Deconstructor of Fun TWIG #318 Supercell’s Records, Unity’s Chaos & AppLovin’s Fire Sale
Feb 16, 2025
Supercell had a spectacular year, raking in €2.8B, though not without a flop in Squad Busters. Unity struggles with talent loss and ad tech woes, while AppLovin shines with a 700% stock increase thanks to AI ads. The company plans to sell its entire gaming portfolio for $900M, sparking curiosity about potential buyers like Scopely and Zynga. Discussions also include the evolving landscape of game monetization and competitive strategies, highlighting the pressures and triumphs within the gaming industry.
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Founder Mindset
- Founders of billion-dollar companies often prefer to maintain ownership.
- They seek continued purpose and dividends over a complete sale.
Battlefield's Niche Appeal
- The shooter game market is highly segmented, with Battlefield appealing to a niche audience.
- While a dedicated fan base exists, success depends on high quality and overcoming market fragmentation.
Mojang Leadership Change
- Kayleen Walters, a marketing expert, is now leading Mojang Studios remotely from Seattle.
- This raises concerns about managing a Swedish studio with a distinct culture from afar.