Best Deconstructor Of Fun Podcasts (2025)

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303. Why Scandinavia Makes You So Happy? And Why We Chose To Leave. 1:13:52

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1d ago1:13:52

1:13:52

Phillip Black and Michail Katkoff break down why they left the Nordics, trading modesty-maxxing for Mediterranean chaos and a bit more sun. The two dive into the quiet conservatism baked into Scandinavian life, the erosion of hunger that comes with too much comfort, and the calculus behind moving to Cyprus and Greece. 00:00 The Conservative Psyop o…

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3. 2. 1. Retro #1: Netease Bails on Western Studios, IGN Restructuring, Ubisoft and King Showcase AI 47:23

1d ago47:23

47:23

Top 3 Gaming News From Last Week: NetEase Shuts Down Another Western Studio (Game Developer): NetEase has closed T-Minus Zero Entertainment. This marks the third Western studio closure as part of a broader reassessment of business priorities and has raised concerns about the stability of Western studios under NetEase's ownership. IGN Publisher John…

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Finding Alpha: How to Find Your Company's Secret Advantage! 26:39

5d ago26:39

26:39

In an era where “good” isn’t good enough, this talk breaks down how to generate alpha—company-specific excess returns—by choosing the right game to play and going all-in on the highest-leverage moves. We cover the macro forces reshaping competition, case studies of teams that found alpha, and where velocity and AI change the basis of competition. W…

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TWIG #346: EU Wants to Ban Free-to-Play, Supercell Introduces a New Boss 1:05:41

5d ago1:05:41

1:05:41

TWIG crew dives into Gamescom chaos, funding trends, and post-Ibiza IV drips. From Supercell’s leadership addition, to IP-powered collabs (Raid x TMNT) and the EU’s regulatory squeeze on F2P, this episode cuts through the noise with sharp insights, hard takes, and a few too-real laughs. 02:07 Gamescom Highlights and Industry News 02:50 PlayStation …

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302. Call of Duty vs Battlefield: Ex-DICE, Bungie & Activision Experts Unpack It All 1:24:02

6d ago1:24:02

1:24:02

This one’s for the shooter heads. Host Phil Black (ex-DICE) is joined by Chris Sides (ex-Bungie) and longtime strategist Chris Anjos (ex-Activision) to dig into the decade-long arms race between Battlefield and Call of Duty. The muzzles are off. Chapters: 02:01 Meet the Experts 03:54 Historical Context: Battlefield and Call of Duty Sales 13:04 Batt…

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Call of Duty vs. Battlefield, Dreamhaven Struggles, AI - Tencent & Unity | Game Dev Review #1 1:07:59

8d ago1:07:59

1:07:59

GAME DEV REVIEW #1 NEWS: Top 5 Gaming News Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Officially Revealed (GameSpot): Activision has unveiled the next entry in its massive first-person shooter franchise, "Call of Duty: Black Ops 7." The reveal trailer, showcased at Gamescom, provided a first look at the game's near-future setting and hinted at a narrative connected…

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301. Duolingo, Tinder, DraftKings: How Top Apps Have Been Gamified 59:06

8d ago59:06

59:06

We dive into Duolingo’s ruthless gamification, how BeReal is evolving beyond its viral gimmick, why Tinder is betting big on live events, the surprising social features inside DraftKings, and the stickiness of Crypto.com’s engagement loops. Each case study is a window into how apps are blurring the line between entertainment, habit, and monetizatio…

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TWIG #345 Clash Royale’s BIG Comeback and LEGO’s Digital Gamble 1:05:31

11d ago1:05:31

1:05:31

This week on TWIG, the crew covers everything from corn in Minecraft to streak psychology in the New York Times’ latest game, Pips. We kick things off with Gamescom highlights, fresh updates from Ethan and Laura. From there, we dig into why streaks are such a powerful mechanic. We also debate Supercell’s unexpected Clash Royale comeback, before wra…

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Navigating the Game Industry Reset: Layoffs, AI Hiring & Career Strategy with Keith Caswell (ex-EA, Microsoft) 1:57:45

15d ago1:57:45

1:57:45

The games industry is in a state of flux. Layoffs are widespread, AI is disrupting hiring, and the future feels uncertain. To navigate this new landscape, we're joined by Keith Caswell, a 20-year HR veteran with leadership experience at Microsoft, Electronic Arts, and Wizards of the Coast, for a masterclass in career and talent strategy. Whether yo…

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300. First-Ever Interview with Head of LEGO Digital Play – Aaron Loeb 1:03:24

