sarah 04:33 Defining Influencer and Podcast Marketing 08:16 Budgeting and Setting Objectives 14:24 Measuring Campaign Performance 23:58 Tracking Links and Performance Metrics 24:35 Challenges in Getting Clicks 25:08 Podcast Advertising Strategies 27:21 Creative Performance Reports 30:40 Influencer Integration in Games 32:56 Effective Campaign Strategies 34:45 Deep Integration Benefits 38:11 Creative and Contract Tips 42:57 Final Thoughts and Recommendations…

Deconstructor of Fun

1
TWIG #322 Farmville, Pokemon Go, and Female Gamers 56:59

7 weeks ago56:59

56:59

Mishka wrestles with the implications of AppLovin’s Triple Dot acquisition , while Scopely’s latest move has everyone questioning the future of Pokémon Go . Eric breaks down the latest insights from the Turkish gaming industry , while Jen dissects the Midia Research gamer segmentation report . Phil revisits the hypercasual ad playbook , while Subway Surfers just keeps running. Plus, a final look at GDC announcements , the mobile vs. console showdown , and what it all means for the industry. The Deconstructor of Fun Newsletter:www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribeContinue the conversation on our Slack channel:www.deconstructoroffun.com/slack 04:24 Turkish Gaming Industry Insights 06:20 GDC Event Announcements 09:16 Triple Dot and AppLovin Acquisition Analysis 22:58 Midia Research Gamer Segmentation Report 30:10 Social Elements in Gaming 30:35 Mobile vs Console 31:13 Farmville, Monopoly Go, and Female Gamers 33:41 Subway Surfers 34:23 The Hypercasual Ad Strategy 41:12 Scopely's Acquisition of Niantic Games 44:04 The Future of Pokemon Go 53:50 Scopely's Strategy…

Deconstructor of Fun

1
274. Skillz CEO Andrew Paradise on the $75M Accelerator and the Future of Skill-Based Gaming 47:39

7 weeks ago47:39

47:39

www.skillz.com/developeraccelerator/ We dive deep into the world of real-money skill-based gaming and the exciting new Developer Accelerator launched by Skills Inc. Our special guest, Andrew Paradise, CEO and co-founder of Skillz, sheds light on the potential and market opportunity within this rapidly growing industry, discussing what types of games and studios Skillz is looking to support. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:19 Skill-Based Mobile Games Accelerator 04:09 Monetization and Market Strategy 13:32 Retention and Engagement Metrics 22:07 Skill-Based Gaming Market Insights 25:36 Understanding Sweepstakes and Skill-Based Gaming 26:17 Skill-Based Gaming Prizes and Competitions 28:06 Future of Skill Gaming 30:32 Expanding Game Genres and Market Reach 32:57 Skill-Based Gaming on Different Platforms 33:36 Addressing Bot Concerns in Skill Gaming 37:43 Insights from the Startup Journey 43:14 Challenges and Benefits of Going Public 45:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts…

Deconstructor of Fun

1
273. How Türkiye Became the New Capital of Mobile Gaming – And Where It’s Headed Next 1:31:26

8 weeks ago1:31:26

1:31:26

The world-class panel of Turkish founders and investors with Mehmet Ecevit (ex-CEO and co-founder of Gram Games), Batuhan Celebi (CEO and co-founder of Grand Games), and Görkem Turk (founder of Laton Ventures) shares their thoughts on what makes the Turkish gaming ecosystem unique, the importance of data-driven design, and how to maintain company culture while scaling. THE HYBRIDCASUAL PLAYBOOK: https://metahybridcasualplaybook.splashthat.com/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Guests 00:30 Success Stories and Achievements 03:31 Challenges and Strategies in Game Development 09:14 Company Culture and Hiring Practices 17:47 Scaling Companies and Future Prospects 21:14 Insights on the Turkish Gaming Ecosystem 31:07 Balancing Creativity and Data-Driven Decisions 44:46 Balancing Internal and External Motivations 45:56 Early Days and Scaling Merge Dragons 47:25 The Impact of External Validation 49:29 Cultural Differences in Handling Failure 53:20 Challenges in the Turkish Gaming Industry 01:07:32 The Importance of Mentorship and Partnerships 01:24:22 Future of the Turkish Gaming Ecosystem 01:30:43 Conclusion and Community Engagement…

