Avsnitt
-
For the first time in Naavik’s history, we’re excited to bring a live audience show experience to air! At GDC, host, Alexandra Takei, Director at Ruckus Games, sat down with Nick Popovich, CEO and Founder of Monomi Park, in San Francisco for a conversation centered around “doing it all yourself” in the indie games market — no external funding, crowd financing, or publishing support.
In 2014, Nick and his co-founder decided to start a studio and launch Slime Rancher in 2016. They sold 10M units over the following decade, grew from 2 to 45 people, launched a second game into early access, and have begun working on an entirely new IP.
Today’s conversation explores how Monomi Park thinks about studio culture, growth, crunch, and innovation — plus how to get players to notice your game, buy it, and play it repeatedly. This episode also includes our first ever live audience Q&A and is a must-listen for any founder looking to make it independently.
We’d also like to thank AWS for Games for making this episode possible. AWS for Games aligns purpose-built game development capabilities — including AWS services like Amazon GameLift as well as solutions from AWS Partners — to help game developers build, run, and grow their games. For more information, visit https://aws.amazon.com/gametech/
If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at [email protected].
Watch the episode: YouTube Channel
For more episodes and details: Podcast Website
Free newsletter: Naavik Digest
Follow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | Website
Sound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.
-
In this episode, host Niko Vuori interviews Justin Stolzenberg, co-founder of Metica, a startup aiming to revolutionize gaming analytics through AI-driven insights and personalized experiences.
Founded by ex-King and ex-Apple employees, Metica’s approach is a unique combination of King’s iterative, hyper-data-driven approach and Apple’s high-polish culture. The company recently announced their $9 million seed round. The episode covers the challenges of launching in the saturated analytics market and how Metica differentiates itself by focusing on actionable insights rather than just data collection. The conversation also explores the role of AI and machine learning in gaming, the importance of personalization, and the future aspirations of Metica in the gaming industry.
We’d also like to thank Heroic Labs for making this episode possible! Thousands of studios have trusted Heroic Labs to help them focus on their games and not worry about gametech or scaling for success. To learn more and reach out, visit https://heroiclabs.com/?utm_source=Naavik&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=Podcast
If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at [email protected].
Watch the episode: YouTube Channel
For more episodes and details: Podcast Website
Free newsletter: Naavik Digest
Follow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | Website
Sound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.
-
Saknas det avsnitt?
-
In this episode, our host, Alexandra Takei, Director at Ruckus Games, sits down with Kyu Lee, Chief Business Development Officer at Com2Us, Partner at CRIT Ventures, and ex-president of Com2Us USA. They explore Com2Us Holdings' evolution from its early days as Gamevil to becoming a global mobile powerhouse with hits like Summoners War, one of the industry’s biggest mobile IPs that has generated over $3B+ in revenue.
Kyu shares insights on the company's pivotal shifts, including its focus on mobile gaming, the transition to live operations, its approach to licensing Western IP like Major League Baseball, and his story about what it is like to be at the helm of a major geographic expansion. The conversation also touches on Com2Us’s strategic investments in blockchain and its venture arm, CRIT Ventures. Kyu discusses how gaming in South Korea is evolving, the growing influence of IP across global markets, what is currently being undervalued, and what Com2Us must execute in 2025.
We’d also like to thank Overwolf for making this episode possible! Whether you're a gamer, creator, or game studio, Overwolf is the ultimate destination for integrating UGC in games! You can check out all Overwolf has to offer at https://www.overwolf.com/.
If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at [email protected].
Watch the episode: YouTube Channel
For more episodes and details: Podcast Website
Free newsletter: Naavik Digest
Follow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | Website
Sound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.
-
In this episode, host Niko Vuori speaks with Jeff Zirlin, co-founder of Sky Mavis and the play-to-earn OG, Axie Infinity, about the significant developments in the web3 gaming space, particularly the transition of the Ronin blockchain to a permissionless model.
They discuss Jeff's background and journey into web3, the origin story and wild ride of Axie Infinity, the evolution of the Ronin blockchain, the introduction of the Ronin Developer Console, and the impressive growth metrics of the Ronin ecosystem. The conversation touches on the current state of the Axie Infinity economy and the future of third-party gaming projects on the Ronin chain.
