Podcasts about Liveops

In this special Two and a Half Gamers episode, Matej and Felix sit down with Zino Rost van Tonningen (TyrAds) to deep dive into the history, present, and future of rewarded monetization & offerwalls.Key insights:History of rewarded ads:Early “incent installs” → rank-boosting campaigns (TapJoy, FreeMyApps).Multi-reward systems (TapJoy, IronSource, Fyber).Misplay breakthrough: timer-based playtime rewards + personalization.AdJoe & others scaled Misplay's model into SDK solutions.The shift to personalization:Old offerwalls = one-size-fits-all.New generation = hyper-personalized rewards per user.Use of media source data (Google, Unity, AppLovin, etc.) to adapt rewards based on traffic quality.Publisher perspective:Offerwalls can contribute 5–30% of game revenue depending on genre.Biggest impact: retaining non-payers & dolphins by giving them an alternative to IAP.Integration fights today echo old mediation wars (bonuses, rev guarantees, exclusivity deals).Best practices for choosing an offerwall partner:LiveOps environment — events, hot deals, timed offers.Transparency — explain revenue spikes/drops & media source impact.Personalization — reward scaling, segmentation by user type & UA source.UI/UX — aesthetics matter; no more “Windows 95” offerwalls.Zino's TyrAds SDK v3.0:One-time integration, no updates needed.Customizable design to match game branding.Hyper-personalized rewards, dynamic leveling systems.LiveOps events triggered per user (push, in-app messages).Takeaway: Rewarded monetization has entered its 4th generation: hyper-personalized, data-driven, and LiveOps-powered.https://tyrads.com/Get our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop---------------------------------------This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let's not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠Special guest: Zino Rost van Tonningenhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rovato/zino@tyrads.comJoin our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipgChapters00:00 Introduction to Rewarded User Acquisition04:30 The Evolution of Rewarded Monetization07:10 The Shift from Incentivized Installs to Quality KPIs09:51 Innovations in Rewarded Advertising: Multi-Reward and Playtime Solutions12:33 The Role of Personalization in Rewarded Monetization14:56 Challenges in Current Rewarded Solutions17:48 Evaluating Monetization Solutions: Key Considerations20:15 The Importance of LiveOps in Engagement23:06 Transparency and Optimization in Offer Walls28:34 Differentiating Offer Walls for Monetization30:44 The Importance of Data in Monetization Solutions31:28 Personalization and User Engagement in Offer Walls33:18 SDK Evolution: From Version 1 to Hyper-Personalization36:14 Leveraging Machine Learning for Offer Wall Optimization40:14 Engaging Users with LiveOps and Hot Deals44:01 Dynamic Leveling Systems for Enhanced User Experience46:58 Criteria for Effective Offer Wall Implementation48:47 Revenue Impact and Client Engagement---------------------------------------Matej LancaricUser Acquisition & Creatives Consultant⁠https://lancaric.meFelix BrabergAd monetization consultant⁠https://www.felixbraberg.comZino Rost van TonningenCEO of TyrAdshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rovato/zino@tyrads.com---------------------------------------Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me

In this episode Oscar is joined in his podquest to 'learn everything about #gamedev you never dared to ask' by Constantin-Alexandru Iorga, Sr LiveOps Manager at Scopely working on Stumble Guys. We talk about what's involved with managing a community game that needs sustainable ongoing updates as part of LiveOps.Constantin-Alexandru Iorga

In an era where “good” isn't good enough, this talk breaks down how to generate alpha—company-specific excess returns—by choosing the right game to play and going all-in on the highest-leverage moves. We cover the macro forces reshaping competition, case studies of teams that found alpha, and where velocity and AI change the basis of competition. What's your unique advantage? This talk emphasizes the significance of business strategy, particularly in light of the rise of AI and intense competition.Chapters:00:00 — Why “Finding Alpha” matters in 202501:15 — Macro: 5 secular trends (China, Attention Economy, Efficiency, LiveOps, AI)05:50 — Concepts: Alpha vs. Beta, Macro vs. Micro09:40 — Play to Win: Finding the biggest point of leverage15:10 — History snapshots: distribution & monetization plays that created alpha21:30 — Where alpha lives now: Product × Growth × LiveOps (+ AI)26:45 — Product velocity: iterating fast in the right direction29:20 — Organizational Meta: re-shaping teams for the age of AI31:10 — Takeaways & next steps

In this episode of Player Driven, Greg talks with Joe Pace, VP at ASICS Ventures, about the company's surprising leap into virtual reality with DISC, a brand-new competitive sport built for Meta Quest. They explore what it means to build community before code, how fitness and gaming are converging, and what studios can learn from a 70-year-old brand embracing LiveOps. If you're thinking about building something new — or building it differently — this episode is for you.Timestamps: 02:00 – Why ASICS is getting into gaming (and why now) 06:00 – The DISC origin story: air hockey meets VR 16:30 – Why they launched on Discord before they launched the game 21:00 – Surprising lessons from the VR community 38:00 – What's next: arcade mode, cosmetics, and social scalingGuest Bio:Joe Pace is the VP at ASICS Ventures, where he leads new product strategy across emerging digital platforms. Previously at Runkeeper, LL Bean, and Legendary Entertainment, Joe's work spans fitness, technology, and innovation. LinkedInKey Topics: VR game development Community-first strategy Meta Quest platform Fitness and gamification LiveOps in non-traditional gaming studios Social dynamics in VR ASICS's innovation model Building new sports for virtual platformsRelevant Links: disc.asics.comCredits:Hosted by Greg Posner, founder of Player Driven — a podcast about the business of games and how smart people scale them.

Episode Summary:Mark Otero (CEO of Azra Games, creator of Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes) joins Player Driven to break down the real reason most games fail — they ignore what players actually want. In this raw, philosophical, and brutally honest conversation, Mark introduces the Hierarchy of Fun — a 5-layer model for building long-lasting emotional engagement in games.From escaping poverty through fantasy as a child in South Korea, to scaling a yogurt shop to fund his first game studio, to building billion-dollar RPGs at EA, Mark's story is a masterclass in design thinking, human behavior, and creative conviction. He also shares why AI will either multiply your creativity or expose your culture — and how his new title Ungodly aims to reset the bar for 4th-gen RPGs.This episode is for game devs, LiveOps leaders, publishing execs, and anyone asking: Why do some games stick... and others don't?

