PocketGamer.biz Podcast

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and news editor Aaron Astle discuss the latest games industry news on the 52nd episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we:Discuss the Epic Games vs. Apple ruling that is opening up the US App Store to third-party payments and what this means for the games industry and entire mobile ecosystem.Delve into Tripledot's $800 million acquisition of AppLovin's games business and dissect our interview with CEO Lior Shiff.Offer insights into emerging markets following trips to Gamescom LATAM and the Dubai GameExpo Summit 2025 powered by Pocket Gamer Connects.Provide insights into Japan's ‘Golden Week' holiday period and its impact on mobile games.** Let's Connect **

This week, Peggy Anne Salz and Brian Baglow welcome a true PocketGamer OG to the show. Joining the industry in 2001, Oscar Clark has worn many hats—one of which makes him instantly recognizable at every event—from developing some of the earliest mobile games to prototyping PlayStation Home to hosting countless PocketGamer Connects sessions. Now, Founder and CEO of Fundamentally Games Ltd, Oscar shapes strategy for studios to build  regular, repeatable, consistent, and cost-effective LiveOps. He joins Peggy and Brian this week for an unscripted conversation about toxic advertising, player safety, and why the industry needs to take greater accountability for both—before regulation forces its hand.CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Intro  01:35 - Oscar's background in games07:55 - Misogynistic tropes in mobile games13:31 - Who regulates bad ads?25:03 - Who's responsible for the gaming experience?29:29 -  Designing for vulnerable players38:00 - Internal regulation to avoid external rules42:31 - Favourite games Q&A

Investing seriously in community engagement is one of the most cost-effective levers a studio can pull in a time when UA demands more budget space and organic growth remains the gold standard. But where should studios start, especially those with limited marketing spend? Mike Gallagher, Founder and CEO of Untitled Advertising Lab, says reigniting older titles can drive major growth (a 30% revenue increase for one game) and build loyalty far beyond paid marketing efforts. In this episode, he joins Peggy Anne Salz to share proven reactivation strategies, explain why community engagement needs to be a core business function (not an afterthought), and reveal how chasing virality could actually be holding your game's growth back.Mike Gallagher - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbriangallagher/Untitled Ad Lab - https://untitledadlab.com/CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Intro02:33 - Adopting an "Air Buddy" puppy03:47 - What is an engagement agency?08:00 - Reigniting an older gamer10:03 - Case studies with double-digit growth16:39 - Social listening on a shoestring budget21:19 - Mistakes to avoid25:00 - Are you on the right track?28:10 - Don't chase virality33:07 - Rapid fire Q&A for small studios37:05 - An engagement audit42:29 - One small change to make today46:48 - Favourite games Q&A* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** Let's Connect **

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and news editor Aaron Astle discuss the latest games industry news on the 51st episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we cover:The EU's €500 million fine to Apple over its anti-steering policies.How the US is getting tough on Google's ads monopoly.The news that Discord CEO Jason Citron has stepped down as it gears up to go public.Ubisoft's latest dance with blockchain gaming, this time with Might & Magic.Drake Star Partners' Q1 2025 report on games industry M&A and investment.** Let's Connect **

Tune in for a very special episode of the PocketGamer.biz Podcast Week in Mobile Games - it's our 50th show!PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple, deputy editor Paige Cook and news editor Aaron Astle discuss the latest games industry news on the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's episode we cover:The early days of the podcast, strange mannerisms and our favourite moments from the Week in Mobile Games.AppLovin's latest round of layoffs impacting 97 staff and what the future holds for Machine Zone.Dream Games' celebrity marketing push for Royal Kingdom, starring LeBron James, Jimmy Fallon, Courtney Cox, Shakira and more.A Minecraft Movie's box office success - but is transmedia worthwhile?Supercell's seemingly growing aversion to soft launches - would Brawl Stars be successful as a new release now?How the Nintendo Switch 2 release date and features reveal impacted its mobile apps and games.** Let's Connect **

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and news editor Aaron Astle discuss the latest games industry news on the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's episode we discuss:The crazy Trump tariffs and their impact on the games and wider tech industry.Supercell's celebrity marketing campaigns - Is it worth it?AppLovin's intent to merge with TikTok's entire "undermonetised" international business outside of China.A Minecraft Movie's opening blockbuster success.Why Supercell wants to invest in games companies.** Let's Connect **

In mobile, where budgets are tight and timelines even tighter, catching friction early in development can save you millions — and keep your game out of the app store graveyard. But what does effective playtesting actually look like? And how do you turn player feedback into real, actionable improvements?That's exactly what PlaytestCloud set out to answer in their first-of-its-kind report, Steal This Strategy.Joining Peggy Anne Salz and Brian Baglow this week is Jack Dunne, VP of Research Operations at PlaytestCloud, along with John Wright, gaming consultant and former VP of Mobile at Kwalee. They break down three core tactics top-performing studios use to turn testing into a serious competitive advantage and the #1 action step studios can take today to get started.Jack Dunne - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacka-dunne/PlaytestCloud - https://www.playtestcloud.com/John Wright - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwright1987/CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Intro02:49 - 300-mile treks & strength training05:07 - Key findings & methodology10:30 - Saving money & ugly baby syndrome14:35 - Successful studios' testing habits17:35 - #1 Testing often25:09 - #2 Testing differently 28:54 - #3 Testing competitors' games37:36 - What else can you test?41:27 - Testing cross-platform and webstores43:06 - Next direction for playtesting45:39 - #1 action item47:51 - Favourite games Q&A* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** Let's Connect **

