Podcasts about mobile gaming

Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard go over Apple's 2025 Design Award winners, exploring groundbreaking apps that showcase the best of Apple's platforms. From AI-powered language learning tools to visually stunning adventure games, these winners represent the pinnacle of mobile innovation and design excellence.Delight and Fun Category CapWords - Revolutionary language learning app that transforms everyday objects into interactive stickers, supporting nine languages with AI-powered photo recognition Balatro - Award-winning poker-inspired deck builder that cleverly teaches poker fundamentals while delivering addictive gameplay across multiple platforms Innovation Category Play - Developer-focused app enabling interactive SwiftUI prototype creation with seamless cross-device syncing between iPhone and Mac PBJ, the Musical - Quirky Shakespeare adaptation telling Romeo and Juliet with condiments as characters, featuring original soundtracks and creative storytelling Interaction Category Taobao - Pioneering Apple Vision Pro shopping experience with photorealistic 3D models allowing users to visualize furniture and products in their actual spaces DREDGE - Atmospheric horror fishing adventure with seamless gameplay continuity across iPhone, iPad, and Mac platforms Inclusivity Category Speechify - Accessibility-focused text-to-speech app supporting 50+ languages and hundreds of voices, designed for users with dyslexia, ADHD, and low vision Art of Fauna - Beautiful wildlife puzzle game featuring vintage-style artwork with full voiceover support and innovative block-based puzzle mechanics Social Impact Category Watch Duty - Critical wildfire tracking app providing real-time evacuation updates and emergency information faster than traditional services Neva - Emotionally resonant adventure game exploring environmental themes through the relationship between a girl and her wolf companion Visuals and Graphics Category Feather - Intuitive iPad app enabling users to transform 2D designs into stunning 3D models using touch and Apple Pencil interactions Infinity Nikki - Visually spectacular open-world adventure game featuring magical outfits, whimsical creatures, and breathtaking rendering quality Shortcuts Corner New "Use Model" action in Shortcuts enables cloud, local, or ChatGPT model integration for AI-powered automation Apple's Shortcuts Gallery now features dedicated Apple Intelligence examples including leftover recipe generation and PDF summarization App Caps Mikah's Pick: Gigapixel AI-powered photo upscaling app that enhances image resolution and quality using sophisticated machine learning models Features standard and low-res enhancement modes plus specialized face recovery for portrait photographs Particularly useful for printing older photos or enlarging images without quality loss Rosemary's Pick: Dark Noise Premium white noise app enabling custom sound mixing with extensive library of ambient sounds Supports audio layering with other apps, iCloud sync across devices, and Siri Shortcuts integration Includes whimsical features like "unnamed goose mode" and developer-friendly privacy controls These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today/episodes/757 Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard go over Apple's 2025 Design Award winners, exploring groundbreaking apps that showcase the best of Apple's platforms. From AI-powered language learning tools to visually stunning adventure games, these winners represent the pinnacle of mobile innovation and design excellence.Delight and Fun Category CapWords - Revolutionary language learning app that transforms everyday objects into interactive stickers, supporting nine languages with AI-powered photo recognition Balatro - Award-winning poker-inspired deck builder that cleverly teaches poker fundamentals while delivering addictive gameplay across multiple platforms Innovation Category Play - Developer-focused app enabling interactive SwiftUI prototype creation with seamless cross-device syncing between iPhone and Mac PBJ, the Musical - Quirky Shakespeare adaptation telling Romeo and Juliet with condiments as characters, featuring original soundtracks and creative storytelling Interaction Category Taobao - Pioneering Apple Vision Pro shopping experience with photorealistic 3D models allowing users to visualize furniture and products in their actual spaces DREDGE - Atmospheric horror fishing adventure with seamless gameplay continuity across iPhone, iPad, and Mac platforms Inclusivity Category Speechify - Accessibility-focused text-to-speech app supporting 50+ languages and hundreds of voices, designed for users with dyslexia, ADHD, and low vision Art of Fauna - Beautiful wildlife puzzle game featuring vintage-style artwork with full voiceover support and innovative block-based puzzle mechanics Social Impact Category Watch Duty - Critical wildfire tracking app providing real-time evacuation updates and emergency information faster than traditional services Neva - Emotionally resonant adventure game exploring environmental themes through the relationship between a girl and her wolf companion Visuals and Graphics Category Feather - Intuitive iPad app enabling users to transform 2D designs into stunning 3D models using touch and Apple Pencil interactions Infinity Nikki - Visually spectacular open-world adventure game featuring magical outfits, whimsical creatures, and breathtaking rendering quality Shortcuts Corner New "Use Model" action in Shortcuts enables cloud, local, or ChatGPT model integration for AI-powered automation Apple's Shortcuts Gallery now features dedicated Apple Intelligence examples including leftover recipe generation and PDF summarization App Caps Mikah's Pick: Gigapixel AI-powered photo upscaling app that enhances image resolution and quality using sophisticated machine learning models Features standard and low-res enhancement modes plus specialized face recovery for portrait photographs Particularly useful for printing older photos or enlarging images without quality loss Rosemary's Pick: Dark Noise Premium white noise app enabling custom sound mixing with extensive library of ambient sounds Supports audio layering with other apps, iCloud sync across devices, and Siri Shortcuts integration Includes whimsical features like "unnamed goose mode" and developer-friendly privacy controls These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today/episodes/757 Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard go over Apple's 2025 Design Award winners, exploring groundbreaking apps that showcase the best of Apple's platforms. From AI-powered language learning tools to visually