

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

Oct 2, 2023 • 55min
REPRESENTATION IN GAMES and Game Award shows
Robin Gray, founder of Gayming Magazine and creator of the Gayming Awards, discusses the importance of representation and inclusivity in the game industry. They explore strategies for promoting diversity, highlight the benefits of catering to the LGBTQ community, and discuss the upcoming game award show that aims to bring the global games industry closer.

Sep 28, 2023 • 1h 4min
TWIG #251 If we were running Unity, we'd...
In this podcast, the hosts discuss various topics including the gaming industry news, Unity's new subscription model, monetizing hidden object games on Netflix, renegotiating deals with Unity, payment processing and marketing competitive intelligence tools for game developers, Unity's potential pivot towards user-generated content and platform building, and the challenges faced by big tech companies in the gaming industry.

Sep 26, 2023 • 34min
SPEEDRUN with a16z's Josh Lu and Andrew Lee
Josh Lu and Andrew Lee discuss SPEEDRUN, a program for game startups that offers funding, workspace, mentorship, and networking opportunities. They talk about the financial aspects, joining a community, the application process, and the involvement of renowned speakers in coaching and building relationships.

Sep 21, 2023 • 51min
TWIG #250 XBOX SAID WHAT???
The podcast discusses Unity drama, leaked XBOX emails, and key takeaways from the Roblox conference. They also talk about Unity's market share and revenue, potential design changes for Xbox, challenges with Game Pass, payment solutions for game developers, and leaked documents revealing game app costs and content gaps. They analyze the impact of removing stock-based compensation for a specific company.

Sep 19, 2023 • 1h 11min
AI GAMING REVOLUTION: Shaping the Future of Play with Pieter Kooyman
Pieter Kooyman, CEO and Founder of Half Moon Studios, explores the impact of AI on the gaming industry, including the benefits of using Heroic Labs in game development and the consequences of hiring specialists. He also discusses the AI's implications for organizational culture, the use of AI in writing, and the challenges of transforming organizations in the gaming industry.

Sep 14, 2023 • 55min
TWiG #249 Epic Unity Talk
In this podcast, the hosts discuss Unity's new pricing model and the controversy surrounding it. They also talk about the challenges faced by Epic in finding skilled developers for their Unreal engine. Additionally, they address the difficulties of accurately tracking app installs and revenue in the gaming industry, as well as the lack of innovation in AAA video games.

Sep 12, 2023 • 1h 17min
NAVIGATING GAMING MARKET: TRENDS, TRIUMPHS & TROUBLES with Tom Wijman, Newzoo'a Lead Analyst
Tom Wijman, Newzoo's Lead Analyst, discusses the trends in gaming, including the growth of console gaming, the impact of life services, and the challenges in the console gaming market. They also explore the differences between console and PC games, the macroeconomic factors affecting the industry, the role of AI in game development, and the effectiveness of transmedia in gaming.

Sep 9, 2023 • 48min
In Conversation: Minecraft Creator Program Exec Producer Kayla Kinnunen
Kayla Kinnunen, Executive Producer for the Minecraft Creator Platform, shares expert tips on managing expectations for Minecraft's devoted community and how early access and developer participation ensure new features deliver delight. The conversation also touches on the importance of building a positive community, creating an inclusive workplace, and diversifying organizations in the gaming industry.

Sep 7, 2023 • 54min
TWIG #248 Nintendo - Past, Present, and Future!
Explore the success of the Nintendo Switch, its hybrid design, first-party games, and demographic appeal. Discuss limitations like outdated hardware and underwhelming online features. Speculate on the future Nintendo Switch expected in 2024. Delve into challenges faced by game journalism and the importance of supporting press. Dive into rumors and speculation about Nintendo's future hardware design. Explore the cancellation of Floodrush and insights gained from its development.

Sep 4, 2023 • 1h 47min
MASTERING COMPANY GROWTH with JOE SCHAEPPI, CEO & Co-Founder of Solsten
Joe Schaeppi, CEO & Co-Founder of Solsten, shares secrets of success for entrepreneurs. Topics include mastering board meetings, building cultural diversity, cracking the code on tricky interviews, and nurturing empathy. Tune in to level up your game!