Deconstructor of Fun

1
TWIG #321 AppLovin’s SHOCK Acquirer, Supercell's New Boat, and Guitar Hero’s $1B CORPSE 47:44

8 weeks ago47:44

47:44

Eric tries his best to make sense of the AppLovin deal, while Monster Hunter Wilds has never made more sense. Laura covers Supercell’s Lonely Island play, Boat Game, while Jen defends Disney IP as it STEPs it up in Japan. Phil wants a recount of Guitar Hero’s demise, while Activision announces another entry in the franchise. The Deconstructor of Fun Newsletter:www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribeContinue the conversation on our Slack channel:www.deconstructoroffun.com/slack 00:00 Introduction and Hosts 02:27 Today's Topics Overview 03:01 Jen's UCLA Story 04:00 GDC Announcements 05:46 AppLovin's Short Seller Drama 07:26 Steam's Record-Breaking Numbers 08:32 AppLovin's Game Division Sale 12:50 Sony's PlayStation VR 2 Price Drop 13:55 Supercell and SpaceApe Updates 17:15 Forte's Acquisition of Sealants 18:06 Miniclip Acquires Lessmore 18:38 Supercell's New Boat Game 23:05 Supercell's Market Mismatch 23:34 Roblox Comparison Debate 24:06 Monetization Challenges 25:01 Split Faction Reviews 25:43 Fable Delayed Again 26:44 Monster Hunter's Global Success 31:29 Disney Step in Japan 34:10 Scopely's Vanity Play 39:06 Guitar Hero Mobile Announcement 44:45 The Fall of Music Games 46:52 Conclusion and Farewell…

Deconstructor of Fun

1
272. From Prototypes to Hits: Inside Rollic’s Playbook with CEO Burak Vardal 57:18

9 weeks ago57:18

57:18

“The way we survive is built on being creative every day” We sit down with Burak Vardal, CEO and co-founder of Rollic, to explore how the company skyrocketed in just a couple of years from a Turkish startup to one of the most successful mobile game publishers in the world. Burak shares insights on: The early days of Rollic and its quick acquisition by Zynga for $168M How they consistently launch hit mobile games The shift from hyper-casual to hybrid-casual and how it changed their business model Why being a gamer-first company is key to their success What makes Turkey a global hub for mobile game development The future of Rollic under Take-Two Interactive Download the FREE Hybrid Casual Playbook: metahybridcasualplaybook.splashthat.com/ 🎙️ Join the Deconstructor of Fun Slack Community: www.deconstructoroffun.com/slack 00:00 Introduction and Background of Rollic 06:41 Türkiye as a Hub for Game Development 13:18 Business Model and Future Vision 25:54 Competition and Talent in the Turkish Gaming Industry 29:45 Creativity in Gaming: The Key to Success 31:54 The Importance of Ideation in Mobile Gaming 33:52 The Role of Testing in Game Development 36:32 Transitioning from Startup to Industry Leader 46:46 Advice for Aspiring Game Developers 52:47 Final Thoughts and Future Prospects…

Deconstructor of Fun

1
TWIG #320 Unity’s Fate, Fake Ads, Loot Boxes & GTA’s UGC Revolution 1:00:01

9 weeks ago1:00:01

1:00:01

With Miska back jet-set life, Eric is HOT about the newest RNG platform, while Phil wants to revisit Niantic’s $9B valuation and go shopping in the Epic Game Store. Jen explodes a new angle on Vector, but Eric isn’t buying the geometry. The crew fights the first war on Last War’s Fake Ads: get real or get rich? To meet the Crew, check out our event in the weekly newsletter:https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe 01:19 Star Wars 03:36 Shilling and Advice 06:48 Niantic's Valuation and Exit 08:48 PrizePix and Gambling 11:44 Hasbro Digital's Success 16:04 Epic Game Store Analysis 23:03 GTA and UGC Potential 29:14 Steam Deck's Impact on the PC Market 30:17 Unity's Earnings & Vector 44:00 Warner Bros Studio Closures 45:50 Love and Deep Space: A Unique RPG 48:18 Last War Survival's Success 50:09 Fake Ads 57:33 Overwatch Loot Boxes Return?? 58:45 Conclusion and Sign-Off…