We also explore the balance between quality and openness in game development, the incentives for developers, and the potential for future growth as more games launch on the Ronin network.
We’d also like to thank TikTok for making this episode possible. In a dynamic gaming market where a majority of games fail within three years, TikTok has become a critical partner in helping games achieve long-term player retention and substantial revenue growth. Learn more: https://bit.ly/LiveOpsProgramNAVPodcast
If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at [email protected].
Watch the episode: YouTube Channel
For more episodes and details: Podcast Website
Free newsletter: Naavik Digest
Follow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | Website
Sound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.
-
Over the years, Spatial has undergone a wide-ranging evolution. It evolved from an AR collaboration platform to a Roblox competitor (with 2M+ creators), and it's now a VR game developer with the top earning VR game on the Meta Quest store (Animal Company). Spatial has raised almost $50M, according to Crunchbase, based on the founders’ convictions that 3D virtual spaces are the future of social experiences.
In this conversation, our host, David Taylor, sat down with Anand Agarawala, the Founder and CEO of Spatial, to unpack the lessons learned from the success of Animal Company. We explore how a founder decides when it’s time to pivot, the dynamics of competing with Roblox, and what the future holds for VR, UGC, and web-based games.
We’d also like to thank nSure.ai for making this episode possible! As a proven industry leader, nSure.ai provides scalable payment fraud prevention that’s not just effective but tailored specifically to your needs. To learn more, visit https://www.nsure.ai/contact
If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at [email protected].
Watch the episode: YouTube Channel
For more episodes and details: Podcast Website
Free newsletter: Naavik Digest
Follow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | Website
Sound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.
-
In this episode, host, Alexandra Takei, Director at Ruckus Games, is joined by Jacob Rapoport (CEO and Co-Founder) and Nico Vereecke from Evil Plan to discuss their groundbreaking project in AI-powered, unscripted fantasy entertainment. The conversation explores the future of interactive storytelling, where community influence and fully AI-driven narratives combine to create an entirely new genre of entertainment.
Jacob and Nico express their belief in AI’s potential to address the “cost problem” of new IP (i.e., significant upstart capital for uncertain returns) and the “manpower problem” (limited hours available each day) that contributes to content shortages. They explain how their company is developing a platform for dynamic, emergent storytelling. With AI at its core, Evil Plan seeks to transform how stories are created, allowing audience participation to play a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of plots and sub-plots, resulting in both unpredictable drama and interactive experiences. If you’re a fan of community-driven entertainment phenomena like Twitch Plays Pokémon, Bandersnatch, Genvid’s MILEs, or Blaseball, this is a conversation worth exploring. You can also check out our content coverage on Genvid and Blaseball on our website.
We’d also like to thank Lightspeed Venture Partners for making this episode possible! With its dedicated gaming practice, "Lightspeed Gaming," the firm is investing from over $7B in early- and growth-stage capital — the by far largest fund focused on gaming and interactive technology. If you’re interested in learning more, go to https://gaming.lsvp.com/.If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at [email protected].
Watch the episode: YouTube Channel
For more episodes and details: Podcast Website
Free newsletter: Naavik Digest
Follow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | Website
Sound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.
-
Cloud technology is transforming the way games are developed, hosted, and maintained. In this episode, host Devin Becker is joined by Chris Melissinos, AWS Principal Evangelist for video games, to discuss the growing role of cloud services in game development. Chris highlights how Amazon Web Services (AWS) is empowering developers with tools that reduce production costs, streamline workflows, and enable innovations like off-client AI processing. We also explore how AWS helps address challenges such as scalability, user-generated content moderation, and matchmaking for player-driven experiences.
The conversation dives into real-world examples of cloud-driven advancements, and Chris shares insights into how cloud servers can help preserve game history, handle complex computing tasks, and improve collaboration across distributed teams. The discussion also touches on how cloud services support developers facing today’s rising production costs and how cloud infrastructure is shaping the future of game development. Whether you're a developer, designer, or producer, this episode offers a practical look at how cloud tech is unlocking new possibilities for the game industry.
