Podcasts about mobile games

Ein großes Event im Jahr ist wieder vorbei: Wie üblich werfen wir einen kleinen Blick auf den Eurovision Song Contest in diesem Jahr, haben aber noch mehr für euch: In den Mobile Games gibt es bald kräftig Neuzugänge und außerdem steht ein brandneuer Sonic-Manga in den Startlöchern! Zeitstempel: (0:00) Intro und Reisegeschichten (4:41) ESC 2025 (36:04) Stream-Rückblick und Updates (45:33) News-Rückblick (1:02:50) Gewinnspiel-Update (1:07:31) Ende und Outro Livestreams jeden Donnerstag um 20 Uhr auf Twitch: http://www.twitch.tv/ruki185 Kontakt: gottapodcast@gmail.com Hier geht's zu unserem Discord-Server: https://discord.gg/KEAmvmKVPF Hinterlasst uns gerne einen Kommentar mit Feedback, Fragen und/oder Kritik! Das könnt ihr unter anderem im Newsbeitrag auf SpinDash.de bzw. auf dem Discord-Server tun. Auf Social Media sind wir natürlich auch vertreten: Sowohl auf Instagram (@gottapodcast), als auch auf Bluesky (@spindash.de) oder aber einfach unter dem Hashtag #GottaPodCast! Auch über eine positive Bewertung freuen wir uns immer! Die Weblinks zum Nachlesen gibt's im Newsbeitrag auf spindash.de

Shafik Quoraishee, Senior Mobile/AI Game Developer at the New York Times, discusses the development process behind popular New York Times games such as Crosswords and Connections, along with what they learned about consumer behavior from the highly addictive and viral success of Wordle. Key Takeaways:  How to balance innovation with the legacy of traditional games The importance of user engagement and testing in game development The future potential of AI in creating immersive gaming experiences Guest Bio: Shafik Quoraishee who is a Senior Mobile/AI Game Developer at the New York Times. He works on popular games such as The New York Times Crosswords, Connections, Strands, and Wordle, and is deeply interested in the intersection of AI and accessibility. Previously Shafik was a Senior Android Engineer for the National Basketball Association, and a Senior Data Engineer at Business Insider. Connect with Shafik: Website: https://www.shafikquoraishee.com   YouTube: https://youtube.com/@squoraishee   Medium: https://squoraishee.medium.com/   X: https://x.com/SQuoraishee ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte  

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 **

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.

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

Wrestling mobile games for IOS and AndroidBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/nsc-wrestling-and-gaming-podcast--4855340/support.

In this episode, we dive deep into the wild world of ad monetization trends in mobile gaming for 2025. From Vietnamese studios like ABI Games printing money daily to hypercasual reskins and even mobile rip-offs of popular Steam games, we break it all down.

Our guest today, has led teams overseeing some of the biggest commercial successes from the MMORPG genre, and has leveraged those experiences to support dozens more through publishing roles for Xbox Game Studios Publishing and ArenaNet. In this conversation, David Taylor sat down with Crystin Cox, Head of Publishing at ArenaNet and a 20-yr veteran of the video game industry, to discuss her experiences leading live-ops on Maple Story, monetization on Guild Wars 2, and publishing at Xbox Game Studios Publishing and now ArenaNet.They explore how the landscape has evolved over time and what the future holds during this tumultuous time in the video game industry.We'd also like to thank TikTok for making this episode possible. In a dynamic gaming market where a majority of games fail within three years, TikTok has become a critical partner in helping games achieve long-term player retention and substantial revenue growth. Learn more: https://bit.ly/LiveOpsProgramNAVPodcast We'd also like to thank Heroic Labs for making this episode possible! Thousands of studios have trusted Heroic Labs to help them focus on their games and not worry about gametech or scaling for success. To learn more and reach out, visit https://heroiclabs.com/?utm_source=Naavik&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=Podcast 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.

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

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

What if we told you that the biggest mobile game hits right now are recycling 5-year-old concepts and adding AI?Today, we break down March 2025's biggest creative trends in mobile gaming — from AI-generated dress-up ads to the rise of near-death experiences in Royal Match clones. You'll see what's scaling, who's winning, and how games pull record revenue by recycling, remixing, and reinvigorating.

In this episode, host Devin Becker welcomes fellow Naavik host and consultant David Taylor to discuss insights from Naavik's recent State of UGC Gaming deep dive and beyond. We discuss how leading UGC platforms are evolving and where they face the most promise and challenges, from Roblox's growing ad and brand integrations to Fortnite's challenge of escaping its battle royale roots. We also explore emerging contenders like mods, Highrise, speculate on how GTA VI might impact the UGC landscape, and consider whether we're due for a new wave of platforms altogether. Lastly, David reflects on how AI could shape the future of creation and how developers might adapt as the UGC ecosystem continues to expand.We'd like to thank TikTok for making this episode possible. In a dynamic gaming market where a majority of games fail within three years, TikTok has become a critical partner in helping games achieve long-term player retention and substantial revenue growth. Learn more: https://bit.ly/LiveOpsProgramNAVPodcast We'd also like to thank Overwolf for making this episode possible! Whether you're a gamer, creator, or game studio, Overwolf is the ultimate destination for integrating UGC in games! You can check out all Overwolf has to offer at https://www.overwolf.com/.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.

