Podcasts about mobile gaming

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Best podcasts about mobile gaming

Latest podcast episodes about mobile gaming

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast
Am I the Only One Excited for More Culdcept? | The Pixelated Sausage Show

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2026


This week's episode features a a new Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase, some new Horizon game, and a whole bunch of games--including I Hate This Place, Tropicalia, ReSetna, Tiny Archer, and Sacrifice For Sale. 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 Pixelated Sausage Podcast
A Beary Underwhelming Episode | The Pixelated Sausage Show

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2026


This week's episode features a new trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, not-so-great news for Xbox, more Ubisoft nonsense, and a whole bunch of games--including Rightfully, Beary Arms, Look Mum No Computer, Apartment No 129, Heroes Battle Awakening, Hextreme Void, and Roguematch : The Extraplanar Invasion. 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 Metacast
Naavik Digest: Square Enix Refutes and Reframes

The Metacast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2026 15:43


This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on January 25th, 2026. We examine Square Enix's recent performance, explore what's changed since the last time we checked in on the company, and take a look at its future.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/square-enix-refutes-and-reframes Let us know what you think by sending us a note at podcast@naavik.co.Watch our episodes: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast
So Game Freak Can Do Voice Acting | The Pixelated Sausage Show

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2026


This week's episode features Ubisoft imploding, the Xbox Developer_Direct, Running Fable Petite Party, SPEAR, Shroomtopia, Deathless. The Hero Quest, Labyrinthine, Milo's Dream, and Icebound Secrets: The Frostwood Bane. 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.)

Tech News Weekly (MP3)
TNW 421: Mobile Gaming's High-Roller VIP Programs - Inside Zynga's Casino-Style Loyalty Secrets

Tech News Weekly (MP3)

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2026 42:40


Mikah Sargent and Emily Forlini dive into some of tech's strangest new challenges: AI wearables causing psychological meltdowns, mobile games turning to casino-style tactics, and a viral EMF theory targeting NFL injuries. Get fresh perspectives on tech's impact from mental health to big-money gaming, plus a skeptical look at conspiracy theories in sports. Meta AI Glasses & Mental Health: Emily discusses the case of a tech exec whose constant use of AI glasses led to financial trouble and delusions, highlighting unseen risks of wearable AI. Gaming Industry's VIP Secrets: Mikah digs into how mobile games reward and track their top spenders with perks and personal attention, raising questions about ethics and addiction. 49ers EMF Injury Conspiracies: Mikah breaks down the sudden popularity of blaming football injuries on electromagnetic fields, with experts pushing back against the science behind the claims. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Emily Forlini Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: threatlocker.com/twit Melissa.com/twit

Tech News Weekly (Video HI)
TNW 421: Mobile Gaming's High-Roller VIP Programs - Inside Zynga's Casino-Style Loyalty Secrets

Tech News Weekly (Video HI)

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2026 42:40


Mikah Sargent and Emily Forlini dive into some of tech's strangest new challenges: AI wearables causing psychological meltdowns, mobile games turning to casino-style tactics, and a viral EMF theory targeting NFL injuries. Get fresh perspectives on tech's impact from mental health to big-money gaming, plus a skeptical look at conspiracy theories in sports. Meta AI Glasses & Mental Health: Emily discusses the case of a tech exec whose constant use of AI glasses led to financial trouble and delusions, highlighting unseen risks of wearable AI. Gaming Industry's VIP Secrets: Mikah digs into how mobile games reward and track their top spenders with perks and personal attention, raising questions about ethics and addiction. 49ers EMF Injury Conspiracies: Mikah breaks down the sudden popularity of blaming football injuries on electromagnetic fields, with experts pushing back against the science behind the claims. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Emily Forlini Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: threatlocker.com/twit Melissa.com/twit

All TWiT.tv Shows (MP3)
Tech News Weekly 421: Mobile Gaming's High-Roller VIP Programs

All TWiT.tv Shows (MP3)

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2026 42:40 Transcription Available


Mikah Sargent and Emily Forlini dive into some of tech's strangest new challenges: AI wearables causing psychological meltdowns, mobile games turning to casino-style tactics, and a viral EMF theory targeting NFL injuries. Get fresh perspectives on tech's impact from mental health to big-money gaming, plus a skeptical look at conspiracy theories in sports. Meta AI Glasses & Mental Health: Emily discusses the case of a tech exec whose constant use of AI glasses led to financial trouble and delusions, highlighting unseen risks of wearable AI. Gaming Industry's VIP Secrets: Mikah digs into how mobile games reward and track their top spenders with perks and personal attention, raising questions about ethics and addiction. 49ers EMF Injury Conspiracies: Mikah breaks down the sudden popularity of blaming football injuries on electromagnetic fields, with experts pushing back against the science behind the claims. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Emily Forlini Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: threatlocker.com/twit Melissa.com/twit

Tech News Weekly (Video LO)
TNW 421: Mobile Gaming's High-Roller VIP Programs - Inside Zynga's Casino-Style Loyalty Secrets

Tech News Weekly (Video LO)

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2026 42:40


Mikah Sargent and Emily Forlini dive into some of tech's strangest new challenges: AI wearables causing psychological meltdowns, mobile games turning to casino-style tactics, and a viral EMF theory targeting NFL injuries. Get fresh perspectives on tech's impact from mental health to big-money gaming, plus a skeptical look at conspiracy theories in sports. Meta AI Glasses & Mental Health: Emily discusses the case of a tech exec whose constant use of AI glasses led to financial trouble and delusions, highlighting unseen risks of wearable AI. Gaming Industry's VIP Secrets: Mikah digs into how mobile games reward and track their top spenders with perks and personal attention, raising questions about ethics and addiction. 49ers EMF Injury Conspiracies: Mikah breaks down the sudden popularity of blaming football injuries on electromagnetic fields, with experts pushing back against the science behind the claims. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Emily Forlini Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: threatlocker.com/twit Melissa.com/twit