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and news editor Aaron Astle discuss the latest games industry news on the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this special episode, we dive into the launch details of the Nintendo Switch 2, discussing the games, features and that $450 price point.We also cover Ubisoft and Tencent's $1.25 billion deal to prop up the publisher's leadership, France's ATT fine for Apple, and yet another short-seller report ruining AppLovin's day.** Let's Connect **

What if creative production in games worked more like a film set — flexible, efficient, and built around doing your best work when it's needed most? That's the pitch behind creative as a service, and this week's guest, Casey Dickinson, CEO of SuperFaction, is making a strong case for it.In this episode, Casey lays out how the just-in-time model helps studios bring in external talent at exactly the right moment — freeing up internal teams, reducing idle time, and allowing creatives to actually stay creative. It's a shift that makes high-quality output more sustainable, especially for indie studios that often lack the bandwidth for LiveOps, seasonal campaigns, or ongoing content production.He also dives into the overlooked opportunity of working with niche IP — showing that you don't need a Marvel-sized license to build reach and monetization. If you're rethinking how your studio builds, scales, or survives in 2025, this conversation is full of ideas worth stealing.Casey Dickinson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseydickinson/SuperFaction - https://superfaction.com/CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Intro02:53 - Surfing through the games industry04:50 Helping indies ride the waves10:16 - Light-touch publishing16:26 - "Just in time" models22:33 - IP collabs done right25:38 - Campaign launch checklist27:25 - Stop being so precious with data29:22 - Effective long-term partnerships33:34 - Efficiency steps for small studios37:06 - Favourite games Q&A* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** Let's Connect **

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple, Steel Media CEO Chris James and COO Dave Bradley round up their final thoughts on GDC 2025.On this episode, they discuss:A quieter year and what that means for the conference and games industry at large.AI's big presence without the big announcements.Who was and wasn't on the show floor.Cancelled flights and turbulence for British travellers.** Let's Connect **

When MobilityWare reorganized its teams and reimagined its creative strategy, the result wasn't just a fresh perspective—it delivered a 21% boost in CTR, powered by the tools and insights of key partners InMobi and AppsFlyer. That transformation didn't happen in isolation; it was the product of smart collaboration, bold experimentation, and a laser focus on performance. We turned this episode of the PocketGamer Podcast into a masterclass in all three. Joining our hosts, Peggy Anne Salz and Brian Baglow, are Chris Kim, the UA mastermind behind MobilityWare's transformation, Adam Smart, AppsFlyer's Global Director of Product - Gaming and master of measurement, and Dharak Desai, the VP of Performance for North America & EMEA at InMobi Advertising, where he's written the playbook on a privacy-first growth strategy. Listen and learn from this group of unmatched UA experts as they dive into MobilityWare's success story, noting the tactics and tools that revealed a 13.5% drop in eCPI and a 38% increase in US-based iOS user growth for the studio—while offering smaller studios advice on standing out and mastering discoverability on a shoestring budget.Chris Kim - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjkim213/MobilityWare - https://www.mobilityware.com/Adam Smart - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-smart/AppsFlyer - https://www.appsflyer.com/Dharak Desai - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dharak-desai-a3034231/InMobi Advertising - https://advertising.inmobi.com/CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Intro03:53 - MobilityWare challenges post-ATT06:06 - A dramatic restructuring08:00 - InMobi & AppsFlyer partnerships10:00 - Balancing UA and retention11:47 - InMobi's role18:26 - AppsFlyer's SSOT24:45 - Lessons in getting back on track27:20 - MobilityWare's three incrementality tests30:56 - Standing out on a shoestring budget34:43 - Rapid fire cheatsheet38:32 - Favourite games Q&A

Hugo Obi, Founder of the Lagos-based Pan-African studio Maliyo Games, joins hosts Peggy Anne Salz and Brian Baglow on this episode of the Pocketgamer.biz Podcast to share how he is driving the growth of Africa's indie game development sector. While much of the region's gaming revenue still comes from Western-made titles, Hugo is actively changing that by building a thriving ecosystem of African studios creating games rooted in local culture and folklore. He dives into Maliyo's major initiatives, including insights from the 2025 Africa Games Industry Report, the GameUp Africa talent accelerator in partnership with Google, and Maliyo's recent collaboration with Disney on Iwájú: Rising Chef.Hugo Obi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugoobi/?originalSubdomain=ngMaliyo Games - https://www.maliyo.com/GameUp Africa - https://gameupafrica.com/2025 Africa Games Industry - https://africagamesreport.com/CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Intro02:20 - An abnormal start 04:48 - Telling African stories10:11 - Popular games in Africa11:20 - 2025 Africa Games Industry Report19:22 - Building an industry ecosystem22:18 - Making Disney Iwaju: Rising Chef27:08 - Safari City31:56 - A popular game is a global game35:10 - Comparing studios to car manufacturers 37:04 - GameUp Africa42:24 - Favourite games Q&A