Deconstructor of Fun

1
271. Gaming in the Middle East: Inside Abu Dhabi’s Big Bet on Games 1:03:26

10 weeks ago1:03:26

1:03:26

Marcos Muller, Director of Abu Dhabi talks about how the city is building a world-class gaming ecosystem from the ground up. From talent development to job creation and community engagement, Abu Dhabi Gaming is making big moves to attract studios, support developers, and put the region on the global gaming map. Marcos shares insights on the incentives for game studios, and the growth of the gaming economy in the UAE, and even breaks down some misconceptions about life in Abu Dhabi. If you’re a game dev, investor, or just curious about emerging gaming hubs, this episode is a must-listen! connect with Marcos: www.linkedin.com/in/mmhabig/ Chapters: 00:00 – Intro & Welcome Marcos Muller 02:15 – Why Abu Dhabi is Investing in Gaming 06:30 – Building a Sustainable Gaming Ecosystem 12:45 – The Role of Incubators, Accelerators & Studios 18:20 – Financial Incentives & Support for Game Companies 23:40 – Addressing the Talent Gap: Visas, Universities & Local Growth 30:10 – What Makes Abu Dhabi Attractive for Game Developers? 37:55 – Busting Myths About Living & Working in Abu Dhabi 45:20 – Abu Dhabi’s Long-Term Vision for Gaming 50:05 – Final Thoughts & Advice for Game Developers…

Deconstructor of Fun

1
TWIG #319 Scopely 💰 Niantic, Marvel Rivals Drama, and Xbox in Downfall? 53:00

10 weeks ago53:00

53:00

Our IRL events. Signup via the newsletter: https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe Scopely and Niantic are making moves, but can they actually change the game? NetEase unloads Marvel Rivals US studio—a political or an efficiency move? Plus, SMicrosoft’s console strategy looks shakier than ever, and we break down what the future of console gaming really looks like. And just when you thought it was over, King pulls another card from its sleeve. 🚀🎮 03:55 - GDC Shills 11:03 - Scopely & Niantic 20:10 - Jam City & Ludia AR Market 21:43 - Marvel Rivals & Netease 31:13 - Sony Earnings 32:06 - Microsoft's Console Struggles 38:00 - The Future of Console Gaming 50:54 - Return of King…

Deconstructor of Fun

1
270. Why This CEO Moved His Gaming Studio from London to Abu Dhabi 47:07

10 weeks ago47:07

47:07

🔗 Connect with Boris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boris-kalmykov-7ba38065/ We chat with Boris Kalnikov , CEO & Co-founder of Hype Masters , about relocating his gaming studio from London to Abu Dhabi . Boris shares his journey with World War Armies , the challenges of remote work, and why he chose Abu Dhabi as his new home. We dive into Abu Dhabi’s rise as a gaming hub , its government incentives , and the realities of running a studio in the region—from tax benefits to hiring talent and lifestyle changes . Whether you’re a developer, founder, or just curious about gaming in the Middle East , this episode has key insights you won’t want to miss. Timestamps: ⏳ [00:00] Why Boris left London for Abu Dhabi 🏗️ [06:00] Building a gaming studio in a new ecosystem 💰 [20:00] What incentives and funding opportunities are available? ⚖️ [27:00] Abu Dhabi vs. London: Cost of living, taxes & hiring 🎮 [40:00] The future of gaming in Abu Dhabi 💬 the DoF Community: www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe 🎧 Subscribe: www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe…