stunning adventure games, these winners represent the pinnacle of mobile innovation and design excellence.Delight and Fun Category CapWords - Revolutionary language learning app that transforms everyday objects into interactive stickers, supporting nine languages with AI-powered photo recognition Balatro - Award-winning poker-inspired deck builder that cleverly teaches poker fundamentals while delivering addictive gameplay across multiple platforms Innovation Category Play - Developer-focused app enabling interactive SwiftUI prototype creation with seamless cross-device syncing between iPhone and Mac PBJ, the Musical - Quirky Shakespeare adaptation telling Romeo and Juliet with condiments as characters, featuring original soundtracks and creative storytelling Interaction Category Taobao - Pioneering Apple Vision Pro shopping experience with photorealistic 3D models allowing users to visualize furniture and products in their actual spaces DREDGE - Atmospheric horror fishing adventure with seamless gameplay continuity across iPhone, iPad, and Mac platforms Inclusivity Category Speechify - Accessibility-focused text-to-speech app supporting 50+ languages and hundreds of voices, designed for users with dyslexia, ADHD, and low vision Art of Fauna - Beautiful wildlife puzzle game featuring vintage-style artwork with full voiceover support and innovative block-based puzzle mechanics Social Impact Category Watch Duty - Critical wildfire tracking app providing real-time evacuation updates and emergency information faster than traditional services Neva - Emotionally resonant adventure game exploring environmental themes through the relationship between a girl and her wolf companion Visuals and Graphics Category Feather - Intuitive iPad app enabling users to transform 2D designs into stunning 3D models using touch and Apple Pencil interactions Infinity Nikki - Visually spectacular open-world adventure game featuring magical outfits, whimsical creatures, and breathtaking rendering quality Shortcuts Corner New "Use Model" action in Shortcuts enables cloud, local, or ChatGPT model integration for AI-powered automation Apple's Shortcuts Gallery now features dedicated Apple Intelligence examples including leftover recipe generation and PDF summarization App Caps Mikah's Pick: Gigapixel AI-powered photo upscaling app that enhances image resolution and quality using sophisticated machine learning models Features standard and low-res enhancement modes plus specialized face recovery for portrait photographs Particularly useful for printing older photos or enlarging images without quality loss Rosemary's Pick: Dark Noise Premium white noise app enabling custom sound mixing with extensive library of ambient sounds Supports audio layering with other apps, iCloud sync across devices, and Siri Shortcuts integration Includes whimsical features like "unnamed goose mode" and developer-friendly privacy controls These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today/episodes/757 Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard go over Apple's 2025 Design Award winners, exploring groundbreaking apps that showcase the best of Apple's platforms. From AI-powered language learning tools to visually stunning adventure games, these winners represent the pinnacle of mobile innovation and design excellence.Delight and Fun Category CapWords - Revolutionary language learning app that transforms everyday objects into interactive stickers, supporting nine languages with AI-powered photo recognition Balatro - Award-winning poker-inspired deck builder that cleverly teaches poker fundamentals while delivering addictive gameplay across multiple platforms Innovation Category Play - Developer-focused app enabling interactive SwiftUI prototype creation with seamless cross-device syncing between iPhone and Mac PBJ, the Musical - Quirky Shakespeare adaptation telling Romeo and Juliet with condiments as characters, featuring original soundtracks and creative storytelling Interaction Category Taobao - Pioneering Apple Vision Pro shopping experience with photorealistic 3D models allowing users to visualize furniture and products in their actual spaces DREDGE - Atmospheric horror fishing adventure with seamless gameplay continuity across iPhone, iPad, and Mac platforms Inclusivity Category Speechify - Accessibility-focused text-to-speech app supporting 50+ languages and hundreds of voices, designed for users with dyslexia, ADHD, and low vision Art of Fauna - Beautiful wildlife puzzle game featuring vintage-style artwork with full voiceover support and innovative block-based puzzle mechanics Social Impact Category Watch Duty - Critical wildfire tracking app providing real-time evacuation updates and emergency information faster than traditional services Neva - Emotionally resonant adventure game exploring environmental themes through the relationship between a girl and her wolf companion Visuals and Graphics Category Feather - Intuitive iPad app enabling users to transform 2D designs into stunning 3D models using touch and Apple Pencil interactions Infinity Nikki - Visually spectacular open-world adventure game featuring magical outfits, whimsical creatures, and breathtaking rendering quality Shortcuts Corner New "Use Model" action in Shortcuts enables cloud, local, or ChatGPT model integration for AI-powered automation Apple's Shortcuts Gallery now features dedicated Apple Intelligence examples including leftover recipe generation and PDF summarization App Caps Mikah's Pick: Gigapixel AI-powered photo upscaling app that enhances image resolution and quality using sophisticated machine learning models Features standard and low-res enhancement modes plus specialized face recovery for portrait photographs Particularly useful for printing older photos or enlarging images without quality loss Rosemary's Pick: Dark Noise Premium white noise app enabling custom sound mixing with extensive library of ambient sounds Supports audio layering with other apps, iCloud sync across devices, and Siri Shortcuts integration Includes whimsical features like "unnamed goose mode" and developer-friendly privacy controls These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today/episodes/757 Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Hey friends, welcome to the show!!! This week, Spaz, Julie, Thorston, Jacob, David and I talk about emulation. Well, *I* mostly talk about emulation, namely the emulators that you can use to (LEGALLY) play your old games. I mostly talk Android, because we're focusing on handheld devices and that's where most of the best one's... The post SGJ Podcast #493 – Let's Talk Emulation (for Mobile Gaming) appeared first on Space Game Junkie.

