Deconstructor of Fun

Up Down Up is now available as an audiobook on Audible! https://www.amazon.com/UP-DOWN-companies-succeed-others/dp/B0CR7T9DPT In this episode, Kim Nordstrom joins the podcast to discuss his journey in the gaming industry, from releasing his first game in 1995 to significant roles at PlayStation, King, and Paradox. The conversation delves into topics from his book 'Up, Down, Up,' exploring what it takes to build a successful game company, the importance of culture and psychological safety, and the challenges of transitioning between growth and maturity phases. Kim also shares insights from his interviews with top industry leaders and how these experiences have shaped his current role as CEO of PlayerUnknown Productions. 01:05 Kim Nordstrom's Career Journey 03:06 The Making of 'Up, Down, Up' 06:31 Exploring Company Growth Patterns 10:19 The Importance of Company Culture 30:16 Understanding Psychological Safety 43:03 The Importance of Actions Over Words 44:10 Changing Culture Through Leadership 46:20 The SEAL Team Leadership Experiment 47:32 Scaling Teams and Maintaining Culture 48:57 Principles and Values in Leadership 53:34 The Role of Timing in Success 58:58 Navigating Growth and Maturity Phases 01:11:25 Challenges of Innovating Within Established Companies 01:24:32 Reflections on Leadership and Wisdom 01:28:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

In this episode of This Week in Games, we dive into the intriguing rumors surrounding a potential new PlayStation Portable and discuss Elon Musk’s rumored AI game studio, which could reshape innovation in the space. On the business side, we analyze the closure of Ubisoft studios and the enduring popularity of the Pokémon Trading Card Game.  In mobile gaming, we spotlight Habby’s big launches, including Capybara Go and Archero 2, before discussing Path of Exile 2's early access success.  Plus, we compare two heavyweight Eastern shooters, Marvel Rivals and Delta Force, and examine why so many new MOBAs struggle to gain traction.  Don’t miss this deep dive into the industry’s most exciting stories! Chapters: 02:48 Shills04:17 Hybrid Casual Playbook Release04:38 App Monetization Report10:30 Fortnite's Record-Breaking Season14:29 PlayStation Portable Rumors16:47 Elon Musk's AI Game Studio18:39 Investments and M&A24:33 Ubisoft Studio Shutdowns30:07 Pokemon Trading Card Game Success35:37 Habby's Big Launches: Capybara Go and Archero 240:44 Path of Exile 2 Early Access43:18 Battle of the Eastern Shooters: Marvel Rivals vs. Delta Force48:27 The Struggles of New MOBAs56:51 Conclusion and Sign-Off --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

In this episode, host Mishka Katkoff is joined by Sergei Vasiuk, LiveOps Director at Wargaming and author of 'Running a Successful Live Service Game.' The two delve into Sergei's book, discussing everything from the evolution of gaming models to data-driven development, player engagement, monetization strategies, and the challenges of global operations. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone in game development or LiveOps. Tune in for practical advice, learnings from Wargaming, and how to keep players engaged and your game profitable! 00:41 Importance of Live Operations 01:08 Overview of Sergei's Book 03:34 Sergei's Journey and Role at Wargaming 07:50 The Evolution of Gaming Models 12:03 Challenges and Strategies in Live Service Games 31:29 The Future of LiveOps and Community Engagement 38:23 Building Relationships with Content Creators 40:12 The Role of Data in Game Development 42:11 Understanding LiveOps and Player Engagement 45:34 The Importance of Decision Making in LiveOps 58:34 Balancing Monetization and Player Experience 01:11:16 Global Operations and Regional Relevance 01:18:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support

Dive deep into the world of game development and user acquisition with AppLovin’s Daniel TchernahovskyIn this episode, we explore the growth of mobile gaming, the significance of hybrid monetization, and the impact of automation and AI on user acquisition strategies. Learn how Applovin's journey from startup to powerhouse company evolved, the importance of maintaining company culture, and strategic insights on app and game monetization. 00:51 Daniel’s Journey with Applovin 08:21 Industry Trends and Insights 18:23 The Rise of Hybrid Monetization 31:46 Aligning Marketing and Product Teams 35:09 Understanding Benchmarks and Metrics 37:14 Integrating User Acquisition in Development 38:33 Team Dynamics and Agile Development 42:50 Predictive LTV and Visualization Techniques 47:35 Avoiding the Doom Loop 56:50 The Rise of Apps vs. Games --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/support