by Deconstructor of Fun
Deconstructor of Fun podcast is created by games professionals for games professionals. We explore the business side of the games industry with the goal of bringing listeners content that is relevant, insightful, and entertaining on a weekly basis. Hosts: Michail Katkoff @mkatkoff www.linkedin.com/in/michailkatkoff/ Eric Kress @ekress www.linkedin.com/in/erickress/ Laura Taranto @laurataranto www.linkedin.com/in/laurataranto/ Phillip Black @econosopher www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-black-economist/ Jen Donahoe @Jen_Donahoe www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdonahoe
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
7/11/2017
Email Addresses
2 available
Phone Numbers
0 available
April 17, 2025
<p>Kress is fresh back from Turkiye, sharing on-the-ground insights before diving headfirst into the week’s big beats. </p><p>We break down Epic Games Store’s revenue, debate the Minecraft movie’s potential for franchise dominance, and unpack the latest M&A and investment trends shaping gaming’s future. Inflation’s creeping impact on game pricing gets a hard look, while the crew wrestles with the evolving MTX and revenue models. </p><p>Things heat up with Marvel Rivals throwing punches at Overwatch, a sharp take on Western vs. Eastern LiveOps strategies, and a no-holds-barred discussion about Bungie’s Marathon pivot into extraction shooters. To wrap, a quick (and slightly roasted) look at Kingdom’s celebrity-packed ad campaign.</p><p>00:00 Introduction and Host Introductions</p><p>03:09 Chris' Insights from Turkey</p><p>07:02 Epic Games Store Revenue Discussion</p><p>13:30 Minecraft Movie and Franchise Management</p><p>21:07 M&A and Investment Trends in Gaming</p><p>29:47 Game Pricing and Inflation</p><p>30:31 MTX and Revenue Models</p><p>32:59 Marvel Rivals vs. Overwatch</p><p>37:33 Western vs. Eastern LiveOps</p><p>44:24 Marathon: The Extraction Shooter</p><p>58:13 Kingdom's Celebrity Ad Campaign</p>
April 14, 2025
<p>In this episode of Deconstructor of Fun, Jen Donahoe is by Charles Hambro, CEO and Co-Founder of GEEIQ, and Matt Edelman, President and CEO of Super League, to dive deep into the evolving world of brand activations and UGC (user-generated content) in gaming. </p><p>We explore how brands navigate virtual worlds, the ROI of successful campaigns, and why gaming audiences are more valuable than ever. The conversation spans the rise of playable ads, IAB standards, and the growing distinction between branded content and traditional ads. </p><p>Charles and Matt also share their insights on the future of campaign-based activations and why entertainment brands are doubling down on gaming. </p><p>00:00 Introduction to Brand and UGC Activations</p><p>04:57 UGC and Virtual Worlds</p><p>07:44 Brand Activations</p><p>15:47 ROI and Success Stories</p><p>21:02 Challenges and Future of UGC Platforms</p><p>27:12 The Power of Gaming Audiences</p><p>27:45 Mobile Advertising</p><p>29:00 Playable Ads</p><p>29:42 IAB and Playable Ad Standards</p><p>31:34 Engaging Audiences with Playable Ads</p><p>35:49 Branded Content vs. Traditional Ads</p><p>36:41 The Future of Branded Content in Gaming</p><p>42:40 The Importance of Campaign-Based Activations</p><p>44:47 Entertainment Brands in Gaming</p><p>46:59 Concluding Thoughts and Future Trends</p>
April 10, 2025
<p>In this week’s episode of This Week in Games, we’re joined by special guest Chris Sides for a jam-packed conversation covering everything from transmedia storytelling to the latest moves in the gaming industry. </p><p>We dive into the surprising momentum behind the Minecraft movie, explore Gen Z trends and market predictions, and unpack Netflix’s bold push into interactive fiction. Plus, we break down A16Z’s new Speed Run initiative, take a close look at Supercell’s evolving investment strategy, and compare War Robots to the newly launched Steel Hunters. </p><p>00:00 Introduction and Host Introductions</p><p>01:58 Special Guest Chris and His Background</p><p>02:49 Transmedia and Pop Culture Discussion</p><p>03:48 Industry Updates and News</p><p>07:03 Podcast Highlights and Recent Episodes</p><p>09:21 Minecraft Movie Success</p><p>16:54 Gen Z and Market Predictions</p><p>20:48 Netflix's Interactive Fiction Strategy</p><p>28:44 Speed Run Initiative by A16Z</p><p>30:22 Supercell's Investment Strategy</p><p>31:19 Supercell's Investment Philosophy</p><p>32:54 Supercell's Investment History and Performance</p><p>43:14 Blueprints: The Best Rated Game of 2025</p><p>49:21 RE's Latest Deck Recap</p><p>53:36 Steel Hunters: Early Access and Unreal Engine</p><p>01:03:02 War Robots vs. Steel Hunters01:05:02 Conclusion and Farewell</p>
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