Podcasts about mobile games

Gaming M&A is no longer just a story about strategics buying obvious hits. In this episode, Alexandra Takei, VP of Platform Revenue at Medal, sits down with Brogan Keane, Managing Partner at Double Black Capital, to unpack what actually happens when a game studio reaches the end of its company lifecycle: sale, exit, or recapitalization. The conversation breaks down who is buying game companies today, from private equity firms and Korean strategics to non-gaming entertainment companies looking for transmedia exposure. Brogan explains why PE buyers care most about profitability and risk mitigation, while strategics may pay more aggressively for IP, portfolio gaps, genre expertise, or future revenue replacement.The episode also gets practical for founders. Alexandra and Brogan discuss what makes a studio acquirable, why the “million units sold” threshold matters, and why founders should focus on one valuable IP rather than distracting side projects. They also walk through deal structure, including upfront cash, retention-based earnouts, performance earnouts, and why headline deal values are often misleading.We'd also like to thank Medal.tv for making this episode possible. If you're a PC gamer and want to clip your moments or a studio, publisher, or marketer looking to reach a high-quality gaming audience and get your game in front of the right players, check out all Medal has to offer at https://grow.medal.tv.If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at podcast@naavik.co. Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

This episode covers the Naavik Digest newsletter published on Sunday, June 7th. In today's issue, we shine a light on Embracer after the company recently announced it is splitting up again. We look back at the key strategic decisions the company has made and what they might mean for its future.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/embracer-splits-again Want to explore working with Naavik? Shoot us a note: https://naavik.co/contact-us/ 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.

Keeping players playing is getting harder as player attention fragments and expectations rise, so understanding churn has become a core live-ops competency. Host Devin Becker sits down with Elad Levy, Founder & CTO of Dive, to break down how churn is defined (and when it's actually “permanent”), the behavioral signals that players are drifting toward the exit, and the underlying causes teams can often address before it's too late. They dig into practical interventions from in-session nudges, to win-back campaigns as well as what reacquisition can realistically accomplish. The conversation wraps with the dumbest reason players quit, the single most important retention move, and a game Elad thinks nails 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/.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 | Website

This episode covers the Naavik Digest newsletter published on Sunday, May 31st. In today's issue, we dive deep into Scopely and the three titles which generate close to 95% of the company's monthly in-app revenue, examining their current states and future prospects. You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/dissecting-scopelys-mobile-empire Want to explore working with Naavik? Shoot us a note: https://naavik.co/contact-us/ 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.

In this episode, host Kalie Moore sits down with James Nicholls, Studio Director at Scriptic, to explore one of the most fascinating intersections emerging in entertainment today: true crime, interactive storytelling, streaming platforms, and AI-powered production. Scriptic's breakout title, Scriptic: Crime Stories, became one of the top-performing games in Netflix Games history by turning players into detectives investigating crimes through phones, voice notes, chats, and digital evidence. James breaks down how the studio built a new category they call “narrative play,” where stories come first and gameplay is designed to feel invisible, intuitive, and accessible to audiences far beyond traditional gamers.They also dive into why true crime became the perfect genre to unlock mass-market interactive storytelling, how Scriptic's TikTok strategy generated over 100 million views, and why platforms like YouTube Playables and streaming-first gaming represent a major shift in distribution. Along the way, James shares how Scriptic uses AI across its production pipeline without sacrificing human storytelling craft, and how the future of entertainment may blur the line between watching a prestige drama and stepping inside it yourself.We'd also like to thank Dive for making this episode possible! With its fully managed analytics and LiveOps platform built for game studios, 95% of their clients grow revenue in one year. All of that without having to hire an in-house data team. Learn more here: https://www.dive.games/scale/.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 - James Nicholls: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-nicholls-3814759/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.Link Mentioned: https://www.scriptic.com/

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple, deputy editor Paige Cook and features and data editor Aaron Astle talk through the latest games industry news on the 92nd episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On the show we discuss:Our interview with Sensor Tower's Tom Cui on why it acquired AppMagic.Xbox's rebrand, player voice and hire of Matthew Ball as chief strategy officer.Nintendo's new mobile app Pictonico.The rise of UGC platform Melon Sandbox.Fortnite's big return to the App Store worldwide - except for Australia.Nex Playground's success and global expansion.00:00 - Introduction and Personal Updates04:09 - Sensor Tower Acquires AppMagic10:04 - Fortnite's Return to the App Store13:34 - Nintendo's Pictonico!17:59 - Xbox's Branding Change21:49 - Leadership Changes at Xbox25:00 - Next Playground: A New Motion-Based Console30:20 - The Rise of Melon Sandbox** Let's Connect **

This episode covers the Naavik Digest newsletter published on Sunday, May 24th. This week, we take a closer look at Asha Sharma's progress and plans three months into her tenure as CEO of Xbox — reviewing her early moves and what she may need to do to reverse Xbox's fortunes. You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/where-will-asha-sharma-take-xbox Want to explore working with Naavik? Shoot us a note: https://naavik.co/contact-us/ 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.

