Deconstructor of Fun
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 www.linkedin.com/in/michailkatkoff/
Eric Kress www.linkedin.com/in/erickress/
Phillip Black www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-black-economist/
Jen Donahoe www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdonahoe
Hosts:
Michail Katkoff www.linkedin.com/in/michailkatkoff/
Eric Kress www.linkedin.com/in/erickress/
Phillip Black www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-black-economist/
Jen Donahoe www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdonahoe
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 7, 2023 • 1h 4min
TWIG #261 Reacting to GTA VI 🚗 🔫
The hosts discuss the GTA 6 trailer, recap their experience at Slush, predict the console gaming market in 2024, and explore the latest Forza and Chrome Valley Customs. They also discuss the threats to the gaming industry, the performance of Star Field, and express disappointment with Forza Customs.
Nov 30, 2023 • 1h
TWIG #260 Get the F out of here! State of Mobile
Philip Black, Jen Donahoe, and Michai join the show to discuss the state of mobile games, the nominees for the gam3.gg Web 3 awards, and the upcoming SKAN5.
Nov 27, 2023 • 34min
#200 Product Marketing Management in Games with Jesse Lempiäinen, Founder/CEO of Geeklab
Jesse Lempiäinen, Founder/CEO of Geeklab, discusses the role of Product Marketing Managers in gaming, including identifying product-market fit early on, enhancing KPIs and team efficiency, and navigating post-privacy changes. Jesse provides insights on what to expect from a PMM, how to identify a good one, and their optimal placement within a company's structure.
5 snips
Nov 24, 2023 • 1h 13min
TWIG #259 Monopoly Go's Winning Formula
Monopoly Go has crossed $1B in revenue in just 7 months. They also talk about Esports, Web3, and the challenges of turning League of Legends into a profitable venture.
Nov 20, 2023 • 1h 6min
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE WEB3 GAMING DREAM???
The podcast explores what happened to the Web3 gaming dream and the challenges faced by the industry. It discusses marketing strategies and tactics used in the Web3 gaming bubble, the integration of Web3 components in a collectible card battling game, and the negative effects of in-game token models. The hosts also reflect on the hype around the metaverse and express relief about the removal of non-genuine actors in the gaming industry.
Nov 16, 2023 • 1h 10min
TWIG #258 Grouchy Kress Alert 🚨
The podcast covers various topics including grouchiness, behavioral economics, Call of Duty's decline, console developers backtracking from Games-as-a-Service model, and Zynga's Match Factory breakdown.
11 snips
Nov 13, 2023 • 1h 16min
7 x GAME INDUSTRY TRUTHS with CHRIS HEWISH, PRESIDENT of XSOLLA
Chris Hewish, President of Xsolla, discusses macroeconomics, challenges in console gaming, behavioral economics, Unity's success, transmedia, generative AI, and the new Solo Mall platform.
Nov 9, 2023 • 1h 5min
TWIG #257 Undercover at Blizzcon 🦹
The podcast covers a range of topics including hygiene at Blizzcon, the departure of PlayStation CEO, Brawl Stars' new announcement, and the death of Omega Strikers. They also discuss Tencent selling asset, potential game release speculations, changes at PlayStation and Supercell, monetization drivers, the future of shooter games, opinions on game pricing and marketing, and the potential impact of real-time payments on game monetization.
Nov 6, 2023 • 1h 21min
Chris Petrovic Teaches Acquiring Great Gaming Companies
Learn from Chris Petrovic, former Zynga Head of Corporate Strategy, about the reasons behind M&A in the gaming industry, the challenges and reasons for failed deals, current M&A trends, and the importance of cultural fit, human connection, and reputation in acquisitions.
Nov 2, 2023 • 1h 1min
TWIG #256 "WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON WITH VIDEO GAMES?"
This podcast discusses potential replacements for the CEO of Activision and the layoffs in the industry despite record-breaking sales. They also talk about games like Mario Wonder, Supercell's Mo.Co and Wonder Blast from Good Game Studios.