16d ago1:03:24

1:03:24

Why is LEGO doubling down on digital? In his first-ever interview as the founding president of LEGO Digital Play, industry veteran Aaron Loeb (Electronic Arts, FoxNext, Kabam) reveals the bold vision behind LEGO’s new company. From “forever games” like Roblox and Minecraft to building trust with kids and families, Aaron breaks down why now is the r…

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TWIG #344 Battlefield’s Big Comeback, AppLovin’s Record Quarter and Moon Active’s New Games 1:02:43

20d ago1:02:43

1:02:43

We kick things off with “midlife Kress-ises” before diving into the headlines you can’t ignore: Tencent’s latest controversy, AppLovin’s monster quarter, and Blizzard’s leadership shuffle. From Storm Gate’s rough launch runway to the brutal math of market fit, we unpack why good games still fail. We break down Duolingo’s surprise move into music ga…

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299. The Hiring Shift No One’s Talking About with an Executive Headhunter, Miklos Blasko 1:15:05

23d ago1:15:05

1:15:05

Full-time execs are out, and fractional leaders are in? In today’s episode, we break down the growing trend of founders building companies like modular tech stacks, swapping in CMOs, Product leads, and other execs *only* when they’re needed. But here’s the catch: done right, fractional hires can supercharge growth. Done wrong, they can kill momentu…

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TWIG #343: Match Villains' Monster Raise, the Sydney Sweeny Effect, and the Lost A of AAA 1:04:49

27d ago1:04:49

1:04:49

This week, the TWIG crew goes full galaxy brain. We kick things off with the real effects of celebrity cringe marketing. Then it’s onto the real news: Probably Monsters' search for $220M ROI, Match Villains' monster raise, Lilith's search for growth, and Roblox's unstoppable growth. 00:00 Introduction and Host Introductions 02:46 Episode Overview a…

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298. Segmentation Is Dead. Long Live Personalization! 51:35

1M ago51:35

51:35

In this episode, we unpack how today’s biggest mobile publishers are ditching segmentation in favor of experimentation at scale, what Apple’s privacy-first approach means to running LTV-focused live ops, and why personalization is no longer a “nice to have” but a competitive weapon. Who better to answer the questions than the founding team of Metic…

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TWIG #342 Scopely Meltdown, Crazy Anime Story and One SHOCKING Game Recipe 1:07:22

1M ago1:07:22

1:07:22

Hola! Greetings from Spain. Mishka here, tanned, confused by dinner hours, and tragically absent from today’s pod. But fear not, Eric questions the rise of private equity in games and reports back from an anime convention while giving Andrew Wilson a new mobile crown. Phil wants a recount on a couple of Scopley acquisitions, while Jen channels Kate…

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Why Data Is The New Superpower In Gaming! 1:16:16

1M ago1:16:16

1:16:16

Four years after Apple's ATT shook the mobile gaming world, measurement remains complicated—but not impossible. Airbridge CEO Roi Nam joins us for an unfiltered technical discussion on what's actually working in iOS UA today. We explore SKAN 4.0, the power of CAPI, Web-to-App strategies, and why some studios see 54% LTV lifts while others struggle.…

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From Concept to Character: AI Animation Revolution in Gaming 58:03

1M ago58:03

58:03

Join us for an eye-opening conversation about how AI is completely transforming the game animation industry. Viren Tellis, CEO of Uthana, shares how their technology is enabling developers to animate characters in seconds instead of days, democratizing game development for indie creators. What you'll discover: The three game-changing ways to create…

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297. Mobile Marketing in 2025: What Still Works (and What’s Dead) 1:27:35

1M ago1:27:35

1:27:35

In this Deconstructor of Fun podcast, Mishka Katkoff sits down with three of the sharpest minds in growth: Josh Chandley (Wildcard Games), Warren Woodward (Uptick), and Paul Bowen (StreamElements) to dissect the state of user acquisition in 2025. STATE OF CREATIVES Report: https://tinyurl.com/393d9rum Chapters: 02:00 Is UA Dead or Just Evolved? 07:…

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TWIG #341 Ubisoft Tries “Succession” while Battlefield Attempts a Comeback 50:30

1M ago50:30

50:30

Miska’s usual jetset life hits a snag when he misses Kress’ Subnotica correction. Adam calls in from his cottage to lay down the law on Merge history, while Phil gushes over $500m in capital deployment. Eric details Ubisoft’s reality TV show attempt at Succession, and Jen delivers the 411 on Apple’s hypercasual attempt. The group pours one out for …

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The Hidden Cost of Building Games: Sacrifice, Success, and What Really Matters ft. Mishka Katkoff, Deconstructor of Fun 1:15:59