In an era where discovery is harder than ever, community isn't just important—it's the deciding factor of your game's success. The usual approach? Build the game first, then work to attract the right audience. But Fateless Games followed a different path. They started as HH Gaming—a gaming content creation and community focused on mobile hero collector RPGs, particularly Raid: Shadow Legends—Simon Lockerby, which grew to 11M+ page views and 400K+ members before deciding to create their own game, Godforge.Raising $6M in just 10 weeks, the team partnered with ex-Riot, Microsoft, and EA talent to bring their vision to life—and the beta waitlist is already open.In this episode of the PocketGamer.biz Podcast, Peggy Anne Salz sits down with Co-Founder Simon Lockerby, Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer, Dan Francis, and Co-Founder & Game Director Hisham Saleh to discuss how they leveraged their community, turned engagement into momentum, and built a studio where players are part of the journey from day one.Simon Lockerby - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lockerby/Dan Francis - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-francis/Hisham Saleh - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hishamsaleh/Fateless Games - https://www.fateless.gg/HH Gaming - https://hellhades.com/CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Intro 00:40 - How Fateless started10:41 - The year of the true fan15:00 - Gearing up for the launch 17:37 - Supporting content creators22:42 - Cashing in on the k factor26:45 - Cultivating culture and talent33:55 - Creating the next HH Gaming group

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and news editor Aaron Astle discuss the latest mobile games industry news on the Week in Mobile Games podcast.On this episode, we:Analyse Scopely's $3.5 billion acquisition of Niantic's games business (check out our Pocket Gamer Reacts video for more insights).Highlight the recent flurry of investment news stories that could signal a more positive future for the games industry.Get insights on Sonic Rumble's development, delay and IP partnership potential.Talk about whether alternative app stores are really capitalising on the opportunity to disrupt the App Store and Google Play.Discuss the news that France's regulator wants to reverse ATT(!).** Let's Connect **

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and news editor Aaron Astle discuss the latest mobile games industry news on the Week in Mobile Games podcast.On this episode, we discuss:Tripledot's surprise impending acquisition of AppLovin's games business.Ludia's plans for M&A and hiring spree after its exit from Jam City.The management shake up at RuneScape developer Jagex as CEO Phil Mansell steps down and CVC's Jon Bellamy steps in.Goddess of Victory: Nikke's induction into the billion-dollar club on mobile.Pokémon Day's big announcements and why Pokémon Champions could be the next big thing.Supercell acts like a normal company as Lasse Seppänen is named Supercell London GM.** Let's Connect **

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and Steel Media CEO Chris James discuss the latest mobile games industry news from the past week.On this episode, we discuss: AppLovin vs. short-sellers: We discuss the claims, AppLovin's response and what it all means for the company and the wider advertising market. Is the industry seeing more investment? We look at where the money is flowing as new startups emerge. Developer Trends Survey takeaways: We analyse our survey report and discuss the big trends right now. As the Amazon App Store closes on Android and Epic Games Store third-party revenue is down (through Epic Payments), we discuss the future of alternative app stores and whether they can break through. Supercell has revealed its latest title: Boat Game. So naturally, we had to talk about it and Supercell's new games strategy.** Let's Connect **

Nailing mobile ad strategy isn't just about making eye-catching creatives—it's about understanding what works, iterating quickly, and scaling effectively, even on a tight budget. In this episode, Peggy Anne Salz and Brian Baglow sit down with Z, Founder and CEO of BLKBOX.ai, to discuss how AI-driven creative optimization is transforming the way gaming studios approach ads. By following BLKBOX's Five Pillars of Creative Success, teams can break free from the copycat cycle, create unique ad variations, and boost performance without overloading their art teams. Z also explains how the latest AI tools can streamline go-to-market timelines, ensure brand-compliant creatives, and help studios make smarter scaling decisions.Z - https://www.linkedin.com/in/athar-zia-97555462/BLKBOX. - https://blkbox.ai/CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Intro02:58 - 1500% return05:26 - Demystifying the blackbox08:44 - The Five Pillars of Great Creatives10:55 - Pillar One: Analyse13:00 - Unlocking surprising insights16:03 - Pillar Two: Ideate19:55 - Pillar Three: Create22:30 - Pillar Three: Test26:46 - Pillar Three: Scale30:26 - "Don't go live yet."35:54 - Demo of Blkbox's dashboard44:30 - Treat art as science46:05 - Favourite games Q&A

