Gamecraft
Mitch Lasky / Blake Robbins
Gamecraft is a limited series about the modern history of the video game business.
Beginning in the early 1990's, the video game business began a radical transformation from a console and PC packaged goods business into the highly complex, online, multi-platform business it is today. Game industry legend Mitch Lasky and game investor Blake Robbins go on a thematic tour of the last 30 years of gaming, exploring the origins of free-to-play, platform-based publishing, casual & mobile gaming, forever games, user-generated content, consoles, virtual reality, and in-game economies across the eight episodes of Season 1.
In Season 2, Mitch and Blake are back with a new series analyzing the state of the video game business in 2024. They start with a macro view of the current business, before looking at some hot topics in gaming: the rise of powerful independent game studios, emerging markets for games around the world, how innovations in artificial intelligence will change game creation, and the renewed importance of intellectual property in the game business.
Beginning in the early 1990's, the video game business began a radical transformation from a console and PC packaged goods business into the highly complex, online, multi-platform business it is today. Game industry legend Mitch Lasky and game investor Blake Robbins go on a thematic tour of the last 30 years of gaming, exploring the origins of free-to-play, platform-based publishing, casual & mobile gaming, forever games, user-generated content, consoles, virtual reality, and in-game economies across the eight episodes of Season 1.
In Season 2, Mitch and Blake are back with a new series analyzing the state of the video game business in 2024. They start with a macro view of the current business, before looking at some hot topics in gaming: the rise of powerful independent game studios, emerging markets for games around the world, how innovations in artificial intelligence will change game creation, and the renewed importance of intellectual property in the game business.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 13, 2026 • 1h 5min
A Theory of Fun
They debate whether modern games prioritize progression hooks over moment-to-moment play. They unpack a three-part “theory of fun”: mechanics that spark emotion, elegant systems, and pleasurable actions at every time scale. They compare designs from Mario Kart to Royal Match and Nintendo’s approach. They also consider how AI and platform economics shape what players find enjoyable.
54 snips
May 6, 2026 • 1h 18min
Navigating the AI Future (Ep. 30)
A deep look at how large language models could reshape game development economics and competition. They argue AI may slash prototyping costs while stressing go-to-market and engineering remain costly. The conversation explores why some roles are safer, how curation and distribution gain value, and which layers like trust, context, and liability could become strategic advantages.
28 snips
Apr 29, 2026 • 1h 6min
How Istanbul Won the Mobile Puzzle Wars (Ep. 29)
A deep dive into how Istanbul came to dominate the lucrative match‑3 mobile puzzle market. They trace Peak Games' rise and the alumni network that spawned dozens of studios. Four strategic advantages—currency leverage, government subsidies, local talent, and distribution—are explored. The story ends with Dream Games' big financing and questions about the scene’s future resilience.
49 snips
Apr 22, 2026 • 1h 8min
The Attention Drain (Ep. 28)
They argue that attention is moving from games to non-game interactive apps and probe whether interactive entertainment is being redefined. They catalog how TikTok, Duolingo, sports betting, dating, and creator platforms borrow game mechanics to capture time and money. They trace a pandemic-driven shift toward social play and spotlight companies that treated sociality as the product. They warn games must adapt to this structural attention drain.
63 snips
Apr 15, 2026 • 1h 22min
Roblox (Ep. 27)
They unpack Roblox's unique platform blend of creation, play, aggregation, and monetization. They trace its long early grind and the mobile/graphics inflection that scaled the product. They explore creator economics, top-creator dynamics, and discovery driven by TikTok and YouTube. They weigh regulatory and profitability risks alongside the platform's network effects and live-ops phenomena.
73 snips
Apr 8, 2026 • 1h 10min
2026 Trends & Specific Predictions (Ep. 26)
They debate a recent software “Great Inflection” and rapid advances in agentic AI tools that reshaped coding. They draft six blind-picked trends shaping 2026, from indie breakthroughs and distribution chokepoints to global competition and shifting monetization. They close with a set of specific 2026 predictions about IP consolidation, AI-driven hits, platform fee cuts, and major market shakeups.
68 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 37min
The EA "LBO" (Ep. 25)
A monumental $55 billion leveraged buyout of Electronic Arts has stirred excitement and confusion. The deal, backed by Saudi Arabia's PIF and private equity firms, raises questions about EA's future operations. Initial hopes for a transformative change have dampened as leadership remains static under CEO Andrew Wilson. The hosts debate the implications of high debt on EA's ability to innovate and consider strategies like transitioning sports titles to live services and revitalizing The Sims. The acquisition signifies a shift in the gaming landscape with fewer public investment options.
51 snips
May 21, 2025 • 1h 10min
The Sum of the Parts (Ep. 24)
Mergers and acquisitions play a crucial role in shaping the gaming industry. The hosts dissect the strategic uses of consolidation, emphasizing economies of scale and market entry. They examine high-profile deals like Microsoft's acquisition of Activision and discuss the pitfalls of roll-ups. The complexities of integrating companies and leveraging talent are also explored. Additionally, they highlight the risks posed by strategic investors and reflect on the evolving landscape of gaming acquisitions, showcasing the industry's growth dynamics.
55 snips
May 14, 2025 • 53min
AI as a Platform (Ep. 23)
The discussion centers on how AI is revolutionizing gameplay through large language models, enhancing narrative experiences in interactive games like Event Zero and AI Dungeon. Listeners learn about vibe coding, empowering creators to focus on outcomes without deep programming skills. The hosts highlight AI companions and innovative storytelling, while also examining the labor implications of AI in gaming. They emphasize the need for the industry to embrace technology's advantages to foster growth and engagement amid potential job concerns.
40 snips
May 7, 2025 • 45min
Hasbro and Lego (Ep. 22)
Explore how Hasbro and Lego navigated the gaming industry, revealing their distinct paths and strategies. Discover tales of licensing triumphs, like the iconic Lego Star Wars collaboration, and learn about Hasbro's strategic acquisitions and iconic Monopoly Go. The podcast also dives into the rise of competitive block-based games like Minecraft and Roblox, highlighting challenges that both toy giants faced in the digital realm. Tune in for insightful commentary on how these brands adapted their business models and influenced modern gaming culture.