On this episode, host David Taylor sits down with Dan Bunting, the former Studio Head of Treyarch and one of the key creative leaders behind the Call of Duty franchise. With over 18 years at Treyarch, Dan helped shape some of the most iconic moments in FPS history — from the introduction of Zombies mode in World at War to the rise of the Black Ops series.We explore how Call of Duty became the dominant FPS franchise, and how Treyarch carved out its own identity through bold design decisions, narrative risk-taking, and constant innovation. Dan shares behind-the-scenes stories from the early 2000s to the modern era, reflecting on the key audience insights, design shifts, and tech evolutions that influenced Treyarch's approach.We also dive into his transition from studio leadership to entrepreneurship and investing, his outlook on the next decade of Call of Duty, and what excites him most about the future of the gaming 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.

A lot of stuff happened this past weekend, so I spend a little time talking about the few things that stood out to me, including the ROG Xbox Ally, the bait and switch Resident Evil 9 announcement, and the reveal of a very cool-looking new game: There Are No Ghosts at the Grand. Of course, if you're sick of hearing about Summer Game Fest and all that nonsense, there's always what I've been playing, this week with Section 13, Trident's Tale, Spirit of the North 2, Keeper's Toll, and Bunny Cubed. Anyway and as always, thank you for watching or listening, I hope you enjoy this here episode, and I hope you have a wonderful wonderful rest of your day. (And if you haven't already, or are a listener and not a watcher, please like, subscribe, hit the bell, and all that jazz; it may not seem like much, but it goes a long way in helping support the show and site in general. I would appreciate it greatly.)

The esports industry has heavily evolved over the past few years, and big moves continue to occur – especially out of Saudi Arabia.In this episode, host Aaron Bush is joined by Mike McCabe, COO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, which runs a massive Riyadh-based annual esports festival. It's gearing up for its second annual event in July, which will host 25 tournaments over 7 weeks with a whopping $70 million prize pool.We chat about the global state of esports, Saudi Arabia's continued ambitions, and where the industry is headed next. We also dig into the Esports World Cup, including its massive scale, logistics, non-profit ambitions, and how it aspires to leave an evergrowing impact on bringing esports mainstream in the future.We'd 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 We'd also like to thank TikTok for making this episode possible. Whether you're launching or scaling, TikTok supports full-funnel growth with creative impact, always-on engagement, and advanced measurement. Learn more at https://bit.ly/tiktokmorelevelsIf 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 - Mike McCabe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-mccabe-600532/ 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.

With the Nintendo Switch 2 officially released and one in-hand, I give my first impressions on what it's like using the console (very sparingly) and why the Switch 2 Pro controller is a noticeable upgrade over the previous model. If that's not enough excitement, I also talk about the recent PlayStation State of Play and the surprising game that stood out to me most--spoilers: it's Shakespearean. Of course, if those topics don't tickle your fancy, there's always what I've been playing, this week with Starlight Legacy, Polterguys: Possession Party, NanoApostle, Detective From The Crypt, Is This Game Trying to Kill Me?, and Mortisomem. Anyway and as always, thank you for watching or listening, I hope you enjoy this here episode, and I hope you have a wonderful wonderful rest of your day. (And if you haven't already, or are a listener and not a watcher, please like, subscribe, hit the bell, and all that jazz; it may not seem like much, but it goes a long way in helping support the show and site in general. I would appreciate it greatly.)

State of Gaming report: https://tinyurl.com/5eyye63dIn this episode, Mishka Katkoff sits down with Sensor Tower gaming insights analyst Sam Aune to dissect the state of mobile gaming in 2025. They unpack download trends, the evolving UA playbook, the hybrid casual boom, and shifting genre engagement. The conversation dives into emerging markets, how ads really impact player behavior, and what Gen Z expects from modern mobile games. Backed by fresh Sensor Tower data, Aune breaks down where the biggest opportunities—and pitfalls—lie for today's game makers.02:10 Current Trends in Mobile Gaming Downloads05:12 User Acquisition and Monetization Strategies07:45 Engagement Trends in Game Genres11:31 The Rise of Hybrid Casual Games16:49 Emerging Markets and Growth Opportunities23:39 Revenue Trends Across Game Genres27:36 Balancing Niche and Audience Size30:59 The Decline of New Game Releases31:56 Understanding Gen Z Players35:38 Gender Targeting in Game Development41:55 The Role of IP in Game Success45:04 Market Concentration and Expansion Strategies

Apple's forced policy shift following the outcome of its legal battle with Epic Games has opened the door for more flexible Direct to Consumer (DTC) strategies, and game studios are taking notice. Host Devin Becker welcomes Chris Faught, CEO of Neon, to break down what this decision means for developers. Chris clarifies the broader implications of the ruling, the mechanics of implementing DTC models, and how this update impacts developers operating across different genres and regions.The conversation explores how studios should be thinking about DTC integration internally, what practical steps to take next, and how these changes might alter monetization strategies moving forward. Chris also offers insight into how webshops can be used to their full potential, what teams are best suited to act quickly, and where the market is headed over the next 12–24 months. Whether you're already experimenting with DTC or still figuring out how this ruling affects your business, this episode offers a grounded look at what's changing and what to do about it.We'd 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/.We'd also like to thank Lightspeed Venture Partners for making this episode possible! With its dedicated gaming & interactive media practice, the firm invests from an over $6.5 billion pool of early and growth-stage capital. 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.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is less than a week away now and we know what to expect at launch and a bit of what to expect for the rest of 2025--Donkey Kong Bonanza in July and Pokémon Legends: Z-A in October--but there's still a lot of empty space for games already announced--Kirby Air Riders and Metroid Prime 4--and maybe some unannounced games too, so with that, let's talk about what wishes and predictions we have for Switch 2 in 2025. Of course, if that topic doesn't tickle your fancy, there's always what I've been playing, this week with Blades of Fire, Maniac, Copycat, and Deep Deep Deep Nightmare. Anyway and as always, thank you for watching or listening, I hope you enjoy this here episode, and I hope you have a wonderful wonderful rest of your day. (And if you haven't already, or are a listener and not a watcher, please like, subscribe, hit the bell, and all that jazz; it may not seem like much, but it goes a long way in helping support the show and site in general. I would appreciate it greatly.)

