Deconstructor of Fun

According to Niko Partners, the India games market is projected to generate almost $900M in 2023 with almost ½ a billion players.  That's growth of 21% YOY from 2022 for revenue and 12% for the number of players. Probably the most interesting stat is that 97% of India’s gamers play on smartphones.

To dig in, we got the platform experts to come and highlight the various opportunities, from overall revenue to implementing new payment methods, sub-dollar price point IAP, exclusive products, and marketing tips.

We welcome Vinay Charaniya and Ash Dixit from the Google Play Partnerships team focused on India and SEA. Both of them consult gaming developers, helping them grow their games on the Google Play Platform. 

For developers who want to reach out to get more info on scaling their games for India (or other emerging markets), we have this simple form to fill out, and the Google Play Partnership team will reach out. Or, need India localization tips? Check out Ash's Medium article.

Laura and Phil deep dive into Monster Hunter's early positive numbers in Japan before arguing over Warcraft Rumble's design and art choice. Jen and Kress put the Activision and Microsoft merger to rest while setting up their fantasy drafts for new CEOs of Activision, post-Bobby Kotick's departure at the end of 2023, and Unity, post-John Riccitiello's departures. Finally, the team reviews all the reasons why Disney shouldn't, can't, and won't buy EA.

Is there an opportunity for AR gaming on mobile after all the attention coming to AR from the Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro?

Here to unpack that topic is Asad J Malik, CEO of Jaru AR.

Asad is an augmented reality pioneer whose critically acclaimed narrative storytelling projects positioned him as a visionary in the space before completing his undergraduate degree. He has directed next-generation AR experiences featuring icons like Serena Williams and Lil Nas X and runs the AR company Jadu, launching a first-of-its-kind multiplayer augmented reality fighting game for mobile.

Check our Jadu Fight in AR

Available on iOS and Android

Needless to say, the games industry is going through a rough patch after a decade of booming growth. That is why this episode, with a16z’s Jordan Mazer, is very relevant both for companies and individuals. 

Join us in Tel Aviv > LINK

The fabulous four discuss Epic's massive layoffs, Netflix's Love is Blind, Fortnite's price increases, and Unity CEO, John Riccotello's

Hosts: Jen Donahue, Laura Taranto, Eric Kress and Philip Black

Thanks to our world-class sponsors: AppsFlyer, Heroic Labs, Data.ai and Xsolla

Co-host of TWIG, Jen Donahoe, kicks off her one-on-one deep dive series of podcasts designed to give listeners actionable tips from experts in the game industry across marketing, publishing, media, and more.

First up, Robin Gray from Gray Media, founder of Gayming Magazine, the world's only LGBTQ video game magazine, and creator of the Gayming Awards, coming April 2024.

They discuss the benefits of and tips for authentically showcasing representation in your games.

Join us in Tel Aviv > SIGNUP

We have the full crew back in the house Together we analyze the latest turns in the Unity saga and most importantly (or least importantly) tell what we'd do should we be running the company. We also debate the role of Big Tech in the game industry's future.

SPEEDRUN >>> application link

Do you have 15 minutes, a strong core team, and an idea you dream about pursuing? If you said yes three times, you're in for an opportunity of a lifetime, also known as SPEEDRUN.

SPEEDRUN is a program for game startups, unlike anything you've seen before:

You have till the end of September to apply, so act fast! 

ps: use the code DOF for extra goodwill ;)

Tel Aviv Game Executive Brunch > SIGN UP

With Mishka multiple Spritz's deep in Italy and Laura somewhere in a Turkish Hot Air Ballon, Jen, Eric, and Phil get to the meat and potatoes: Go-DOT or GOD-oh? Unity’s proposed runtime response is public, while Eric uncovers buried AppLovin news… You can’t hide from the Kress! Jen reminds us that Privacy Manifest is here, and it’s coming for your fingerprints. Phil can’t get over the Microsoft leaks, and Eric is on the ground floor for Roblox’s developer conference.