We’d also like to thank Neon – a merchant of record with customizable webshops optimized for conversion – for making this episode possible! Neon is trusted by some of the biggest names in gaming and can help you sell direct without the typical overhead. To learn more, visit https://www.neonpay.com/?utm_source=naavik
If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at [email protected].Watch the episode: YouTube Channel
For more episodes and details: Podcast Website
Free newsletter: Naavik Digest
Follow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | Website
Sound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.
-
In this episode, host Alexanda Takei, Director at Ruckus Games, sits down with Spike Laurie, Partner at Hiro Capital, to dissect gaming finance's grim reality in 2025. The conversation starts with a discussion on the industry's downturn, marked by studio closures and a reduction in funding, particularly at the Series A level. Venture capital, once a goldmine for game studios, is now retreating, and if not retreating, shifting many of their investments to infrastructure.
The duo discuss hard questions such as founders' frustrations that VCs have set the bar too high for the products they are making, whether investing in infrastructure actually sidesteps content risk (given the clients of ‘picks and shovels’ are venture-backed gaming studios), and whether a fund would ever return raised capital back to their LPs given the recent market’s low returns. They discuss what options founders have in 2025 and what Hiro may be looking for as they deploy Fund II ($340M USD). They also discuss Snowprint Studios' sale to MTG and how that relates to fund strategy in games. The episode concludes with a look at what the future holds for gaming VC in 2025, with a focus on the importance of backing resilient teams and innovative IP.
We’d also like to thank AWS for Games for making this episode possible. AWS for Games aligns purpose-built game development capabilities — including AWS services like Amazon GameLift as well as solutions from AWS Partners — to help game developers build, run, and grow their games. For more information, visit https://aws.amazon.com/gametech/
If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at [email protected].
Watch the episode: YouTube Channel
For more episodes and details: Podcast Website
Free newsletter: Naavik Digest
Follow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | Website
Sound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.
-
In this episode of the Naavik Gaming podcast, host Niko Vuori welcomes back Luke Barwikowski, founder and CEO of Pixels.xyz, to discuss whether Play-to-Earn mechanics can, in fact, be sustainable.
Luke shares the evolution of Pixels, its unique approach to Play-to-Earn gaming, and the strategies that have led to significant user growth (10 million registered users) and revenue generation (over $20 million in the past 12 months). The conversation delves into the sustainability of Play-to-Earn models, the importance of data-driven decision-making in game monetization, and the future plans for expanding the Pixels ecosystem.
Luke also shares insights into the current state of web3 player demographics and geographic player concentration, the monetization strategies being employed, and the role of DAOs in shaping the future of gaming.
We’d also like to thank Overwolf for making this episode possible! Whether you're a gamer, creator, or game studio, Overwolf is the ultimate destination for integrating UGC in games! You can check out all Overwolf has to offer at https://www.overwolf.com/.
If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at [email protected].
Watch the episode: YouTube Channel
For more episodes and details: Podcast Website
Free newsletter: Naavik Digest
Follow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | Website
Sound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.
-
The intersection of anime, games, and technology takes center stage in this episode. Host Aaron Bush is joined by Kun Gao, a serial entrepreneur known for co-founding Crunchyroll, the world’s leading anime streaming platform, and now charting new paths in the games industry with GGWP, an AI-driven moderation platform, and Forge, which is enabling direct-to-consumer loyalty programs for games teams.
In this conversation, we explore the many lessons Kun learned from scaling Crunchyroll and navigating high-profile dealmaking with IP companies and stakeholders like The Chernin Group and Sony. We then dive into the founding stories of GGWP and Forge, unpack the big ideas behind both companies, and dig into how more interconnected loyalty programs can empower game developers to create deeper, more valuable connections with their players.
This episode is packed with insights into Kun’s entrepreneurial process, so make sure to tune in!
We’d also like to thank Lightspeed Venture Partners for making this episode possible! With its dedicated gaming practice, "Lightspeed Gaming," the firm is investing from over $7B in early- and growth-stage capital — the by far largest fund focused on gaming and interactive technology. If you’re interested in learning more, go to https://gaming.lsvp.com/
If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at [email protected].