In this live-recorded episode from MAU Vegas, Matej sits down with Damon Marshall and Berkley Egenes of Xsolla's mobile leadership team to discuss how the April 30 court ruling opened the floodgates for direct-to-consumer monetization.We unpack:How mobile devs can now promote web shops directly inside iOS appsWhy this moment is the “William Wallace freedom moment” for game publishersHow Xsolla is helping everyone from indie devs to AAA publishers go directKey monetization tactics: segmented whale offers, welcome packs, Discord-driven promos, and loyalty systemsWhy capture rates are already rising from 10% to 30–50%What the future of Apple, attribution, and platform power looks like from hereThis is not theoretical. It's already happening. And it could mean 50% higher margins for mobile devs who act now.Get our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop---------------------------------------Xsolla Web Shop #gamedev #mobilegames #XsollaWebshopMaximize your game's revenue with Xsolla Web Shop. Sell in-game goods directly to players, reduce platform fees, and unlock 1,000+ global payment options.:rocket: Learn how to set up your Web Shop: https://xsolla.com/mobile-web-shop?utm_source=content-syndication&utm_medium=infuencer&utm_campaign=webshop2025&utm_content=25gamers---------------------------------------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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej Lancaric⁠Youtube: https://youtu.be/aTuKkrKfvfUJoin our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipgChapters00:00 Introduction to MAU and Xsolla02:07 Roles and Responsibilities at Xsolla04:11 Impact of Recent Rulings on Mobile Gaming09:59 Direct-to-Consumer Strategies for Developers12:54 Leveraging Web Shops Post-Ruling17:18 Best Practices for Web Shop Implementation20:47 Innovations in Web Shop Features24:06 Revenue Growth and Market Trends27:13 Future of Mobile Gaming and Xsolla's Role---------------------------------------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

Africa's gaming market is young, fast-growing, and mobile-first. In this episode, host Alexandra Takei, Director at Ruckus Games, is joined by Cordel Robbin-Coker, CEO of Carry1st, and Temi Afolabi, a lead on XBOX's Global Expansion team, to examine the opportunity and hurdles of scaling games in Africa. They break down Africa's demographics, monetization challenges, and infrastructure gaps. Cordel highlights Carry1st's approach — aggregating payments across nearly 80+ payment methods and pairing African talent with global veterans. Temi emphasizes Africa's creative potential in narrative design, a rising indie class, and shares why XBOX sees the African consumer as attractive. The group compares Africa's market trajectory to China's, though key differences include Africa's fragmentation across language, infrastructure, and regulation. On the development side, they explore co-dev, creator-first pathways, and the long-term role governments may play in accelerating industry growth to build a billion-person market and capitalize on untapped potential and a growing talent base. We'd 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 We'd also like to thank Levellr — the Discord community intelligence platform — for making this episode possible. Learn more about unlocking real-time community insights at levellr.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.

With the announcement of difficulty options coming to Lies of P in an update alongside its upcoming DLC, I figured it was a perfect time to bring back one of my favorite topics: should Souls games (or any game for that matter) have difficulty option? Of course, if that topic doesn't tickle your fancy, there's always what I've been playing, this week with Undivine, Spellcaster University, Knight's Night!, Super Engine GT Turbo SPEC, Royal Romances: Endless Winter, Red Solstice 2: Survivors, and Drug Dealer Simulator. Anyway and as always, thank you for watching or listening, I hope you enjoy this here episode, and I hope you have a wonderful wonderful rest of your day. (And if you haven't already, or are a listener and not a watcher, please like, subscribe, hit the bell, and all that jazz; it may not seem like much, but it goes a long way in helping support the show and site in general. I would appreciate it greatly.)

We go “Full Steam Ahead” with a special guest, Adam Telfer, unpacking how Steam hits influence mobile game development in 2025: from Dreamdale-ified Palworld clones to digging simulators, idle RPG mashups, and more.The crew explores:Why some Steam-inspired mobile games (like Repo Online) hit 10M+ downloads and $1.3M in adsWhy others (like Lilith's Palworld clone) flop despite a powerful IP remixWhich genres (like Plinko roguelites and digging sims) are best suited for mobileThe risks of literal copy-paste ports — and what actually works insteadThe role of TikTok trends, Steam reviews, and organic play patterns in predicting successWhy execution, not inspiration, is the differentiatorIf you're scouting Steam hits for mobile adaptation, this episode is your blueprint for what works and what crashes.

In today's episode, host David Taylor dives into the world of Minecraft's massive creator ecosystem with two of its most influential creators:Raf is the co-founder of Spark Universe, a studio behind one of the most widely used Minecraft tools, Essential Mod, which connects millions of players through a live services platform. With over 50 million downloads and nearly 2 million monthly active users, Spark Universe is one of the largest Minecraft creative studios. Spark Universe also led the development of all official in-game content tied to the Minecraft Movie, including a DLC, Add-On, and a live event.Zed is the Director of CubeCraft Games, one of the most popular Minecraft multiplayer servers in the world. Since launching in 2012 and becoming a Minecraft Partner in 2017, CubeCraft has reached over 100 million players. Known for its fast-paced minigames and long-form experiences like Skyblock, CubeCraft continues to be a staple in the Minecraft multiplayer community.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 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 main topic of this week's episode is: "What's the greatest gaming handheld of all time?" Is it the original Game Boy? The PlayStation Vita? The Switch? The N-Gage? I have my thoughts, of course, but I'd love to hear what everyone else thinks. Of course, if that topic doesn't tickle your fancy, there's always what I've been playing, this week with City Bus Manager, Mad Experiments: Escape Room, Mad Experiments 2: Escape Room, Beef Cat Ultra, and DAMN!. Anyway and as always, thank you for watching or listening, I hope you enjoy this here episode, and I hope you have a wonderful wonderful rest of your day. (And if you haven't already, or are a listener and not a watcher, please like, subscribe, hit the bell, and all that jazz; it may not seem like much, but it goes a long way in helping support the show and site in general. I would appreciate it greatly.)