Host Devin Becker sits down with Tom Gayner, CEO of Levellr, to dig into what it actually looks like to listen to players at scale, and how to turn the constant stream of feedback from places like Discord and Reddit into usable sentiment signals. Tom breaks down how Levellr gathers and organizes that data, what teams gain when they treat social channels as a living feedback layer, and how different communities or players tend to “slant” the conversation in different ways. They also get practical about workflows (dashboards and reports vs. hands-on collaboration), how to group feedback into meaningful player personas, when proactive outreach makes sense, where social sentiment shines (and where research methods like focus groups still matter), and what the next 3–5 years of player feedback might look like as tools, and player expectations, keep evolving.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.

PocketGamer.biz head of content Craig Chapple, deputy editor Paige Cook and news editor Aaron Astle talk through the latest games industry news on the 91st episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast.On the show we discuss:Sensor Tower's acquisition of rival AppMagic.Time and Business Insider's moves to follow the New York Times Games playbook with the launch of new games.Nintendo Switch 2 sales and the company's share price fall.Sega's brutal comments on the Rovio acquisition.Ebay's rejection of GameStop's surprise proposal to buy the company.The new Wordle TV show, which sounds oddly familiar...00:00 Introductions07:54 Gamescom LATAM takeaways11:33 Sensor Tower acquires AppMagic16:10 Nintendo's Financials and Switch 2 sales22:32 Ebay rejects GameStop's purchase offer26:25 Time and Business Insider Games29:06 Sega Financials and Rovio's Performance36:16 Wordle gets a TV show** Let's Connect **

This episode covers the Naavik Digest newsletter published on Sunday, May 17th. This week, we conduct a focused case study within the highly competitive Merge-2 subgenre of the casual mobile F2P market, where certain Eastern developers are now consistently out-monetizing their Western counterparts while competing for the same audience pools. You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/the-eastern-playbook-for-dominating-western-audiencesWant to explore working with Naavik? Shoot us a note: https://naavik.co/contact-us/ 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.

This week, we dig deep into some of the best DQ games that aren't available for console. Whether it's tactics games, rails combat, or TCG battlers, there's something here for everyone. Unless they cancel it while you're still enjoying it, which is more than likely what will happen.

Most premium games are treated like opening-weekend businesses: if they do not spike, studios cut losses and move on. This episode challenges that instinct. Alexandra Takei, VP of Platform Revenue at Medal, sits down with Ian Fielding, CEO of Super Evil Megacorp, to discuss how studios can build durable premium games, manage back catalogs, and survive as independent AA companies in a market that increasingly punishes the middle.The conversation traces SEMC's evolution from Vainglory and Catalyst Black to its current cross-platform, IP-driven chapter with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate and Bloodline. Ian explains why SEMC moved away from large-scale PvP free-to-play, how it operates a fully remote mid-size studio across multiple live titles, and why proprietary tech still gives the company an edge. The core case study is TMNT: Splintered Fate, which has grown years after launch through disciplined platform expansion, meaningful DLC, free updates, cross-play, bundles, and smart use of licensed IP. The episode ultimately explores a harder question: what does it take for an independent, multi-project studio to keep games alive, grow audience over time, and avoid betting the company on one giant moonshot?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/.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.

Why are gaming VCs shifting capital to consumer apps? In this episode, Henric Suuronen and Harri Manninen, founding partners of Play Ventures, one of gaming's top venture funds with $500 million under management and over 100 portfolio companies, break down how they evaluate founders, why they require a two-year vesting cliff, and what co-founder conflict really looks like from the investor side. We discuss the venture capital math behind gaming startup funding, why consumer apps trade at higher multiples than games, how to read founder chemistry during a pitch, and what Play Ventures looks for in early-stage teams from Istanbul to Singapore. A personal conversation between friends who funded my startup, Savage Game Studios, before its acquisition by PlayStation.CHAPTERS: 01:54 From Mobile Games to Apps08:04 Backing Younger Hungry Teams10:45 Founder Dynamics Due Diligence15:54 Reading Founder Chemistry20:44 Giving Clear Nos and Feedback26:22 Board Truths and Founder Conflict32:31 Impulsive Founder Decisions35:54 Early Stage VC Role41:48 Ecosystem Golden Eras45:25 Scaling the VC Firm49:41 Culture Without Hierarchy55:14 Closing, Thanks, and Wrap

This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on May 10th, 2026. This week, we dive deep into Savvy Games Group, exploring what the Saudi Arabian gaming holding company now owns, how it's performed, and its endgame.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/inside-saudi-arabias-gaming-empireMeet with Naavik at the Nordic Game 2026: https://naavik.typeform.com/to/Jc5cl7eY 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.

