Deconstructor of Fun

It’s Halloween and conference season, so we’re diving into all the latest insights without of course missing a basketball update.

In this deep dive discussion, Adam Telfer, Chris Sides, Phillip Black, and Davan Brannan explore the current state of the PC and console shooter genre, analyzing player engagement trends, the impact of COVID-19, and the struggles of new game entrants in a saturated market.

They discuss the decline in player numbers for popular titles, the challenges of maintaining engagement, and the implications for future game development. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the challenges and strategies surrounding the launch and retention of new first-person shooter (FPS) games.

The four also discuss the importance of live content, player migration, and the barriers new titles face in a saturated market.

The conversation ends with an exploration of the future of extraction shooters and the key elements developers must focus on to succeed in the competitive landscape of PvP shooters.

Chapters:

00:00 The Shooter Genre Landscape

02:36 Analyzing Player Engagement in Shooters

09:06 The Impact of COVID on Shooter Game Popularity

11:00 Contrasting Successes and Failures in Recent Titles

21:33 New Entrants and Their Struggles in the Market

28:35 The Challenge of Launching New FPS Games

32:00 Player Migration and Retention in FPS Titles

35:32 Barriers for New PvP Shooters

38:09 Strategies for Competing in a Saturated Market

41:58 The Future of Extraction Shooters

49:57 Key Takeaways for Developing Successful Shooters

Keywords:

PC, console, shooter games, player engagement, market analysis, COVID impact, game launches, FPS, PvP, PvE, FPS games, player retention, game development, extraction shooters, PvP shooters, gaming market, player migration, live service, game thesis, competitive gaming

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This episode of This Week in Games covers major shifts in gaming, as Netflix shutting down its AAA studio, TikTok’s LiveOps program, and the rise of influencer marketing and Supercell’s all-hands-on-deck approach to save Squad Busters. The episode also addresses the perceived decline of AA studios.

Hosts: Jen Donahoe, Adam Telfer, Phillip Black and Mishka Katkoff

On his 55th visit to beyond the Wall (aka. Finland) Peter Levin of Griffin Gaming Partners delves into the influence of Finland's gaming scene, the global success of companies like Supercell, and the legacy of titles such as Angry Birds and Habbo Hotel. 

We discuss the impact of technology, transmedia trends, and how non-endemic players like Netflix are entering the gaming space. The conversation covers strategic mergers and acquisitions, the resurgence of PC gaming, and the exciting potential in emerging markets. 

Tune in to understand how cultural adaptability, partnership dynamics, and IP management are driving the gaming industry forward.

00:00 Introduction and Peter's Frequent Visits to Finland

02:59 Rovio and Angry Birds

08:35 Impact of Nokia and Finnish Gaming Success

15:08 Challenges and Opportunities in the Finnish Gaming Market

18:56 Global Perspective and Market Dynamics

27:09 Transmedia and Gaming Adaptations

37:33 Disney's Aha Moment

38:12 Legacy Media and Gaming

38:37 Warner Brothers' Gaming Success

39:21 Advice for Big IP Holders

39:37 Investing in Gaming Executives

40:37 Strategic Acquisitions

41:27 Sports Leagues and Gaming

41:55 Overinvestment Concerns

42:48 Netflix's Gaming Strategy

50:18 Transmedia Business Case

52:16 John Wick in Fortnite

55:20 Skills and IP Partnerships

01:07:01 Future of Gaming

01:10:49 Closing Thoughts

In this episode of TWIG (This Week in Games), the team dives into recent gaming industry news, starting with Google’s Play and Xbox announcements, followed by the Game Freak data breach and Xbox developments.

'They discuss Supercell’s mysterious Project Rise, the rumored Destiny Rising mobile game, and blockchain gaming with Off the Grid. The episode also highlights Azra Games’ Project Legends, speculates on Scopely’s next mega-deal, and wraps up with Supercell’s marketing shakeup.

00:00 Intro
01:55 Quick Hits
05:28 Google Play and Xbox Announcements
07:43 Game Freak Data Breach and Xbox News
13:16 Supercell's Project Rise
14:17 Destiny Rising Mobile Game
20:54 Off the Grid: Blockchain Gaming
29:54 Web3 Game Development Challenges
30:37 Marketing and Investor Influence
31:23 Player Reception and Crypto Integration
36:16 Azra Games and Project Legends
45:06 Scopely's Mega Deal Speculations
56:40 Supercell's Marketing Shakeup

Michail Katkoff sits down with Javier Ferreira, Co-CEO of Scopely, to explore the success behind Scopely's hit game Monopoly Go, which has generated over $3 billion in lifetime revenue.

Javier shares insights into Scopely's acquisition by Savvy, the impact of solid partnerships, and Scopely's future ambitions with original IPs.

Learn about effective game development, strategic risk-taking, and the evolving landscape of the gaming industry. Discover what makes Scopely a leader in IP-based gaming and Javier's views on the bright future of gaming.