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and news editor Aaron Astle discuss the latest mobile games industry news from the past week.On this episode, we discuss:NetEase's Marvel Rivals layoffs, it's change in investment strategy and how it echoes the global strategies of Japanese publishers like DeNA and Gree in the past, and why its plans are strictly business, not political.The reported sale of Niantic's games business, including Pokémon Go, to Scopely, and why Savvy Games Group may be leading the charge on the deal.Jam City's decision to sell Ludia, three and a half years after buying the studio – which it originally aimed to do so it could finally take the publisher public.The Epic Game Store's big numbers reveal, how many of its new accounts are actually on mobile, and the challenges of launching a rival digital games store to a monopoly, with third-party revenue down in 2024.Big Fish Games' future as it halts new development to focus on live games and Aristocrat Leisure scales down investment in the company. It was only in 2018 that the developer was acquired for $990 million.Unity's latest financials, the new ads platform Vector that has investors excited, and why it's been the same talk for the past year.** Let's Connect **

"If you don't do D2C, you're leaving money on the table." David Stelzer, President of Xsolla, is blunt and bullish about direct-to-consumer strategy in his interview with Peggy Anne Salz at Pocketgamer Connects London. He shares his impressions of the gaming industry, insights from Xsolla's latest State of Play report, and why implementing a D2C in your monetisation mix is an absolute must in 2025.David Stelzer - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidstelzer/Xsolla - https://xsolla.com/State of Play 2025 - https://xsolla.com/the-xsolla-report

AI isn't here to replace marketers—it's here to empower them. In this week's PocketGamer podcast, Peggy Anne Salz and Brian Baglow chat with Bob Hollanders from Appier and Matej Lančarič, a UA expert known for his innovative approach, about how AI is transforming creative strategies in 2025.Matej reveals how he's using AI to generate a high volume of UGC ads on a minimal budget with impressive results while Bob urges marketers to act now. AI is more than a data-crunching tool; it's a force multiplier for creativity. However, its impact depends on how well you direct it. So get ready to polish your prompt engineering skills because that's a big part of what decides if you lead or follow in 2025!Bob Hollanders - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-hollanders-a3b82627/Appier - https://www.appier.com/en/Matej Lančarič - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matejlancaric/Matej's website - https://lancaric.me/CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro 02:04 - Where AI is disruptive07:54 - How to make AI work for you14:59 - The right amount of data20:28 - Where to start25:55 - Achieving higher ROI31:35 - What studios consistently get wrong33:20 - What excites Bobbie & Matej the most?37:00 - Favourite games Q&A* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** Let's Connect **

Peggy Anne Salz pulls Dean Day, CEO of Black Smoke Studios, aside at PGC London to learn from his playbook on extending the lifecycle of games and enhancing cross-channel play. They delve into their experiences with Stumble Guys, the strategic shift to direct-to-consumer models, and the games approaching light monetization in free-to-play games the right way.Dean Day - https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanday/Black Smoke Studios - https://www.bsstudios.co/* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** Let's Connect **

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and news editor Aaron Astle discuss the latest mobile games industry news from the past week.On this episode, we discuss Supercell's financials and the details on why Brawl Stars had a mega revival while Squad Busters had a lacklustre launch.We also delve into why AppLovin is selling its games division for $900 million, talk about Unity's latest layoffs, and take a look at DeNA's epic financials following Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket's blockbuster release.** Let's Connect **

At PGC London, Andrew Seow, Director of Monetisation at Tripledot Studios, dropped some serious ad mon advice. From hacking auctions to boost CPMs to mixing up monetization models like a pro, 2025 is all about getting creative with how to boost the bottom line. Expect smarter segmentation, data-driven insights, and a focus on engagement that actually pays off. The secret to success? Patience, strategy, and maybe even ironing your shirt for good luck.Andrew Seow - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-seow-54006a163/Tripledot Studios - https://tripledotstudios.com/* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * **

Arr matey! Andrew Mattingley, Founder/Director of indie studio NineZyme OÜ, sank his anchor at PGC London last week to learn more about UA and promote his studio's newest title: Tiles Tales: Pirates. In this interview, he chats with Peggy Anne Salz about embracing nostalgia to bring new energy and new users to indie games. Tune in to collect your treasure!Andrew Mattingley - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-ninezyme/?originalSubdomain=ieNineZyme OÜ - http://ninezyme.com/* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** Let's Connect **

Level up your next family game night! Peggy Anne Salz chats with Adam Cain, company owner, at PGC London about Pixel Playground, a brand offering immersive VR experiences for the whole family in Southport, UK. They dive into emerging technologies in the VR space, merging with mobile, and how to leverage cross-channel gameplay to get everyone in the family playing. Listen and learn!Pixel Playground VR - https://pixelplaygroundvr.co.uk/Adam Cain - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/cainadam* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** Let's Connect **

"Gaming publishers are a long oft-overlooked opportunity for brand advertisers." This week on the PocketGamer.biz Podcast, Todd Rose, Senior Vice President of Global Business Development and Addressability at InMobi Advertising, explains how the right approach to Consent Management Platforms (CMPs) can transform compliance into real revenue—for both gaming and non-gaming advertisers. Backed by InMobi's latest data, Todd reveals that even with minimal CMP customization, publishers can achieve a 70% opt-in rate, driving significant improvements in ad performance and revenue. Our hosts, Peggy Anne Salz and Brian Baglow, sit down with Todd and Paul Le Bas, Chief Revenue Officer at 52 Entertainment, to explore how CMPs help publishers and advertisers strike a balance between personalization, privacy, and monetization. They dive into why consent signals boost ad rates, how to fine-tune opt-in flows, and what brands need to know before hitting ‘start' on their CMP strategy. CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro 02:33 - Opt-out stats 11:18 - How to get players to opt-in 16:11 - How CMPs helps publishers 22:08 - What Paul wishes he knew 24:09 - Steps to improve opt-in rates 30:30 - First-party data retargeting successes 31:48 - One tip for implementing CMPs 33:35 - Favourite games Q&A