Episode Summary:Christina Camilleri leads trust and safety product strategy at Netflix Games — but her journey started as a shy kid finding refuge in online worlds. In this deeply human conversation, Christina shares how her love for hacking, community, and chaos turned into a mission to build safer systems in gaming. We talk about safety by design, the monetization myth, building meaningful controls, and why your systems are only as strong as the people behind them.If you care about retention, LiveOps, or what makes a game feel safe (but still intense), this episode is for you.Timestamps:00:03:00 — Christina's hacker origin story and gaming as escape00:12:00 — Why safety in games is getting harder (and why it matters more)00:19:00 — League of Legends, low-trust users, and the culture of competitive games00:33:00 — Safety is a retention strategy: what the data actually says00:45:00 — Feedback loops, reputation systems, and when reports fail playersGuest Bio:Christina Camilleri leads trust and safety product strategy at Netflix Games. She's a former ethical hacker and security engineer, with experience spanning BAE Systems, Riot Games, and now Netflix. Christina is passionate about building safe, inclusive player experiences — and believes good design can create both tension and trust.

In this episode, we unpack how today's biggest mobile publishers are ditching segmentation in favor of experimentation at scale, what Apple's privacy-first approach means to running LTV-focused live ops, and why personalization is no longer a “nice to have” but a competitive weapon.Who better to answer the questions than the founding team of Metica, Phil Mohr, Puli Liyanagama, and Justin Stolzenberg?These aren't your average startup bros. We're talking about the same crew that built Comify (acquired by King), then DataTiger (acquired by Apple), and now they're back with a third act: Metica, a machine learning-powered platform tackling LiveOps personalization, blended ROAS optimization, and bid floor automation.Check out the STATE OF CREATIVES: https://tinyurl.com/393d9rum03:27 The Evolution of Data Analytics in Gaming 11:00 Metica and Its Purpose15:24 The Growth Loop24:44 Personalization at Scale: The Future of Gaming 33:21 Practical Applications in Game Development 43:08 Timing and Strategy 44:53 Future Roadmap

What if you only had one digital life across all games... would you still cheat?In this episode, we dig into the world of online cheating, digital accountability, and the business of fair play with Andrew Wailes from PlaySafe ID.What started as a casual gaming session with friends led to a bold idea one that could reshape how studios deal with cheaters and protect their communities.

We dissect the phenomenon of FPS Strike, a low-poly, Counter-Strike-inspired mobile shooter racking up more than 4 million DAU, mostly across India, Pakistan, Brazil, Egypt, and Southeast Asia. Despite its massive scale, nearly everything about the game is stuck in the “admon nightmare” zone—zero iOS presence, almost no user acquisition, unoptimized ad stack, endless rewarded ads, and zero LiveOps. Yet, even with all those gaps, it is still a money-printing machine, generating $30,000 to $50,000 a day, primarily from video ads and interstitials.What's inside:Ad Stack TrainwreckAds Everywhere, Little MonetizationCreative and UA FailFake Counter-Strike, Real Results: The “nostalgia” is more about experiencing a shooter for the first time on mobile, not actual Counter-Strike memories. Simple graphics, bots for everyone, and a skin shop that barely matters.Key Takeaway:You do not need next-gen graphics or live PVP to win in Tier 3. But if you do not optimize your ad stack, creatives, and UA, you are burning money every day. FPS Strike is a case study in “good enough” that could be so much more.Get our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop--------------------------------------PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.- Scale fast- Keep your shares- Drawdown only as needed- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors---------------------------------------Vibe. Vibe is the leading Streaming TV ad platform for small and medium-sized businesses looking for actionable advertising campaign performance.https://www.vibe.co/---------------------------------------For an ever-growing number of game developers, this means that now is the perfect time to invest in monetizing direct-to-consumer at scale.Our sponsor FastSpring:Has delivered D2C at scale for over 20 yearsThey power top mobile publishers around the worldLaunch a new webstore, replace an existing D2C vendor, or add a redundant D2C vendor at fastspring.gg.---------------------------------------This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let's not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠Podcast: Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipgChapters00:00 Introduction to the Game Landscape04:42 Analyzing Game Metrics and User Engagement07:38 Gameplay Mechanics and User Experience10:38 Monetization Strategies and Ad Integration13:36 Game Features and User Retention Strategies18:27 The Importance of Monetization Strategies21:08 Ad Revenue Insights and Optimization24:51 Maximizing Ad Stack Efficiency27:37 User Engagement and Retention Strategies31:38 Influencer Marketing and Organic Growth35:34 Game Mechanics and Player Experience38:42 Future of FPS Games and Industry Trends---------------------------------------Matej LancaricUser Acquisition & Creatives Consultant⁠https://lancaric.meFelix BrabergAd monetization consultant⁠https://www.felixbraberg.comJakub RemiarGame design consultant⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar---------------------------------------Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me