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

In this episode, host, Alexandra Takei, Director at Ruckus Games, dives into the intersection of brand marketing, live streaming, and culturally relevant branded experiences. Joined by Wiktoria Wójcik, co-founder of InStreamly, the conversation explores how brands can integrate into live streaming platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Kick. InStreamly connects brands with thousands of streamers, facilitating authentic collaborations through technology that allows for large-scale, interactive campaigns. Wójcik shares insights on bridging the gap between brand safety and engaging streamers, as well as the power of parasocial relationships in gaming. They discuss case studies with big brands like Cheetos and Danone, showcasing how live streaming is reshaping marketing strategies, from contextual gameplay to driving brand affinity. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving world of influencer marketing or those interested in partnering with a contextual marketing agency in the United States. We'd like to thank Lightspeed Venture Partners for making this episode possible! With its dedicated gaming practice, "Lightspeed Gaming," the firm is investing from over $7B in early- and growth-stage capital — the by far largest fund focused on gaming and interactive technology. If you're interested in learning more, go to https://gaming.lsvp.com/.We'd also like to thank nSure.ai! As a proven industry leader, nSure.ai provides scalable payment fraud prevention that's not just effective but tailored specifically to your needs. To learn more, visit https://www.nsure.ai/contactIf 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.

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

In this episode, host Sam Distaso dives into the cutting edge of VR game development with Devin Reimer (founder and CEO of Astrobeam) and Ed Saxton (CPO of Schell Games). From the early startup days of VR to the evolution of mixed reality, Devin and Ed share how their studios use first-principles thinking to craft unique experiences. We explore how hit games like Job Simulator and Among Us VR came to life and how these teams operate in a young, constantly evolving market.We also unpack big questions facing the VR space: Will the use of generative AI lead to more fun? What will improvements to voice and hand tracking unlock? What actually goes into making smart NPCs work? Will smell-o-vision ever work? If you're curious about the future of immersive games, this one's packed with stories, laughs, and insights from two of the industry's most thoughtful builders.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.Who's On:Guest - Devin Reimer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devinreimer/ Guest - Ed Saxton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edsaxton/ Host - Sam Distaso: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samdistaso/ Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

A journalist accidentally added to a secret military group chat?Yes, that really happened.In this episode, we break down one of the most bizarre digital slip-ups in recent government history—right before a missile strike, no less—and riff on the absolute worst group chats to be accidentally added to. (Spoiler: your ex's family BBQ thread tops the list.)Then, we dive into the Funny Business Power Rankings: our picks for the best mobile app games of all time. From Flappy Bird and Fallout Shelter to Temple Run and Jet Car Stunts, we're dropping nostalgia bombs and hot takes—like why Angry Birds might actually be overrated.Games we talk about:Flappy Bird, Temple Run, Jet Car Stunts, Virtual Villagers 2, Star Wars Galaxy of Heroes, Pokémon Go, Fallout Shelter, Trivia Crack, and more.Ever been kicked from a group chat about yourself?Ever spent real money to win a mobile game?Let us know in the comments.Timestamps00:00 Intro02:25 White House mistakenly shares Yemen war plans with a journalist14:38 Power Rankings: Best Mobile App Games32:03 Outro & AdviceSubscribe and follow us here:BeaconsFacebookInstagramTwitterTwitchYouTubeNote: The opinions expressed in this show are the hosts' views and not necessarily those of any business or organization. The podcast hosts are solely responsible for the content of this show.FUNNY BUSINESSA podcast where Mike and Matt share internet stories or news that should be important to you. You'll hear about strange news and personal experiences, and every once in a while, Mike will quiz Matt on some of the oddest things he can find. We'll also dive into some of our original segments, like describing some of our strangest stories, debating if soccer is more boring than golf, and even talking about our feelings—as every man should. Funny Business is a podcast run by Mike and Matt, two friends who met at college and decided to start this project during the pandemic of 2020.

For the first time in Naavik's history, we're excited to bring a live audience show experience to air! At GDC, host, Alexandra Takei, Director at Ruckus Games, sat down with Nick Popovich, CEO and Founder of Monomi Park, in San Francisco for a conversation centered around “doing it all yourself” in the indie games market — no external funding, crowd financing, or publishing support. In 2014, Nick and his co-founder decided to start a studio and launch Slime Rancher in 2016. They sold 10M units over the following decade, grew from 2 to 45 people, launched a second game into early access, and have begun working on an entirely new IP. Today's conversation explores how Monomi Park thinks about studio culture, growth, crunch, and innovation — plus how to get players to notice your game, buy it, and play it repeatedly. This episode also includes our first ever live audience Q&A and is a must-listen for any founder looking to make it independently. We'd also like to thank AWS for Games for making this episode possible. AWS for Games aligns purpose-built game development capabilities — including AWS services like Amazon GameLift as well as solutions from AWS Partners — to help game developers build, run, and grow their games. For more information, visit https://aws.amazon.com/gametech/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.

Disabled women in the UK face significant barriers in maternity care, with new research highlighting higher risks of stillbirth, lack of support, and negative attitudes of staff. Labour MP Marie Tidball is camplaigning for change. She joins Kylie Pentelow to describe her own experience, along with Professor Hannah Kuper, one of the researchers behind the report, who details her findings. The Advertising Standards Authority has recently banned a number of ads in mobile games which objectify women, use pornographic tropes, and feature non-consensual sexual scenarios. It's not what you expect to see popping up when playing your favourite mobile game. Kylie hears more from Jessica Tye, Regulatory Projects Manager at the ASA, who led the investigation.Nursery costs have fallen for the first time in 15 years - according to the children's charity Coram. This comes as the Government is continuing to roll out its funded childcare scheme, which will provide all eligible working parents of pre-school children with 30 hours of childcare per week from September 2025. But while some parents have seen a reduction in fees, many with children or grandchildren will be aware of the challenging costs of childcare. Are costs really falling? Can you get a nursery place? Kylie discusses the picture with BBC Education Correspondent Vanessa Clarke, Neil Leitch, Chief Executive of the Early Years Alliance, and nursery owner, Claire Kenyon.Julia Grogan's debut play Playfight was the breakout hit of last year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It earned five-star reviews, sell-out audiences – and even praise from Phoebe Waller Bridge, who called it ‘a blinding sucker-punch of a play'. The very funny and very frank play about three young women navigating sex, porn and friendship is now touring the UK, and Julia joins Kylie to discuss.Presented by Kylie Pentelow Producer: Louise Corley