In this episode, host Kalie Moore sits down with Julia Palatovska, Co-Founder and CEO of Dorian, to explore one of the most underappreciated shifts in entertainment: the convergence of user-generated content, interactive storytelling, and female-first fandoms. As microdrama consumption explodes globally, Julia argues that the real opportunity isn't just in passive viewing but in turning audiences into creators and stories into interactive, monetizable experiences. She breaks down how Dorian is building a no-code platform that enables creators from cosplayers to webcomic artists, to launch games, iterate in real time, and generate meaningful income through free-to-play mechanics typically reserved for professional studios.They also dive into why most UGC platforms fail to translate creation into commercial success, how Dorian shifted from volume to unit economics, and what it takes to build a true creator marketplace from scratch. Along the way, Julia challenges long-standing assumptions in gaming from the industry's blind spot around women players to the over-indexing on mechanics over narrative and shares why human-made content still outperforms AI in creator-driven ecosystems. The conversation ultimately paints a picture of a new kind of platform: one where the next billion-dollar IP for Gen Z women might not come from a studio, but from a solo creator with a laptop and a deeply engaged fandom.We'd also like to thank Medal.tv for making this episode possible. If you're a PC gamer and want to clip your moments or a studio, publisher, or marketer looking to reach a high-quality gaming audience and get your game in front of the right players, check out all Medal has to offer at https://grow.medal.tv.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 - Julia Palatovska: https://www.linkedin.com/in/palatovska/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.

This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on May 3rd, 2026. This week, we examine what direction China's gaming giants are taking following the decline of the traditional Anime-Gacha ARPG model.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/beyond-gacha-why-chinas-gaming-giants-are-pivoting-to-lifestyle-sims Meet with Naavik at the Nordic Game 2026: https://naavik.typeform.com/to/Jc5cl7eY Our most recent AI x Gaming newsletter: https://naavik.substack.com/p/kraftons-radical-ai-transformation 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.

How do you pick the right core for your next puzzle hit?Jakub Remiar breaks down the methodology behind some of the most successful puzzle launches of the last two years — Domino Dreams, Magic Sword, Block Out, Hexa Out, Arrow Gem — and explains the pattern that connects all of them.The short version: stop trying to invent new cores. Find a puzzle sub-genre that already has massive download volume but is monetized almost entirely through ads. Take that core, wrap it in level-based design, blockers, and live-ops polish, and convert the ad-revenue audience into IAP players. Domino Dreams did it with Domino. Magic Sword did it with Water Sort. Block Out did it with Color Block Jam. Same playbook every time.This is the video to send to anyone who asks "what genre should I build in next."Potensus is a premium ad network built by people who've actually been on both sides of this industry - game publishers, agencies, and successful exits. They get it.Here's the thing - Potensus has direct deals with Amazon, Apple, Coca-Cola, Vodafone. Not programmatic. Direct. Those budgets land in your game at premium CPMs, no middleman tax.And they handle everything with their in-house team. PLUS they're partnered with PlayableMaker WINK WINK - so they'll take a brand's YouTube video or a static banner and actually turn it into a playable ad or rewarded video. Proper interactive format, built for gaming inventory. Brands getting a gaming-native creative, publishers getting higher CPMs. Everyone wins.Head to potensus.com to get started or check their creative portfolio here https://vimeo.com/showcase/12093300?fl=so&fe=fs⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro — how to pick a core for a new puzzle game02:21 Domino Dreams: capturing the Domino category05:20 Magic Sword: turning Water Sort into IAP gold07:50 Spyke Games / Combo Games portfolio strategy10:50 Hexa Out — when iteration becomes innovation13:00 Grand Games portfolio: the templatization machine15:55 Arrow Gem: the obvious next move after Lesmore's Arrows17:30 Why this is a lottery — and consistency wins it18:30 Closing methodology: pick your strengths, know your shot

In this episode, host Kalie Moore sits down with Terry Lee, CEO of Fusebox Games, to unpack one of the most overlooked but powerful business models in mobile gaming: interactive fiction built on licensed IP. While much of the industry chases scale through mechanics or ads, Fusebox has quietly built a $30M+ business by turning hit TV shows like Love Island into living, evolving games with some of the highest payer conversion rates in mobile. Terry shares how the studio transformed from a one-season-per-year content cycle into a high-frequency content machine, why writing (not tech), is their true competitive moat, and how they've engineered a system where narrative, data, and monetization continuously inform each other in real time.They also explore what makes fandoms move seamlessly between TV and games, how Fusebox approaches community (including its complicated relationship with Reddit), and why the team is expanding beyond romance-driven gameplay into broader storytelling formats with IP like Big Brother and The Traitors. Along the way, Terry offers candid insights on leadership, scaling under pressure, and navigating the role of AI in creative industries - arguing that the real advantage won't come from replacing talent, but from amplifying it.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, visit 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.Who's On:Guest - Terry Lee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-lee-296a089/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.Links Mentioned:https://www.amazon.com/CEO-Sixteen-Lessons-Career-Level/dp/B0G49VV3R8

This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on April 26th, 2026. This week, we dive into Unity's ongoing turnaround, the promise of Vector (its ad platform), and what comes next as AI evolves game development.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/unitys-ad-driven-turnaroundLet 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.

