PocketGamer.biz Podcast

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple, deputy editor Paige Cook and news editor Aaron Astle talk through the latest games industry news on the 84th episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we discuss:Scopely's big deal for Pixel Flow developer Loom Games.The January 2026 mobile game revenue and download charts.Matthew Ball's State of Video Gaming 2026 report.Pokémon Go's PvP revamp.The closure of Call of Duty Warzone: Mobile's servers set for April 2026.The fall of Unity's shares by 91% since November 2021.** Let's Connect **

At PocketGamer Connects London, host Peggy Anne Salz sits down with Cameron Simon, CFO at Offroad Games, whose journey from mining in South Africa to “mining” player data in mobile gaming offers a fresh take on sustainable growth.The interview grew out of a chance meeting at a dinner hosted by the Mobile Finance Collective, a new community bringing together finance leaders and founders in mobile apps and gaming, and surfaces some genuine gems along the way.Drawing on a background in heavy industry, Cameron explains how exploration, capital discipline and long-term yield thinking translate directly into player acquisition, LiveOps strategy and monetisation in mobile games.Key takeaways:⛏️ The parallels between mining ore bodies and building player value, from discovery and development to maximising lifetime return

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple, deputy editor Paige Cook and news editor Aaron Astle talk through the latest games industry news on the 83rd episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we take a look at:Supercell's financials and CEO Ilkka Paananen's big blog post focusing on mobile game innovation.The Clash Royale content creator storm.Pokémon and Mario head to the Super Bowl.Square Enix's financials and Final Fantasy's future.Resident Evil Survival Unit's success and game design.Roblox's blowout year and concerns around child safety on the platform.** Let's Connect **

Chirag Ambwani, SVP Gaming & Entertainment, Corporate Development & Partnerships at Sensor Tower, discusses the state of mobile gaming, monetization strategies, and the growing influence of AI and non-gaming categories.In this video:Mobile gaming surpasses $90B, with non-gaming apps also hitting record highsShort drama emerges as a fast-growing category, led by former gaming publishersBlended monetisation (IAP, subscriptions and ads) continues to drive growthPuzzle remains strong, while sports and racing declineLegacy titles like Clash of Clans and Candy Crush thrive through live opsAsia publishers dominate top-grossing chartsAI is reshaping workflows, optimisation and ad spendSensor Tower expands into PC, console and web store dataTimestamps00:00 Intro00:24 The State of Mobile Gaming: $90 Billion and Growing01:44 The Rise of Short Drama: Former Gaming Companies Lead the Way03:43 Why Blended Monetization (IAP, Subscriptions, Ads) Is Key06:20 Legacy Titles and the Dominance of Asia Publishers09:00 AI Usage: Optimizing Spend and WorkflowsLet's Connect

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple, deputy editor Paige Cook and news editor Aaron Astle talk through the latest games industry news on the 82nd episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we take a look at:Google's AI world-building tech Project Genie and why investors are concerned.Ares Interactive's $70 million funding round.Fire Emblem Heroes' ninth anniversary.Nintendo Switch 2 sales.Lil Wayne's Clash Royale virtual halftime show.Iron Lung's box office success.** Let's Connect **

In this PocketGamer.biz episode, hosts Peggy Anne Salz and Brian Baglow sit down with Yevhen Tarasenko, App Growth Consultant and ASO expert, to break down why sustainable organic growth is built on discipline, not shortcuts.Drawing parallels between ASO and drumming in a metal band, Yevhen explains why teams that treat the app store as a live channel and build always-on systems consistently outperform those chasing quick wins.You'll learn:

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple, deputy editor Paige Cook and news editor Aaron Astle talk through the latest games industry news on the 81st episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we take a look at:What happened to Big Fish Games.Ubisoft's latest job cuts and restructure.The latest controversial AppLovin report.King's launch of daily game Candy Crush Crushable on Yahoo Games.Pokémon Go experiments with a new strategy for its lucrative Go Tour event.Netflix's cloud-first games strategy.** Let's Connect **

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and news editor Aaron Astle discuss insights and takeaways from Pocket Gamer Connects London 2026 on the 80th episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we take a look at:Games industry optimism for 2026 and beyond.The state of the UK games industry and the historical lack of government support.The direct-to-consumer revolution (again).User acquisition challenges.The AI movement.And more!You can check out our article here for more analysis and takeaways from our time at PGC London. ** Let's Connect **

In this PocketGamer.biz episode, host Peggy Anne Salz sits down with Martzel de Domingo, Head of Global Media and UA at Ubisoft, to unpack the tricks and traps marketers need to watch as measurement evolves and last-click attribution stops telling the full story.Martzel also shares how Ubisoft approaches measurement for large mobile IP launches like Rainbow Six Mobile and The Division Resurgence, balancing performance, brand, creators and CTV across the funnel.You'll learn:

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple, news editor Aaron Astle, and deputy editor Paige Cook talk through the latest games industry news on the 79th episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we take a look at:- What's in store for Pocket Gamer Connects London on January 19th and 20th!- Playtika's latest round of layoffs across the company and the role of AI.- Deep cuts at Meta Reality Labs and what it means for the future of Meta's VR plans.- Ubisoft's Abu Dhabi redundancies and the publisher's continued turmoil.- The Paramount and Netflix battle for Warner Bros. heats up with a legal battle.- Meanwhile, fate decided to cut out Aaron's recording after 15 minutes. Curious what the universe's grand plans for those lost segments are.** Let's Connect **