In this episode, host Niko Vuori interviews Justin Stolzenberg, co-founder of Metica, a startup aiming to revolutionize gaming analytics through AI-driven insights and personalized experiences. Founded by ex-King and ex-Apple employees, Metica's approach is a unique combination of King's iterative, hyper-data-driven approach and Apple's high-polish culture. The company recently announced their $9 million seed round. The episode covers the challenges of launching in the saturated analytics market and how Metica differentiates itself by focusing on actionable insights rather than just data collection. The conversation also explores the role of AI and machine learning in gaming, the importance of personalization, and the future aspirations of Metica in the gaming industry.We'd also like to thank Heroic Labs for making this episode possible! Thousands of studios have trusted Heroic Labs to help them focus on their games and not worry about gametech or scaling for success. To learn more and reach out, visit https://heroiclabs.com/?utm_source=Naavik&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=Podcast 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.

How do you achieve optimal revenue from ads in your game? Ad monetization is an increasingly complex but necessary part of the business for mobile game publishers. In this video we dive into ad monetization for games with Felix Braberg ... part of 2 and 1/2 Gamers.We discuss the perfect balance needed for successful game monetization strategies, focusing on hybrid and ad monetization. Felix shares invaluable insights into when to integrate monetization in the game development lifecycle, how to decide on the right models, and the importance of A/B testing. Felix also delves into the challenges faced with ad durations, user acquisition, and segmenting users based on their purchasing behaviors. We end by looking ahead in 2025 and offer tips for developers and publishers aiming to scale their games and increase revenue in the ever-evolving landscape of ad revenue models and e-commerce integration in gaming.00:00 Introduction to Game Monetization01:11 Current Trends in Hybrid Monetization01:54 Building Monetization Models02:22 Ad Monetization Strategies06:00 Innovative Monetization Techniques17:43 Challenges in Ad Measurement23:49 Future Trends and Tips for 202529:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, our host, Alexandra Takei, Director at Ruckus Games, sits down with Kyu Lee, Chief Business Development Officer at Com2Us, Partner at CRIT Ventures, and ex-president of Com2Us USA. They explore Com2Us Holdings' evolution from its early days as Gamevil to becoming a global mobile powerhouse with hits like Summoners War, one of the industry's biggest mobile IPs that has generated over $3B+ in revenue.Kyu shares insights on the company's pivotal shifts, including its focus on mobile gaming, the transition to live operations, its approach to licensing Western IP like Major League Baseball, and his story about what it is like to be at the helm of a major geographic expansion. The conversation also touches on Com2Us's strategic investments in blockchain and its venture arm, CRIT Ventures. Kyu discusses how gaming in South Korea is evolving, the growing influence of IP across global markets, what is currently being undervalued, and what Com2Us must execute in 2025.We'd also like to thank Overwolf for making this episode possible! Whether you're a gamer, creator, or game studio, Overwolf is the ultimate destination for integrating UGC in games! You can check out all Overwolf has to offer at https://www.overwolf.com/.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.

In this episode, host Niko Vuori speaks with Jeff Zirlin, co-founder of Sky Mavis and the play-to-earn OG, Axie Infinity, about the significant developments in the web3 gaming space, particularly the transition of the Ronin blockchain to a permissionless model.They discuss Jeff's background and journey into web3, the origin story and wild ride of Axie Infinity, the evolution of the Ronin blockchain, the introduction of the Ronin Developer Console, and the impressive growth metrics of the Ronin ecosystem. The conversation touches on the current state of the Axie Infinity economy and the future of third-party gaming projects on the Ronin chain. We also explore the balance between quality and openness in game development, the incentives for developers, and the potential for future growth as more games launch on the Ronin network.We'd also like to thank TikTok for making this episode possible. In a dynamic gaming market where a majority of games fail within three years, TikTok has become a critical partner in helping games achieve long-term player retention and substantial revenue growth. Learn more: https://bit.ly/LiveOpsProgramNAVPodcast 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.

Over the years, Spatial has undergone a wide-ranging evolution. It evolved from an AR collaboration platform to a Roblox competitor (with 2M+ creators), and it's now a VR game developer with the top earning VR game on the Meta Quest store (Animal Company). Spatial has raised almost $50M, according to Crunchbase, based on the founders' convictions that 3D virtual spaces are the future of social experiences. In this conversation, our host, David Taylor, sat down with Anand Agarawala, the Founder and CEO of Spatial, to unpack the lessons learned from the success of Animal Company. We explore how a founder decides when it's time to pivot, the dynamics of competing with Roblox, and what the future holds for VR, UGC, and web-based games.We'd also like to thank nSure.ai for making this episode possible! As a proven industry leader, nSure.ai provides scalable payment fraud prevention that's not just effective but tailored specifically to your needs. To learn more, visit https://www.nsure.ai/contactIf 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.