In 2025, gaming is no longer just about creating great games—it's about creating thriving ecosystems. The rise of live-service models and player-driven economies means that success hinges on more than just initial downloads or launch-day hype. Studios now face a critical question: how do you keep players playing? Justin Sacks, CEO and Co-Founder of Nexus, offers a compelling answer: creator programs. These initiatives empower content creators to transform games into dynamic communities, driving retention, reactivation, and long-term growth in an industry where player loyalty is priority #1. Justin joins Peggy Anne Salz and Brian Baglow in this episode for a candid conversation on what it takes to build and maintain a world-class creator program. The group discusses why working with content creators proves to be a fantastic tool for sustainable growth, the mistakes and challenges studios face when getting started, why traditional influencer marketing falls short and how a revenue-sharing model sets both creators and studios up for success. Listen and learn! CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro 01:54 - Lessons from competitive gaming 03:05 - Why creator programs matter 09:10 - Managing creator programs 13:25 - What Nexus does 14:46 - Influencer marketing vs a creator program 19:35 - Streamer to studio designer pipeline 22:08 - Steps to setting up 28:35 - Small creators still perform 31:58 - Common challenges and mistakes 38:16 - Upcoming trends 39:25 - Favourite games Q&A * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  ** Let's Connect **

Great gaming investors bring more than just cash to the table—they offer strategy, trust, and a shared vision for success. Jetapult hits the mark on all three and, like its name, gives studios the fuel they need to rocket toward sustainable growth, focusing on empowerment rather than just rapid expansion. Peggy Anne Salz and Brian Baglow sit down with Jetapult Co-Founder and CEO Sharan Tulsiani to explore how Jetapult's partnership-driven approach sets it apart from traditional VCs. Drawing from his experience as the former Head of Google Play Games in India, Australia, and New Zealand—and as the creator of Google's Indie Games Accelerator—Sharan shares how Jetapult helps studios leverage data, cultural insights, and operational expertise to scale smarter. He also offers rare insights into what investors really want to hear from studios during pitches and how by prioritizing long-term stability and creative freedom, Jetapult ensures developers remain firmly in the driver's seat. Sharan also dives into specific examples, like helping one studio cut production time by 70% with AI-driven tools and achieving #1 on app store charts by focusing on culturally resonant gameplay. CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro 03:28 - Jetapult's unique approach 08:51 - Rejecting the Founder "hero story" 11:10 - Is your studio a fit for Jetapult? 18:28 - Why Jetapult invests more than cash 26:54 - How much growth does Jetapult deliver? 33:33 - Peggy and Brian on AI 38:22 - Favourite games Q&A * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  ** Let's Connect **

Mobile gamers engage, splash the cash, and stick around when studios bake the right mix of personalisation and exclusivity into their gameplay. In Part 2 of our series looking at Mistplay's Mobile Game Growth Report, Kyle West, Sr. Director of Marketing at Mistplay, and Oxana Fomina, ad monetization expert and Founder of Gradient Universe, return to reveal how studios can leverage IP and brand collaborations and craft loveable loyalty programs to rocket revenue growth. They unpack why there's “no such thing as a non-paying player” and how the best developers create irresistible triggers that keep users coming back. Learn how to design loyalty experiences that evolve with your audience, use web shops to unlock new revenue streams, and apply dynamic pricing and FOMO-driven offers without breaking player trust. CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Let's talk loyalty 03:35 - Take a step back to  06:07 - One tactic to increase retention 08:41 - Designing a loyalty program that players love 13:34 - Favourite games Q&A * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  ** Let's Connect **

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and news editor Aaron Astle discuss the latest mobile games industry news from the past few weeks as the Week in Mobile Games kicks off again in 2025! In this episode, we delve into our big interview with Scopely co-CEOs Walter Driver and Javier Ferreira on how they built a $10bn gaming empire. We also take a look at the big games industry stories to keep an eye on in 2025. ** Let's Connect **