Who’s On:
Guest - Kun Gao: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kungao/
Host - Aaron Bush: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-bush-846b8185/
Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast Website
Free newsletter: Naavik Digest
Follow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | Website
Sound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.
-
Today, we dive deep into the world of gaming innovation with a guest who’s been at the forefront of some of the industry’s most exciting trends — from enabling user generated content to launching the first commercially successful game leveraging AI agents.
In this conversation, our host, David Taylor, sits down with Ran Mo, the Founder and CEO of Proxima, to unpack the lessons learned from Proxima’s success with the viral sensation Suck Up!, a game developed where players act as vampires that must convince AI citizens to let you in their home so you can suck their blood.
Ran is also the former Head of Central Product Management at Electronic Arts and oversaw the development of UGC systems for iconic franchises like The Sims and Skate. He also shares his thoughts on the future of gaming, from the role of AI and UGC to the innovations that could define the next generation of experiences.
We’d also like to thank TikTok for making this episode possible. In a dynamic gaming market where a majority of games fail within three years, TikTok has become a critical partner in helping games achieve long-term player retention and substantial revenue growth. Learn more: https://bit.ly/LiveOpsProgramNAVPodcast
If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at [email protected].
Watch the episode: YouTube Channel
For more episodes and details: Podcast Website
Free newsletter: Naavik Digest
Follow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | Website
Sound design by Gavin Mc Cabe. -
The role of community management in gaming has never been more critical. In this episode, our host Alexandra Takei, Director at Ruckus Games, joins Andrew Beegle, founder of Beegle Productions and Gravity Gang, and Tim Smith, co-founder of Cohezion AI, to discuss the evolving discipline of community management.
Together, they explore the transformation of community roles over the past decade, from the decline of forums to the rise of Discord and influencer-driven strategies. The discussion highlights best practices for engaging communities early in development, balancing transparency with managing expectations, and leveraging tools like AI to scale engagement. They also address the nuanced dynamics of working with influencers and measuring community health pre and post-launch.
If you’re navigating the challenges of building a loyal player base in a saturated market, this conversation provides actionable insights and strategies to thrive in 2025, including the groups must-have software tools for community development and predictions for headwinds community organizations will face heading into a content saturated market.
We’d also like to thank Overwolf for making this episode possible! Whether you're a gamer, creator, or game studio, Overwolf is the ultimate destination for integrating UGC in games! You can check out all Overwolf has to offer at https://www.overwolf.com/.
If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at [email protected].
Watch the episode: YouTube Channel
For more episodes and details: Podcast Website
Free newsletter: Naavik Digest
Follow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | Website
Sound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.
-
In this episode, host Niko Vuori is joined by Naavik’s own web3 analyst, Devin Becker, to dive into the current state of web3 gaming, reflecting on the past year and looking ahead to 2025.
They discuss the industry's significant developments, including the emergence (finally!) of quality games, the evolving regulatory landscape, and the shifting dynamics of funding, particularly for indie studios. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by AAA games in adopting web3 technologies and the potential need for consolidation.
They also explore the challenges and opportunities presented by integrating web3 technologies into gaming, the potential of Telegram as a distribution platform, and the geographic concentration of web3 studios in Asia. The discussion culminates in predictions for 2025, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in the gaming industry.
We’d also like to thank nSure.ai for making this episode possible! As a proven industry leader, nSure.ai provides scalable payment fraud prevention that’s not just effective but tailored specifically to your needs. To learn more, visit https://www.nsure.ai/contact
If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at [email protected].
Watch the episode: YouTube Channel
For more episodes and details: Podcast Website
Free newsletter: Naavik Digest
Follow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | Website
Sound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.
-
To kick off the new year, host Alexandra Takei, Director at Ruckus Games, interviews Songyee Yoon, former President and Chief Strategy Officer of NCSoft and now founding partner at PVP Ventures, which recently raised a $100M fund to invest in AI startups.
They explore NCSoft’s transformation from its early days to a global gaming powerhouse, focusing on strategic pivots like transitioning from subscription models to free-to-play, embracing mobile gaming, and forging key partnerships with Tencent and others. Songyee shares her perspective on Korean gaming culture, from the role of PC cafés to transmedia collaborations, and how they shaped NCSoft’s growth. She discusses lessons learned from her tenure, including navigating challenges in organizational change and adapting to technological shifts.