In this episode, host, Alexandra Takei, Director at Ruckus Games, is joined by Jacob Rapoport (CEO and Co-Founder) and Nico Vereecke from Evil Plan to discuss their groundbreaking project in AI-powered, unscripted fantasy entertainment. The conversation explores the future of interactive storytelling, where community influence and fully AI-driven narratives combine to create an entirely new genre of entertainment. Jacob and Nico express their belief in AI's potential to address the “cost problem” of new IP (i.e., significant upstart capital for uncertain returns) and the “manpower problem” (limited hours available each day) that contributes to content shortages. They explain how their company is developing a platform for dynamic, emergent storytelling. With AI at its core, Evil Plan seeks to transform how stories are created, allowing audience participation to play a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of plots and sub-plots, resulting in both unpredictable drama and interactive experiences. If you're a fan of community-driven entertainment phenomena like Twitch Plays Pokémon, Bandersnatch, Genvid's MILEs, or Blaseball, this is a conversation worth exploring. You can also check out our content coverage on Genvid and Blaseball on our website.We'd also like to thank Lightspeed Venture Partners for making this episode possible! With its dedicated gaming practice, "Lightspeed Gaming," the firm is investing from over $7B in early- and growth-stage capital — the by far largest fund focused on gaming and interactive technology. If you're interested in learning more, go to https://gaming.lsvp.com/.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.

This episode of the Mobile Games Playbook explores current monetization trends in mobile gaming and touches on subjects such as hybrid monetization, header bidding, and the challenges of in-app purchases. Join Andrew Seow (Director of Monetization at Tripledot Studios) and Ravid Sela (Ad Monetization Lead at Play Studios), along with host Jon Jordan as they discuss the ever-shifting nature of mobile monetization.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.

Cloud technology is transforming the way games are developed, hosted, and maintained. In this episode, host Devin Becker is joined by Chris Melissinos, AWS Principal Evangelist for video games, to discuss the growing role of cloud services in game development. Chris highlights how Amazon Web Services (AWS) is empowering developers with tools that reduce production costs, streamline workflows, and enable innovations like off-client AI processing. We also explore how AWS helps address challenges such as scalability, user-generated content moderation, and matchmaking for player-driven experiences.The conversation dives into real-world examples of cloud-driven advancements, and Chris shares insights into how cloud servers can help preserve game history, handle complex computing tasks, and improve collaboration across distributed teams. The discussion also touches on how cloud services support developers facing today's rising production costs and how cloud infrastructure is shaping the future of game development. Whether you're a developer, designer, or producer, this episode offers a practical look at how cloud tech is unlocking new possibilities for the game industry.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.

In this episode, host Alexanda Takei, Director at Ruckus Games, sits down with Spike Laurie, Partner at Hiro Capital, to dissect gaming finance's grim reality in 2025. The conversation starts with a discussion on the industry's downturn, marked by studio closures and a reduction in funding, particularly at the Series A level. Venture capital, once a goldmine for game studios, is now retreating, and if not retreating, shifting many of their investments to infrastructure. The duo discuss hard questions such as founders' frustrations that VCs have set the bar too high for the products they are making, whether investing in infrastructure actually sidesteps content risk (given the clients of ‘picks and shovels' are venture-backed gaming studios), and whether a fund would ever return raised capital back to their LPs given the recent market's low returns. They discuss what options founders have in 2025 and what Hiro may be looking for as they deploy Fund II ($340M USD). They also discuss Snowprint Studios' sale to MTG and how that relates to fund strategy in games. The episode concludes with a look at what the future holds for gaming VC in 2025, with a focus on the importance of backing resilient teams and innovative IP.We'd also like to thank AWS for Games for making this episode possible. AWS for Games aligns purpose-built game development capabilities — including AWS services like Amazon GameLift as well as solutions from AWS Partners — to help game developers build, run, and grow their games. For more information, visit https://aws.amazon.com/gametech/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.

We dive into the world of ad monetization in mobile games, reviewing several recent titles that rely heavily on ad revenue. We discuss the strategies behind these games, their performance metrics, and the implications for the gaming industry. We discuss the challenges parents face with kids' gaming, the success of ultra-casual games, and the aggressive monetization tactics employed by developers. --------------------------------------- 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 --------------------------------------- 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 Lancaric⁠ Special Guest: Katerina Maliaran Podcast: 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 Ad Monetization and Game Review 02:10 Exploring King Pin: A Case Study in Ad Revenue 14:20 Super Car Merge: Merging Genres and Monetization Strategies 20:44 Boo Boo and Mimi: The Power of Cuteness in Gaming 29:35 Tricky Twist Puzzle: The Rise of Ultra Casual Games 38:05 Indian Car Highway Drive: Targeting the Indian Market 42:24 Gold Rush: A Hybrid Casual Game Analysis --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Katerina Maliaran Head of Admonetization https://www.linkedin.com/in/katerina-maliaran-b35a78203/ --------------------------------------- Takeaways Ad monetization is a crucial aspect of mobile game development. King Pin has seen significant growth in daily active users since launch. Super Car Merge targets a male audience with its merge mechanics. Cuteness in games can drive downloads and engagement. Retention rates are critical for long-term success in mobile games. Ad revenue can be substantial for games with high daily active users. Cross-promotion strategies can enhance user engagement. In-game ads can be implemented without harming player experience. The mobile gaming ecosystem is still thriving despite challenges. Parental controls are essential for managing kids' gaming. Ultra-casual games are gaining significant traction in the market. Monetization strategies can greatly impact a game's success. Targeting specific demographics can lead to higher downloads. Aggressive ad placements can lead to user frustration. Hybrid casual games are blending genres for better user experience. Developers need to balance monetization with user satisfaction. Innovative ad formats can enhance revenue without alienating players. The mobile gaming landscape is constantly evolving with new trends. --------------------------------------- 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

In this episode of the Naavik Gaming podcast, host Niko Vuori welcomes back Luke Barwikowski, founder and CEO of Pixels.xyz, to discuss whether Play-to-Earn mechanics can, in fact, be sustainable. Luke shares the evolution of Pixels, its unique approach to Play-to-Earn gaming, and the strategies that have led to significant user growth (10 million registered users) and revenue generation (over $20 million in the past 12 months). The conversation delves into the sustainability of Play-to-Earn models, the importance of data-driven decision-making in game monetization, and the future plans for expanding the Pixels ecosystem. Luke also shares insights into the current state of web3 player demographics and geographic player concentration, the monetization strategies being employed, and the role of DAOs in shaping the future of gaming.We'd also like to thank Overwolf for making this episode possible! Whether you're a gamer, creator, or game studio, Overwolf is the ultimate destination for integrating UGC in games! You can check out all Overwolf has to offer at https://www.overwolf.com/.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.