Paul West, founder of Fumb Games, joins Two and a Half Gamers to share the real growth story behind the studio's breakout year. From Bitcoin Miner's $10 million run to the launch of Idle Mine and a creative rebrand that hit $1 million in sixty days, Paul explains how ruthless UA strategy, creative expansion, and a “cut what doesn't work” mindset allowed a lean team to scale tenfold—right in the middle of the industry's hardest year.What's inside:UA: Bigger Risks, Smarter FocusFumb Games ditched the “three-day payback only” mindset, stretched paybacks, and invested in UA even when it was scary. They ran tons of networks, then cut to the four that moved the needle.Creative Volume and ExperimentationAI tools, influencer gigs on Fiverr, and a nonstop creative testing culture delivered more winning ads and allowed for higher spend. The team tested everything—static, video, and even reskinned gameplay for new themes.LiveOps and Community as Retention FuelWeekend and midweek events, Discord and Reddit codes, and direct player rewards kept ARPDAU and DAU rising together—unusual for a scaling idle studio.Monetization UpgradesSubscriptions became 80 percent of purchase revenue in new titles. Side revenue from play gap (offline ad fill), Zebedee (crypto microtransactions), and Discord monetization all helped lift margins.Market Read and Thematic FocusWhen Bitcoin Miner started to plateau, they rebranded a casual project into Idle Mine, doubled down on the Bitcoin theme, and saw instant traction and monetization in a proven niche.Key Takeaway:You do not 10x by playing it safe. Cut what doesn't work, invest big in what does, and let your UA and creative testing do the heavy lifting. If the theme and the community are hot, pour fuel on that fire.Get our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop---------------------------------------Vibe. Vibe is the leading Streaming TV ad platform for small and medium-sized businesses looking for actionable advertising campaign performance.https://www.vibe.co/---------------------------------------This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let's not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.Host: Paul Westhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/paulkwest/Podcast: Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipgChapters00:00 Introduction to Fum Games and Growth Strategy03:35 Challenges in the Gaming Industry06:41 Core Pillars for Future Growth09:33 Innovative Monetization Strategies13:13 User Acquisition and Community Engagement15:59 Rebranding and New Game Launch18:11 Key Takeaways and Future Outlook---------------------------------------Matej LancaricUser Acquisition & Creatives Consultant⁠https://lancaric.meFelix BrabergAd monetization consultant⁠https://www.felixbraberg.comJakub RemiarGame design consultant⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar---------------------------------------Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me---------------------------------------If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej LancaricDo you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Today, we deep-dive into Raid Rush, the Turkish-made tower defense game that is bringing roguelike deck-building, build-your-own-path mechanics, and IP crossovers to the top of the mobile charts. The crew unpacks why this game feels so deep, why Korean and US players are eating it up, and how the game balances heavy progression, smart ad placements, and old-school strategy with real modern LiveOps.What's inside:A Real Tower Defense for 2025: Raid Rush lets you build your own road, place towers with real strategy, and merge and upgrade through a deck and gacha system. Every run is different thanks to randomization, new land placement, and a menu packed with modes, heroes, and skills.IP Collabs Done RightKorea and the US Lead the PackCreative and UA Trends: The team breaks down a wild mix of real-life, static AI, and hyper-casual video hooks, plus some truly creative (and not-so-creative) uses of IP.Key Takeaway:Raid Rush shows you can still win by mixing deep strategy, roguelite randomness, smart ad and IAP segmentation, and just enough IP muscle. In a world of copycats, this one actually innovates.Get our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop--------------------------------------PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.- Scale fast- Keep your shares- Drawdown only as needed- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors---------------------------------------Vibe. Vibe is the leading Streaming TV ad platform for small and medium-sized businesses looking for actionable advertising campaign performance.https://www.vibe.co/---------------------------------------For an ever-growing number of game developers, this means that now is the perfect time to invest in monetizing direct-to-consumer at scale.Our sponsor FastSpring:Has delivered D2C at scale for over 20 yearsThey power top mobile publishers around the worldLaunch a new webstore, replace an existing D2C vendor, or add a redundant D2C vendor at fastspring.gg.---------------------------------------This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let's not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠Youtube: https://youtu.be/9rDyKoe58b0Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipgChapters00:00 Introduction and Game Overview04:16 Game Metrics and Performance Analysis07:15 Gameplay Mechanics and Unique Features10:13 Strategic Depth and Replayability13:30 Monetization Strategies and Ad Integration16:26 Collaboration with Terminator IP and Content Expansion19:25 Final Thoughts and Future Prospects27:30 Monetization Strategies in Mobile Games30:40 Dynamic Monetization and User Engagement32:15 Creative Advertising and User Acquisition37:25 Trends in Tower Defense Games42:58 The Role of AI in Game DevelopmentMatej LancaricUser Acquisition & Creatives Consultant⁠https://lancaric.meFelix BrabergAd monetization consultant⁠https://www.felixbraberg.comJakub RemiarGame design consultant⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiarPlease share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me

Guest: Julie Banta, Director of Engineering, Build & Release at Respawn EntertainmentSummary:In this episode of Player Driven, Greg sits down with Julie Banta, Director of Engineering at Respawn, to explore the underappreciated world of build and release operations. From her unlikely start in finance and insurance to helping manage one of the world's top live service games, Julie shares her unique journey, the role of real-time feedback in LiveOps, and how a great team culture can make or break success.They discuss: What Build & Release actually does in a live service game like Apex Legends Navigating fast-turnaround bug fixes and cross-platform coordination How to connect your past experiences to break into the gaming industry Leadership, burnout, and the importance of a people-first team The need for diversity and inclusivity in both dev teams and the games themselvesTimestamps: 07:00 – From finance to EA: career pivots and transferable skills 16:00 – The pressure and complexity behind LiveOps launches 29:00 – Fast feedback loops and using Reddit as a QA tool 40:00 – How Julie leads her team with empathy and trust 46:00 – Women in gaming and why representation matters 54:00 – Advice for indie devs and those breaking into the industryLinks: Connect with Julie on LinkedIn Learn more about Respawn and Apex Legends More episodes at playerdriven.io/podcast

Today, we break down Carnival Tycoon: the “idle” game that's really a Trojan Horse for social casino and slot machine mechanics. We compare every feature, monetization trick, and creative strategy to Coin Master, Monopoly Go, and the social casino giants. Find out how Carnival Tycoon hit five million dollars a month, why rewarded ads are hidden everywhere, and what makes this copycat succeed where others flop.You will learn:Why Carnival Tycoon is more social casino than idle, and how it fakes the early gameHow copy-paste UI, offers, and creative trends shape modern casino gamesThe secrets behind rewarded ad segmentation and thirty to forty-five percent ad watchersWhat separates the titans (Coin Master, Monopoly Go) from the fast followersWhy LiveOps and ruthless economy balance are the real keys to scaleHow AI, asset flipping, and creative theft drive UA in the social casino wild westGet our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop--------------------------------------PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.- Scale fast- Keep your shares- Drawdown only as needed- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors---------------------------------------Vibe. Vibe is the leading Streaming TV ad platform for small and medium-sized businesses looking for actionable advertising campaign performance.https://www.vibe.co/---------------------------------------For an ever-growing number of game developers, this means that now is the perfect time to invest in monetizing direct-to-consumer at scale.Our sponsor FastSpring:Has delivered D2C at scale for over 20 yearsThey power top mobile publishers around the worldLaunch a new webstore, replace an existing D2C vendor, or add a redundant D2C vendor at fastspring.gg.---------------------------------------This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let's not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠Youtube: Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipgChapters00:00 Introduction and Game Overview04:15 Gameplay Mechanics and Revenue Insights07:14 Comparative Analysis with Social Casino Games09:42 Visual Progression and User Engagement13:15 Monetization Strategies and User Retention16:18 Advertising Dynamics and User Segmentation19:13 Session Length and User Experience22:10 Final Thoughts and Future of Carnival Tycoon28:52 The State of LiveOps in Gaming29:39 Engagement Mechanics in Mobile Games30:21 Analyzing Game Release Timelines31:46 The Role of Marketing Partners in Game Scaling32:35 Creative Strategies in Game Advertising33:54 The Impact of AI on Game Creatives35:35 IP Infringement and Creative Theft in Gaming37:25 The Wild West of Mobile Game Marketing40:46 Trends in Game Development and Marketing44:02 Future of Onboarding in Mobile Games---------------------------------------Matej LancaricUser Acquisition & Creatives Consultant⁠https://lancaric.meFelix BrabergAd monetization consultant⁠https://www.felixbraberg.comJakub RemiarGame design consultant⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiarPlease share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me