Mobile gamers are drowning in choices, but they'll still spend—if your ad monetization strategy speaks to their player type and why they downloaded your game in the first place. But it's not enough to satisfy players; studios ring in the revenues when they combine services and a sense of urgency.  This is where Mistplay's latest Mobile Gaming Growth Report equips game devs and ad mon teams with a roadmap to profitable growth in 2025. Kyle West, Sr. Director of Marketing at Mistplay, joins hosts Brian Baglow and Peggy Anne Salz to unpack findings and show how developers can sharpen their marketing, maximise monetisation, and level up loyalty programs by crafting experiences according to player personas and gameplay preferences.  He's joined by Oxana Fomina, well-known ad mon authority and Founder of Gradient Universe, a game analytics consulting firm. She delves into her latest client successes to reveal standout strategies studios of any size can use to turn players into payers. Listen in to Part 1 of a special two-part series where we dig into how studios can sync UA with LiveOps for better results, take small but effective steps to scale web shops, and use FOMO as motivation while still adding value to limited-time events. CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro 04:24 - The Mistplay Mobile Gaming Growth Report 07:23 - Brand as a part of UA 10:17 - Utilizing first-party data effectively 12:05 - Aligning UA and LiveOps 15:00 - Actions for small studios 17:50 - Effective monetisation strategies 21:37 - Why web shops? 24:34 - Balance urgency with value 26:53 - Quantity vs Quality 28:57 - Advice for starting studios * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  ** Let's Connect **

In 2024, our hosts Peggy Anne Salz and Brian Baglow interviewed 45 experts across the gaming industry, from straightforward studio heads and energised executives to data-driven developers and monetisation mavens. In this special edition episode, Peggy and Brian look back on the Top 7 shows of this year, recapping the pure-gold lessons and learnings from the marketers you enjoyed hearing from the most in 2024.  As this is the year's final show, all of us at Steel Media and the Pocketgamer.biz Podcast want to wish you a happy holiday season and a joyful new year. Thanks for listening, and we'll see you in January for the first episode of 2025! CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro  04:35 - #7 The Innogames team 07:46 - #6 Akin Babaygit, Tripledot Studios 10:46 - #5 Patrick McSteen, Logan Square Consulting 15:02 - #4 Ryan Filsinger, Iron Fox Games 18:43 - #3 Maria Sayans, ustwo games 22:00 - #2 Teis Anker Mikkelsen, Multiscription 26:02 - #1 Daniel Tchernahovsky, AppLovin 30:41 - Year #2 of the Pocketgamer.biz Podcast * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  ** Let's Connect **

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple, deputy editor Paige Cook and news editor Aaron Astle discuss the big games industry trends of the year for 2024. In this festive episode, we look at AI, regulation, layoffs, the state of games media, HTML5, the year's top games and much more! ** Let's Connect **

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple, deputy editor Paige Cook and news editor Aaron Astle discuss the latest mobile games industry news from the past week. On this week's episode we discuss mobile's hottest new releases, including Infinity Nikki, delve into the BBC's loot box investigation, and debate Ubisoft's obsession with launching Rainbow Six on mobile. ** Let's Connect **

What made gaming acquisitions attractive in 2024, and what do investors have on their wishlist for 2025? Michael Metzger, Managing Partner at global tech investment bank Drake Star, takes the mic in this episode of the Pocketgamer.biz Podcast to shine a light on the new era of M&A and share advice with studios shaping their growth strategies for the upcoming year. Alongside our host, Peggy Anne Salz, and special co-host Craig Chapple, Michael reveals insights from Drake Star's Global Gaming Report Q3 2024, explaining why 2024 saw a surge in M&A activity—with a 70% year-over-year increase in gaming sales—and how factors like private equity interest, strategic acquisitions, and profitability-focused deals are shaking up the industry status quo. Tune in to determine what's driving the shift, what it means for developers, and why diversification into non-gaming sectors should be on your growth radar for 2025. Drake Star's Global Gaming Report Q3 2024 - https://www.drakestar.com/news/global-gaming-report-q3-2024 Michael Metzger - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmmetzger/ Drake Star - https://www.drakestar.com/ CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro 02:41 - Getting to close 05:42 - Length of acquisition 08:56 - What's driving gaming M&A? 13:00 - Is it sustainable? 17:11 - What are acquiers looking for? 19:49 - Rollups in 2025 23:37 - The financing climate 30:15 - Bullish on blockchain 33:43 - Diversification 35:44 - Investments in 2025 42:09 - Advice for studios * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  ** Let's Connect **

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and news editor Aaron Astle discuss the latest mobile games industry news from the past week. On this week's episode we delve into the PR mishandling of Xbox's mobile marketplace plans and the Adjust layoffs. Elsewhere we discuss Supercell CEO Ilkka Paananen's insights into the structural and cultural changes at the Clash of Clans developer and how the top grossing charts are evolving. ** Let's Connect **

Accurate segmentation makes the difference between a good game and a great one, but with the declining availability of third-party data, developers face mounting challenges in finding strategies that drive installs and reduce churn. The opportunity? Psychological segmentation, which taps into player motivations and traits rather than relying on surface-level demographics or behaviors. This week, Joe Schaeppi, CEO and Co-Founder of Solsten, joins our hosts Peggy Anne Salz and Brian Baglow to reveal how this approach gives developers a winning edge. From understanding the "why" behind player behavior to uncovering untapped personas and creating experiences that truly resonate, Joe breaks down how psychology-driven segmentation empowers developers to connect with players on a deeper level. The result? Games that are not only sticky but also lovable and loyalty-worthy. Tune in to learn about the science of resonance, why it beats relevance, and how to design games that foster enduring player relationships and scalable success. CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro 02:45 - Risk & fun 04:30 - What kind of player are you? 07:39 - Resonance vs relevance  11:46 - How to use resonance to stand out 19:24 - Solsten is an insurance policy 25:34 - How does Solsten work? 32:37 - It starts during development 36:30 - Values show up during play 40:01 - Integrating brands 46:33 - If 50% of VCs like your idea 50:16 - Favourite games Q&A   * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  ** Let's Connect **

