Welcome to your regular glimpse into the business of mobile games. Featuring interviews with games industry experts! Your hosts are the insiders at PocketGamer.biz, the top B2B site for the mobile games industry. It covers the people, technology and deals that drive this multi-billion dollar sector. In our ongoing podcast, you’ll hear the editorial team and their guests dive into the topics and themes at the forefront of the industry. You’ll get unique insight and exclusive Q and As, taking you behind the scenes on the international mobile games scene.
PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple talks through the latest games industry news on the 72nd episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we take a look at:Our investigation into how Epic and Google plans to police how the top grossing mobile games monetise on Android and exactly who the newly proposed Play store policies impact.The Top 30 MENA Game Makers.Playtika's direct-to-consumer growth.Supercell's FAQ shining a light on why it closed Squad Busters.The plethora of new mobile games with big IP attached.** Let's Connect **
PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple talks through the latest games industry news on the 70th episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we take a look at:Google and Epic's new proposals that seek to shake up how developer's monetise on Android.The top grossing and most downloaded mobile games on mobile in October 2025.PUBG Mobile's dramatic fall.Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket's $1.3 billion revenue milestone after one year.Nintendo Switch 2's launch sales.** Let's Connect **
PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple talks through the latest games industry news on the 70th episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we take a look at:- Supercell's decision to shut down Squad Busters.- Google Play's changes in the US to enable alternative payment methods.- Our interview with Fingersoft and the soft launch of Hill Climb Racing 3.- Layoffs at Amazon's games division.- Krafton's AI-first ambitions.- Scopely's Monopoly Go Chat app.- Rovio's newly soft-launched Angry Birds Match World.** Let's Connect **
How do you build a brand that parents trust and kids love—and scale ad creative to 70+ tests without burning out your team?Felix Boudreax, VP of Growth and Marketing at PokPok, joins the PocketGamer.biz podcast to lift the lid on how his small team delivers big results. From structured creative testing to using AI tools for rapid iteration, Felix shares the real strategy behind PokPok's success—including naming conventions, Figma workflows, UGC tactics, and why they stuck with a hard paywall.
PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and news editor Aaron Astle discuss the latest games industry news on the 69th episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we discuss:A US judge grants Google a one-week extension to comply with Epic Games injunction to enable rival stores and payment options.The big Amazon Web Services crash that impacted Clash Royale, Pokémon Go, Fortnite, Roblox and more.The UK's Competition and Markets Authority's decision to label Apple and Google with strategic market status.Unity's direct-to-consumer play and how it could play into its Vector ambitions.HoYoverse's next big game: Petit Planet.How games design their opening levels, tutorials and onboarding.** Let's Connect **
The European Commission's Digital Fairness Act has recently stirred a flurry of industry debate on its potential impact on the games industry and free-to-play economics, following Supercell CEO Ilkka Paananen's open letter sounding the alarm.The Clash of Clans studio founder went as far to say new rules could kill the European games industry..To break down what's at stake, Arcanix CSO Oscar Clark and Flux Digital Policy director of policy and public affairs Celia Pontin got together on the PocketGamer.biz Podcast to go through the act in detail.They cover:- Exactly what the Digital Fairness Act is and the potential impacts of any legislation for gaming - which remains some way off.- How regulators perceive the games market and why the industry should engage during the consultation period.- Why the sector should acknowledge the minority of bad actors in the space, rather than ignore these examples.- How games companies can ultimately work with regulators to ensure a better outcome for the Digital Fairness Act, rather than against them.00:00Introduction to the hosts and regulations in the European Union02:49Understanding the Digital Fairness Act05:24Consumer Protection in the Games Industry07:58Cultural Perceptions of Gaming and Regulation10:40The Role of In-Game Purchases and Currencies13:22Transparency and Consumer Trust16:07The Impact of Urgency and Scarcity in Marketing18:40Navigating Regulatory Challenges21:30The Future of Game Development and Regulation32:17Understanding In-Game Currency and Pricing Transparency34:40The Complexity of Currency Systems in Gaming36:54The Impact of Regulation on Game Design40:33Consumer Perception and Game Monetization43:21The Nuances of Game Engagement and Microtransactions45:38The Importance of Fair Regulation in Gaming49:15Engaging with Regulatory Consultations53:08The Future of Game Regulation and Industry Impact** Let's Connect **
If you think retention is about mechanics and monetization—you're missing the point.In Part 2 of this special PocketGamer.biz podcast, Bastian Bergmann, CEO of Solsten and author of the new book Press Play: Designing Games That Understand Us, joins Peggy Anne Salz and Brian Baglow to explore the biggest blind spots in today's game design—and how behavioral science can fix them.Bastian digs into:Why fun is a byproduct, not a goalHow many studios misuse the word “player-centric”What happens when we design games based on who people are, not just what they doHe also shares examples of games that inspire behavioral transformation—not just dopamine loops—and offers a vision of an industry where creative teams include psychologists, not just analysts.
PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and news editor Aaron Astle discuss the latest games industry news on the 68th episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we discuss:The reveal of the Top 50 Mobile Game Makers 2025 list.Supercell CEO Ilkka Paananen's letter sounding the alarm on potential EU regulation he says could kill the region's industry.New Texas age verification laws for app stores.The SEC's AppLovin investigation and why it could spread to other ad tech firms.** Let's Connect **
What if your most powerful game mechanic isn't in your code—but in your players' minds?In Part 1 of this special PocketGamer.biz podcast, Solsten CEO Bastian Bergmann joins hosts Peggy Anne Salz and Brian Baglow to unpack how behavioral science is transforming how great games get made.Bastian—also the author of the new book Press Play: Designing Games That Understand Us—shares how neuroscience, psychometrics, and player psychology can unlock deeper engagement, better retention, and more meaningful play.From building for subconscious needs to busting myths about “data-driven design,” this episode is packed with insights for anyone ready to design with empathy—and build games that truly resonate.
PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and news editor Aaron Astle discuss the latest games industry news on the 67th episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we discuss:That $55 billion EA acquisition by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake and Affinity Partners.Genshin Impact's fifth anniversary.The Xbox Game Pass price hike and where Microsoft goes from here.A slow start for Nintendo's surprise new mobile game Fire Emblem Shadows.** Let's Connect **
PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and news editor Aaron Astle discuss the latest games industry news on the 66th episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we discuss:- UGC platform revenue share after Fortnite lets developers sell in-game items.- Nintendo's surprise launch of its latest mobile game: Fire Emblem Shadows.- Theories on why Apple and Google are releasing new gaming features to their stores.- How Ukranian studio Oxiwyle is making games during a time of war.** Let's Connect **
How do you bring a beauty brand into Final Fantasy without losing authenticity?In this special episode recorded live at Gamescom, Paulina Besmehn, Brand Manager at Henkel, shares the story behind Henkel's first-ever gaming activation—a bold crossover between their Schwarzkopf got2b hair color line and the iconic world of Final Fantasy.The result? Limited edition shades inspired by in-game avatars, influencer partnerships, and a full offline/online campaign designed around self-expression and community fit.Paulina shares how her team chose the right game, pitched the idea internally, collaborated with Square Enix, and made sure the activation respected the culture of gaming—not just the business opportunity.Whether you're a brand exploring new touchpoints or a game studio open to partnerships, this episode is a masterclass in meeting players where they are—with purpose, not just product.Paulina Besmehn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pbesmehn/Henkel Consumer Brands: https://www.henkel-brand-hub.com/business-units/Henkel-Consumer-Brands.htmlFinal Fantasy XIV: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/Schwarzkopf gӧt2b: https://www.schwarzkopf.com/brands/haircolor/got2b-brand.html
From MMOs to Web3, James Hursthouse has seen it all—and now he's sharing what's next in gaming.In this episode, Peggy Anne Salz sits down with the founder of Greenstone Initiatives to explore a future where players co-own their experiences, AI augments creativity, and new business models put power back in the hands of developers and fans.James reflects on his journey—from the early days of MMO infrastructure to building global partnerships and helping shape Canada's games ecosystem. Along the way, he unpacks what's real (and what's hype) about Web3, and why the next generation of games will be defined by instant access, ethical data, and cross-media convergence.Whether you're building games, investing in the space, or just curious about where it's all heading, this is your front-row seat to the future.James Hursthouse - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameshursthouse/Greenstone Initiatives - https://www.greenstone.one/Metaverse Roadmap: Pathways to the 3D Web - https://www.w3.org/2008/WebVideo/Annotations/wiki/images/1/19/MetaverseRoadmapOverview.pdfIron Maiden Legacy of the Beast: https://ironmaidenlegacy.com/
What does it take to turn a rogue-like poker game into one of the most talked-about indie hits of the year?In this episode of the PocketGamer.biz podcast, Harvey Elliott—CEO of Playstack and publisher of Balatro—joins us to share how the breakout success unfolded, why they bet big on an unconventional title, and what it means for the future of publishing.
PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and news editor Aaron Astle discuss the latest games industry news on the 65th episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we cover:Insights from the show floor at Gamescom 2025.Google Play's new App Store-like rules for Europe.India's real-money gaming ban that has shocked the country's games industry and international investors.Uma Musume: Pretty Derby's international performance.** Let's Connect **
PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple, news editor Aaron Astle and Steel Media COO Dave Bradley discuss the latest games industry news on the 64th episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we cover:Insights from our recent trip to ChinaJoy and Pocket Gamer Connects Summit Shanghai.How much money games publishers are earning from their direct-to-consumer strategies.Rovio and Sega's revenue slump.** Let's Connect **
PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple, news editor Aaron Astle and events content coordinator Charlie Scowen discuss the latest games industry news on the 63rd episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we cover:Takeaways from the Esports World Cup after a visit to Riyadh.Clash Royale's Brawl Stars moment.Why the team at NextBeat is joining Duolingo's gamified learning revolution and the challenges of launching new games.How Talofa Games' Monster Walk aims to stand out from Pokémon Go.Unity's attempts to claw back ground lost from AppLovin in the ads space with Vector.** Let's Connect **
PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and news editor Aaron Astle discuss the latest games industry news on the 62nd episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we cover:The EU's "total capitulation" on App Store regulation and the UK's slow crawl to reining in Apple and Google.The most lucrative and fastest-growing mobile game genres of 2025 so farOur interview with Nazara CEO Nitish Mittersain and his comments on why M&A fails.The big mobile news from Pokémon Presents - Is this a blueprint for Nintendo?** Let's Connect **
PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and news editor Aaron Astle discuss the latest games industry news on the 61st episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we cover:How Rollic scored a $100m hybridcasual hit by ideating 1,000 games a month.Zynga CEO Frank Gibeau's interview with The Game Business discussing Star Wars Hunters, direct-to-consumer, triple-A and game difficult.The new 4X strategy game titans Whiteout Survival and Last War: Survival.Moon Active's soft launch of the Monopoly Go-like Coin Master - Board Adventure.How Tencent is adapting Age of Empires to mobile again.Savvy Games Group-owned Steer Studios' decision to temporarily take Grunt Rush offline.** Let's Connect **
PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and news editor Aaron Astle discuss the latest games industry news on the 60th episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we cover:Games investment tips from Aonic co-founder and chief product officer Olliver Heins.Clash Royale's evolution, new game mode, and revenue surge.China's rising global influence.Anniversaries and revenue milestones for Pokémon Go and Zenless Zone Zero.** Let's Connect **
PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and news editor Aaron Astle discuss the latest games industry news on the 59th episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we cover:Microsoft's mass layoffs, a studio closure, game cancellations, a comms disaster, what the latest redundancies mean for the future of Xbox, and the company's mobile ambitions.Our interview with Rovio about Angry Birds Bounce and Sega's influence on the famous Finnish developer.Apple's latest rule changes in the European Union as it continues to battle the Digital Markets Act.** Let's Connect **
PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and news editor Aaron Astle discuss the latest games industry news on the 58th episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we cover:The UK's new £30 million Games Growth Package and other initiatives aimed at boosting the sector. We also discuss the importance of government support in regional hubs around the globe.Grow a Garden's record-breaking success on Roblox.Netflix's removal of more than 20 mobile games from its library.Uma Musume: Pretty Derby's global launch.Apple's new EU rules. We recorded the show prior to the big rule change, but we've left in some prescient commentary.** Let's Connect **
PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple, deputy editor Paige Cook and news editor Aaron Astle discuss the latest games industry news on the 57th episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we cover:The solitaire gold rush - Has Playtika won?How Finland's new immigration policy impacts the games industry.The Moshi Monsters Kickstarter catastrophe and why big companies launch crowdfunding campaigns.Tencent's alleged interest in a Nexon acquisition.Fortnite's new Blitz Royale mobile mode.The end of the SAG-AFTRA strike after nearly a year** Let's Connect **
PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple, news editor Aaron Astle, and our special guest Steel Media events content coordinator Charlie Scowen discuss the latest games industry news on the 56th episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we cover:Pocket Gamer Connects Barcelona takeaways after a great debut show.The Nintendo Switch 2 launch.Xbox's handheld ambitions.The Apple Games announcement and what developers think of Apple's plans.Third-party mobile marketplaces in the West - Is there any room?** Let's Connect **
What if you could predict where your players go after they leave your game—and use that to win them back? In this episode, Aman Sareen, CEO of Aarki, an AI company powering full-funnel marketing, and Francois Daoud, former EVP of Ludia (Jam City) and now CMO of Eyeball Games, unpack how you can tap app hopping patterns to power effective reengagement campaigns. Together with our hosts, Peggy Anne Salz and Brian Baglow, they deep-dive into Aarki's latest Retention Radar report for a masterclass on how studios can replace guesswork with growth and build retention strategies around real player behavior – in the game and beyond. It's a show where data meets strategy, and marketers passionate about both (Marina Hallack, Tap Nation; Bruno Balistrieri, Kwalee; and Betul Ozdemir, Product Madness) weigh in on their pick of Aarki report top takeaways and smart segmentation shortcuts. Aman Sareen -https://www.linkedin.com/in/asareenAarki Retention Radar Report - https://marketing.aarki.com/retention-radar-2025?utm_source=pocketgamer&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=retention_radar_2025Francois Daoud - https://www.linkedin.com/in/francois-daoud-7792053/Eyeball Games - https://www.eyeball.games/* * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** Let's Connect **
PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple, deputy editor Paige Cook and news editor Aaron Astle discuss the latest games industry news on the 55th episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we cover:The chaos from Trump's tariffs is back on the agenda (and has changed once again even since our recording...)The news that Apple faces further EU fines for breaching the Digital Markets ActApple's moves to acquire Sneaky Sasquatch developer RAC7 and launch a new dedicated gaming app for reasons unknown.An Appfigures report that claims downloads are down but revenue is up for the US mobile games market.The end of a legal battle surrounding Microsoft's Activision Blizzard acquisition.The future of direct-to-consumer strategies.Craig's bitter hatred of Microsoft Teams.** Let's Connect **
PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple, deputy editor Paige Cook and news editor Aaron Astle discuss the latest games industry news on the 54th episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we cover:Fortnite's Epic return to the US App Store.The challenges of launching a mobile game in 2025.Square Enix's falling sales and its comments on struggling to beat the competition.Activision's decision to pull Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile.King's new president.Supercell's expansion of its AI Innovation Lab to San Francisco.The new Clash of Clans series coming to Netflix.Pokémon Trading Card Game's $1 billion milestone.** Let's Connect **
PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and news editor Aaron Astle discuss the latest games industry news on the 53rd episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we:Discuss the launch of Squad Busters 2.0 - Can Supercell really turn things around?Talk once again about Trump's tariffs, with a 90-day pause on the US/China trade war.Delve into Sonic Rumble's surprise last-minute delay.Get legal insights on the latest ruling in the Epic Games vs Apple case.** Let's Connect **
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 **
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