Tech News Weekly (Video HD)
TNW 421: Mobile Gaming's High-Roller VIP Programs - Inside Zynga's Casino-Style Loyalty Secrets

Tech News Weekly (Video HD)

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2026 42:40


Mikah Sargent and Emily Forlini dive into some of tech's strangest new challenges: AI wearables causing psychological meltdowns, mobile games turning to casino-style tactics, and a viral EMF theory targeting NFL injuries. Get fresh perspectives on tech's impact from mental health to big-money gaming, plus a skeptical look at conspiracy theories in sports. Meta AI Glasses & Mental Health: Emily discusses the case of a tech exec whose constant use of AI glasses led to financial trouble and delusions, highlighting unseen risks of wearable AI. Gaming Industry's VIP Secrets: Mikah digs into how mobile games reward and track their top spenders with perks and personal attention, raising questions about ethics and addiction. 49ers EMF Injury Conspiracies: Mikah breaks down the sudden popularity of blaming football injuries on electromagnetic fields, with experts pushing back against the science behind the claims. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Emily Forlini Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: threatlocker.com/twit Melissa.com/twit

All TWiT.tv Shows (Video LO)
Tech News Weekly 421: Mobile Gaming's High-Roller VIP Programs

All TWiT.tv Shows (Video LO)

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2026 42:40 Transcription Available


Mikah Sargent and Emily Forlini dive into some of tech's strangest new challenges: AI wearables causing psychological meltdowns, mobile games turning to casino-style tactics, and a viral EMF theory targeting NFL injuries. Get fresh perspectives on tech's impact from mental health to big-money gaming, plus a skeptical look at conspiracy theories in sports. Meta AI Glasses & Mental Health: Emily discusses the case of a tech exec whose constant use of AI glasses led to financial trouble and delusions, highlighting unseen risks of wearable AI. Gaming Industry's VIP Secrets: Mikah digs into how mobile games reward and track their top spenders with perks and personal attention, raising questions about ethics and addiction. 49ers EMF Injury Conspiracies: Mikah breaks down the sudden popularity of blaming football injuries on electromagnetic fields, with experts pushing back against the science behind the claims. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Emily Forlini Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: threatlocker.com/twit Melissa.com/twit

The Metacast
Inside the PC Game Gray Market Economy

The Metacast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2026 53:44


The PC games “gray market” isn't just a couple of shady websites. It's an economic behavior that exploits regional pricing and promotion timing to siphon revenue away from publishers. In this episode, Our host, Alexandra Takei, Director at Ruckus Games, sits down with Vadim Andreev, CEO of Rokky (and former founder of PlayKey), to unpack how retail-era code resale evolved into today's global key-arbitrage machine.Vadim breaks down two core leak points: regional price arbitrage (buying keys in cheaper markets and reselling in premium ones) and promo stockpiling (buying deep-discount keys during sales, then reselling after discounts end). He argues the damage is material: publishers can lose roughly 20 to 40% of margin to resellers, often without realizing how much of their “regional” volume is being cannibalized elsewhere.The conversation gets practical fast: why region locking is table stakes, how publishers frequently mis-bucket territories (China and New Zealand), and why Steam's price recommendations can lag real exchange rates and taxes. Rokky's pitch is a mix of distribution and defense: API-level checks (IP, identity, purchase limits), a key management dashboard, and pricing/promo optimization to close the gaps attackers exploit. The conversation ends with a discussion about Valve and their role in games distribution and the gray market and what they could do to help mitigate the problem. 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 Metacast
Naavik Digest: What Leading Match-3 & Merge Games Do Differently

The Metacast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2026 16:22


This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on January 18th, 2026. We look back at the mobile Match-3 and Merge genres in 2025, exploring what succeeded, what top performers do differently, and what might be important in the future.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/what-leading-match-3-and-merge-games-do-differentlyLet us know what you think by sending us a note at podcast@naavik.co.Watch our episodes: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast
A Podcast About Digging a Hole - The Pixelated Sausage Show

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2026


This week's episode features A Game About Digging A Hole, Direction Quad, Jelly & Toast, Street Racer Collection (QUByte Classics), CLAWPUNK, Dollmare, Contraband Police, and Life of Delta. 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 Metacast
Why UGC Creators Need Webshops Too

The Metacast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2026 65:23


The direct-to-consumer (D2C) model is expanding beyond traditional webshops and into the world of user-generated content (UGC), especially on PC and console. In this episode, host Devin Becker is joined by Liam Wiltshire, General Manager at Tebex, to explore how the evolution of private servers, mods, and community-run experiences is shaping new monetization strategies. Liam shares the origin story of Tebex and its integration within the broader Overwolf ecosystem, highlighting how D2C strategies for games like Minecraft, Rust, and Ark differ fundamentally from those in mobile gaming.The conversation covers the nuances of player relationships in D2C models, including the absence of platform payment rails and notification systems, and how that impacts engagement and monetization design. Devin and Liam also dig into emerging e-commerce strategies such as loyalty systems and upsells, and how Tebex is bringing these tools to individual creators and modders. The episode concludes with a look at industry shifts from regulatory changes to evolving platform policies, and how studios can future-proof their monetization strategies as D2C continues to grow across platforms.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 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.