In this episode, Oscar is joined in his podquest to 'learn everything about #gamedev you never dared to ask' by veteran game designer Alexander Rehm, Director of LiveOps at People Can Fly. They discuss each step required to get a game ready for live and why LiveOps is more than 'just' seasonal updates.

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

In this episode, host Alexandra Takei, Director at Ruckus Games, sits down with Derek Qiu, Head of Overseas Operations at NetEase, to explore the cross-border distribution journey of Once Human, a supernatural survival game from Starry Studio.They discuss the rapid evolution of China's gaming market, how Chinese developers like NetEase are increasing their presence in the West, and how Once Human represents a new wave of globally ambitious titles. Derek shares why the team prioritized a PC-first launch, how they maintained a cosmetic-only monetization strategy despite mobile market pressures, and how the game achieved a top spot in mobile downloads across 166 regions.The conversation also covers the key differences in publishing and LiveOps strategies between East and West, how self-publishing enabled NetEase to stay agile, and why strong internal infrastructure and cross-cultural research were critical to success. They close with insights on how China's strengths in rapid iteration and operational efficiency are reshaping global competition—and why future gaming growth will favor studios that focus on vertical audiences rather than mass-market appeal.For anyone curious about China's growing global influence in gaming, this is a must-listen.We'd also like to thank Neon – a merchant of record with customizable webshops optimized for conversion – for making this episode possible! Neon is trusted by some of the biggest names in gaming and can help you sell direct without the typical overhead. To learn more, visit https://www.neonpay.com/?utm_source=naavik If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at podcast@naavik.co. Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

Kress is fresh back from Turkiye, sharing on-the-ground insights before diving headfirst into the week's big beats. We break down Epic Games Store's revenue, debate the Minecraft movie's potential for franchise dominance, and unpack the latest M&A and investment trends shaping gaming's future. Inflation's creeping impact on game pricing gets a hard look, while the crew wrestles with the evolving MTX and revenue models. Things heat up with Marvel Rivals throwing punches at Overwatch, a sharp take on Western vs. Eastern LiveOps strategies, and a no-holds-barred discussion about Bungie's Marathon pivot into extraction shooters. To wrap, a quick (and slightly roasted) look at Kingdom's celebrity-packed ad campaign.00:00 Introduction and Host Introductions03:09 Chris' Insights from Turkey07:02 Epic Games Store Revenue Discussion13:30 Minecraft Movie and Franchise Management21:07 M&A and Investment Trends in Gaming29:47 Game Pricing and Inflation30:31 MTX and Revenue Models32:59 Marvel Rivals vs. Overwatch37:33 Western vs. Eastern LiveOps44:24 Marathon: The Extraction Shooter58:13 Kingdom's Celebrity Ad Campaign

30% of your revenue could be coming from a web shop, and you wouldn't even see it in your external IAP dashboards.In this exclusive episode of 2.5 Gamers, we sit down with David Stelzer, President of Xsolla (formerly Epic Games, SEGA, CAA), to discuss how top-grossing games are ditching App Store dependency and scaling through direct-to-consumer (D2C) models.This isn't theoretical.

Ok, here is the thing. Most apps are still built on rigid, one-size-fits-all user flows. They rely heavily on historic behavior - what a user clicked on last week or which segment they're in. But user needs change moment to moment. And when apps fail to adapt, users just leave. The next evolution isn't about personalizing based on identity - it's about adapting based on intent. And that intent can only be accurately understood in context. In this episode, we're going to talk about the Context Platform by ContextSDK that enables apps to detect real-world context in real time - whether a user is walking, relaxing, commuting, charging their phone, or simply on the move - and then infer their intent. Using a combination of on-device machine learning and server-side intelligence, the platform helps apps deliver the right experience or message at the right moment. This isn't just a UX upgrade - it is a fundamentally better way to retain users and drive revenue, while respecting privacy and improving performance. Today's Topics Include: Dieter Rappold's' bio About ContextSDK Switching focus from app users' behavior to their intent How Context Platform helps LiveOps maximize their efforts Example of how detecting user context in real-time improves the app experience How context-aware delivery fix the issue with intrusive push notifications Achieving personalization without relying on personal data or permissions What it takes to implement Context Platform into the app Links and Resources: Dieter Rappold on LinkedIn ContextSDK website Maximizing app engagement through content-aware solutions Business Of Apps - connecting the app industry Quotes from Dieter Rappold "It's great to know a lot about past behavior, but past behavior is looking into the past. Intent is happening in the moment and is looking forward" "We collect enough data points on patterns of movement and behavior and analyze them with the smartest machine learning models out there. That allows us to infer intent—and that's something extremely powerful when shaping app experiences," Host Business Of Apps - connecting the app industry since 2012

In this episode, Deconstructor of Fun's Michail Katkoff sits down with Tobias Knoke — long-time Googler, gaming industry expert, and Gen Z whisperer — to unpack what game developers need to know right now about the fastest-growing and most misunderstood audience in gaming.

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 **

Learn the insider strategies from industry legends Frank Yan (Brawl Stars), Dafna Ben Onn (SciPlay), and Ivan Trancik (Superscale) on mastering mobile game operations!