Host Devin Becker sits down with Nicolas Vizioli (Founder of Lemonade) to unpack what “AI coding for UGC in Roblox” actually looks like in practice, ranging from how Lemonade plugs into Roblox workflows to why Roblox is a uniquely interesting target compared to broader “vibe coding” for apps. Nicolas shares early results, where the product is (and isn't) competitive with Roblox's native tools, and how AI-assisted development has changed over the time he's been building in this space. They also zoom out to where AI fits across UGC platforms, what impact it's already having on Roblox creators, and what needs to happen, both technically and culturally, to reach the next phase of AI-powered UGC game development.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

This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on April 19th, 2026. We examine the exploding number of mobile games made with AI, exploring how advances in generative AI and vibe coding are affecting the market and whether these additions are still just “AI slop” games.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/is-the-era-of-mobile-ai-slop-games-hereSensor Tower's Action & Strategy Report: https://sensortower.com/report/gaming-deep-dive-action-and-strategy?utm_source=naavik&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=&utm_content=newsletterNaavik's AI x Gaming newsletter's first issue: https://naavik.substack.com/p/navigating-ais-execution-era-in-gaming  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.

This Week In Startups is made possible by:LinkedIn Jobs - LinkedIn.com/twist Every.io - every.io Render - render.com/twistToday's show:*Imagine scrolling through mobile games the way your flip through your TikTok feed. What if you could build your own game in 90 seconds and share it with the world? That's what over 100,000 users are enjoying right now on Nanogram.On TWiST, we meet the co-founders: 22-year-old CEO Albert Brotherton and 24-year-old CTO Boris Radilov. They demo the app for us on the air, and Jason immediately spies the potential. Power users are playing 25+ games per session already.We're digging into the co-founders future plans, including the potential for ads in your game feed, in this TWiST exclusive.PLUS domestic helper bots are here. NEO from 1X Technologies can do the laundry, open the door for guests, and even read and understand Post-It Note messages.Alex talks with CEO Bernt Børnich about building the safety-first 66-lb humanoid, why world models are so crucial for training robots in particular, and why homes are even tougher places for robots to navigate than factory floors.Timestamps:0:59 Nanogram co-creators Albert and Boris join the show3:42 Nanogram is TikTok for casual AI-generated games4:27 Building Nanogram with Google Gemini5:49 Draper and Associates: https://www.draper.vc6:11 Integrating ads into the game feed7:36 Roblox: https://www.roblox.com World of Warcraft: https://worldofwarcraft.blizzard.com8:25 Building in New York9:07 Jason is obsessed with the Staples Baddie https://www.tiktok.com/@blivxx10:12 LinkedIn Jobs - Hire right, the first time. Post your first job and get $100 off towards your job post at https://LinkedIn.com/twist20:36 Every.io - For all of your incorporation, banking, payroll, benefits, accounting, taxes or other back-office administration needs, visit https://every.io21:40 1X CEO and founder Bernt Børnich joins the show https://x.com/BerntBornich22:31 Designing robots to actually live around people26:30 Teaching NEO about movement in the physical world29:00 TechCrunch coverage: https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/13/neo-humanoid-maker-1x-releases-world-model-to-help-bots-learn-what-they-see/29:58 Render: Find out why 5 million developers are already using the all-in-one cloud platform, Render. Go to https://render.com/twist and apply for the Render Startup Program to get $500-$100,000 in free credits, depending on your stage and backers.31:04 Moving beyond training data to true general intelligence33:17 Ensuring NEO pursues the safest possible path34:19 Why are world models so important?41:51 1X World Model Challenge on GitHub: https://github.com/1x-technologies/1xgpt45:14 Robots need to train on a lot of data… Where does it all come from?50:14 Manufacturing NEO from raw materials in San Carlos56:32 Robots building robotsSubscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisCheck out all our partner offers: https://partners.launch.co/Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.com

It can feel like modern game development competes to ship the best game with the smallest possible team. We constantly hear stories about breakout titles built by a handful of developers, but that narrative is often incomplete. Behind many “tiny teams” sits a much larger layer of co-development, outsourcing, and external support across engineering, art, QA, localization, and more. In this episode, host Alexandra Takei, VP at Medal, sits down with Ninel Anderson, founder and CEO of Devoted Studios, to go under the hood of that hidden layer of game development. The two unpack what co-development actually is, where the line sits between co-dev and outsourcing, and why a risk-averse market has pushed more studios toward fractional resourcing and flexible external partnerships. They also discuss a core misconception in the market: that external partners are mainly about finding cheaper labor, when in reality the real advantage often comes from better pipelines, stronger process design, and access to the right talent globally. Finally, the episode explores how Devoted thinks about staffing and capacity, and why communication training is core to the company's culture.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 is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on April 12th, 2026. We dig into the past, present, and future of music games – exploring the nuances of licensing, mobile winners, Fortnite's music evolution, Duolingo's new focus, the upcoming launch of Stage Tour, and more.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/music-games-and-the-setlist-problem 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.

