GameMakers

We discuss the impact, economics, and advantages of mobile web stores in a deep discussion with Gil Tov-ly, the CMO of AppCharge, a company that partners with game studios to build optimized web stores.

A deep dive into the most pressing topics in gaming with industry veterans discussing recent developments, challenges, and future outlooks.

Warren Woodward, co-founder and CMO at Upptic, provides real, no-nonsense advice about the current state of mobile performance marketing.

We dive deep into the fierce competition between Tencent and NetEase—two titans shaping the global gaming landscape.

Anton Bernstein, CEO of Pocket Worlds, discusses the intricacies of cosmetics monetization in free-to-play games. Learn about player motivations, game design considerations, primary vs. secondary markets, and cultural differences in monetization strategies. Gain valuable insights on key metrics and best practices for successful cosmetic-based revenue in games like Fortnite, CS:GO, and High Rise.

We partnered with Liquid & Grit to discuss the Brawl Stars Godzilla event, which had a massive impact on Brawl Stars' revenue and downloads.

- Highest weekly revenue ever

- 59% revenue increase and 107% downloads increase 3Wo3W

We review the event and discuss the implications and lessons learned.

Discussion Outline:

00:00 - Introduction of the roundtable, Joseph Kim, and the participants.

00:12 - Introduction of Joseph Kim and his work.

01:18 - Overview of Brawl Stars and its game modes.

02:07 - Discussion on the popularity of Brawl Stars among kids.

03:08 - Joseph Kim discusses game design and the success of isometric games.

03:50 - Comparison between Brawl Stars and Wild Rift in terms of game depth and modes.

04:42 - Observations on the female player base in Brawl Stars.

05:50 - Insights on why kids prefer Brawl Stars, focusing on game modes

.06:37 - Discussion on the decline of Fortnite and its impact on Brawl Stars.

07:33 - Introduction to the Godzilla event, its content, and game modes.

09:38 - Analysis of the event's impact on revenue and downloads.

11:18 - Explanation of event mechanics, including Monster Eggs and mutations.

13:02 - Discussion on player reactions to the temporary nature of mutations.

14:52 - Community reactions to pay-to-win elements and their temporary nature.

16:26 - Speculation on the potential return of the Godzilla event in the future.

17:18 - Discussion on the game mode experience and its balance.

18:40 - Participant's experience with the event and mutations.

20:53 - Discussion on club engagement and the club event mechanics.

21:46 - Description of the Godzilla City Smash game mode.

23:36 - Thoughts on the choice of the Godzilla IP for the event.

25:55 - In-depth discussion on the temporary nature of mutations and player perceptions.

27:04 - Considerations on event mechanics and their impact on player engagement and revenue.

28:30 - Speculations on legal implications of temporary in-game purchases.

30:17 - Discussion on the complexity of the event and its execution.

32:14 - Participant's views on the event's entertainment value and economic impact.

52:05 - Final thoughts on the event's design, economy, and player engagement.

53:41 - Closing remarks and thanks to participants.

0:00 Intro

Purnendu Mukherjee, CEO of Convai, shares insights into innovative approaches to developing human-like AI characters that can intelligently interact with users, perform actions, and engage in natural and responsive conversations.

We compare two major gaming companies, Embracer and Ubisoft, on this episode of Pixels and Profits.

✅ Business performance

✅ Valuation

✅ Future outlook of both companies

We analyze their strategies, financials, and potential for growth.

Timeline Summary:

00:00 - Introduction to the topic and overview of Embracer's business

03:00 - Discussion of Embracer's financials and debt situation

10:15 - Embracer's restructuring efforts and asset sales

13:45 - Embracer's tabletop gaming business and profitability

16:20 - Outlook for Embracer's PC and console division

21:20 - Embracer's mobile gaming business and challenges

24:25 - Valuation and investment potential for Embracer

26:45 - Introduction to Ubisoft's business and strategy

29:55 - Ubisoft's financials and revenue per employee issues

37:10 - Ubisoft's upcoming titles for fiscal year 2024

42:40 - Ubisoft's future outlook and titles for fiscal year 2025

49:50 - Valuation and investment potential for Ubisoft

52:05 - Concerns about Ubisoft's development strategies and efficiency

56:10 - Ubisoft's mobile gaming efforts and challenges

58:30 - Closing thoughts on Embracer and Ubisoft's future prospects

We discuss key themes & trends, critical takeaways, GDC panels/talks, and rumors from GDC 2024.

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