This episode features insights from top industry professionals on player engagement, revenue models, and the challenges faced by new releases like Helldivers 2, First Descendant, and Once Human. Dive into in-depth discussions on successful PvE models, key strategies for game success, and the future of game monetization. Join Adam Telfer and a panel of experts as they explore the latest trends in PvE shooters and the evolving tools needed for effective LiveOps. Brought to you by Heroic Labs, AppsFlyer, Sensor Tower, and Xsolla. 02:31 Market Overview of PVE Shooters03:25 Recent Releases and Trends04:07 Revenue and Engagement07:54 PVE Live Service Challenges08:42 Helldivers 2: Success and Future13:54 The Competitive Landscape27:04 First Descendant and Once Human27:38 First Descendant's Elder Loop29:27 PvE Shooter Systems30:42 Helldivers 2: On The Way Out36:34 Warframe's Sustained Success40:13 Strategies for PvE Shooter Success45:52 The Future of PvE Shooters

Join Piers Kicks as he hosts Kam Punia, founder of Pixion Games, for an in-depth exploration of building Web3 gaming experiences and the journey behind Fableborn. From Kam's extensive background at Konami and Yu-Gi-Oh! to Pixion's innovative approach to Web3 gaming, the conversation covers crucial developments in game design, community building, and the future of blockchain gaming.

In this episode, we delve into the latest industry trends, focusing on Magic Sort, a game gaining significant attention in Türkiye. We explore its gameplay mechanics, monetization strategies, and user acquisition insights, highlighting the importance of production quality and effective ad strategies. Our discussion also touches on the game's future prospects and the overall landscape of puzzle games in the market. Is Magic Sort the next big thing in gaming? --------------------------------------- Ready to transform your game from a hybrid to a hybrid business? Enter the SuperHybrid competition from December 2nd to January 30th for a chance to scale your game with epic publishing support from Supersonic full team of experts, up to $10K monthly while you iterate, $30K in bonuses when you hit milestones - and even more ways to win! Plus, they're non-recoupable. Don't miss out. Submit your game Now! Register here: https://supersonic.com/superhybrid/ --------------------------------------- This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let's not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Youtube https://youtu.be/Pq0oDsdpc6Y --------------------------------------- PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers. Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/ They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it. - Scale fast - Keep your shares - Drawdown only as needed - Have PvX take downside risk alongside you + Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors --------------------------------------- Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Gaming Show 01:46 Magic Sort: The Next Big Thing 06:41 Gameplay Mechanics of Magic Sword 14:15 Monetization Strategies in Puzzle Games 20:22 User Acquisition and Revenue Insights 31:21 Ad Strategies and Future Prospects --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaways The gaming industry is evolving with new titles like Magic Sort. Production quality is crucial for success in the gaming market. User acquisition is a key factor in scaling a game. The streak mechanic enhances player engagement and monetization. Magic Sort has shown promising metrics since its launch. Effective ad strategies are essential for user retention. The importance of LiveOps features in maintaining player interest. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

This episode of the Mobile Games Playbook peers into the crystal ball to forecast the mobile gaming landscape of 2025 with GameRefinery's experts, Kalle Heikkinen, Senior Chief Market Analyst, and Wilhelm Voutilainen, Chief Game Analyst.We'll delve into how we expect monetization models such as DTC and subscriptions to evolve, the continued growth of LiveOps, and the upcoming genres/games we expect to be taking over the charts in 2025. Join us as we discuss the trends poised to shape the future of mobile gaming. This episode will provide valuable insights for developers and players alike, offering a glimpse into the year ahead.Remember to subscribe, leave a review, and check out our websites, https://liftoff.io/ and https://gamerefinery.com/, for more information on game development topics and strategies for growing your game.

In this episode, host Mishka Katkoff is joined by Sergei Vasiuk, LiveOps Director at Wargaming and author of 'Running a Successful Live Service Game.' The two delve into Sergei's book, discussing everything from the evolution of gaming models to data-driven development, player engagement, monetization strategies, and the challenges of global operations. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone in game development or LiveOps. Tune in for practical advice, learnings from Wargaming, and how to keep players engaged and your game profitable! 00:41 Importance of Live Operations 01:08 Overview of Sergei's Book 03:34 Sergei's Journey and Role at Wargaming 07:50 The Evolution of Gaming Models 12:03 Challenges and Strategies in Live Service Games 31:29 The Future of LiveOps and Community Engagement 38:23 Building Relationships with Content Creators 40:12 The Role of Data in Game Development 42:11 Understanding LiveOps and Player Engagement 45:34 The Importance of Decision Making in LiveOps 58:34 Balancing Monetization and Player Experience 01:11:16 Global Operations and Regional Relevance 01:18:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

Join us on the Deconstructor of Fun Podcast as we delve into LiveOps strategies for Q5 with esteemed guests Sezer Degirmenbasi, head of EMEA for mobile gaming at TikTok, and John Wright, head of publishing at Kwalee. In this episode, you'll discover what Q5 is and why it's crucial for game marketers and learn detailed strategies for leveraging TikTok's LiveOps tools to extend your game's lifecycle, increase user engagement, and maximize revenue 00:00 Introduction 00:56 Understanding Q5: The Invisible Quarter 06:10 LiveOps Strategies and Definitions 11:27 TikTok's Role in LiveOps Success 16:24 TikTok's LiveOps Program Explained 21:56 Creative Strategies for LiveOps 27:55 The Need for Differentiation 29:34 Reviving Older Games with TikTok 36:56 Success Metrics for LiveOps Campaigns 46:54 Final Thoughts and Advice for Developers 51:02 Culturalization in LiveOps 54:35 Conclusion and Community Engagement --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