Deep beneath the frigid Arctic landscape, humanity's digital legacy sleeps in a vault carved into frozen rock. The Arctic World Archive, nestled in a decommissioned coal mine near the North Pole, represents our most ambitious attempt to preserve crucial data against time itself. With deposits from over 30 countries—including Vatican manuscripts and 3D scans of the Taj Mahal—this modern-day Library of Alexandria raises profound questions about what we choose to save for future generations.Meanwhile, the boundaries between ancient biology and modern commerce blur as scientists develop luxury leather goods from reconstructed T-Rex DNA. By extracting collagen preserved for 80 million years and engineering it in laboratory conditions, researchers have created what might become the most exclusive fashion material ever conceived. This startling fusion of paleontology and consumer products forces us to reconsider our relationship with extinct species—are we preserving their legacy or simply commodifying them?Digital security takes center stage with the "Interrupt" device—a portable hacking tool that puts professional-grade network testing capabilities into an affordable, Game Boy-sized unit. Priced at just $199, this powerful gadget demonstrates how cybersecurity tools have become dramatically more accessible, democratizing techniques once restricted to specialists. While marketed for ethical testing, its potential for misuse highlights our ongoing struggle to balance technological advancement with responsible usage.From a Catholic priest who embezzled $40,000 for mobile gaming addictions to Newark Airport's frighteningly outdated air traffic control systems still running on floppy disks, we examine how technology shapes our vulnerabilities as much as our strengths. Whether preserving our past in frozen vaults or struggling with the consequences of our digital lives, one thing becomes clear: the choices we make today about technology will echo long into humanity's future.Subscribe to Tech Time Radio for weekly insights that put you weeks ahead of mainstream technology coverage, and visit patreon.com/techtimeradio to support our mission of bringing critical tech understanding to everyday listeners.Support the show

This week's episode starts with thoughts on the new Grand Theft Auto Vi trailer and more game pricing talk, before getting to what I've been playing with EcoGnomix, SubwaySim 2, Hegzis, Blazing Trail, Submarine Survivor, Royal Romances: Forbidden Magic, Royal Romances: The Power of Chosen One, and Pilo and the Holobook. Anyway and as always, thank you for watching or listening, I hope you enjoy this here episode, and I hope you have a wonderful wonderful rest of your day. (And if you haven't already, or are a listener and not a watcher, please like, subscribe, hit the bell, and all that jazz; it may not seem like much, but it goes a long way in helping support the show and site in general. I would appreciate it greatly.)

In this episode, the 2.5 Gamers crew — Matej, Felix, and Jakub — dissect the top mobile ad creative trends spotted across platforms in April 2025.From AI-generated hooks dominating 5-second ad intros, to IP-mirroring creatives, TikTok-style POV playables, and Freezing Families never going away — this is a masterclass in what's hot (and not) in mobile game UA right now.You'll see:⚙️ The rise of AI-generated 5-second hooks — and how top studios use them

In this episode, podcast David Taylor is joined by Alexander Hicks, the co-founder of Twin Atlas, one of the most innovative studios in the Roblox ecosystem. Twin Atlas is the team behind blockbuster experiences like Creatures of Sonaria, which ranks among the top 30 Roblox games in terms of revenue and engagement according to CreatorExchange.io.At the time of this recording, Twin Atlas experiences are drawing 50,000+ concurrent players, with recent peaks nearing 100,000 CCU. They've also built three experiences that have surpassed 1 billion plays—a rare feat on the platform.What sets Twin Atlas apart is their ability to consistently launch original hits, in contrast to the growing trend of game acquisitions among top Roblox developers. From his early work with Red Manta to the strategic merger that formed Twin Atlas, Alex shares valuable insights into:Building high-performing games from scratchNavigating the evolution of the Roblox platformPushing the boundaries of animation, gameplay, and live opsThe creative process behind long-term engagementIf you're curious about how top-tier Roblox games are made—and what it takes to build a sustainable studio in the UGC ecosystem—this episode is a must-listen.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/.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 1998, the Snake game made its debut on mobile phones. It is known for its simple yet addictive gameplay and played a major role in popularising mobile gaming.Taneli Armanto is the man responsible for bringing it to our phones, but he only got the task because of mistaken identity.He tells Gill Kearsley the story behind the game that made millions of people not want to put down their phones. Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.(Photo: Snake game. Credit: IMDB)

This week's episode starts with news of Grand Theft Auto VI's delay, some sad news about Polygon and Giant Bomb, and some insane price hikes for Xbox hardware, before getting to what I've been playing with Peglin, KIBORG, MotoGP 25, and Steel Seed. Anyway and as always, thank you for watching or listening, I hope you enjoy this here episode, and I hope you have a wonderful wonderful rest of your day. (And if you haven't already, or are a listener and not a watcher, please like, subscribe, hit the bell, and all that jazz; it may not seem like much, but it goes a long way in helping support the show and site in general. I would appreciate it greatly.)