00:00 Introduction and Learning Journey

01:06 Monopoly Go's Commercial Success

07:05 Scopely's Approach to IP and Game Development

13:13 Challenges and Convictions in Game Development

22:44 Impact of Savvy's Acquisition on Scopely

31:05 Future of the Gaming Industry and Final Thoughts

The TWIG team unpacks the latest developments in Ubisoft’s internal drama. They also dive into the troubled launch of Squadbusters and explore whether toxic positivity is a growing issue in game development. Plus, get the latest on the Epic vs. Google legal battle and the controversies surrounding Roblox. Tune in for sharp analysis and thoughtful discussion on all things gaming!

02:02 Event Highlights and Industry Insights

04:37 Savvy Games Group and Upcoming Podcasts

08:21 Ubisoft Drama and Tencent's Stake

13:35 Squadbusters Game Launch Misfires?

32:51 Exploring Toxic Positivity in Game Development

52:23 Epic vs Google Legal Battle

59:00 Roblox Under Fire

Saudi Arabia has a bold vision - to transform itself into a global gaming hub by 2030. 

With insights from Savvy Games Group CEO Brian Ward and Gerard Miles, co-CEO of executive headhunting company Mission One, we delve into the Kingdom's strategic efforts to build a robust gaming ecosystem in the Middle East. 

Discover the opportunities and challenges of navigating business in Saudi Arabia, and learn how cultural understanding and genuine connections can foster success in this burgeoning market. Gain valuable advice on investment prospects and expansion strategies from those at the forefront of these exciting developments.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Episode Overview

03:01 Guest Introductions and Backgrounds

05:18 Brian's Move to Saudi Arabia

07:35 Perceptions and Realities of Saudi Arabia

11:15 Female Participation and Workforce Transformation

16:29 Understanding Savvy Games Group

23:37 Long-Term Investment Strategy and E-Sports

30:00 Financial Discipline and Strategic Investments

34:49 Building a Self-Sustaining Gaming Ecosystem

38:13 Empowering Saudi Entrepreneurs

39:05 Building a Gaming Ecosystem

42:28 Global Comparisons and Strategies

49:18 Talent Development and Ecosystem Growth

01:02:06 Navigating Business Culture in Saudi Arabia

01:10:03 Opportunities and Advice for Businesses and Individuals

01:14:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Jen Donahoe, Eric Kress, Phillip Black, and Mishka Katkoff discuss the impact of California's new digital ownership law, highlights from the Tokyo Game Show, and the record-breaking numbers on Steam. They also delve into Ubisoft's delays, Behavior Interactive's acquisitions, and Meta's new AR glasses, concluding with a look at Genshin Impact's impressive revenue and market influence.

Takeaways

* Mishka shares insights from his recent travels and conferences.

* Squad Busters faces challenges in the competitive gaming market.

* Indie game publishing is on the rise with new trends emerging.

* California's new law impacts digital ownership for gamers.

* The relevance of the Tokyo Game Show is declining in the gaming industry.

* Steam continues to break user records, showcasing its dominance.

* Ubisoft's delays raise concerns about its leadership and future.

* Behavior Interactive is expanding through acquisitions despite challenges.

* Meta's AR glasses could revolutionize user interaction with technology.

* Genshin Impact's success highlights the potential for high-budget mobile games.

Segments:

03:07 Mishka's Adventures and Industry Insights

06:32 Squadbusters

08:14 Quick Hits

15:50 Epic Games and Legal Battles

18:58 Ubisoft Struggles

22:09 Behavior Interactive + M&A

27:16 Throne and Liberty: A New MMO Experience

31:34 Sports FC 25

34:51 India

37:52 Match Factory'

39:08 Monopoly Go's Going Soft?

44:20 Dragon Ball Z

45:27 Chris Likes Meta's Orion AR Glasses??

52:58 Genshin Impact

Host Jen Donahoe is joined by a panel of emerging game industry professionals—Pedro Bravo (Lead PM Monopoly Go at Scopely), Vlada Kumova (Game Producer at GameFam), and Lara Burić (Game Designer at Hutch).

The discussion centers around the challenges and barriers faced by the next generation of game developers as they enter the industry, the difficulties of securing opportunities, and the ongoing changes in hiring practices.

They share candid experiences about breaking into the industry, the expectations placed on junior versus senior talent, and the evolving dynamics of leadership and mentorship. The panel also explores the importance of fostering supportive environments and reducing crunch culture.

Tune in to hear valuable insights on how the next wave of creators is navigating the complexities of game development and paving the way for future industry practices.

02:34 Guest Intro

03:16 Pedro

04:07 Vlada

04:47 Laura

05:14 Challenges of Breaking into the Industry

11:20 Bipolar Hiring Vibes

18:07 Training and Mentorship

24:42 Early Career Challenges

28:10 Crunch Culture and Work-Life Balance

34:09 Specialization and Workload Management

36:54 Creating a Positive Work Environment

42:19 Effective Communication and Management

46:45 Gen-A and the future of Social Gaming

51:35 Wrap-Up