1M ago1:15:59

1:15:59

What's the real cost of being a startup gaming founder? In this very off-topic conversation, my old friend Mishka Katkoff (Deconstructor of Fun) and I go deep on the topics nobody puts in their pitch deck. We share personal stories about the psychological and physical toll of the grind, and question the nature of ambition in the game industry.This …

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296. From Crying Alone in Bangalore to Panic Attacks at Gamescom with Joseph Kim, CEO of LILA Games 1:18:16

1M ago1:18:16

1:18:16

From crying alone in Bangalore to panic attacks at Gamescom, this is a brutally real look at what it actually costs to chase a vision. Mishka Katkoff (Deconstructor of Fun) and Joseph Kim (Lila Games) reunite for the rawest, most honest founder-to-founder conversation you’ll hear this year. They dive deep into the sacrifices, suffering, and stress …

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TWIG #340 Scopely Goes to War, Roblox Gambles on IP and Turkey Rises 1:13:56

2M ago1:13:56

1:13:56

Upcoming events: Whiskey Tasting: https://event.appsflyer.com/gamescom2025/AF Heroic Party: https://lu.ma/tjkk5r8k The crew kicks things off by breaking down Roblox’s bold new IP licensing platform—will it unlock the next Pokémon or just spin up another corporate side quest? Then it’s off to Turkey for a pulse check on one of mobile gaming’s fastes…

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CLIP: Secrets Behind Monopoly Go’s Record-Breaking Launch with Ben Webley, CMO of Scopely 10:35

2M ago10:35

10:35

At MAU Vegas, Jen Donahoe sits down with Ben Webley, CMO of Scopely, to unpack the strategies behind Monopoly GO!’s meteoric rise. From player psychology to brand IP, virality loops to UA muscle—this conversation breaks down what really drove the biggest mobile game launch of the decade. If you’re in gaming and not taking notes on this one, you’re …

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295. Pakistan’s Unexpected Rise in Gaming with Saad Hameed, CEO of Game District 1:04:43

2M ago1:04:43

1:04:43

Game District CEO Saad Hameed joins Michail Katkoff to tell the untold story of Pakistan’s booming gaming industry. From bootstrapped studios to billion-download success, we dive into the rise of Lahore as a serious global player, why Pakistan could be the next Turkey or Vietnam, and what’s holding the ecosystem back from its breakout moment. This …

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Web Shops: From 10% to 50% Revenue – The Playbook Top Games Don't Want You to Know 1:21:14

2M ago1:21:14

1:21:14

Apple and Google are taking 43% more money from your game than you think – and your competitors are using web shops to capture that revenue instead. In this eye-opening discussion, Stash's Chief Growth Officer reveals how top mobile games generate 50%+ of revenue through direct-to-consumer channels while others leave millions on the table.Why you n…

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TWIG #339 Merge Games, Gen Z Spending Patterns, and the Shift inside Studio Cultures 53:58

2M ago53:58

53:58

We kick things off with a no-holds-barred Supercell rant before diving into the hottest industry stories—from Xbox Game Pass profitability to Apple’s latest regulatory headache in the EU. We break down Supercell’s shifting strategy, IPO rumors, and what it all signals for the wider market. The crew also explores Gen Z’s changing spending habits, mo…

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294. Product Managing Game Studio Culture with Seth Sivak (ex-World of Warcraft Boston Studio Head) 1:16:14

2M ago1:16:14

1:16:14

Mishka Katkoff interviews Seth Sivak as they discuss startup culture, leadership, company values, product market fit, cultural onboarding, adaptive culture, game industry, entrepreneurship, team dynamics, and management. They discuss the importance of company culture, how it can be shaped and influenced, and the challenges of maintaining a healthy …

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TWIG #338 Apple’s Cat-and-Mouse Game, Xbox's Doom Loop, and Splitgate 2’s $100M Misfire 1:02:05

2M ago1:02:05

1:02:05

The boys-only episode talks about layoffs sweeping through top Swedish studios before diving into yet another round of Xbox layoffs. In this episode, we also cover Apple’s ongoing cat-and-mouse game with the EU’s DMA rules and unpack the critical difference between private equity and venture capital in gaming. The crew analyzes the early flop of Ma…

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293. Walking Away from Venture Capital with Sophie Vo 1:04:11

2M ago1:04:11

1:04:11

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…

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TWIG #337 Supercell's AI Ruse and Microsoft’s Muddled Xbox Strategy 1:03:17

2M ago1:03:17

1:03:17

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, Micros…

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292. Where Do Geogames Go After Niantic’s $3.5B Exit with Lauren Steidl, CEO of Integrated Reality Labs 35:32