The discourse in this episode embarks upon an incisive examination of the recent box office performance of "Sinners," a film that has garnered significant acclaim and is projected to elicit notable accolades. We delve into the contributions of Kaleb Parham and KaPa ENT, reflecting on their innovative approaches within the realm of mobile gaming, particularly with the launch of "Panic Gem Odyssey." Furthermore, we navigate the intricate narrative developments within the first three episodes of "Andor" Season 2, scrutinizing its thematic depth and character arcs. Additionally, we explore the implications of Ryan Coogler's monumental deal, positing its potential to reshape the landscape of cinematic storytelling. Join us as we offer a comprehensive breakdown of "Sinners," elucidating its cultural significance and broader impact within the entertainment industry.New Episode Alert!We're going full GOD MODE this week with special guest Kaleb Parham @kalebpdev , Game Designer and CEO of KaPa ENT! He's joining us to break down what it really takes to build epic experiences for mobile and console gaming, from indie grind to industry impact.What makes a great game?• Immersive storytelling• Fluid mechanics• Balanced gameplay• Replay value• AND—respecting the player's timeKaleb shares how KaPa ENT is leveling up the game world with innovation, representation, and passion for the culture.PLUS the latest in nerdy and entertainment news:• First look at Alien: Earth teaser has fans buzzing with terror!• Sinners holds strong at the box office in its second weekend!• Andor Season 2 drops episodes 1-3 all at once — the rebellion grows stronger!• Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith returns to theaters for a limited epic re-release!Catch us LIVE and in full Blerd Mode!Don't miss this one — it's a side quest you WANT to take.#BlerdsAssemble #BlerdsEyeview #KalebParham #KaPaENT #GameDevLife #MobileGaming #ConsoleGaming #BlackGameDevelopers #IndieGamesMatter #NerdCulture #GamerTalk #AlienEarth #SinnersMovie #AndorSeason2 #StarWars #RevengeOfTheSith #GeekNews #LevelUpWithBlerds #PressStartWithKaPa #seiTwitch: / blerdseyeview1 Youtube: / @blerdseyeview>> The podcast episode delves into a multitude of engaging topics, predominantly focusing on the impressive box office performance of "Sinners" during its second week, highlighting the trajectory of the film as it continues to garner acclaim. The discussion encompasses insights from industry insiders, such as Kaleb Parham of KaPa ENT, who provides a unique perspective on the burgeoning mobile gaming sector, particularly in relation to emerging titles and their market presence. Moreover, the hosts examine the recent episodes of "Andor" Season 2, exploring the narrative developments and character arcs that unfold throughout the series. The conversation shifts to the broader implications of the Indie Primetime Initiative, emphasizing the importance of independent content creation and its impact on the entertainment industry. Additionally, the episode features a detailed breakdown of the film "Sinners," contemplating the accolades it might receive, while also reflecting on Ryan Coogler's monumental deal, which underscores the evolving landscape of film production and distribution. The hosts adeptly weave these themes together, creating a rich tapestry of commentary that resonates with both casual listeners and avid fans alike, reaffirming the podcast's commitment to celebrating diverse and inclusive storytelling in contemporary media. >> The discourse in this episode is vibrant and multifaceted, as it navigates through the recent triumphs of "Sinners" at the box office, particularly in its second week, which sets the stage for a discussion on the potential for future accolades. The

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.

In this compelling episode of Growth@Scale, host Matt Widdoes is joined by gaming industry veteran Travis Boatman, the visionary behind Carbonated, Inc. With a resume that includes leading roles at major companies like Zynga and EA, Travis delves into his journey within the dynamic world of mobile gaming. From groundbreaking technological advances to game design innovations, this conversation is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the gaming industry's evolution. As they explore the intricacies of starting his own company, Travis provides invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs encountered during the development of their latest project, a unique mobile game set in a dystopian world. He highlights the importance of innovation, specifically through technology like AI, and how it plays a pivotal role in creating immersive and personalized gaming experiences. The dialogue also touches on working in a rapidly changing tech landscape, where agility and learning are essential to success. Key Takeaways: Industry Evolution: Travis shares his extensive experience, emphasizing how the gaming industry has evolved, particularly in mobile gaming, driven by new technology and innovative design strategies. Entrepreneurial Journey: Insights into the challenges and motivations behind starting Carbonated, Inc., underscoring the importance of pursuing personal passion projects. Game Design Philosophy: A novel approach to game design focusing on appealing themes, mechanics, retention, and monetization, using these pillars to build successful gaming experiences. AI and Gaming: The transformative impact of AI in game development and how it can personalize gaming experiences for a global audience. Survival and Innovation: Strategies for maintaining momentum and staying competitive in the tech-heavy gaming industry, including the importance of resilience and continuous learning. Resources: Carbonated, Inc. O3DE Foundation USC Viterbi School of Engineering Transcript for the episode To dive deeper into Travis's journey and insights in the gaming industry, listen to the full episode. You'll uncover more about the challenges of game design, how to leverage AI in development, and the keys to long-term success in tech. Stay tuned for more episodes of Growth@Scale for more discussions with industry leaders.

This week's episode starts with the mess that was Switch 2 pre-orders and the official, finally, announcement of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered (even though it's really a remake and we all know it), before getting to what I've been playing with Rematch, Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree, Secrets In Green, Moving Houses, and CarGo!. Anyway and as always, thank you for watching or listening, I hope you enjoy this here episode, and I hope you have a wonderful wonderful rest of your day. (And if you haven't already, or are a listener and not a watcher, please like, subscribe, hit the bell, and all that jazz; it may not seem like much, but it goes a long way in helping support the show and site in general. I would appreciate it greatly.)

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.

This week's episode starts with thoughts on the Mario Kart World Direct, along with more price talk and a new US pre-order date for the Switch 2, before getting to what I've been playing with Hot Rod Mayhem, Leila, I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream, Dollhouse: Behind the Broken Mirror, and Cat President: A More Purrfect Union. Anyway and as always, thank you for watching or listening, I hope you enjoy this here episode, and I hope you have a wonderful wonderful rest of your day. (And if you haven't already, or are a listener and not a watcher, please like, subscribe, hit the bell, and all that jazz; it may not seem like much, but it goes a long way in helping support the show and site in general. I would appreciate it greatly.)