The episode also dives into broader trends like casualization, Korea’s bullish stance on blockchain, and the global influence of Korean entertainment on gaming. Songyee closes by sharing her predictions for 2025, NCSoft’s future, and opportunities in Korea’s gaming market, while offering insights on applying her experience to venture capital. This episode is a must-listen for those interested in strategy, innovation, and the Korean gaming industry!
We’d also like to thank Reforged Labs for making this episode possible. This YC startup automates the traditionally costly and time-consuming ad production process, delivering high-quality, cost-effective video ads in under 24 hours – and it’s all powered by a proprietary AI engine trained on thousands of successful game ads. Learn more: https://reforgedlabs.com/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=naavik_promo&utm_id=naavik+promo&utm_term=newsletter&utm_content=october30.
If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at [email protected].
Watch the episode: YouTube Channel
For more episodes and details: Podcast Website
Free newsletter: Naavik Digest
Follow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | Website
Sound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.
-
In this episode of the Naavik Gaming Podcast, host Niko Vuori interviews Nigel Eccles, the co-founder and former CEO of FanDuel, exploring his journey in the online gaming world, the origin story of FanDuel, its competition with DraftKings, and the regulatory challenges faced by the fantasy sports industry.
Nigel shares the inside scoop on the FanDuel multi-billion dollar class action lawsuit and the evolving landscape of sports betting and gaming technology. Transitioning from FanDuel to his new venture, BetHog, he emphasizes the importance of innovation in the online casino space, particularly through social gaming and streaming. They also discuss the intricacies of betting mechanics, the design of engaging games, the challenges posed by regulations, and the future of crypto in the gaming industry.
We’d also like to thank Heroic Labs for making this episode possible! Thousands of studios have trusted Heroic Labs to help them focus on their games and not worry about gametech or scaling for success. To learn more and reach out, visit https://heroiclabs.com/?utm_source=Naavik&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=Podcast
If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at [email protected].
Watch the episode: YouTube Channel
For more episodes and details: Podcast Website
Free newsletter: Naavik Digest
Follow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | Website
Sound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.
-
The sub-AA/AAA world of games has become increasingly competitive in recent years, and yet Serenity Forge, a diverse 40-50 person publisher based out of Colorado, has found a way to grow, develop, and publish games with very high success rates. How do they do it?
To answer this question, host Aaron Bush is joined by Zhenghua (Z) Yang, the founder and CEO of Serenity Forge. They discuss Z’s inspiring story, how publishing has evolved over the past decade, and how Z goes above and beyond to ensure success. They also dig into the nuances of working with subscription platforms, the underdiscussed benefits of physical sales, building unique distribution, structuring publishing deals, and how AI does (and doesn’t) impact the way they think about supporting games.
If you want a case study of how to win and stand out in a crowded gaming market, make sure to give this episode a listen!
We’d also like to thank AWS for Games for making this episode possible. AWS for Games aligns purpose-built game development capabilities — including AWS services like Amazon GameLift as well as solutions from AWS Partners — to help game developers build, run, and grow their games. For more information, visit https://aws.amazon.com/gametech/
If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at [email protected].
Who’s On:
Guest - Zhenghua (Z) Yang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serenityz/
Host - Aaron Bush: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-bush-846b8185/
Watch the episode: YouTube Channel
For more episodes and details: Podcast Website
Free newsletter: Naavik Digest
Follow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | Website
Sound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.
-
Writing and directing for transmedia is an often overlooked part of world building in video games, but as consumers it is one of the most memorable elements of any game we play. Our host, David Taylor sat down with Neel Upadhye, a creative powerhouse who has left his mark on some of the most iconic franchises in gaming.
From shaping the lore of Star Wars: The Old Republic and Battlefield 2042 to crafting Stories from the Outlands for Apex Legends, Neel’s work has been viewed tens of millions of times, defining what it means to merge storytelling with gameplay. In this episode, we explore Neel’s journey through the gaming industry, dive into his creative process, and what the future holds for transmedia storytelling.