Deconstructor of Fun

1
TWIG #318 Supercell’s Records, Unity’s Chaos & AppLovin’s Fire Sale 49:35

11 weeks ago49:35

49:35

ALL upcoming events in our newsletter: https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe Supercell had a monster year with €2.8B in revenue , proving that bigger live ops teams and aggressive marketing can still drive growth—but let’s be real, Squad Busters flopped hard despite the hype. Meanwhile, Unity continues its slow-motion train wreck , losing key talent and scrambling to fix its ad tech, while AppLovin is absolutely crushing it , with stock up 700% thanks to AI-powered ads. Now, in a power move, AppLovin is dumping its entire games portfolio for $900M —so who’s buying? Scopely? Zynga? Playtika? Drop your bets in the comments. 🚀🎮 01:29 Shills 07:25 Dream and Venture Capital 10:27 Battlefield and Shooter Games 14:23 Minecraft Studio Leadership Changes 20:39 Supercell's Record Year 25:57 Live Ops and Monetization Changes 26:52 Squad Busters' Marketing Missteps 31:35 Spark Labs's Bootcamp Vibes 37:44 Unity's Struggles and Layoffs 41:45 AppLovin's Strategic Shift…

Deconstructor of Fun

1
269. The Ultra Positive Gaming Market Report: Sensor Tower's State of Mobile 2025 1:06:42

11 weeks ago1:06:42

1:06:42

State of Mobile 2025 Report: https://bit.ly/42T04bX Join us in this episode as Jonathan Briskman from Sensor Towers and Michail Katkoff explore the overall health of the mobile market, Jonathan highlights strong growth metrics despite a mature landscape. He sheds light on the booming in-app purchase revenue and time spent on devices, while also discussing intriguing trends such as digital fatigue and the rise of hybrid apps. We also touch on the global success stories in mobile gaming, focusing on new hit games and the strategic importance of localization for cracking difficult markets like Japan and South Korea. 01:03 Mobile Market Trends and Metrics 05:33 Mobile Gaming Analysis 07:50 Challenges and Regional Factors 15:50 Success Stories and Strategies 25:57 Non-Gaming App Revenue Growth 35:03 Innovative AI Features in Apps 35:29 Gamification and User Engagement 36:36 Duolingo: A Game or Learning Tool? 38:14 Blurring Lines Between Games and Non-Games 38:25 Short Drama Apps: A Growing Trend 40:45 Global Mobile Usage Trends 42:26 Digital Fatigue and Market Shifts 49:40 Localization Strategies for Global Success 53:56 Emerging Markets and Growth Opportunities 56:46 Tapping into User-Generated Content Platforms 01:00:06 Key Takeaways from the State of Mobile Report…

Deconstructor of Fun

1
268. Wilfrid Obeng on How to Scale a $100M Startup and Choosing Abu Dhabi over Silicon Valley 1:08:30

12 weeks ago1:08:30

1:08:30

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 rethinking monetization, this episode is a must-listen. 🎧🔥 www.linkedin.com/in/wilfridobeng 00:00 Wilfrid Obeng and AudioMob 04:51 From Goldman Sachs to Startup CTO 07:24 The Importance of Mentorship 13:40 Creating a Performance Culture 24:52 Life in Abu Dhabi: Work and Play 28:47 Hiring and Leadership in a Diverse Team 35:03 The Reality of Startups 37:10 Competing for Talent in Startups 39:05 Leadership Evolution and Challenges 42:07 The Importance of Company Culture 56:44 Living and Working in Abu Dhabi 01:05:01 Future Plans and Personal Growth…

Deconstructor of Fun

1
TWIG #317: Big Dream, Bigger Battlefield, and the Biggest Roblox M&A deal EVER 54:50

12 weeks ago54:50

54:50

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?…

Deconstructor of Fun

1
267. Helldivers 2, Warframe, First Descendant, and Once Human - How to Operate a PvE Shooter? 52:08

13 weeks ago52:08