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.

This week's episode starts with news of the Switch 2's pre-order delays and a bunch of weird out of context nonsense--including hair-growing woes, dog tongues vs. cat tongues, and I don't even know anymore--before getting to what I've been playing with Monster Energy Supercross 25 – The Official Video Game, Akatsuki: Lord of the Dawn, and My Little Universe. Anyway and as always, thank you for watching or listening, I hope you enjoy this here episode, and I hope you have a wonderful wonderful rest of your day. (And if you haven't already, or are a listener and not a watcher, please like, subscribe, hit the bell, and all that jazz; it may not seem like much, but it goes a long way in helping support the show and site in general. I would appreciate it greatly.)

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.

This week's episode starts with thoughts on the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct--the good, the bad, and the ugly--before getting to what I've been playing with Dagger Froggy, Blow It Up, Polimines Deluxe, The Backrooms 1998, Tap Wizard 2, Sol Dorado Heist, and Caligo. Anyway and as always, thank you for watching or listening, I hope you enjoy this here episode, and I hope you have a wonderful wonderful rest of your day. (And if you haven't already, or are a listener and not a watcher, please like, subscribe, hit the bell, and all that jazz; it may not seem like much, but it goes a long way in helping support the show and site in general. I would appreciate it greatly.)

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.

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.

This week's episode starts with the potential (very soon) return of Animezingly Baka, some Nintendo Switch 2 thoughts, and stuff that annoys me about news sites, before getting to what I've been playing with Shadow of the Orient, Unsolved Case: Above the Law, Rabbit Raid, and Prison Loop. Anyway and as always, thank you for watching or listening, I hope you enjoy this here episode, and I hope you have a wonderful wonderful rest of your day. (And if you haven't already, or are a listener and not a watcher, please like, subscribe, hit the bell, and all that jazz; it may not seem like much, but it goes a long way in helping support the show and site in general. I would appreciate it greatly.)

In today's episode, Andreas Munk Holm talks with Enis Hulli, General Partner at e2vc, and Akin Babayigit, Co-founder of Tripledot Studios. Akin brings a wealth of experience from his journey across Turkey, the U.S., and the U.K., while Enis provides insights into the evolving ecosystems of Turkey and Eastern Europe. Together, they discuss how mobile gaming has emerged as a massive industry driven by a unique blend of creativity and data analytics and how the sector's scale and business models differ significantly from traditional console and PC gaming.In this conversation, Akin and Enis delve into the latest trends reshaping mobile gaming, including the rapid adoption of AI to enhance gameplay and optimize monetization strategies. They also discuss the launch of Arcadia Gaming Advisors, a new $100 million fund designed to drive the next wave of innovation in gaming. Chapters: 02:58 How We Met: A Humorous Backstory04:56 Akin's Life Story: From Turkey to the UK06:01 Career Path: From Engineering to Gaming07:46 Tripledot and Gaming Success09:10 Investing in Gaming: Challenges and Opportunities12:08 The Misunderstood World of Gaming17:08 Mobile Gaming: A Unique Business Model23:08 Gaming Talent in Turkey and Eastern Europe25:11 Turkey's Unique Conditions for Success26:11 Gaming vs. E-commerce in Turkey27:03 Rise of Successful Turkish Gaming Companies27:35 Shifting Career Aspirations in Turkey28:18 The Importance of Iteration in Gaming28:47 Investment Strategies in Gaming30:50 Europe vs. US: A Venture Capital Perspective32:16 The Talent and Diversity in Europe40:14 The Future of Gaming with AI43:51 Launching a Mobile Gaming Fund

Next in Media spoke with Matt Edelman, Chief Commercial Officer, Super League Gaming, about whether Fortnite still has a grip on gamers - and how brands can get involved.  Edelman also talked about Roblox's growing ad ambitions, the overall gaming ad market, and why he thinks we need to ditch the word "gamer".Takeaways:The Evolution of Gaming and Advertising – Gaming has become an undeniable force in media, with 3.3 billion gamers worldwide. Generational Shift in Media Buying – Many CMOs and CEOs are Gen Xers who didn't grow up with video games as a central part of their lives.The Concept of “Making Brands Playable” – Super League focuses on interactive advertising rather than just passive exposure. Fortnite's Two Worlds: Battle Royale vs. Creative Mode – Fortnite has both its first-party Battle Royale mode and a user-generated content (UGC) Creative mode where brands can build their own islands (maps). Roblox as an Expanding Advertising Platform – Roblox is scaling its ad solutions with programmatic ad products but still lags behind mobile gaming in measurement, attribution, and targeting. Playable Ads in Mobile Gaming Are the Future – Mobile gaming has a mature advertising ecosystem, but Super League is innovating by turning traditional video ads into interactive experiences that match gameplay styles, dramatically increasing engagement and click-through rates.Breaking Down the “Gamer” Stereotype – Marketers need to stop thinking of "gamers" as a niche audience and recognize that their existing target demographics are already playing games. 

Cultivated Cuisine: Cell-Cultured Creations Coming to UK Consumers.  Melbourne's Mindful Machines: Merging Biology with Bytes.  Maserati's Mindful Machine: Autonomous MC20's Meteoric Milestone.  Battling the Buzz: Burner Numbers Bolster Boundaries.  Purging Personal Profiles: Protecting Privacy in Google's Search Sphere.  Pocket Power: The Paradigm Shift from Consoles to Mobile Gaming.  Supersonic Snap: Boom's Breakthrough in Breaking Barriers.  Code Conundrums – The Legacy of Lingering Lines.  Unveiling YouTube's Unseen Universe: The Vast Video Vault Beyond the Algorithm. 