The intersection of anime, games, and technology takes center stage in this episode. Host Aaron Bush is joined by Kun Gao, a serial entrepreneur known for co-founding Crunchyroll, the world's leading anime streaming platform, and now charting new paths in the games industry with GGWP, an AI-driven moderation platform, and Forge, which is enabling direct-to-consumer loyalty programs for games teams. In this conversation, we explore the many lessons Kun learned from scaling Crunchyroll and navigating high-profile dealmaking with IP companies and stakeholders like The Chernin Group and Sony. We then dive into the founding stories of GGWP and Forge, unpack the big ideas behind both companies, and dig into how more interconnected loyalty programs can empower game developers to create deeper, more valuable connections with their players. This episode is packed with insights into Kun's entrepreneurial process, so make sure to tune in!We'd also like to thank Lightspeed Venture Partners for making this episode possible! With its dedicated gaming practice, "Lightspeed Gaming," the firm is investing from over $7B in early- and growth-stage capital — the by far largest fund focused on gaming and interactive technology. If you're interested in learning more, go to https://gaming.lsvp.com/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.Who's On:Guest - Kun Gao: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kungao/ Host - Aaron Bush: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-bush-846b8185/ Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

Welcome to Episode 137! Tony is away so it's a Sam and Mike episode! The Pokemon Pocket Pals? The Business Boys? We're workshopping it… Today, a combo player punishes their friends, an Ovika player that can't handle the heat, and the person that complains about slow play plays slowly.  And we ask, you got any games on your phone? Also... SEND US YOUR SALTY STORIES FOR CHICAGO! BUY A CHICAGO SALT DOG SHIRT! GO TO THE CHICAGO HSM MEET UP! SEE THE CHICAGO LIVE SHOW!!! CHECK OUT OUR NEW PLAYMATS! Stay Salty! ____ Buy DragonShield Sleeves from our affiliate link! Use code "staysalty" all lowercase, all one word for a discount! Find HSM merch on our website and our Bonfire site! Get HSM playmats from our friends at Jank Mats! Use our affiliate link!! Email your salty stories to thehowlingsaltmine@gmail.com! Find links to all our social media pages on our Linktree! Check out our Moxfield! Podcast art by the talented Devin Burnett! @j.d.burnett

Today, we dive deep into the world of gaming innovation with a guest who's been at the forefront of some of the industry's most exciting trends — from enabling user generated content to launching the first commercially successful game leveraging AI agents.In this conversation, our host, David Taylor, sits down with Ran Mo, the Founder and CEO of Proxima, to unpack the lessons learned from Proxima's success with the viral sensation Suck Up!, a game developed where players act as vampires that must convince AI citizens to let you in their home so you can suck their blood. Ran is also the former Head of Central Product Management at Electronic Arts and oversaw the development of UGC systems for iconic franchises like The Sims and Skate. He also shares his thoughts on the future of gaming, from the role of AI and UGC to the innovations that could define the next generation of experiences.We'd also like to thank TikTok for making this episode possible. In a dynamic gaming market where a majority of games fail within three years, TikTok has become a critical partner in helping games achieve long-term player retention and substantial revenue growth. Learn more: https://bit.ly/LiveOpsProgramNAVPodcast 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.

G.I. Joe Chronicles - Outpost: Episode 13 Title: G.I. Joe Toys: G.I. Joe Vehicles and Video Games of 1984 Fall-in Troops and Welcome to G.I.Joe Outpost. Join Jim the Joe Junkie and his rotating cast of co-hosts. Beginning in 1982 they will explore many aspects of the World(s) of G.I.Joe. They will Discuss the Toys, Comics, Cartoons and other Peripheral items from each year to current day. On this Episode of the G.I.Joe Chronicle: Outpots, Join Jim the Joe Junkie and Jarrod Alberich, as they discuss the Glorious Vehicles of 1984. Which of these Vehicles do they have the best memories of? They also discuss some G.I.Joe Videos games. From Arcade Games, Console and Mobile Games. Take a listen and let them know what your Favorite Vehicle of 1984 was. Yo Joe! Be sure to check out all the other Longbox Crusade shows at: www.LongboxCrusade.com Let us know what you think! Leave a comment by sending an email to: contact@longboxcrusade.com This podcast is a member of the LONGBOX CRUSADE NETWORK: LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/longboxcrusade Follow on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/LongboxCrusade Follow on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/longboxcrusade Like the FACEBOOK page: https://www.facebook.com/LongboxCrusade Subscribe to the YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/4Lkhov Subscribe on Apple Podcasts at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-longboxcrusade/id1118783510?mt=2 or https://anchor.fm/s/e9b9020/podcast/rss Thank you for listening and we hope you have enjoyed this episode of G.I. Joe Chronicles: Outpost! #gijoe #gijoearealamericanhero #gijoearah #gijoetoys #gijoecommunity #gijoenation #gijoe