2M ago35:32

35:32

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 powe…

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TWIG #336 Candy Crush Veterans Return as Marathon Runs Out of Steam 1:05:08

3M ago1:05:08

1:05:08

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 slowd…

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291. AI in Games: Innovation or Ethical Time Bomb? With George Ng, CTO of GGWP 44:24

3M ago44:24

44:24

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 wh…

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Game PM Evolution: Insights on AI, Strategy & Survival 1:10:39

3M ago1:10:39

1:10:39

The game development industry is in flux. From the intense pressure of the attention economy and global competition to the seismic shifts brought by Artificial Intelligence, how is the crucial role of the Product Manager evolving? Join us for an in-depth exploration of these critical questions, featuring a panel discussion, "The Evolution of the Pr…

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TWiG #335: Embrace CEO Exits, Pokémon meets Genshin and Nintendo’s Mysterious On Switch 59:53

3M ago59:53

59:53

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…

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290. 10 x Co-Development Trends: Why the Best Studios Are Scaling Without Hiring 1:07:02

3M ago1:07:02

1:07:02

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 develo…

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TWIG #334 The $200,000,000 Greenlight Failures and Activision’s Tone-Deaf In-Game Ads 53:25

3M ago53:25

53:25

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 Zyng…

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HTML5 Gaming is Back—But This Time It's Different" | Playgama CEO Reveals Why 48:51

3M ago48:51

48:51

Is HTML5 gaming finally ready for prime time? After multiple failed attempts over the past decade, something fundamental has changed. In this episode, we sit down with Dmitry Kachmar, CEO of Playgama, who recently raised $3M betting that HTML5 gaming is about to explode. Thanks to GPU advances from the AI boom, 5G networks, and platforms desperate …

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289. Mobile Gaming in 2025: 10 Trends That Matter 51:13

3M ago51:13

51:13

State of Gaming report: https://tinyurl.com/5eyye63d 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, h…

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288. Why Most Games Deserve to Die — And How Voodoo Finds the Ones That Don’t 51:22

3M ago51:22

51:22

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 w…

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TWIG #333: Apple's Stand Up Comedy, Fortnite Mobile's Tea Leaves, and a Mystery Success 1:03:35

3M ago1:03:35

1:03:35

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, whi…

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287. Fat Cats, Steaming Decks, all GaaS and no Subscriptions with Rhys Elliott of Alinea Analytics 1:18:45

3M ago1:18:45

1:18:45

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 s…

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TWIG #332 Finland’s Game Industry Woes, Supercell's Transmedia Moves and Roblox's Commercialization 1:02:23

3M ago1:02:23

1:02:23

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 shoppin…

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286. Bots in Gaming: The Good, The Bad, and The Future with GGWP's George Ng 24:27

3M ago24:27

24:27

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 discus…

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285. What Gaming Taught Them—And Why App Companies Are Hiring Them Fast with Mission One's Gerard Miles 1:17:44

4M ago1:17:44

1:17:44

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 …

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TWIG #331 Supercell’s Second Shot, Triple Dot’s Power Move, Microsoft's Strategic Shift 1:03:19

4M ago1:03:19

1:03:19

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 S…

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Why Most New Games Still Face-Plant — and How Player Insight Can Flip the Script 58:55

4M ago58:55

58:55

Why $200M games flop — and how LiveAware’s “always-on” player insight flips the odds.• Echo-chamber dev culture & launch disasters• Quant vs qual data gap killing velocity• LiveAware’s one-click capture → AI analyze → auto-Jira flow• Surfacing bugs & sentiment from Discord, YouTube, surveys• Dashboards that feed artists, designers, engineers the cl…

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284. Why Everyone Wants to be the Next Mistplay with Aaron Thandi, CCO of Mistplay 33:53

4M ago33:53

33:53

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 met…

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The BILLION User Goldmine: Gaming with AI + Telegram (DEEP DIVE) 49:17

4M ago49:17

49:17

Simon from Goat Gaming shares how his team is leveraging AI and Telegram to build games in just 2-3 weeks, reaching 5.5 million users. Learn why he believes AI will be an "extinction-level event" for studios that don't adapt, and how Telegram offers a billion-user opportunity similar to early Facebook gaming.Content Outline:00:00 – AI vs. Legacy: “…

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283. How I Went From a 3D Artist to GM of a Billion-Dollar Game - Justin McFarlane 34:34

4M ago34:34

34:34

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 Engagement 07:10 Making Tough Decisions: Prioritizing Tea…