Ecommerce Coffee Break with Claus Lauter
Beyond Discounts: The New Era Of Customer Loyalty — Jed Strong | Why Loyalty Programs Fail, Why Loyalty Goes Beyond Discounts, How To Reward Without Discounts, How Games Drive Loyalty, How Engagement Drives Growth, Why Engagement Boosts LTV (#457)

Ecommerce Coffee Break with Claus Lauter

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2026 21:22 Transcription Available


In this episode, we explore how to fix loyalty programs that rely too much on discounts. Jed Strong, the Enterprise Sales Director at Adjoe, explains how brands can move past simple transactions. He shares how "rewarded engagement" allows customers to earn points by playing mobile games instead of just spending money.Jed breaks down how this strategy helps brands stay relevant every day without hurting their profit margins. He also discusses why modern loyalty needs to be fun and how to build a deeper connection with customers through their phones.Topics discussed in this episode:  Why traditional loyalty programs often fail How to stay top-of-mind between purchasesHow rewarded engagement builds durable bonds What makes points-earning feel too difficult How mobile games fuel new loyalty habits Why game studios fund your customer rewards Why over-discounting hurts your bottom line Links & Resources Website: https://adjoe.io/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedstrong/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adjoe.io/Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes athttps://tinyurl.com/szue9yy3______________________________________________________ LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS! Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don't miss out! Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast
I Am Future: The I'm Always Hungry Simulator - The Pixelated Sausage Show

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2026


This week's episode features I Am Future: Cozy Apocalypse Survival, Gridz Keeper, Legends BMX, Heroes of Mount Dragon, Gruniożerca Trilogy, Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders - Highlands, and Formula Legends : Tech Power Pack. 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 Metacast
How User-Generated Games Are Becoming Hollywood Franchises

The Metacast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2026 53:05


In this episode, host Kalie Moore talks with Dmitri M. Johnson and Mike Goldberg, Co-founders of Story Kitchen, the studio behind major game-to-screen adaptations spanning Sonic the Hedgehog, Tomb Raider, Streets of Rage, and more. We explore how transmedia is evolving in a UGC-first world, where players don't just consume IP, they shape it, and why Roblox worlds are starting to look less like “games” and more like living franchises.The conversation dives into what actually makes a game adaptable (and when it shouldn't be touched), how Story Kitchen stays aligned with developers and communities, and why they don't chase heat even when a title is exploding. Dmitri and Mike also unpack Story Kitchen's producer-first business model, the realities of timing and greenlight power in Hollywood, and what UGC creators should focus on if they ever want their worlds to travel beyond the platform.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.Who's On:GuestsDmitri M. Johnson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmj619/Michael Lawrence Goldberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikelgoldberg/Host - Kalie Moore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaliemoore/ Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast
Nothing Scarier Than a Walking Simulator Without a Run Button - The Pixelated Sausage Show

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2026


This week's episode features Fort Solis, Chickenhare & the Treasure of Spiking-Beard, Lumo 2, Wildkeepers Rising, Before Exit: Gas Station, Cakey's Twisted Bakery, Bee Simulator: The Hive, and theHunter: Call of the Wild - Scotland Hunting Reserve. 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.)

two & a half gamers

We lay out our 2026 predictions for mobile gaming - from ad monetization ceilings and creative stealing to web-to-app onboarding, roguelite growth, and AI's real impact on UA. No hype. Just incentives.What we cover• $3M/day ad-monetized games• Why creative stealing will go mainstream• Which genres are about to be hijacked• Block Blast vs Free Fire DAU fight• Web → App onboarding for games• Playables as scaling templates• The next roguelite wave• Why AI hits marketing firstKey takeaway2026 won't reward originality - it will reward efficiency at scale.Get our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop--------------------------------------PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.- Scale fast- Keep your shares- Drawdown only as needed- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors---------------------------------------For an ever-growing number of game developers, this means that now is the perfect time to invest in monetizing direct-to-consumer at scale.Our sponsor FastSpring:Has delivered D2C at scale for over 20 yearsThey power top mobile publishers around the worldLaunch a new webstore, replace an existing D2C vendor, or add a redundant D2C vendor at fastspring.gg.---------------------------------------This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let's not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠Podcast: Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg00:00 — Why predictions usually suck03:10 — $3M ad-revenue day prediction07:40 — Black Friday eCPMs explained10:30 — Creative stealing goes mainstream14:00 — Hijacking organic genres (Solitaire → Runners)18:40 — Block Blast vs Free Fire DAU war22:40 — Web → App onboarding for games28:30 — Playables as scaling templates33:30 — Roguelites as next growth genre38:10 — AI impact: marketing vs game design45:00 — Open-source AI & creative quality leap51:30 — Final reflections & 2026 outlook---------------------------------------Matej LancaricUser Acquisition & Creatives Consultant⁠https://lancaric.meFelix BrabergAd monetization consultant⁠https://www.felixbraberg.comJakub RemiarGame design consultant⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar---------------------------------------Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me---------------------------------------If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej LancaricDo you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast
It Really Is a Nice Day for Fishing - The Pixelated Sausage Show

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2025


This week's episode features Blood: Refreshed Supply, Project Motor Racing, Nice Day for Fishing, A.I.L.A, Bodycam, Kiosk, Big Trouble in Little Chimney, and Dino Land. 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 Pixelated Sausage Podcast
Excited for the Future - The Pixelated Sausage Show

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025


This week's episode features the exciting(?) future of Attack the Backlog, Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel, GIGASWORD, Montezuma's Revenge - The 40th Anniversary Edition, Kill It with Fire! 2, Desert Race Adventures, Crime Simulator, Republic of Pirates, and Winterlight - Where silence says it all. 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 Metacast
How AI Continues to Reshape Game QA

