Acquired Benchmark’s Mitch Lasky and Blake Robbins on The Art of Business in Gaming
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Apr 26, 2023 
Mitch Lasky, a legendary gaming investor with pivotal stakes in Riot Games and Discord, teams up with Blake Robbins, Benchmark principal and co-host of the GameCraft podcast. They dive into the evolution of gaming business models, tracing the journey from niche markets to mainstream dominance. The duo explores the rise of free-to-play games and subscription services, along with the critical role of digital platforms like Steam. They also discuss the impact of AI on game development and the burgeoning landscape of esports as a vivid marketing tool.
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Beyond Steam
- Launching a game solely on Steam might not be sufficient for long-term success as a venture-backed company.
- Consider platform-based publishing or other distribution strategies to build a sustainable business.
Commitment to Games
- Companies looking to become platform-based publishers must fully embrace the model, not treat games as a side project.
- Tencent's success with QQ stemmed from their deep investment and commitment to the games industry.
Invest in Businesses, Not Studios
- Invest in gaming businesses, not just studios, focusing on durable strategies beyond content creation.
- Look for strategies that transcend simply making games and putting them on platforms like Steam or app stores.