G.I. Joe Chronicles - Outpost: Episode 13 Title: G.I. Joe Toys: G.I. Joe Vehicles and Video Games of 1984 Fall-in Troops and Welcome to G.I.Joe Outpost. Join Jim the Joe Junkie and his rotating cast of co-hosts. Beginning in 1982 they will explore many aspects of the World(s) of G.I.Joe. They will Discuss the Toys, Comics, Cartoons and other Peripheral items from each year to current day.  On this Episode of the G.I.Joe Chronicle: Outpots, Join Jim the Joe Junkie and Jarrod Alberich, as they discuss the Glorious Vehicles of 1984. Which of these Vehicles do they have the best memories of? They also discuss some G.I.Joe Videos games. From Arcade Games, Console and Mobile Games. Take a listen and let them know what your Favorite Vehicle of 1984 was. Yo Joe! Be sure to check out all the other Longbox Crusade shows at: www.LongboxCrusade.com Let us know what you think! Leave a comment by sending an email to: contact@longboxcrusade.com This podcast is a member of the LONGBOX CRUSADE NETWORK: LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/longboxcrusade Follow on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/LongboxCrusade Follow on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/longboxcrusade Like the FACEBOOK page: https://www.facebook.com/LongboxCrusade Subscribe to the YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/4Lkhov Subscribe on Apple Podcasts at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-longboxcrusade/id1118783510?mt=2 or https://anchor.fm/s/e9b9020/podcast/rss Thank you for listening and we hope you have enjoyed this episode of G.I. Joe Chronicles: Outpost! #gijoe #gijoearealamericanhero #gijoearah #gijoetoys #gijoecommunity #gijoenation #gijoe

Ruki ist zum ersten Mal allein im Podcast! Das ist ... seltsam. Dennoch hat er ein paar frische und coole News im Gepäck: Comics sind wieder einmal am Anrollen und sowohl Sonic 3, als auch Sonic 4 sind aktuell wieder in aller Munde! Auch sind neue Charaktere in den Mobile Games unterwegs und Nintendo hat sich kurzerhand entschlossen, wie aus dem Nichts die Nintendo Switch 2 anzukündigen. Livestreams jeden Donnerstag um 20 Uhr auf Twitch: http://www.twitch.tv/ruki185 Kontakt: gottapodcast@gmail.com Hier geht's zu unserem Discord-Server: https://discord.gg/KEAmvmKVPF Hinterlasst uns gerne einen Kommentar mit Feedback, Fragen und/oder Kritik! Das könnt ihr unter anderem im Newsbeitrag auf SpinDash.de bzw. auf dem Discord-Server tun. Auf Social Media sind wir natürlich auch vertreten: Sowohl auf Instagram (@gottapodcast), als auch auf Bluesky (@spindash.de) oder aber einfach unter dem Hashtag #GottaPodCast! Auch über eine positive Bewertung freuen wir uns immer! Die Weblinks zum Nachlesen gibt's im Newsbeitrag auf spindash.de

The role of community management in gaming has never been more critical. In this episode, our host Alexandra Takei, Director at Ruckus Games, joins Andrew Beegle, founder of Beegle Productions and Gravity Gang, and Tim Smith, co-founder of Cohezion AI, to discuss the evolving discipline of community management.Together, they explore the transformation of community roles over the past decade, from the decline of forums to the rise of Discord and influencer-driven strategies. The discussion highlights best practices for engaging communities early in development, balancing transparency with managing expectations, and leveraging tools like AI to scale engagement. They also address the nuanced dynamics of working with influencers and measuring community health pre and post-launch.If you're navigating the challenges of building a loyal player base in a saturated market, this conversation provides actionable insights and strategies to thrive in 2025, including the groups must-have software tools for community development and predictions for headwinds community organizations will face heading into a content saturated market. We'd also like to thank Overwolf for making this episode possible! Whether you're a gamer, creator, or game studio, Overwolf is the ultimate destination for integrating UGC in games! You can check out all Overwolf has to offer at https://www.overwolf.com/.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.

Send us a textAppLovin is redefining ad space with unskippable, sound-on video ads in mobile games. Experience captivating, immersive environments. Currently in the US, it's ideal for high-spending ecom brands ready to elevate their game.In this episode, Jordan West gets into the evolving landscape of e-commerce advertising, with a focus on the emerging potential of AppLovin as a game-changing platform for brands looking to scale. Drawing from over a decade of experience managing millions in ad spend, Jordan shares insights on how brands are achieving high conversion rates and profitability using AppLovin's unskippable full-screen video ads. These engaging ads are embedded within mobile games, offering a high ROI and unique opportunities for incremental growth. Listen and learn in this episode!Key takeaways from this episode:AppLovin's Potential: It's becoming a significant tool for scaling e-commerce brands with notable conversion rates and profitability.Profitable Ad Spending: Brands report profitability with daily ad spends between $20,025 - $25,000.Incremental Growth: Brands using AppLovin see real incremental revenue growth, sometimes spending more than on Meta.Ad Format: Features unskippable full-screen video ads in mobile games, initially available only in the US.Requirements for Launch: Suitable for high-spending brands with a need to prepare specific creatives and install a tracking pixel.Scalability for Large Brands: Well-suited for large brands, with future potential for smaller budgets.High Creative Quality: Essential for success; engaging vertical videos required.Single Domain Restriction: Accounts can be linked to only one domain.Opportunity Amidst Meta and TikTok Challenges: Offers a growth avenue as other platforms face challenges.Growth Plan: www.upgrowthcommerce.com/growIn this episode's sponsor is Omnisend - is a comprehensive marketing automation platform designed to help eCommerce businesses enhance their customer engagement and boost sales. It offers tools for email marketing, SMS campaigns, and various forms of automation, allowing businesses to create targeted and personalized marketing strategies. With features like segmentation, A/B testing, and advanced analytics, Omnisend helps brands streamline their marketing efforts and achieve better results. Learn more here: Omnisend