The Metacast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 54:53


Generative AI has made major leaps since we last explored its use in game QA, and this episode dives into how that progress is reshaping the field. Host Devin Becker is joined again by Christoffer Holmgård and Julian Togelius, co-founders of modl.ai, to unpack how recent advances in computer vision and agent behavior are enabling fully no-code QA testing workflows. We discuss the shift from traditional code-integrated systems to screen-seeing, input-driving AI agents, and the technical breakthroughs that finally made this approach viable. The conversation also explores the types of bugs and edge cases this new method catches, and the surprising ways it differs from prior tools.The conversion also goes deeper into what this shift means for studios. Julian and Christoffer highlight how QA roles are evolving when testers can direct powerful AI agents without needing engineering resources. They also examine the line between automation and augmentation, arguing for the enduring value of human testers while outlining where AI can dramatically improve speed, coverage, and reporting. From auto-generating reproduction steps to fitting into broader ecosystems of AI coworkers, this episode offers a grounded, forward-looking take on how AI is transforming QA from the inside out.Previous episode with Modl.ai: https://naavik.co/podcast/ai-powered-quality-assurance/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 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

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast
And Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Wins Everything - The Pixelated Sausage Show

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025


This week's episode features thoughts on this year's The Game Awards, MARVEL Cosmic Invasion, Halls of Torment, SOPA - Tale of the Stolen Potato, Rue Valley, Speed Factor, and Red Pippy. 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 Metacast
Inside General Intuition's Push to Build Embodied AI Agents

The Metacast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2025 68:34


World models are rapidly becoming AI's next frontier, and in this episode we break down why. Host, Alexandra Takei, Director at Ruckus Games, sits down with Pim de Witte, founder of General Intuition and Medal, to explore how billions of gameplay videos can power a new class of embodied agents. Pim explains the fundamental gap between language models, which describe the world, and world models, which simulate the world, capturing how objects and agents move, react, and evolve in space and time. The conversation digs into why video games are an ideal training ground, including but not limited to consistent first-person perspectives, action labels (if you design your data set that way), and optical fidelity that platforms like YouTube can't provide.Pim walks through General Intuition's technical approach, why cross-game training unlocks more human-like behavior, and the specific limitations still unsolved, such as multiplayer consistency, long-horizon coherence, and the cost of large-scale inference. They explore what studios can expect from embodied agents: bots trained on human behavior that they hope to be tunable by designers and ideal for developers who want to embrace and build around this tech to either develop new game genres or make it a bedrock of their production process. If you are interested in learning about a company with a unique approach to world models and embodied agents, this is a must-listen to close out 2025. We'd like to thank Lysto for making this episode possible! Lysto is revolutionizing how game development teams collect and act on real player feedback with its AI-powered playtesting insights. Learn more about how you can get bias-free feedback at https://lysto.gg/?utm_source=naavik&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=adIf 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 Pixelated Sausage Podcast
The Berlin Apartment and Quick Resume Are Not Friends - The Pixelated Sausage Show

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2025


This week's episode features Gloomy Eyes, The Berlin Apartment, ZOE Begone!, Wander Stars, Schildmaid MX, Keys of Fury, Truck Driver: The Dutch Connection, Dungeon Minesweeper, and The Last Shot Arcades. 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 Metacast
The Future of Fortnite Creative

The Metacast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2025 63:08


On this episode, host David Taylor dives into one of the most eventful stretches the Fortnite Creative / UEFN ecosystem has seen in months. Epic has rolled out a wave of major updates — from monetization changes to discovery shifts — and today we unpack what they mean for creators, studios, and the future of the platform.David is joined by two fantastic guests. Chad Mustard, COO of JOGO Studios, returns to the show after another breakout year as one of the top 10 developers on Fortnite by total plays. Chad brings a studio-level perspective on building hit experiences, navigating updates, and scaling inside a fast-evolving ecosystem. He's joined by Jon Jungemann, better known as SleightedSloth, a leading creator in the Tycoon genre and one of the most thoughtful voices on systems design, monetization, and the economics of UEFN.Together, the group breaks down the rise of Steal the Brainrot and what that breakout moment signals for developers — from production trends to player behavior to what “success” looks like in today's marketplace. They also explore the wave of M&A activity beginning to emerge inside Fortnite Creative and what kinds of deals are actually happening behind the scenes.From there, the conversation shifts to the biggest structural changes Epic has introduced: in-island item sales (and why they might be the single biggest unlock for creators to date), the rollout of UA Rewards and Paid Campaigns, and the latest adjustments to Discovery. We dig into how these tools reshape studio strategy, how developers are adapting their designs, and what all of this means for long-term sustainability on the platform.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 modl.ai for making this episode possible! Using a combination of computer vision, reasoning models, and feedback loops, modl:QA+ autonomously explores builds, detects bugs, and generates actionable reports that sync directly with your existing workflows. To learn more, simply visit https://www.modl.ai/.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 Pixelated Sausage Podcast
There's Always Total Chaos When Outlaws Are Involved - The Pixelated Sausage Show

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2025


This week's episode features some very quick Splatoon 3 thoughts, Xbox maybe raising prices again, and games: Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster, Total Chaos, Samurai Academy: Paws of Fury, Save Room - The Merchant, StarLightRiders: HyperJump, EVERDARK: Undead Apocalypse, and Grief like a stray dog. 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 Pixelated Sausage Podcast
Sektori Is the Second Coming of Geometry Wars - The Pixelated Sausage Show

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2025


This week's episode features Xbox Partner Preview impressions and games: Sektori, Winter Burrow, Demonschool, Strike Force Heroes, Bye Sweet Carole, Bomb Kitten, and Square Brothers. 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 Metacast
Pushing Frontier Tech in Gaming

The Metacast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2025 55:36


Pushing the boundaries of what's possible in gaming often means embracing unproven technologies and building in the fog of innovation. In this episode, host Devin Becker is joined by Marco van den Heuvel, co-founder of Beam, to explore what it means to operate at the bleeding edge of gaming infrastructure. Marco shares the origins of Beam and its evolution into a gaming-focused ecosystem built around frontier tech that includes blockchain, AI, and beyond. The episode covers how Beam is navigating past the noise to uncover the practical, long-term opportunities these technologies can offer game developers and players alike.The discussion also unpacks how AI fits into Beam's broader vision, the future of esports from a tech-powered perspective, and what it will take for blockchain to hit the hype cycle “plateau of productivity.” Devin and Marco dig into the real hurdles in tech adoption, from developer onboarding to ecosystem incentives, while also speculating on what might lie ahead from AR to brain-computer interfaces. If you're interested in where the games industry might be headed next and how to prepare for it, this episode offers a grounded look at the intersection of emerging tech and gaming.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 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.

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast
Is the Steam Machine Also an Xbox? - The Pixelated Sausage Show

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2025


This week's episode features Valve announcing a bunch of new hardware--but no new Steam Deck and no Half-Life 3...yet--and games: Dark Quest 4, Simon the Sorcerer Origins, Extremely Powerful Capybaras, Folly of the Wizards, The Cabin Factory, Twilight Parade: Moonlit Mononoke, and Beaked Buccaneer. 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 Metacast
Hilmar Petursson on Building Games That Last Forever

The Metacast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2025 73:28


EVE Online is one of the longest-standing MMOs of all time, celebrating its 22nd anniversary since its launch in 2003. In this episode, host Alexandra Takei, Director at Ruckus Games, sits down with CCP Games' CEO Hilmar Petursson to unpack how the Icelandic studio still maintains one of gaming's most complex live worlds, a single universe that has generated over $1B in lifetime revenue and 25 million players. Hilmar walks through CCP's four eras: the pre-Steam founding years, the Steam transition, Pearl Abyss's acquisition, and the studio today, revealing how an original team of thirty developers pioneered player-driven economies, massive social coordination, and a forever game. The conversation then turns to EVE Frontier, CCP's new blockchain-powered spin-off built on the Sui network. Hilmar explains why he believes blockchain is the next natural step in EVE's evolution, not as a trend, but as a means to true player ownership and another step in the direction of a forever game: persistence that is independent of the company, its servers, and its original creators.The episode closes on the state of the industry today from Hilmar's perspective – why attention and discovery are gaming's hardest problems and how developers can learn from EVE's social design to build long-lasting worlds.We'd also like to thank Lysto for making this episode possible! Lysto is revolutionizing how game development teams collect and act on real player feedback with its AI-powered playtesting insights. Learn more about how you can get bias-free feedback at https://lysto.gg/?utm_source=naavik&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=adIf 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.

NPC: Next Portable Console
Can RedMagic Shake Up Mobile Gaming with a Liquid-Cooled Phone?

NPC: Next Portable Console

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2025 39:32


This week on NPC, Brendon, Federico, and John explore where mobile phone gaming is heading and reflect on what Nintendo's latest earnings report means for the Switch 2, before Brendon shares his first impressions of the Miyoo Mini Flip Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News OneXFly Apex and AYANEO Pocket Vert Follow-Up OneXFly Apex Strix Halo handheld gaming PC to sell for $1399 and up during crowdfunding AYANEO Releases Details on the Pocket VERT Redmagic's Liquid-Cooled Phone Redmagic's liquid-cooled gaming phone starts at $749 Nintendo is Killing It Nintendo is raising its Switch 2 sales expectations Nintendo is getting the Switch ready for retirement In Other News Valve will finally turn off the Steam Deck's screen while it's downloading games Samsung has a new line of microSD Express cards for the Switch 2 Miyoo Mini Flip The Miyoo Mini Flip might be what everyone has been asking for all along Miyoo Mini Flip Review: STILL GOT IT Topics Subscribe to NPC XL NPC XL is a weekly members-only version of NPC with extra content, available exclusively through our new Patreon for $5/month. Each week on NPC XL, Federico, Brendon, and John record a special segment or deep dive about a particular topic that is released alongside the "regular" NPC episodes. You can subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/c/NextPortableConsole Leave Feedback for John, Federico, and Brendon NPC Feedback Form Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Music: Will LaPorte Follow Us Online On the Web MacStories.net Wavelengths.online Follow us on Mastodon NPC Federico John Brendon Follow us on Bluesky NPC MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Brendon Bigley Affiliate Linking Policy

Engineering Kiosk
#221 Mobile Game Entwicklung mit Fabi Fink von Lotum

Engineering Kiosk

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2025 78:19 Transcription Available


Wie baust du Mobile Games, die nicht nur Spaß machen, sondern auch auf jeder Plattform funktionieren und sich selbst tragen? In dieser Episode sprechen wir über Mobile Gaming: von der Idee über den Game Loop bis zur Monetarisierung. Mit dabei ist Fabi Fink, Game Lead bei Lotum. Lotum steht für Social Casual und Puzzle Hits wie Quiz Planet und Word Blitz, hat die Marke von 1 Milliarde Installationen geknackt und spielt technisch die gesamte Klaviatur von Web bis Native.Wir klären, warum Mobile inzwischen rund die Hälfte des Gaming-Umsatzes ausmacht und ordnen Hypercasual, Casual, Midcore und Hardcore mit vielen Beispielen ein. Wir zeigen, was Mobile heute bedeutet: Native Apps in App Store und Play Store, aber auch Games als Facebook Instant Games sowie Integrationen für Reddit, Discord, TikTok und Netflix. Du erfährst, wie Social Loops auf Plattformen funktionieren, warum asynchrones Multiplayer ein Growth-Hebel ist und was Viralität gegenüber klassischer User Acquisition auszeichnet.Technisch gehen wir tief rein: Warum Lotum für viele Titel auf Vue.js setzt und Game-UX wie eine hochinteraktive Web-App denkt. Wir sprechen über Performance-Details, GPU-freundliche Animationen und warum beim WordBlitz-Core Plain JavaScript die Nase vorn hat. Im Backend wird es handfest mit WebSockets, Redis-Clustern und Realtime-Events in der Google Cloud. Dazu kommen Tools und Plattformen wie Nakama (Open Source Backend for Games) und SpacetimeDB, plus eine ehrliche Kostenstory rund um Firebase.Natürlich geht es auch ums Geld: Ads vs. In-App Purchases, Hybrid-Modelle, ROAS über 180 Tage und was erfolgreiche Titel wirklich auszeichnet. Wir teilen KPI-Realität, A/B-Testing-Erkenntnisse, warum kleine UX-Texte große Effekte haben können und welche Schwelle ein Spiel bei Lotum erreichen sollte, um weiterverfolgt zu werden.Wenn du wissen willst, wie moderne Mobile Games entstehen – technologisch, produktseitig und monetär – schnapp dir diese Episode.Unsere aktuellen Werbepartner findest du auf https://engineeringkiosk.dev/partnersDas schnelle Feedback zur Episode:

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast
Not the Painkiller Game I Wanted - The Pixelated Sausage Show

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2025


This week's episode features a couple game delays--including another delay for Grand Theft Auto 6--and games: Biped 2, Painkiller, Bloodshed, Ultimate Zombie Defense, and CORALINA. 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 Metacast
The Creator-Led Studio Playbook

The Metacast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2025 35:34


In this episode, host Kalie Moore talks with Zach Letter, Co-founder & CEO of Wonder Works Studio, the makers of hit Roblox experiences, including three SpongeBob titles this year. We dig into how creator roots shape game design and distribution, how influencer-native teams launch differently, and Wonder Works' long-term bet on licensed IP.The conversation dives into launching without paid UA, weekly live-ops that drive creator content, and when brands should integrate into hit experiences versus build standalone worlds. Zach also shares what makes an IP “Roblox-ready,” how transmedia loops amplify impact across YouTube, Discord, and merch, and why he believes UGC's rise is unstoppable.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.Who's On:Guest - Zach Letter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-letter-0769b893/Host - Kalie Moore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaliemoore/ Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast
I'm So Glad Kojima Didn't Make a Matrix Game - The Pixelated Sausage Show

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2025


This week's episode features rumors of the next Xbox removing the paywall for online multiplayer, Kojima almost maybe making a Matrix game, and games: Reus 2, Amanda the Adventurer 2, Halloween 1985, REDEX, Blaster Force 3000, and Science Skaters. 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 Metacast
The Future of Game Publishing Is Player Ownership

The Metacast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2025 62:53


In this episode, host Alexandra Takei, Director at Ruckus Games, sits down with Robert van Hoesel, co-founder and CEO of First Look, now part of Pragma, to explore how studios can own and scale their player relationships. Robert's journey from founding a SaaS company to building First Look began with one simple insight: game studios are some of the most passionate users a software builder could serve, and the games industry desperately needs the dream stack for connected distribution, player communications, and analytics. First Look acts as a CRM for games, helping studios streamline playtesting, gather player feedback, and grow grassroots communities. The pair discusses why these capabilities have become essential as publishers pull back, competition increases, and self-publishing becomes the norm. Robert shares how First Look enables small teams to punch above their weight by automating data capture across platforms like Steam and Discord, transforming scattered playtest feedback into actionable insights, and shares the full suite of offerings First Look provides for studios today.They also unpack First Look's acquisition by Pragma and what it means to unify the backend and frontend of game development. The episode closes with practical advice for studios: start community-building early, close the feedback loop with players, and reward engagement to create sustainable, loyal audiences.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

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast
Dreams of Another Expensive Amiibo - The Pixelated Sausage Show

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025


This week's episode features some Nintendo and Xbox nonsense, Dreams of Another, NASCAR 25, Pinball FX - Williams Pinball: Scared Stiff, Pinball FX - Williams Pinball: Elvira and the Party Monsters, Murder Inc, Acre Crisis, and MOUTHOLE. 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 Metacast
The Present & Future of Digital Tabletop RPGs

The Metacast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2025 51:35


As digital platforms evolve, so too does the business of tabletop RPGs (TTRPGs). In this episode, host Devin Becker sits down with David Scott, CEO of Evil Genius Games, to explore the intersection of analog and digital in the TTRPG space. David shares his perspective on where the market currently stands, the evolving role of virtual tabletops, and how Evil Genius is adapting its publishing model to bridge physical and digital experiences. From post-COVID shifts in player behavior to the rise of Virtual Tabletops (VTTs) like Roll20 and Foundry, the conversation examines how platforms are reshaping distribution, play, and monetization strategies.The discussion also covers how TTRPG companies can integrate digital offerings without cannibalizing physical sales of books, miniatures, and accessories. David offers a candid look at what's working (and what isn't) when it comes to building sustainable business models in this hybrid space. Finally, we explore the opportunities for smaller TTRPG IPs to make the leap into digital gaming, the potential of platforms like Roblox to support roleplaying, and how ongoing challenges like tariffs may influence the industry's trajectory in the next few years.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 Lysto for making this episode possible! Lysto is revolutionizing how game development teams collect and act on real player feedback with its AI-powered playtesting insights. Learn more about how you can get bias-free feedback at https://lysto.gg/?utm_source=naavik&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=adIf 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 Pixelated Sausage Podcast
Playing With Balls - The Pixelated Sausage Show

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2025


This week's episode features BALL x PIT, Formula Legends, DUCK: Dangerous Ultimate Cartridge Kidnapper, Otherwar, Scurge: Hive, and Kotenok. 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 Metacast
AI & Talent in Games Engineering: Hype Meets Reality – Live at Pragma OSS

The Metacast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2025 53:13


Are AI games right around the corner? In our second-ever live audience show, host Alexandra Takei, Director at Ruckus Games, sits down with Serge Kynstautas, Head of Engineering at Gardens Interactive, a venture-backed startup building a social online shared fantasy adventure game, and Meir Wasserman, Head of Engineering at 2K Technology. Shooting live from the 3rd annual Pragma Online Services Summit, the trio dives into two critical topics impacting the predominantly technical engineering audience: AI and talent. They discuss AI use cases and tool stacks, how they balance context, security, and flexibility, and how they guide engineering teams in a rapidly changing environment. They also discuss talent in engineering in the new economy – given pressures to do more with less, is the engineering scope and team size being shaved down? Are teams opting for safer, proven tech or looking to innovate? How are engineering leaders bringing along those who may be more reluctant to adopt AI tools in their workflows? That and so much more – including a contentious lighting round and spicy audience Q&A. If you want perspective on the future of AI in games and the subsequent cascading effects on talent, this episode is a must-listen. 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/.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 Pixelated Sausage Podcast
Putting the Meh in Blood of Mehran - The Pixelated Sausage Show

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2025


This week's episode features Blood of Mehran, Piggly Pagly Boom, Super Mining Mechs, Super Long Cat, Squish Machine, and Buildest. 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 Metacast
Why Big Companies Are Betting on Roblox

The Metacast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2025 63:01


In this episode, host David Taylor sits down with two fantastic guests to explore why large entertainment companies are increasingly paying attention to Roblox, how they're experimenting on the platform today, and what they'll need to see to fully commit. Chris Petrovic is the Chairman and Chief Business Officer of FunPlus, one of the largest privately held companies in the gaming sector. Chris is a veteran executive in digital entertainment and gaming with leadership roles across major mobile game companies like Zynga, Kabam, and GameStop. Doug Rosen is the former SVP of Games and Emerging Media at Paramount. Doug led games teams across some of the world's biggest brands, and he brings deep experience in how IP holders evaluate and engage with emerging platforms like Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite Creative.We dig into the strategic framing of Roblox inside large companies and how success is measured. Finally, we look ahead at the challenges, opportunities, and what role Roblox could play in shaping the next generation of entertainment franchises.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.

The Insert Credit Show
Ep. 409 - Silent Hilf

The Insert Credit Show

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2025 69:56


Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish, and Brandon Sheffield cover Silent Hill f, the sacrifice of EA to the monster of private capital, and thirty PlayStation hot takes. Hosted by Esper Quinn, with Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Watch episodes with full video on YouTube Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: Laparoscopy “Don't you dare throw chunks.” Tetris Effect Lumines Arise Silent Hill f Hollow Knight: Silksong Rhythm Heaven 1: Y'all playin' that Hilf? (05:29) Silent Hill series Al Yang Konami Kingdom Hearts series Lucy James Pyramid Head 2: EA got bought. That's not good, right? (14:53) Video gamer Electronic Arts to be bought in largest-ever private equity buyout valued at $55 billion EA's new owners are making “a huge bet” on generative AI cost-cutting to help repay a $20 billion loan, claims report Madden series Battlefield series EA Sports FC series Rockstar finally fixed the disastrous GTA remastered trilogy years after it released BioWare The Sims series Xbox One Xbox ROG Ally 3: What do you think the CEO of Nintendo of America does? (21:03) Nintendo Of America President Doug Bowser Announces Retirement Reggie Fils-Aimé Sega Genesis Mother 3 Pokemon GO 4: Which real world non-extinct animal is presented as the most powerful in video games?(24:39) Lion Wolf Gorilla Donkey Kong Shark Red Dead Redemption II T-Rex Komodo dragon Dragon Grizzly bear Legendary Axe Golden Axe Tiger Tokyo Jungle 5: What is a “real gamer?” (26:35) CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Sam Bankman-Fried Super Smash Bros. series Legend of Zelda series Valorant Counter-Strike Words With Friends Wordle Spelling Bee Zach Gage Puzzmo 6: Are there protest video games? (32:02) 1000xRESIST Mouthwashing Jack Thompson This War of Mine Spec Ops: The Line Disco Elysium itch.io Despelote Consume Me Hades II Ghost of Yōtei LIGHTNING ROUND: 30 Years of PlayStation (42:02) Recommendations and Outro (52:51): Brandon: Kimimi the Game Eating She-Monster, Coyote Media, skip the commentary track for Blood of Heroes, Makeruna! Makendou 2 - Versus Menu Music Frank: Silent Hill f, Coyote Media Ash: Log off, get your uterus checked out if you have a uterus Esper: J2ME, DoCoMo i-mode, KDDI ezWeb, etc. The Mobile Gaming of ol' thread, Women Wearing Shoulder Pads (i actually watched this the day after recording but since I write the show notes i'm going to recommend it here, it's less than 2 hours to watch the whole first season and it's incredible) This week's Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you. This week's horrible buzzer was sent in by Matt McNeely. Thanks! To submit your own horrible buzzer, send an original recording no longer than two seconds in mp3 or wav format to show@insertcredit.com, and maybe we'll use it on the show! Subscribe: RSS, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

Insert Credit Show
Ep. 409 - Silent Hilf

Insert Credit Show

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2025 69:56


Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish, and Brandon Sheffield cover Silent Hill f, the sacrifice of EA to the monster of private capital, and thirty PlayStation hot takes. Hosted by Esper Quinn, with Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Watch episodes with full video on YouTube Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: Laparoscopy “Don't you dare throw chunks.” Tetris Effect Lumines Arise Silent Hill f Hollow Knight: Silksong Rhythm Heaven 1: Y'all playin' that Hilf? (05:29) Silent Hill series Al Yang Konami Kingdom Hearts series Lucy James Pyramid Head 2: EA got bought. That's not good, right? (14:53) Video gamer Electronic Arts to be bought in largest-ever private equity buyout valued at $55 billion EA's new owners are making “a huge bet” on generative AI cost-cutting to help repay a $20 billion loan, claims report Madden series Battlefield series EA Sports FC series Rockstar finally fixed the disastrous GTA remastered trilogy years after it released BioWare The Sims series Xbox One Xbox ROG Ally 3: What do you think the CEO of Nintendo of America does? (21:03) Nintendo Of America President Doug Bowser Announces Retirement Reggie Fils-Aimé Sega Genesis Mother 3 Pokemon GO 4: Which real world non-extinct animal is presented as the most powerful in video games?(24:39) Lion Wolf Gorilla Donkey Kong Shark Red Dead Redemption II T-Rex Komodo dragon Dragon Grizzly bear Legendary Axe Golden Axe Tiger Tokyo Jungle 5: What is a “real gamer?” (26:35) CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Sam Bankman-Fried Super Smash Bros. series Legend of Zelda series Valorant Counter-Strike Words With Friends Wordle Spelling Bee Zach Gage Puzzmo 6: Are there protest video games? (32:02) 1000xRESIST Mouthwashing Jack Thompson This War of Mine Spec Ops: The Line Disco Elysium itch.io Despelote Consume Me Hades II Ghost of Yōtei LIGHTNING ROUND: 30 Years of PlayStation (42:02) Recommendations and Outro (52:51): Brandon: Kimimi the Game Eating She-Monster, Coyote Media, skip the commentary track for Blood of Heroes, Makeruna! Makendou 2 - Versus Menu Music Frank: Silent Hill f, Coyote Media Ash: Log off, get your uterus checked out if you have a uterus Esper: J2ME, DoCoMo i-mode, KDDI ezWeb, etc. The Mobile Gaming of ol' thread, Women Wearing Shoulder Pads (i actually watched this the day after recording but since I write the show notes i'm going to recommend it here, it's less than 2 hours to watch the whole first season and it's incredible) This week's Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you. This week's horrible buzzer was sent in by Matt McNeely. Thanks! To submit your own horrible buzzer, send an original recording no longer than two seconds in mp3 or wav format to show@insertcredit.com, and maybe we'll use it on the show! Subscribe: RSS, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast
WTF Is Xbox Doing?! - The Pixelated Sausage Show

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025


This week's episode features Xbox being Xbox like only Xbox can Xbox, Turbo Overkill, Platypus Reclayed, Airborne Justice, Notice Me Leena-senpai!, Electronics Puzzle Lab 2, and Cat Needs. 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 Metacast
The TikTok of Games

The Metacast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2025 35:27


In this episode, host Kalie Moore talks with Charlie Blackstock, Co-founder & CEO of Remix.gg, the “TikTok of games” where anyone can instantly play and remix community-built titles. They discuss why instant, zero-install games resonate with Gen Z and Millennials, how AI is lowering the barrier to creation and enabling culture-speed hits, and how Web3 rails can power creator monetization at scale. The conversation gets tactical on distribution, dives into the possible future of on-chain creator earnings, and how to create a platform for both Web2 and Web3 gaming audiences. 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 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.Who's On:Guest - Charlie Blackstock: https://x.com/0xChuckstock Host - Kalie Moore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaliemoore/ Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast
Feelin' Frosty - The Pixelated Sausage Show

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2025


This week's episode features my random TGS thoughts, Frostpunk 2, Next of Kin: Fidelity, Rally Arcade Classics, Tiny Lands, King of Ping Pong: MEGAMIX, Psycho Dream, Sky of Destruction, and Candylands Journey. 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 Pixelated Sausage Podcast
Donkey Kong Bananza: The First $90 Game - The Pixelated Sausage Show

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2025


This week's episode features my belated Nintendo Direct thoughts, Bad Cheese, Back to the Dawn, A Dream About Parking Lots, Luto, Hot Stakes Casino - American Roulette, Monstrous Lovers, The Nameless City, and God of Weapons. 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 Pixelated Sausage Podcast
I Want to Have More Than a Fling with Fling to the Finish - The Pixelated Sausage Show

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2025


This week's episode features OFF, No Rest for the Wicked, DUCKSIDE, Beat 'Em Up Collection (QUByte Classics), Curse Rounds, Fling to the Finish, Overpowered 1 - Mars Infestation, and Ash Pines: The Motel. 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.)