In this episode, Greg sits down with Ryan Burnett, the Studio Director at Respawn Madison, to talk about his journey in building a new studio from scratch, his leadership philosophy, and the growing game development hub in the Midwest. Ryan shares insights on how Respawn handles LiveOps for Apex Legends, the challenges of recruiting talent, and maintaining a healthy work culture. They also dive into the importance of consistent work in live-service models and the evolving role of player feedback in game development.Key Timestamps: Building Respawn Madison (01:03 - 03:23)Ryan discusses how he was tasked with building a studio in Madison, explaining the importance of assembling a leadership team and building culture from the ground up. He highlights how there's no guidebook for building a studio, and much of the journey involves figuring things out as you go. Midwest Game Development Hub (03:23 - 04:47)Ryan touches on how the Midwest, specifically Madison, is becoming a hotbed for game development. He notes that within a 15-mile radius, games like Call of Duty, Fortnite, PUBG, and Apex Legends are being developed—making the Midwest a hidden gem for game development. Preventing Burnout and Managing LiveOps (09:18 - 10:58)Ryan emphasizes that preventing burnout in a LiveOps environment is about more than just managing work hours. It's about effective decision-making, good communication, and maintaining consistent workloads without overwhelming peaks. The importance of predictability in LiveOps is key to maintaining a healthy team. The Role of Player Feedback (16:43 - 18:31) Apex Legends is constantly evolving based on feedback from the player community. Ryan explains how Respawn uses multiple channels—like analytics, social media, and community forums—to gather both quantitative and qualitative feedback, which directly influences their content roadmap. Leadership and Culture in Game Development (32:10 - 35:15)Ryan speaks about his leadership philosophy, focusing on building a team-oriented culture where good ideas can come from anyone. He also shares his journey from being a tech programmer to taking on leadership roles, recognizing that his strength lay in working with people and solving challenges collaboratively.Conclusion:This episode provides a unique look into the journey of building a new game studio and leading in the fast-paced world of LiveOps. Ryan Burnett's emphasis on leadership, player feedback, and work-life balance offers valuable lessons for industry professionals looking to grow their teams and deliver sustainable results in live-service games.

Arguably the most fun newsletter for games industry professionals: www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe --- This episode of This Week in Games covers major shifts in gaming, as Netflix shutting down its AAA studio, TikTok's LiveOps program, and the rise of influencer marketing and Supercell's all-hands-on-deck approach to save Squad Busters. The episode also addresses the perceived decline of AA studios. Hosts: Jen Donahoe, Adam Telfer, Phillip Black and Mishka Katkoff --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

Today on Equity, Rebecca Bellan sat down with Zander Brumbaugh, the 22-year-old founder of Gamebeast, a startup that offers Roblox developers tools like A/B testing and LiveOps to modify games without needing to release a new version or interrupt a user's ongoing game. Gamebeast recently raised a $3.7 million pre-seed round, led by J2 Ventures with participation from a16z's Speedrun accelerator, which Brumbaugh graduated from in March. Brumbaugh said everything from his experience consulting for entertainment studios like Netflix, and writing a best-selling book on Roblox development, to chats with investors tell him that the future of video gaming is in user-generated content, or UGC. The two discussed the rise in popularity of UGC games, a sector that investors are increasingly looking towards as drivers of growth in the video game industry. Brumbaugh didn't only get investment for his startup because investors see the value in enabling UGC game development. J2 Ventures' thesis focuses on dual-use technology, and Gamebeast was able to demonstrate how its tech has applications both in commercial and defense. And indeed, we're seeing a trend of companies going for that sweet military money to stay afloat.There are more insights about the future of the video game market and investor insights aplenty, so have a listen, and enjoy!Equity is TechCrunch's flagship podcast, produced by Theresa Loconsolo, and posts every Wednesday and Friday. Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify and all the casts. You also can follow Equity on X and Threads, at @EquityPod. For the full episode transcript, for those who prefer reading over listening, check out our full archive of episodes over at Simplecast. Credits: Equity is produced by Theresa Loconsolo with editing by Kell. Bryce Durbin is our Illustrator. We'd also like to thank the audience development team and Henry Pickavet, who manages TechCrunch audio products.

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let's not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Youtube: https://youtu.be/kanIGV0p0eY Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q Agenda just watch the episode! --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaways The app is generating significant revenue, making millions monthly. User engagement is high, with nearly 2 million active users. The app combines elements of gaming and storytelling effectively. Competitors in the market are also performing well, indicating a growing trend. Monetization strategies include in-app purchases and ad placements. The interactive storytelling genre is evolving with new formats and mechanics. User experience is enhanced through clever UI design and rewards systems. The app's success may influence future mobile gaming trends. Understanding user demographics is crucial for targeted marketing. The conversation reflects on the broader implications of app monetization in the gaming industry. LiveOps is becoming increasingly essential in gaming. Ad monetization strategies need to evolve with market changes. Interactive story games are gaining popularity and revenue. Content creation poses significant challenges for developers. User acquisition strategies must adapt to new trends. Innovative advertising techniques can enhance user engagement. The gaming industry is shifting towards more interactive experiences. Understanding audience qualification is crucial for monetization. The potential for high revenue in the gaming sector is significant. Collaboration and sharing insights can drive industry growth. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai Felix Latest Article - https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Sign up for the industry's most insightful weekly newsletter!https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe Ever fancied yourself becoming a VP of a large publisher managing multiple cross-platform teams across several countries? Tune in to the episode and figure out if this is a job for you! Dimo Dimov, Vice President of Live Games at Gameloft, shares his 17-year impressive career journey at Gameloft, from QA to VP. He dives into Gameloft's international growth, his daily responsibilities managing live services for heavy-hitting cross-platform titles like Disney Speedstorm and Asphalt 9, and the shifts in LiveOps over the years. Dimo also discusses the integration of marketing with game teams, forecasting, handling crises, and the future of live services with a focus on cross-platform challenges and AI advancements. Tune in for insightful industry perspectives and lessons from a seasoned professional in game development and operations. 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 03:00 Dimo's Career Journey 05:33 Life as VP of Live Games at Gameloft 07:34 Managing Multiple Teams and Projects 09:42 Empowering Teams and Strategic Planning 15:18 The Evolution of LiveOps at Gameloft 27:39 Marketing and Community Engagement 36:00 Balancing Personal Preferences in Game Development 37:37 Challenges of Managing Live Operations 38:25 Structuring Content and Pipelines 40:37 Team Dynamics and Reporting Structures 50:37 Leveraging AI and Tools in Game Development 56:51 Future Trends in Live Services 01:03:34 Key Learnings and Advice for Game Developers 01:09:48 Exciting Upcoming Projects at Gameloft --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

A professional speaker and advisor dedicated to helping businesses 2X their income from existing customers, fueled by a valued workforce. She achieves this through a proven Heart & ScienceTM Loyalty model, merging 25+ years of CX and Marketing roles at reputable brands like Liveops, Verizon, Schindler Elevator, Wilton Brands and AT&T. Her expertise is further enriched by an MBA and certifications in Customer Journey Management. Stacey talks about her transition from corporate to entrepreneur, customer service and experience, communication, and much more!