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.

This week's episode starts with a bit of random Rainbow Six Siege talk and streaming news, before getting to what I've been playing with Mullet MadJack, FATE: Reawakened, S. Prysm Destroyer, 3D Don't Die Mr. Robot, and O.W.L Projekt 2. Anyway and as always, thank you for watching or listening, I hope you enjoy this here episode, and I hope you have a wonderful wonderful rest of your day. (And if you haven't already, or are a listener and not a watcher, please like, subscribe, hit the bell, and all that jazz; it may not seem like much, but it goes a long way in helping support the show and site in general. I would appreciate it greatly.)

#gaming #nintendo #videogamesWelcome to the Communication Error Podcast. A gaming debate podcast where we may not always agree but maybe listening to each other will help us fix our communication error.This week we are talking mobile gamesPatreon - https://patreon.com/user?u=93618258&utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkTwitter - https://twitter.com/comerrorpodcastNew discord server! https://discord.gg/mrw6BEEJvsHosts:Cheezy- https://twitter.com/cheezyc64Johniibo - https://johniibo.com/

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.

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Cerisse Velasco, Director of Midwest and Retail Media Brand Partnerships at Zynga, to explore how mobile gaming is reshaping digital advertising and brand engagement. While gaming has long been associated with teenage boys in basements, the reality is quite different—Zynga's audience is predominantly Millennial and Gen X women, a demographic that's often overlooked in marketing strategies. With mobile games like Words with Friends, Game of Thrones: Legends, and Match Factory, Zynga has built a massive entertainment platform where brands can authentically connect with engaged consumers. We discuss how mobile gaming offers a "leaned-in" advertising experience, with players actively engaging rather than passively scrolling. From rewarded video and interactive formats to in-game integrations, Zynga is pioneering innovative ad strategies that feel natural within the gameplay, rather than interrupting it. A recent partnership with The Real Housewives is a perfect example of how brands are rethinking their approach to mobile gaming, tapping into a highly influential and purchase-driven audience. Beyond traditional advertising, we also explore the future of gamified brand experiences, AI-powered personalization, and retail media integrations within gaming. As mobile gaming continues to dominate screen time, brands that embrace these new engagement models will have a significant edge in the evolving digital marketing landscape. How can brands create authentic connections with audiences in gaming environments? And what does the future hold for advertising in mobile entertainment? Tune in to hear Cerisse Velasco's insights on the changing face of digital engagement.

This week's episode starts with talks of exhaustion before getting to what I've been playing with Sorry We're Closed, RoboDunk, Unsolved Case: The Scarlet Hyacinth, Pocket Puzzle, Crime Opera Fandisk: The Caterpillar Candids, Crime Opera II: The Floodgate Effect, and Police Shootout. Anyway and as always, thank you for watching or listening, I hope you enjoy this here episode, and I hope you have a wonderful wonderful rest of your day. (And if you haven't already, or are a listener and not a watcher, please like, subscribe, hit the bell, and all that jazz; it may not seem like much, but it goes a long way in helping support the show and site in general. I would appreciate it greatly.)

The world-class panel of Turkish founders and investors with Mehmet Ecevit (ex-CEO and co-founder of Gram Games), Batuhan Celebi (CEO and co-founder of Grand Games), and Görkem Turk (founder of Laton Ventures) shares their thoughts on what makes the Turkish gaming ecosystem unique, the importance of data-driven design, and how to maintain company culture while scaling.THE HYBRIDCASUAL PLAYBOOK: https://metahybridcasualplaybook.splashthat.com/Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Guests00:30 Success Stories and Achievements03:31 Challenges and Strategies in Game Development09:14 Company Culture and Hiring Practices17:47 Scaling Companies and Future Prospects21:14 Insights on the Turkish Gaming Ecosystem31:07 Balancing Creativity and Data-Driven Decisions44:46 Balancing Internal and External Motivations45:56 Early Days and Scaling Merge Dragons47:25 The Impact of External Validation49:29 Cultural Differences in Handling Failure53:20 Challenges in the Turkish Gaming Industry01:07:32 The Importance of Mentorship and Partnerships01:24:22 Future of the Turkish Gaming Ecosystem01:30:43 Conclusion and Community Engagement

Joining us today is the Chief Marketing Officer at PuK Gaming. You may also know his name from companies like G FUEL and as thee former Executive Vice President of Content and Creators at Enthusiast Gaming.It is our pleasure to welcome Scotty Tidwell onto The Oblivion Bar Podcast!"PuK Gaming is a company dedicated to enhancing the mobile gaming experience through a modular ecosystem of precision-engineered accessories. Founded by industry veterans, including Simon Burgess, the inventor of SCUF controllers, PuK Gaming aims to transform smartphones into high-performance gaming devices."Follow us on InstagramFollow us on ThreadsFollow us on BlueSkyLike us on FacebookConsider supporting us over on PatreonStock up on G Fuel (CODE: OBP)Thank you DreamKid for our Oblivion Bar musicThank you KXD Studios for our Oblivion Bar artSend us a textSupport the show

This week's episode doesn't waste any time and gets straight to what I've been playing with Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, Cabernet, Ultros, Momodora: Moonlit Farewell, and Crowns and Pawns: Kingdom of Deceit. Anyway and as always, thank you for watching or listening, I hope you enjoy this here episode, and I hope you have a wonderful wonderful rest of your day. (And if you haven't already, or are a listener and not a watcher, please like, subscribe, hit the bell, and all that jazz; it may not seem like much, but it goes a long way in helping support the show and site in general. I would appreciate it greatly.)