We’d also like to thank Lightspeed Venture Partners for making this episode possible! With its dedicated gaming practice, "Lightspeed Gaming," the firm is investing from over $7B in early- and growth-stage capital — the by far largest fund focused on gaming and interactive technology. If you’re interested in learning more, go to https://gaming.lsvp.com/.
If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at [email protected].
Watch the episode: YouTube Channel
For more episodes and details: Podcast Website
Free newsletter: Naavik Digest
Follow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | Website
Sound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.
-
Botting, an often misused term that encapsulates multi-accounting, cheating, and fraud, plays a pivotal role in gaming — sometimes enhancing experiences but often undermining them.
Our host, Alexandra Takei, Director at Ruckus Games, sits down with Henry LeGard, CEO and co-founder of Verisoul, and George Ng, CTO and co-founder of GGWP, to unpack the botting phenomenon. Their nuanced conversation covers why gaming is rife with bots, when bots are good, when bots are bad, and what gaming can learn from cybersecurity and homeland security.
The conversation digs into detection strategies (including behavioral analysis, device fingerprinting, and the deployment of ban waves) and also explores how community plays a role in bot detection and reporting. Finally, the trio discusses how the botting industry will change for the better or the worse with the advancements in AI.
We’d also like to thank Reforged Labs for making this episode possible. This YC startup automates the traditionally costly and time-consuming ad production process, delivering high-quality, cost-effective video ads in under 24 hours – and it’s all powered by a proprietary AI engine trained on thousands of successful game ads. Learn more: https://reforgedlabs.com/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=naavik_promo&utm_id=naavik+promo&utm_term=newsletter&utm_content=october30.
If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at [email protected].
Watch the episode: YouTube Channel
For more episodes and details: Podcast Website
Free newsletter: Naavik Digest
Follow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | Website
Sound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.
-
In this episode of the Naavik Gaming Podcast, host Niko Vuori interviews Antti Hattara, co-founder and CEO of StarBerry Games, about their successful mobile game, Merge Mayor.
As the game surpasses the $25 million revenue milestone, the conversation covers the game's journey from an idle game that pivoted into a merge-2 (along the lines of Metacore’s Merge Mansion), the challenges of the merge category, and the importance of community engagement through platforms like Discord.
Antti shares insights into the development processes of Merge Mayor with just a 22-person team, key moments that contributed to its success, and strategies for balancing feedback from hardcore players with the needs of new users. The discussion also touches on the innovative social features of the game, the “pyramid” framework for player engagement, and their evolving approach to storytelling.
We’d also like to thank nSure.ai for making this episode possible! As a proven industry leader, nSure.ai provides scalable payment fraud prevention that’s not just effective but tailored specifically to your needs. To learn more, visit https://www.nsure.ai/contact
If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at [email protected].
Watch the episode: YouTube Channel
For more episodes and details: Podcast Website
Free newsletter: Naavik Digest
Follow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | Website
Sound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.
-
AI is increasingly touching every corner of the games industry, and one of the areas it may have the largest impact on is user acquisition. Today, host Aaron Bush is joined by Robert Huynh, co-founder and CEO of Reforged Labs, to discuss how AI will transform the way gaming creatives are made, experimented with, and ultimately convert consumers.
They dive into how the world of online content and digital marketing may evolve in the coming years, what Reforged Labs is building to help mobile game teams find greater and more efficient success, and how AI in marketing is a democratizing force for smaller companies. Robert shares multiple lessons learned as a repeat founder, walks us through the technology underpinning Reforged Labs, and we chat about why the future of AI content may not be as dystopian as many fear.
If you want to learn where the future of marketing is heading, make sure to give this episode a listen!We’d also like to thank Neon – a merchant of record with customizable webshops optimized for conversion – for making this episode possible! Neon is trusted by some of the biggest names in gaming and can help you sell direct without the typical overhead. To learn more, visit https://www.neonpay.com/?utm_source=naavik
If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at [email protected].
Who’s On:
Guest - Robert Huynh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huynhrobert/
Host - Aaron Bush: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-bush-846b8185/
Watch the episode: YouTube Channel
For more episodes and details: Podcast Website
Free newsletter: Naavik Digest
Follow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | Website
Sound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.
- Visa fler