This video unlocks the secrets used by successful 7-figure apps to keep users engaged and coming back for more. You'll discover: -The 3 Essential Rooms for App Success: Acquisition, Engagement, & Retention & Monetization -Network Effect Power: How to leverage user connections to skyrocket app value -LiveOps Strategies: Dynamically create exciting offers to keep users hooked Learn how to: -Turn a single-player app into a thriving community -Craft irresistible retention strategies -Implement proven LiveOps tactics for maximum impact Is your app ready for a 7-figure exit? Watch now and unlock its full potential!

Today's show takes an insiders peek into the scopely live ops team with special live appearances from Eco, Logan, Scoobs, Hammy and Bek as we talk about HOW events are written and how they correspond with game design, automation tools and some of the ways events are updated, fixed, and modified after launch. 

We're excited to have on this episode a new podcast host at Rise and Play: Nina Kim. Nina is a Senior game designer who previously worked on games like Merge Dragons, Cozy Grove, and Sea of Thieves. With a deep interest in wholesome mechanics and approaches to well-being, Nina strives to contribute to nurturing creative teams within the industry. Let's give her a warm welcome on the show

I'm sure you would argue that the world of mobile apps is extremely competitive. By now, it seems like all business verticals have gone mobile and in some app categories, like games, e-commerce, social, the competition is really tough. How do you stand a chance to win in this battle? This is the question we'll tackling today with Deniz. Today's Topics Include: Deniz's background About InnoGame Mobile app's unique edge (Unique Selling Proposition) identification Methods and tools to test an app's marketability Key factors to maintain the app's edge over time Android or iOS? Leaving her smartphone at home, what features would Deniz miss most? What features she would like to see added to her smartphone? Links and Resources: Deniz Kekeç on LinkedIn InnoGames Business Of Apps - connecting the app industry Quotes from Deniz Kekeç: "In a competitive app market, determining what sets your app apart from others involves focusing on its Unique Selling Proposition (USP). Assuming your app performs well and maintains a low crash rate, here are some strategies to identify its unique edge: game narrative, gameplay mechanics, special features & LiveOps, marketing approach." "We are using Sensor Tower mainly for competitor analysis. Quadrics for understanding our audience( coupled with our user surveys). For creative testing Meta is the main tool, however depends on the ad concept we happened to use SDK networks too. KPI's are depending on the test phase. For initial testing, i recommend to check upper funnel kpis such as CPI, IPM. For later phase i recommend mid funnel KPI s such as Retention and session duration etc." Host Business Of Apps - connecting the app industry since 2012

Check out Jon's daily email on Substack. In episode 168, Jon Jordan talks to Guild of Guardians' game director Chris Clay about the global launch of the mobile RPG through app stores, also discussing future plans as it moves into liveops.

Check out Jon's daily email at https://gamestx.substack.com/ In episode #168, Jon Jordan talks to game director Chris Clay about the launch of mobile RPG Guild of Guardians through the app stores; specifically how the launch went, the balance between web2 and web3 games, and how the game will evolve as it enters liveops.

Discover the strategies that drive award-winning LiveOps! In this episode, we analyze the Mobile GameDev Award winners, revealing their secrets to boosting engagement and revenue.Join host Jon Jordan and GameRefinery experts Erno Kiiski, Kalle Heikkinen, and Jiri Saarinen as they break down the essential components of successful LiveOps. Learn how to master collaborations, competitions, seasonal events, minigames, and compelling narratives.Get actionable insights to level up your own LiveOps strategy, whether you're an indie developer or an established studio. Discover the key metrics that matter and tailor your events to maximize impact.Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and visit https://liftoff.io/ and https://gamerefinery.com/ for more game development resources.Here's to unlocking the power of LiveOps,Mobile Games Playbook

We discuss key themes & trends, critical takeaways, GDC panels/talks, and rumors from GDC 2024. OUTLINE: 0:00 Intro 2:35 VC, publisher investment in gaming is down 3:50 Moving to tighter efficiency in game development 7:05 More pain coming, 3-6 more months of industry rationalization 15:30 UA deterioriation since beginning of year 17:17 AI & Liveops key areas of focus 21:40 Importance of marketing and UA for mobile game success 23:45 Sensor Tower acquisition of data.ai 30:45 GDC Talks 37:10 Frank + Frank Supercell Brawlstars talk 41:20 King's AI Talk - how they improve liveops on Candy Crush Soda Saga 43:15 Epic's UEFN talks 49:05 Ken's GDC tips 55:10 Key takeaways 1:05:40 GDC rumors SUBSCRIBE TO GAMEMAKERS: - Spotify Podcast: https://spoti.fi/3Cpyq7i - Newsletter: https://gamemakers.substack.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamemakers/message

Ludovic Bodin is an entrepreneur, investor, and now author of the book Atomic Scaling. Ludovic has learned lessons from the titans of the games industry and created a framework he believes can be applied to any other industry. Learn more about the lessons from Supercell, Valve, Zynga, and others and how they can apply to your games studio or company outside of games. OUTLINE: 0:00 Intro 1:20 How Ilkka Paananen, CEO of Supercell inspired Atomic Scaling - Keeping teams small for as long as possible 7:08 How Gabe Newell, CEO of Valve, further inspired Atomic Scaling - Lessons from the games industry are widely applicable 9:35 Ludovic's great book endorsements, learning from game industry experts, and the sharing culture in gaming 12:21 Motivation to write Atomic Scaling 14:10 3Ps 3Rs framework explanation- People, Prediction, Playbook and Revenue, Reach, Retention 14:52 People principle 22:00 Prediction principle: prediction vs. prophecy - hypothesis, measurement, then change 34:22 Playbook principle - getting the team on the same page 42:13 Revenue, Reach, and Retention 44:05 LiveOps and the LOVE framework - Live product development, Organized event calendar, Very special sales & offers, Engagement and re-engagement 47:10 What should readers take away? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamemakers/message

Eve Chang shares her invaluable experiences and lessons from working on iconic mobile games like Temple Run and Bejeweled Blitz. Get ready for a session full of actionable insights and strategies that could redefine your approach to game development and live operations. Outline: [00:00] Introduction to Eve Chang and Overview [01:10] Eve Chang's Journey in Game Development [02:10] Eve's Approach to LiveOps [06:55] Designing and Product Decisions for Live Games [13:45] Biggest Lessons Learned from LiveOps [22:55] Eve's Take on the Current Market Environment [26:35] Final Thoughts and Where to Find Eve Online Key Highlights:

In this insightful episode of the Player Engage podcast, host Greg delves into the fascinating world of gaming AI with industry veteran Stephen Peacock. With over two decades of experience, Stephen has been at the forefront of technological advancements in gaming, from his early days at AudioBrain to his transformative roles at Amazon Web Services and now as the head of games AI at Keyword Studios. The conversation covers a range of topics, including the rapid emergence of AI tools, the impact of generative AI on game development, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI in gaming.Key takeaways from the episode: Stephen's unique approach to testing AI tools using his own headshots. The evolution of AI in gaming and its application in areas like LiveOps and community health. The future of AI in gaming and how it's lowering the barrier to entry for game development.To get a deeper understanding of: How Stephen's personal experiments with AI tools provide insights into their capabilities. The role of AI in enhancing player experiences and maintaining healthy gaming communities. Stephen's perspective on the ethical sourcing of AI and its parallels with other industries.For a full exploration of these topics and to gain valuable knowledge from a leading expert in the field, tune into the Player Engage podcast episode featuring Stephen Peacock. Discover the intricacies of AI in gaming and how it's shaping the future of player engagement. Listen now to learn more.

Stacy Sherman, a certified customer experience (CX) speaker, author, journalist, advisor, and the award-winning host of the DoingCXRight podcast. Stacy is recognized for her Heart & ScienceTM proven framework, renowned for its ability to generate profitable clients and foster brand loyalty through an empowered and valued workforce. With 25 years of experience as a strategist and practitioner at companies like Verizon, Liveops, Schindler Elevator Corp, Wilton Brands, and AT&T, Stacy has consistently practiced what she preaches. Furthermore, she holds leadership roles on multiple university boards and has been featured in prestigious publications such as Forbes and other top-rated outlets.Stacy's driving purpose is to cultivate lasting relationships and create meaningful experiences that enrich people's lives.SHOW SUMMARYStacy Sherman joins the Selling from the Heart podcast to discuss the importance of customer experience in sales. She emphasizes that customer experience and customer service are not the same thing, and that customer experience encompasses the entire journey a customer goes through when interacting with a brand. Stacy introduces the heart and science framework, which blends the emotional and human aspects of business with data and metrics. She highlights the need for sales leaders to break down silos and create synergy between departments to deliver a consistent customer experience. Stacy also encourages salespeople to listen to customer feedback, both solicited and unsolicited, and bring that feedback back to the internal teams to drive improvements.KEY TAKEAWAYSCustomer experience is the entire journey a customer goes through when interacting with a brand, while customer service is a part of that journey.The heart and science framework blends the emotional and human aspects of business with data and metrics to create a sustainable customer experience.Sales leaders should break down silos and create synergy between departments to deliver a consistent customer experience.Salespeople should listen to customer feedback and bring it back to the internal teams to drive improvements.QUOTES"Customer experience and customer service are not the same thing.""The whole journey matters. If the beginning is fantastic but the end is hard, customers will leave.""People buy from people they trust, people they like. It's the authenticity and connection that matter."Learn more about Stacy Sherman: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacysherman/Learn more about Darrell and Larry: Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/Website: https://www.sellingfromtheheart.net/Got a video about how you sell from the heart? Share it by texting VIDEO to 21000.Please visit https://www.sellingfromtheheart.net/ book to pre order your copy of the rerelease of the Selling from the Heart book. SUBSCRIBE to our YOUTUBE CHANNEL! https://www.youtube.com/@UCi6OCvGpgQjg8YXg0Hst4NAPlease visit WHY INSTITUTE:https://whyinstitute.com/Please go to WORK BETTER NOW:https://www.workbetternow.com/Click for your Daily Dose of Inspiration:https://www.sellingfromtheheart.net/dailyCheck out the 2023 Authentic Selling Challenge:https://authenticsellingchallenge.com/Get your Insiders Group FREE PASS here:https://www.sellingfromtheheart.net/free-pass

On today's episode of the Creating Superfans podcast, I'm thrilled to be joined by a fellow woman in CX, Stacy Sherman. Stacy is an award-winning keynote speaker, author, advisor, and podcaster focused on Doing Customer Experiences Right as a brand differentiator.Stacy has held multiple leadership roles at major companies over the past 25 years, such as Liveops, Verizon, Wilton Brands, AT&T, and Schindler Elevator. She brings real-life examples and customer service experience best practices from being in the trenches as a strategist and practitioner. You'll hear us talk about the impact that a job title can have on an employee's performance, how you can teach empathy to your team, and the importance of recognizing and celebrating your customers' and your employee's birthdays.Show Notes3:03 - What does "doing CX right" look like to Stacy?4:42 - Brittany shares the CX lesson she learned while riding the elevator at LEGOLAND7:42 - Stacy shares about her experiences leading the CX department at Schindler Elevator Corporation8:09 - How Stacy improved the experience for elevator mechanics, both internally and externally11:05 - How physical and psychological safety contribute to overall CX12:38 -Elevator safety tips from Stacy Sherman15:26 - Why meaningful job titles can improve EX and CX, and Stacy's tips for implementing a new job title17:23 - A common mistake that Stacy has observed when it comes to EX and CX18:21 - What would Stacy say to someone who's just starting a Voice of Customer program?20:51 - The key traits Stacy would look for when hiring front-line employees23:37 - How has Stacy taught empathy to her teams in her prior roles?27:09 - Some ways that brands have acknowledged Stacy's birthday in the past29:13 - Brittany cautions companies to remember the power of personalization when it comes to celebrating your employees' birthdays30:16 - Stacy shares a story about a brand that completely blew her away with a surprise & delight momentVisit Stacy's Website

As an accomplished keynote speaker, author, advisor, and podcaster, Stacy Sherman is fully dedicated to perfecting the art of customer experiences. With multiple leadership roles at major companies over the past 25 years, including Liveops, Verizon, Wilton Brands, AT&T, and Schindler Elevator, Stacy found her runway to launch her own business in the past year - Doing CX Right - turning her side hustle into her primary focus. Her educational mission is centered around assisting brands in going beyond mere customer service by enchanting and captivating their audience, establishing enduring connections with people, the epitome of a purposeful approach to business. In our conversation, we explore how Stacy fearlessly took the leap into entrepreneurship this year, balancing her roles as a mother of two and the family breadwinner.  In this episode Stacy shares a wealth of wisdom on the road to achieving both fulfillment and profitability in your career!