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple, deputy editor Paige Cook and News Editor Aaron Astle discuss the latest mobile games industry news from the past week. On this week's episode we discuss the success of Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, Dream Games' big Royal Kingdom launch, and ask: are developers burned out on mobile? ** Let's Connect **

84% of players uninstall games due to disruptive or poorly placed ads, proving that bad ads don't just hurt a game's reputation but its bottom line, too. Our hosts, Peggy Anne Salz and Brian Baglow, dive into AppHarbr's recent report, “Player Sentiments On In-Game Ads” — a one-of-a-kind survey of over 600 players — before Peggy hits the floor at Gamesforum London to ask games professionals how they combat problematic creatives. Ad monetisation and growth experts from Kwalee, Product Madness, Moloco, GameBiz Consulting and Playtika share the steps to taking back control of your game's ad quality and where they see the most growth for games in 2025. Božo Janković - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bozoj/ John Wright - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwright1987/ Bruno Balistrieri - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruno-balistrieri-5b10a8194/ Piyush Mishra - https://www.linkedin.com/in/piyush-mishra-4333a340/ Or Zilberman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/or-zilberman-469834131/ Michael Fortune - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mifortune/ CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro 01:35 - AppHarbr Survey 03:41 - Relevance, timing, and quality 07:09 - Božo Janković - GameBiz Consulting 13:57 - John Wright - Kwalee 22:19 - Bruno Balistrieri - Kwalee 24:56 - Piyush Mishra - Product Madness 31:38 - Or Zilberman - Playtika 34:38 - Michael Fortune - Moloco * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  ** Let's Connect **

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple, deputy editor Paige Cook and News Editor Aaron Astle discuss the latest mobile games industry news from the past week. On this week's episode we discuss Miniclip's $1.2 billion acquisition of Easybrain, MTG's big deal for Plarium and ask why is Microsoft talking about mobile acquisitions? ** Let's Connect **

Offerwall campaigns are rapidly climbing the ranks of top-performing game-mon strategies, delivering 86.1% higher D7 retention rates compared to rewarded video and interstitials, according to Unity's Mobile Growth and Monetisation Report 2024. The good news: high-value players (and whales) are snapping at the bait. The not-so-good news: a growing appetite for rewards can increase the risk of fraud. This week, Alexander Hrankin, CEO and Co-Founder of Scrambly, joins our host, Peggy Anne Salz, to share how the company's rewarded-discovery platform connects users with games and apps that match their interests and hunts and blocks bad actors and bots. It will always be an uphill battle, but Alex, once a professional boxer, shares how the right training and a can-do attitude can fight off fraudsters. CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro 02:09 - Boxing as games training 03:45 - FinTech verification  05:45 - Aspects of user quality 08:05 - Fraud vs a high-value user 11:27 - How to counteract bad actors 13:02 - Which metrics matter? 16:30 - Low-quality vs bad actors 19:50 - Stopping fraud as it happens 21:51 - Shifts in rewarded 25:47 - Advice for studios starting out 31:25 - Favourite games Q&A * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  ** Let's Connect **

Discover how Aghanim enables mobile game publishers to boost net revenue by up to 200% through secure & compliant web-based monetization strategies. By integrating Aghanim's suite of tools—covering game-content, liveops automation, community engagement, and payments—publishers can streamline operations and optimize their low-performing web shop approach. Our hosts, Peggy Anne Salz and Brian Baglow, spoke to Conor McLaughlin, VP of Revenue & Partnerships at Aghanim, about how their unique, comprehensive platform is revolutionizing the space and maximizing profits for mobile publishers. This episode is sponsored by Aghanim. CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro 01:40 - Pineapple on pizza 03:51 - What is Aghanim?  07:19 - The four friction points 14:28 - Giving publishers power again 17:35 - Connecting with the brand outside the game 20:05 - One-size-fits-all 21:53 - Customized by player 26:56 - Autopopulated content 27:58 - UA or ad mon? 29:29 - Aghanim beyond games 32:51 - Be agile 34:15 - Favourite games Q&A  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  ** Let's Connect **

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and deputy editor Paige Cook discuss the latest mobile games industry news from the past week. On this week's episode we discuss Facebook Instant Games finally enabling in-app purchases on iOS, the legal view of Nintendo's Palworld case, and provide key takeaways from Games First Helsinki 2024. ** Let's Connect **

Resilience, grit, and a gut feeling about good talent separate average studios from great ones and determine which can stand the test of time. Few people hit the mark on all three, like Iron Fox Games Founder and CEO Ryan Filsinger. With a legacy of iconic IPs, including The Simpsons, Star Wars, and Marvel, Ryan's insights stem from 17 years of industry experience and a mindset geared toward endurance. Ryan tells our hosts Peggy Anne Salz and Brian Baglow how studios can push through the unexpected, from the loss of key clients to evolving revenue models, and he unpacks strategies Iron Fox uses to diversify risk, sustain client relationships, and balance in-house projects with work-for-hire. He also dives into how Iron Fox is tapping into web platforms to preserve and modernize classic games for today's players, providing a home for retro titles that may otherwise stay stuck in the past with changing hardware and software standards. From identifying the right monetization model to embracing new platforms, this conversation equips founders and developers with actionable advice to build studios that can go the distance when shift happens. CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro 02:07 - An island journey into games 04:24 - Iron Fox Games 09:43 - Preserving classic games with web 14:40 - The power of the browser 16:40 - Everything old is new 17:50 - What to do when shift happens 24:16 - How to keep clients on your roster 29:58 - Talent non-negotiables 33:05 - Hitting 10M  36:02 - What's next at Iron Fox 39:27 - Where indie studios should focus energy 41:11 - Building something to last  42:40 - Favourite games Q&A * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  ** Let's Connect **

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and Fundamentally Games CEO Oscar Clark discuss the latest mobile games industry news from the past week. On this week's episode we discuss the closure of Netflix's triple-A studio Team Blue, new developer Antihero's comments that Apple's IDFA changes were good for the industry, and the rise of India's mobile games market. ** Let's Connect **

Alternative distribution channels and app stores are exploding onto the scene and are positioned to be the key growth drivers for mobile gaming in 2025. They offer new revenue streams—and they reshape how developers engage their audiences, optimize their growth strategies, and build trust in a more open ecosystem. Significantly, players also have a huge appetite for alternatives, especially if they offer more choice and less friction. Digital Turbine research reports that nearly 70% of users would use new discoverability features—if they were available—to find and download cool new games. This week, savvy studio leaders and growth gurus at Gamesforum Hamburg weigh in on things alternative, from app stores and alternative monetisation methods to the channels that are “gathering storm” and set to redefine mobile gaming in 2025. CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro 02:58 - Tobias Edl | WHoW games 11:02 - Ryan Davies| Kwalee 14:23 - Anastasia Zaiceva | ZiMAD 15:35 - Halime Dogan | Wooga 16:37 - Oguz Ayar | Voodoo 18:46 - Matej Lancaric | Lancaric.me * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  ** Let's Connect **

Craig Chapple and Aaron Astle from the PocketGamer.biz team discuss the latest mobile games industry news from the past week. On this week's episode the team discusses the launch of Unity 6, executive departures at Stillfront and Supercell, and the news that Destiny: Rising is heading to mobile. ** Let's Connect **

As our host Brian Baglow always says, “If there's one constant in the games' industry, it's change.” In this episode, we switch gears from talking about how to make winning titles to discussing a winning strategy that will allow you to ride the waves of change—not be crushed by them. Faith Price, Director of Growth Marketing at DoubleDown Interactive, and Gwen Kestrel, digital marketer, educator, and co-founder of Bold Cat Studios, join Peggy Anne Salz and Brian to dive into how to reinvent yourself during a downturn—something both of them have done more than once. Whether you're facing a layoff, pivoting careers, or future-proofing your skills, learn how to turn setbacks into opportunities—from leveraging your network to building a ‘feel-good book' and even designing a custom role for yourself. Tune in to discover how to stay resilient, relevant, and ready to thrive, no matter what the market looks like.  CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro 03:45 - Gwen's journey 05:21 - Mentally preparing for change 10:20 - Tools to be comfortable with uncertainty 13:44 - Creating a role for yourself 18:12 - Apply for the job you aren't qualified for 21:50 - Identify what brings you joy 27:13 - Feeling lost  29:30 - Leaning on your network 32:51 - Brian's advice  34:29 - How AI can help 41:50 - Advice on starting over 44:45 - Favourite games Q&A * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  ** Let's Connect **

Craig Chapple, Paige Cook and Aaron Astle from the PocketGamer.biz team discuss the latest mobile games industry news from the past week. On this week's episode the team breaks down the recent ruling in the Epic vs Google case that will force Google Play to open up its store. We also speculate wildly on the options open to Scopely for its 'megadeal' in 2025, cover the reports that Ubisoft could go private following a tough few months for the publisher, and talk about an alarming development from Nintendo. ** Let's Connect **

Craig Chapple, Paige Cook and Aaron Astle from the PocketGamer.biz team discuss the latest mobile games industry news from the past week. On this week's episode the team discuss the Top 50 Mobile Game Makers 2024 list and what it tells us about industry trends, takeaways from Pocket Gamer Connects Helsinki and Finnish Games Week, Epic's new fees for Unreal Engine and the Epic Games Store, and more! ** Let's Connect **

Craig Chapple and Aaron Astle from the PocketGamer.biz team discuss the latest mobile games industry news from the past week. On this week's episode the team discusses Ubisoft's big Assassin's Creed Shadows delay, strike action and other problems. We also analyse the enormous success of Genshin Impact, which has hit $6.3 billion in four years. ** Let's Connect **