Host Devin Becker sits down with Aaron Bush (Managing Partner & Co-founder of Naavik) for a grounded look at how games are using AI today, separating real production wins from the hype. They map where the industry is right now and then dig into concrete examples across the pipeline: Capcom's ideation and efficiency gains, Pearl Abyss using placeholder assets during development on Crimson Desert, Embark and Nexon's work across experiential data, coding, and voice, and Krafton's experiments with AI co-playable characters and workflow optimization. The conversation also covers the less glamorous (but high-impact) uses like Live Ops content production in mobile (story, levels, art, balance, cutscenes), automated QA like King's AI testing for Candy Crush Saga, rapid prototyping, and the broader tooling layer that's reshaping how games get made.We'd like to thank Medal.tv for making this episode possible. If you're a PC gamer and want to clip your moments or a studio, publisher, or marketer looking to reach a high-quality gaming audience and get your game in front of the right players, check out all Medal has to offer at https://grow.medal.tv.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

Wilde Mischung: Es gibt neue Artworks, neue Charaktere in Mobile Games und ein neues DLC! Wir werfen außerdem einen Blick auf Sonic Rumble Party und schauen, wie wir das Update so finden. An diesem wunderschönen Ostermontag gibt es außerdem ein großes Interview zu Sonic X-Treme und Sonic Boom: Lyrics Aufstieg mit neuen Entwicklungsdetails! Mario & Sonic 2020 verschwindet spurlos und Limited Run Games gibt auch ein Update. Willkommen im Gotta Gurk Cast! Zeitstempel: (0:00) Intro (1:19) Sonic Rumble Party Diskussion (20:00) News-Rückblick (1:27:54) Ende und Outro Livestreams jeden Donnerstag um 20 Uhr auf Twitch: http://www.twitch.tv/ruki185 Kontakt: gottapodcast@gmail.com Hier geht's zu unserem Discord-Server: https://discord.gg/KEAmvmKVPF Hinterlasst uns gerne einen Kommentar mit Feedback, Fragen und/oder Kritik! Das könnt ihr unter anderem im Newsbeitrag auf SpinDash.de bzw. auf dem Discord-Server tun. Auf Social Media sind wir natürlich auch vertreten: Sowohl auf Instagram (@gottapodcast), als auch auf Bluesky (@spindash.de) oder aber einfach unter dem Hashtag #GottaPodCast! Auch über eine positive Bewertung freuen wir uns immer! Die Weblinks zum Nachlesen gibt's im Newsbeitrag auf spindash.de

This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on April 5th, 2026. We explore Epic Game's strategic shake-up in the wake of its latest layoffs, including its reorientation on UGC creators, Fortnite's stagnation, the looming Disney IP implementation, and what else may come next.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/epics-strategic-shake-up 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.

In this episode, host Kalie Moore sits down with Stephen Totilo, founder of Game File and a veteran games journalist with over two decades of experience across MTV News, Kotaku, and Axios to unpack how the media landscape around gaming is rapidly evolving. As traditional outlets shrink and more journalists go independent, Stephen shares what it actually looks like to build a sustainable, subscription-based publication and why he chose to bet on himself rather than join another institution. The conversation explores the shift from institutional media power to individual credibility, and how trust, audience relationships, and direct monetization are reshaping journalism in real time - while also raising new challenges for discovery, sustainability, and the next generation of reporters entering the field.Kalie and Stephen also dive into the realities of running an independent media business, from balancing reporting with entrepreneurship to navigating ethical considerations in a world where sources can also be subscribers. They discuss the growing intersection between journalism, the creator economy, and AI, including how Stephen uses AI tools for transcription and translation to unlock stories that would have previously been inaccessible, while also confronting the rise of “AI slop” in pitches and content. The episode closes with practical advice for game developers and PR professionals on how to work with modern media, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, understanding reporter incentives, and building meaningful relationships in an increasingly fragmented media ecosystem.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, visit 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.Who's On:Guest - Stephen Totilo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-totilo-8208a94/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.Links Mentioned:https://www.gamefile.news/https://www.echomark.com/

This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on March 22nd, 2026. We explore a slightly overlooked area of AI in game development: consumer research. We focus on recent studies aimed at leveraging the vast data within LLMs to replicate human behavior and how we can actually make use of these studies in a practical way. You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/llms-for-games-consumer-research 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.