For the latest episode of the PocketGamer.biz Podcast, we got the chance to go deeper into the Angry Birds story. We chat with three experts on the matter about the big spin-offs, and get lessons from the key marketing beats with three experts on the matter.Pascal Clarysse is a long-time industry marketing expert, who is now the CEO and founder of Big Karma. He has literally written the book on Angry Birds, recently releasing The Slingshot Formula: How Angry Birds Launched Their Way from Indie Game to Global Icon. The book delves into the business tactics, marketing strategies and stunts that helped build Angry Birds' popularity in the eyes of the public.We've also got two of the leaders who were right there at Rovio during Angry Birds' rise. We have Naz Amarchi-Cuevas, who was the EVP of global consumer products licensing at Rovio. She's since worked at SYBO, Scopely and now has her own business, 212 Strategy Consultancy.We also have Marja Konttinen, former marketing director at Rovio, who later worked at Lightneer, Flaregames, Hatch, Lockwood and others. She now has her own consulting agency called Transparent Eyeball.The show covers:Why now was the right time to release a book on the rise of Angry Birds.The launch of Angry Birds Rio.How Angry Birds Space and the partnership with NASA came about - as well as the famous Space Needle stunt.How Angry Birds Star Wars came to be and what it was like working with Lucasfilm.Plus the lessons learned from the height of Angry Birds' popularity.And more!

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple, news editor Aaron Astle, and deputy editor Paige Cook talk through the latest games industry news on the 78th episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we take a look what 2026 has in store for the games industry, covering:- The AI revolution.- The unexpected consequences for gaming from global political tensions.- The continued rise of China.- Transmedia trends.- What's in store for direct-to-consumer.- And more!** Let's Connect **

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and news editor Aaron Astle talk through the latest games industry news on the 77th episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we take a look at the biggest trends of the year. We cover:2025 market data from Newzoo and the world's highest grossing games, most downloaded titles, and top publishers, per AppMagic estimates.China's rising global influence.How developers are utilising generative AI and what it means for the industry.The world of transmedia and whether there are any practical gains for publishers.How legal battles and regulators are changing the shape of the mobile games sector and sparking the direct-to-consumer revolution.Why apps are taking over games on the App Store.Craig's nightmare Christmas tree story.** Let's Connect **

In this PocketGamer.biz episode, Peggy Anne Salz sits down with Lemon Choi (founder of HyperJoy and author of Lemon Game Talks) to unpack the rise of WeChat mini games in China and what this “mini game Gold Rush” means for studios in Vietnam and the West.

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and news editor Aaron Astle talk through the latest games industry news on the 76th episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we take a look at:Netflix and Paramount's battle to acquire Warner Bros.Claims by the Netflix co-CEO that the streaming firm didn't attribute any value to Warner Bros. Games in the deal.Duolingo's big Genshin Impact partnership.The debate around mobile games recognition at awards shows like The Game Awards and the Baftas.Industry veteran Michael Rubinelli's tips on how to navigate industry trends.Why Starberry Games is going all-in on AI.** Let's Connect **

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and news editor Aaron Astle talk through the latest games industry news on the 75th episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we take a look at:What happened at the Wiggin Games Summit, with insights on games market definitions, mobile industry challenges, and how developers are using AI.How Pikmin Bloom blossomed to $100 million.Our interview with LinkedIn influencer Ali Farha and why more people should share their views and insights with others.Sega's reveal of a fifth Sonic the Hedgehog movie before the fourth one has released.Discord's decision to sell skins for Marvel Rivals within the platform.** Let's Connect **

Nick Button-Brown has helped shape some of the biggest forces in gaming. In this PocketGamer.biz episode he joins us to break down what it really takes to build a sustainable studio, raise smart money, and strengthen the UK's position as a global games powerhouse.From leading global teams at EA to helping Improbable scale to a $600M raise, guiding Sensible Object through its sale to Niantic, and supporting founders through The Games Angels, Nick has seen every corner of the industry.He shares candid stories about the shift from operator to advisor, why angels matter more than ever, and how founders can pitch with clarity and conviction in a crowded market.

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and news editor Aaron Astle talk through the latest games industry news on the 74th episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we take a look at:Why Ubisoft's financials were delayed and Tencent's strange deal for Vantage Studios.The Roblox CEO's car crash interview on child safety.The big IPs making their way to mobile.The first anniversaries of Royal Kingdom and Infinity Nikki.PLUS some ramblings on level scaling in games.** Let's Connect **

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple and news editor Aaron Astle talk through the latest games industry news on the 73rd episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On this week's show we take a look at:- Takeaways from RovioCon and Slush, including data and insights on generative AI in game development, European tech regulation, the rise of non-gaming apps, investment challenges, and how China could kill the Western mobile games industry.- Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney gatecrashing Unite to announce a major partnership with Unity.- Sonic Rumble's revenue after its first 10 days on the market and plans to revise some of the gameplay.** Let's Connect **

Retargeting isn't a tactic anymore—it's a must-have.In this PocketGamer.biz episode, Kentaro Sugiura (Lead UA Manager, Rovio) and Nick Blake (Head of Growth, Bigabid) join us to explore how leading game studios are leveling up their re-engagement strategies in 2025 and beyond.From redefining the inactive window (spoiler: 14 days might be your sweet spot) to testing icon changes for organic lift, this episode covers practical, measurable ways to stop wasting ad spend and bring lapsed players back.

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