In this episode, host Niko Vuori is joined by Naavik's own web3 analyst, Devin Becker, to dive into the current state of web3 gaming, reflecting on the past year and looking ahead to 2025. They discuss the industry's significant developments, including the emergence (finally!) of quality games, the evolving regulatory landscape, and the shifting dynamics of funding, particularly for indie studios. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by AAA games in adopting web3 technologies and the potential need for consolidation. They also explore the challenges and opportunities presented by integrating web3 technologies into gaming, the potential of Telegram as a distribution platform, and the geographic concentration of web3 studios in Asia. The discussion culminates in predictions for 2025, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in the gaming industry.We'd also like to thank nSure.ai for making this episode possible! As a proven industry leader, nSure.ai provides scalable payment fraud prevention that's not just effective but tailored specifically to your needs. To learn more, visit https://www.nsure.ai/contact 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.

To kick off the new year, host Alexandra Takei, Director at Ruckus Games, interviews Songyee Yoon, former President and Chief Strategy Officer of NCSoft and now founding partner at PVP Ventures, which recently raised a $100M fund to invest in AI startups. They explore NCSoft's transformation from its early days to a global gaming powerhouse, focusing on strategic pivots like transitioning from subscription models to free-to-play, embracing mobile gaming, and forging key partnerships with Tencent and others. Songyee shares her perspective on Korean gaming culture, from the role of PC cafés to transmedia collaborations, and how they shaped NCSoft's growth. She discusses lessons learned from her tenure, including navigating challenges in organizational change and adapting to technological shifts. The episode also dives into broader trends like casualization, Korea's bullish stance on blockchain, and the global influence of Korean entertainment on gaming. Songyee closes by sharing her predictions for 2025, NCSoft's future, and opportunities in Korea's gaming market, while offering insights on applying her experience to venture capital. This episode is a must-listen for those interested in strategy, innovation, and the Korean gaming industry!We'd also like to thank Reforged Labs for making this episode possible. This YC startup automates the traditionally costly and time-consuming ad production process, delivering high-quality, cost-effective video ads in under 24 hours – and it's all powered by a proprietary AI engine trained on thousands of successful game ads. Learn more: https://reforgedlabs.com/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=naavik_promo&utm_id=naavik+promo&utm_term=newsletter&utm_content=october30.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.

How do you scale your mobile game beyond 1 million players? Anyone can start a game or an app and get a certain amount of growth. But scaling is hard: you need to find more players, sure, but you also need to expand beyond your initial niche. And you probably have to start paying attention to what your competitors are doing. In this episode of Growth Masterminds, host John Koetsier talks with Sven Jurgens, an independent mobile games consultant, about the challenges and strategies for scaling mobile games beyond 1 million players. Sven shares his journey into growth marketing, the importance of focusing on successful creatives, managing ad partners, handling cash flow, and optimizing monetization. He also discusses the significance of automation, getting smarter with data, and the impact of AI in user-generated content. The conversation concludes with actionable insights on competitor analysis and core marketing strategies. Tune in for practical advice and expert tips to take your game's growth to the next level. 00:00 Introduction to Growth Masterminds 01:37 Journey into Growth Marketing 03:55 Challenges of Scaling: Creative Strategies 09:20 Ad Partners and Scaling 11:39 Financial Challenges in Scaling 13:52 Monetization and Data Utilization 15:39 Tools and Automation in Scaling 18:23 Automate the Boring Stuff 19:04 Building Small Tools for Efficiency 20:37 Competitor Analysis Strategies 25:04 Getting Smarter About Data 28:53 Winning Strategies and Trends 32:55 Reviving Old School Marketing 35:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Naavik Gaming Podcast, host Niko Vuori interviews Nigel Eccles, the co-founder and former CEO of FanDuel, exploring his journey in the online gaming world, the origin story of FanDuel, its competition with DraftKings, and the regulatory challenges faced by the fantasy sports industry.Nigel shares the inside scoop on the FanDuel multi-billion dollar class action lawsuit and the evolving landscape of sports betting and gaming technology. Transitioning from FanDuel to his new venture, BetHog, he emphasizes the importance of innovation in the online casino space, particularly through social gaming and streaming. They also discuss the intricacies of betting mechanics, the design of engaging games, the challenges posed by regulations, and the future of crypto in the gaming industry.We'd also like to thank Heroic Labs for making this episode possible! Thousands of studios have trusted Heroic Labs to help them focus on their games and not worry about gametech or scaling for success. To learn more and reach out, visit https://heroiclabs.com/?utm_source=Naavik&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=Podcast 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.

The sub-AA/AAA world of games has become increasingly competitive in recent years, and yet Serenity Forge, a diverse 40-50 person publisher based out of Colorado, has found a way to grow, develop, and publish games with very high success rates. How do they do it?To answer this question, host Aaron Bush is joined by Zhenghua (Z) Yang, the founder and CEO of Serenity Forge. They discuss Z's inspiring story, how publishing has evolved over the past decade, and how Z goes above and beyond to ensure success. They also dig into the nuances of working with subscription platforms, the underdiscussed benefits of physical sales, building unique distribution, structuring publishing deals, and how AI does (and doesn't) impact the way they think about supporting games. If you want a case study of how to win and stand out in a crowded gaming market, make sure to give this episode a listen!We'd also like to thank AWS for Games for making this episode possible. AWS for Games aligns purpose-built game development capabilities — including AWS services like Amazon GameLift as well as solutions from AWS Partners — to help game developers build, run, and grow their games. For more information, visit https://aws.amazon.com/gametech/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.Who's On:Guest - Zhenghua (Z) Yang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serenityz/ Host - Aaron Bush: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-bush-846b8185/ Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