Host Devin Becker sits down with Sam Aune (Gaming Analyst at Sensor Tower) to break down Sensor Tower's State of Gaming 2026 report, which covers the current mobile, console, and PC gaming landscape. The conversation spans genre-level signals and platform shifts, such as why 4X strategy bucked mobile's downward trend to what's driving PC's growth. Devin and Sam unpack recent outliers and inflection points like how creator-focused hits outperformed AAA, Battlefield 6's comeback, the rising importance of cross-platform parity for shooters, and what GTA 6 could do to the broader “social” game landscape. They close with the biggest observed behavior change from 2025 to 2026 and a grounded look at what State of Gaming 2027 might imply for teams planning for the next cycle.Read the full State of Gaming 2026 report: https://sensortower.com/report/state-of-gaming-2026?utm_source=naavik&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=stateofgaming&utm_content=report 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.

This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on March 22nd, 2026. We look into the Korean games giant NCSoft's 70% acquisition in the Berlin-based cash-reward gaming platform JustPlay. We unpack what this deal — the latest in a long string of M&A — might mean for the company's future.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/ncsofts-200m-bet-on-cash-reward-gamingLet 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.

Influencer marketing in mobile gaming is growing fast, but most campaigns still fail. Not because creators are bad or games are weak. The real problem is setup.In this episode of Two and a Half Gamers, Marion breaks down the real execution framework behind profitable influencer campaigns. From defining goals and calculating budgets to choosing the right creators and measuring organic uplift, this episode is a practical guide built on real campaign experience.You will learn why organic traffic matters more than tracked installs, how to calculate the minimum views needed to see impact, and why influencer vertical testing should follow strict profitability ratios.If you are running influencer marketing or planning to test it as a UA channel, this episode gives you the playbook.

In this special GDC episode, host Kalie Moore sits down with Tiago Correia, the Founder of Save Point, and a longtime operator and investor at the intersection of gaming, media, and technology, to unpack the biggest themes emerging from this year's Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco. They discuss the current mood across the industry, which remains cautiously optimistic but far from the exuberance of previous years. While AI dominated conversations across the conference, both note that gaming companies appear to be adopting AI more quietly than the broader tech ecosystem, in part because of the close relationship between developers and players. The conversation explores how AI is already lowering the barriers to game creation, enabling solo developers and small teams to build experiences that previously required entire studios.Kalie and Tiago also dive into the growing momentum behind user-generated content platforms like Roblox and Fortnite UEFN, which many see as one of the few clear growth stories in the current market. As traditional studios face longer development cycles and tighter funding conditions, UGC ecosystems are extending the lifespan of games and creating new opportunities for creators and IP holders alike. The episode closes with a candid look at industry sentiment, from lower attendance at GDC to changing expectations from investors, who now want to see traction and community before funding. Despite the challenges, Tiago remains optimistic that AI and new creative tools could unlock an unprecedented wave of independent creators and experimental games in the years ahead.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/.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 - Tiago Correia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiagotcorreia/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.Links Mentioned:https://worldbuildersummit.com/https://omea.ai/https://iconicgames.io/https://www.lemonsound.co/https://www.story-kitchen.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilsonkplee/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/poll-majority-voters-say-risks-ai-outweigh-benefits-rcna262196

This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on March 8th, 2026. We take a look at the Japanese publisher Capcom, exploring how it has managed to sustain growth and success for years, and what its future might look like.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/unpacking-capcoms-win-streak Read our new State of UGC Games report here: https://naavik.co/deep-dives/the-state-of-ugc-games-2026 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.

In this episode, host Kalie Moore talks with Bastian Bergmann, Co-founder & COO of Solsten, about the collision between gaming and branding, and why most companies still don't know how to show up in games without feeling like an ad. With 3B+ people playing worldwide and gaming still capturing only ~5% of global ad spend, Bastian argues the opportunity isn't awareness, it's audience strategy. Kalie and Bastian break down why gaming is the only medium that truly spans every demographic, from Gen Alpha to “silver surfers,” and why brands fail when they lead with stereotypes or build empty “brand worlds” instead of experiences grounded in what players actually want.They also explore why gaming should be treated as a real conversion channel, even if measurement hasn't fully caught up yet, and how platforms like Roblox and UEFN will be pushed toward clearer attribution as more dollars move in. Bastian shares standout examples like The New York Times' games-led subscription growth and Chipotle's Roblox activations that drove real-world sales and loyalty signups. For studios and creators, the takeaway is clear: know your audience deeply, design integrations that are brand-agnostic but partnership-ready, and pitch brands with real segmentation and fit, not vague “access to gamers.” The episode closes with what's next at Solsten: Alaris, an AI tool powered by Solsten's psychological dataset, plus an upcoming API layer aimed at unlocking deeper personalization across games, matchmaking, recommendations, and advertising.We'd like to thank Neon – a global payments and e-commerce platform designed to help game publishers earn more money and gain independence from app stores – for making the episode possible. Neon's DTC platform handles everything from webshops and checkout to global payments, tax, and compliance, with full transparency and all-in pricing. Learn more:https://www.neonpay.com/?utm_source=Naavik-Sponsorship-General&utm_medium=Paid-Sponsorship 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, visit 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.Who's On:Guest - Bastian Bergmann: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bergmannbastian/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.

This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on March 8th, 2026. We look at Nexon and how the success of ARC Raiders might transform the company's future. Read our new State of UGC Games report here: https://naavik.co/deep-dives/the-state-of-ugc-games-2026 Meet us at GDC 2026 by filling out this short form: https://naavik.typeform.com/to/gVDtj4UO You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/the-arc-raiders-ification-of-nexonLet 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.

A new breed of “micro-indie” publisher is emerging: teams that fund sub-$200K games, ship fast, and treat releases like a portfolio. In this episode, host Alexandra Takei, VP at Medal, sits down with Kirill Akimkin, founder of Polden Publishing, to unpack the world of micro indies and discovery. In 2025, they shipped almost 8 games with $800K and plan to ship 20 titles in 2026. Kirill explains that much of their developer pipeline is inbound: a Telegram-led media presence brings developers to them, and that they are more “researchers” than experts, with strict KPIs for a game's release. We discuss their genre strategy, developer strategy, and more.The conversation then turns to discovery, both outside Steam and building towards the Steam algorithm for wishlists. Kirill frames marketing as a repeatable machine: short-form content, creators, and community spikes are used to drive consistent wishlist velocity, which then feeds Steam's surfaces (Discovery Queue, Popular Upcoming, demo visibility, and post-launch recommendations) and the duo discuss case studies of Fish Hunters, Totally Secure Airport (which got 75K+ wishlists in on day), and Final Sentance. They close with questions on where discovery happens, what today's games in micro indies indicate about modern-day gamers' tastes, and the perception of AI in low-budget titles. If you are shipping a PC game on Steam this year, this is a must-listen. We'd like to thank Medal.tv for making this episode possible. If you're a PC gamer and want to clip your moments or a studio, publisher, or marketer looking to reach a high-quality gaming audience and get your game in front of the right players, check out all Medal has to offer at https://grow.medal.tv.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.

30 Jahre Pokémon! Das umsatzstärkste Medienfranchise der Welt feiert Jubiläum – doch bei vielen von uns der ersten Generation will der Funke bei den neuen Spielen einfach nicht mehr überspringen. Sind wir mittlerweile einfach zu alt für Pikachu und Co.? Oder ruht sich Game Freak zu sehr auf dem Nostalgie-Faktor aus, während Technik und Grafik auf der Strecke bleiben?Zusammen mit AK von der GameStar und Jasmin von Mein-MMO diskutieren wir, warum wir Titel wie Schwert & Schild abgebrochen haben und warum uns schon der Trailer von Legenden Z-A abgeschreckt hat. Wir sprechen über die Diskrepanz zwischen ruckelnden 60€-Spielen und dem Milliarden-Erfolg von Mobile-Games, TCG und Merch – und klären, ob Spiele wie Palworld oder Aniimo mittlerweile das bessere Pokémon-Erlebnis bieten. Alle Links zum GameStar Podcast und unseren Werbepartnern: https://linktr.ee/gamestarpodcast

This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on March 1st, 2026. We provide a snippet of our new deep dive covering all things UGC gaming. We break down the latest performance of leaders like Roblox, Fortnite Creative, Overwolf, and explore other notable trends and companies. You can read the full report here: https://naavik.co/deep-dives/the-state-of-ugc-games-2026 Meet us at GDC 2026 by filling out this short form: https://naavik.typeform.com/to/gVDtj4UO Sensor Tower's State of Gaming report: https://sensortower.com/report/state-of-gaming-2026?utm_source=naavik&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=stateofgaming&utm_content=report 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.

This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on February 22nd, 2026. We explore how niche subgenres – Block, Sort, and Screw – are reshaping the mobile puzzle market.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/how-niche-subgenres-are-reshaping-the-mobile-puzzle-marketMeet us at GDC 2026 by filling out this short form: https://naavik.typeform.com/to/gVDtj4UO 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.

2026 wird ein Schicksalsjahr für Gamer – aber welche Titel erobern wirklich den Thron und welche fallen dem eigenen Hype zum Opfer?