Writing and directing for transmedia is an often overlooked part of world building in video games, but as consumers it is one of the most memorable elements of any game we play. Our host, David Taylor sat down with Neel Upadhye, a creative powerhouse who has left his mark on some of the most iconic franchises in gaming. From shaping the lore of Star Wars: The Old Republic and Battlefield 2042 to crafting Stories from the Outlands for Apex Legends, Neel's work has been viewed tens of millions of times, defining what it means to merge storytelling with gameplay. In this episode, we explore Neel's journey through the gaming industry, dive into his creative process, and what the future holds for transmedia storytelling.We'd also like to thank Lightspeed Venture Partners for making this episode possible! With its dedicated gaming practice, "Lightspeed Gaming," the firm is investing from over $7B in early- and growth-stage capital — the by far largest fund focused on gaming and interactive technology. If you're interested in learning more, go to https://gaming.lsvp.com/.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.

Botting, an often misused term that encapsulates multi-accounting, cheating, and fraud, plays a pivotal role in gaming — sometimes enhancing experiences but often undermining them. Our host, Alexandra Takei, Director at Ruckus Games, sits down with Henry LeGard, CEO and co-founder of Verisoul, and George Ng, CTO and co-founder of GGWP, to unpack the botting phenomenon. Their nuanced conversation covers why gaming is rife with bots, when bots are good, when bots are bad, and what gaming can learn from cybersecurity and homeland security. The conversation digs into detection strategies (including behavioral analysis, device fingerprinting, and the deployment of ban waves) and also explores how community plays a role in bot detection and reporting. Finally, the trio discusses how the botting industry will change for the better or the worse with the advancements in AI. We'd also like to thank Reforged Labs for making this episode possible. This YC startup automates the traditionally costly and time-consuming ad production process, delivering high-quality, cost-effective video ads in under 24 hours – and it's all powered by a proprietary AI engine trained on thousands of successful game ads. Learn more: https://reforgedlabs.com/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=naavik_promo&utm_id=naavik+promo&utm_term=newsletter&utm_content=october30.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.

In this episode of the Naavik Gaming Podcast, host Niko Vuori interviews Antti Hattara, co-founder and CEO of StarBerry Games, about their successful mobile game, Merge Mayor. As the game surpasses the $25 million revenue milestone, the conversation covers the game's journey from an idle game that pivoted into a merge-2 (along the lines of Metacore's Merge Mansion), the challenges of the merge category, and the importance of community engagement through platforms like Discord. Antti shares insights into the development processes of Merge Mayor with just a 22-person team, key moments that contributed to its success, and strategies for balancing feedback from hardcore players with the needs of new users. The discussion also touches on the innovative social features of the game, the “pyramid” framework for player engagement, and their evolving approach to storytelling.We'd also like to thank nSure.ai for making this episode possible! As a proven industry leader, nSure.ai provides scalable payment fraud prevention that's not just effective but tailored specifically to your needs. To learn more, visit https://www.nsure.ai/contactIf 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.

Are you stuffing all the right stockings? Plus what mobile games are still on your phone and more!Listen to The Morning Mix weekdays from 5:30am - 10:00am on 101.9fm The Mix in Chicago or with the free Mix App available in the Apple App Store and Google Play! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are you stuffing all the right stockings? Plus what mobile games are still on your phone and more! Listen to The Morning Mix weekdays from 5:30am - 10:00am on 101.9fm The Mix in Chicago or with the free Mix App available in the Apple App Store and Google Play! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

AI is increasingly touching every corner of the games industry, and one of the areas it may have the largest impact on is user acquisition. Today, host Aaron Bush is joined by Robert Huynh, co-founder and CEO of Reforged Labs, to discuss how AI will transform the way gaming creatives are made, experimented with, and ultimately convert consumers.They dive into how the world of online content and digital marketing may evolve in the coming years, what Reforged Labs is building to help mobile game teams find greater and more efficient success, and how AI in marketing is a democratizing force for smaller companies. Robert shares multiple lessons learned as a repeat founder, walks us through the technology underpinning Reforged Labs, and we chat about why the future of AI content may not be as dystopian as many fear.If you want to learn where the future of marketing is heading, make sure to give this episode a 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.Who's On:Guest - Robert Huynh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huynhrobert/ Host - Aaron Bush: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-bush-846b8185/ Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

Today, host Devin Becker is joined by Sam Means, Founder of Wavlake, and Ben Cousens, Chief Strategy Officer of ZBD, for an exploration of alternative payment systems for creators in the music and gaming industries. The conversation dives into how Wavlake leverages Bitcoin to revolutionize artist payments and music distribution, offering unique benefits over traditional platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. Sam shares the story behind Wavlake, its current mission, and how its collaboration with ZBD opens new doors for “tipping” (rather than purchasing or subscribing) as a way to support creators. We explore how this technology reshapes interactions between music artists and gamers, with potential applications for UGC platforms, music in games, and live-streaming environments. We tackle pressing questions about copyright enforcement, the role of AI-generated music, and emerging policies that impact artists and game developers alike. (Also be sure to check out our previous episode with Ben, discussing ZBD in more detail!)We'd also like to thank TikTok for making this episode possible. In a dynamic gaming market where a majority of games fail within three years, TikTok has become a critical partner in helping games achieve long-term player retention and substantial revenue growth. Learn more: https://bit.ly/LiveOpsProgramNAVPodcast 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.