Medical training is still stuck in the arcade era: expensive, basement-bound simulators and outdated software that rarely capture the real stakes of clinical decision-making. In this episode, host Alexandra Takei, Studio Director at Ruckus Games, sits down with Sam Glassenberg, founder of Level Ex (now part of Relevate Health), to unpack how game developers can modernize healthcare learning by truly embracing the craft of video game design, not “gamification” lipstick. The opportunity and the market here are much bigger than you might assume. Healthcare is a trillion-dollar industry in the US alone, and if you can create products that save the medical system money while also growing the $200B video game industry, that's a win-win. The conversation explores why even mediocre games outperform traditional training (the bar is shockingly low), and how live-ops principles let teams update clinical guidance fast. The pair also discusses who plays these games, and it turns out that it's not only doctors but “normal people” who have found these games on the app store. They go deep on design: mapping real clinical challenges to proven genres (diagnosis as reductive-reasoning puzzles, ventilators as rhythm games), and why domain experts often describe what's hard for residents, not what triggers adrenaline for experts, which is the source of “fun” in games. Finally, Sam breaks down the business: sponsored content by clients like Pfizer and Merck, free-to-play for doctors gameplay, and playable ads. 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 is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on February 15th, 2026. We explore Turkish game development in 2026, discussing what other countries can learn from its ascent and considerations for its next era.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://naavik.co/digest/why-turkish-game-development-matters-in-2026/ Meet us at GDC 2026 by filling out this short form: https://naavik.typeform.com/to/gVDtj4UO 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.

After a volatile few months across games, tech, and public markets, it's time for a grounded check-in on where the industry actually stands. Host Devin Becker is joined by Aaron Bush (Managing Partner & Co-Founder, Naavik) to unpack the latest signals – from AAA publisher performance and what recent EA earnings suggest for big franchises like Battlefield, to Ubisoft's ongoing restructuring, studio closures, and the push to reframe its future through initiatives like Vantage Studios.Next, they dig into Roblox's continued growth and what its recent results imply, even as age-related scrutiny and safety conversations remain part of the narrative.From there, the discussion widens to the state of the console market: the early momentum around Switch 2 sales, the trajectory of Xbox hardware, and why Sony appears to be holding its ground.Devin and Aaron also look at how transmedia is shaping perception and demand, including Nintendo's recent moves and what releases like an upcoming Mario Galaxy movie – and the surprise success of Iron Lung this month – reveal about IP leverage, audience crossover, and timing.They close with addressing the market whiplash around the reveal of Google DeepMind's Genie 3, and a “buy, sell, or hold” round covering Microsoft, Krafton, AAA vs. AA, and PC gaming to highlight where near-term opportunities and risks may be emerging.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.

This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on February 8th, 2026. We look into Project Genie — Google's experimental AI that generates short, navigable 3D scenes — and explore the possible implications of world models for game engines and developers.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.

Mens Room Question: Who or what do you wish you didn't give money to?

In this episode, host Kalie Moore talks with David Lee, Co-founder & CEO of Nex, to unpack one of the rarest success stories in modern gaming: launching a new consumer console and winning. In a category dominated for decades by the same three players, Nex broke through by rethinking who gaming hardware is for. Often compared to Wii or Kinect, Nex's real innovation isn't motion-based play alone, but a family-first platform built around physical activity, kid safety, and parental trust. In a down year for console sales, Nex sold over 650,000 units, expanded into thousands of retail stores, and captured meaningful market share by designing specifically for families.The conversation traces Nex's nearly decade-long journey from mobile-first products to a high-stakes pivot into living-room hardware - and the leadership decisions required to make that leap under uncertainty. Kalie and David dig into why most motion-gaming platforms struggled to last, what Nex designed differently for long-term engagement, and how retail, subscriptions, and trusted IP shaped its growth. The episode closes with a look ahead to Nex's 2026 roadmap, from international expansion to connected play designed with strict family controls, and David's long-term vision for what Nex could mean to families ten or twenty years from now.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 - David Lee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlkf/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.

Check out host Bidemi Ologunde's new show: The Work Ethic Podcast, available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.In this episode, host Bidemi Ologunde discusses the global disruption rocking the video game industry, connecting the headlines (layoffs, studio closures, and delayed releases) to the deeper structural shifts (rising development costs, investor pressure, market saturation, and the evolution of monetization from premium sales to live services and in-game purchases). Why did so many companies cut jobs even as blockbuster games kept shipping? Is the "games-as-a-service" model reaching a breaking point, or just entering a tougher, more sustainable phase? What happens when thousands of new titles flood digital storefronts every year, and attention becomes the scarcest resource? And as mobile, AAA, indie, and esports collide in the same attention economy, who is best positioned to survive, and what does the next era of gaming look like for creators, players, and investors?Email: bidemiologunde@gmail.comSupport the show

This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on February 1st, 2026. We dive deep into the “fair” gacha Asian action RPGs to explore the performance of their unique monetization strategy and to see if prioritizing player fairness can lead to significant gains.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/evaluating-the-fair-gacha-games-experimentLet 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.

On today's episode, we hear about: A woman concerned about her husband's secret debt A man struggling to support his wife as she reconsiders going back to work A woman grappling with how to confront her alcoholic friend   Next Steps: