Mobile Games Playbook
Liftoff
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Welcome to the ultimate podcast for mobile games - Join our host Jon Jordan and expert guests as they uncover the winning strategies and closely-guarded secrets behind game development, monetization and user acquisition.
Brought to you by Liftoff, the leading growth acceleration platform, this podcast offers expert analysis and insights to elevate your mobile games!
Available episodes
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May 25, 2023
Episode 46: Unveiling the top 3 mobile game studio secrets for engaging live events
*In this episode, we will be delving into the latest trends in LiveOps and how game studios are utilizing live events to increase player engagement and revenue. Expert analysts from GameRefinery, a Liftoff Company, will discuss their new **Live Events Tracker** tool, which enables game developers to stay ahead of the competition by comparing and analyzing live events across various games and genres.
In the wake of Apple's groundbreaking **App Tracking Transparency** framework, it has become more important than ever for game developers to retain their players and find new ways to generate income. Join us as we unravel the remarkable advantages of leveraging live events to captivate players, designing successful events and how to use analytics to enhance your LiveOps strategy effectively.
Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and check out our websites, **https://liftoff.io/** and **https://gamerefinery.com/*,* for more information on LiveOps and other game development topics.
Thank you for listening,
Mobile Games Playbook*
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May 12, 2023
Episode 45: From student to game developer - How investing in young talent can transform the industry
*Say farewell to The Mobile GameDev Playbook, as we introduce the new and improved Mobile Games Playbook, brought to you by Liftoff.
Investing in young talent is crucial for the growth and development of the game development industry because it brings fresh perspectives, new ideas, and diverse backgrounds to the industry, which is vital to safeguard the future of game development.
Join us as we delve deeper into why nurturing and investing in young people is essential and how it can benefit the industry in the long run.
In this episode, we talk to Yahsir Qureshi, the VP and Head of Studio at Sandsoft Games and Chief Game Analyst at GameRefinery, a Liftoff Company, Teemu Palomäki. We look at Sandsoft’s "Press Start" program, a six-month initiative that addresses the skills gap in the game development industry. We examine the selection process for young developers and the resources they receive during the program and explore the expectations and outcomes of the program.
Remember to subscribe, leave a review, and check out our websites https://liftoff.io/ and www.gamerefinery.com!
Thank you for listening,
Mobile Games Playbook*
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Mar 22, 2023
Episode 44: Locked and loaded: An expert review of the mobile shooter market
Is there room for others to succeed in a market dominated by so few companies?
Join us as we explore the current state of the mobile shooter market, the top games dominating the market, their market shares, and the different types of shooters available.
You won't want to miss our overview of games like CoD: Warzone Mobile, Arena Breakout, Undawn Vitality, Division Mobile, Destiny Mobile, and Valorant.
We'll also explore the recent game cancellations from EA, including Apex and Battlefield, and examine, amongst others, the intensity of live-ops for the top shooters, content cadence, and possible entry barriers for new companies. Looking to the future, we'll delve into where the market is headed and whether there is room for new shooters and subgenres to emerge and take the market share.
Check out this episode to learn about the challenges that mobile game developers face when trying to develop shooters. We talk to the Chief Game Analysts at GameRefinery, a Liftoff company, Wilhelm Voutilainen and Erno Kiiski, who provide us with a comprehensive analysis of the state of the mobile shooter market and tell us what we can expect in the months and years to come.
Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and visit us at www.gamerefinery.com!
Thanks for listening,
The Mobile GameDev Playbook
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Feb 16, 2023
Episode 43: How to make money if you're ditching lootboxes
Why have some of the biggest names in the industry pivoted away from gacha-based monetization systems?
Join us as we explore the response from players to these changes in popular games like Brawl Stars, Mario Kart, Diablo Immortal, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Overwatch, Marvel Snap, and Arena Breakout.
We'll examine how these changes have affected players' progression and gameplay experience and take a closer look at the impact these changes have had on the mobile gaming industry.
Learn about the challenges facing mobile game developers when it comes to removing gachas and changing progression systems, as well as the future of monetization in mobile gaming. We talk to the Chief Game Analysts at GameRefinery, a Liftoff company, Wilhelm Voutilainen, Teemu Palomäki, and Kalle Heikkinen.
Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and visit us at www.gamerefinery.com!
Thanks for listening,
The Mobile GameDev Playbook
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Jan 25, 2023
Episode 42: Marvelling at Marvel Snap
What makes Marvel Snap such a hit?
In this episode of the Mobile GameDev Playbook, we review Marvel Snaps’ success, key features, and the first major update. We also discuss the game’s monetization, thoughts on its future and the overall CCG genre.
Joined by Joel Julkunen, Head of Analytics and Chief Game Analyst, Erno Kiiski, from GameRefinery, a Liftoff Company.
You can find The Mobile GameDev Playbook on GameRefinery’s Youtube channel.
Please subscribe and leave a review!
Thanks for listening,
The Mobile GameDev Playbook
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Jan 11, 2023
Episode 41: The top eight mobile game monetization trends in 2023
What trends and features to look forward to in 2023!
In this episode of the Mobile GameDev Playbook, we’re joined by Wilhelm Voutilainen and Teemu Palomäki, Chief Game Analysts from GameRefinery, a Liftoff Company, to discuss key trends in 2023.
We discuss upcoming releases, potential new genres, and exciting trends.
We also cover shooter games, predictions for monetization changes, events trends, and what will happen with blockchain games in 2023.
You can find The Mobile GameDev Playbook on GameRefinery’s Youtube channel.
Please subscribe and leave a review!
Thanks for listening,
The Mobile GameDev Playbook
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Dec 15, 2022
Episode 40: Merging to the top - The development of EverMerge
Examining the merge genre and EverMerge.
In this episode of the Mobile GameDev Playbook, we’re joined by Sergey Neskin, the CEO & co-founder of Neskin Games, and Chief Game Analyst Kalle Heikkinen from GameRefinery, a Liftoff Company, to discuss the hit mobile game EverMerge: Merge 3 Puzzle.
We cover what inspired the game, the growth of the merge genre and how it’s evolved, interesting trends, and predictions for the future of merge games.
We also look at some standout releases, the trends in gameplay events and features, as well as trends in monetization.
You can find The Mobile GameDev Playbook on GameRefinery’s Youtube channel.
Please subscribe and leave a review!
Thanks for listening,
The Mobile GameDev Playbook
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Dec 1, 2022
Episode 39: Top seven game design trends - 2022 in review
What were the hottest mobile game design trends in 2022?
In this episode, we look back at 2022 and reflect on the biggest trends that happened in mobile games. Joining us are our resident experts and Chief Game Analysts from GameRefinery, a Liftoff Company, Kalle Heikkinen and Erno Kiiski.
We examine some standout releases, trends in gameplay events and features as well as trends in monetization.
You can now find The Mobile GameDev Playbook on GameRefinery’s Youtube channel.
Please subscribe and leave a review!
Thanks for listening,
The Mobile GameDev Playbook
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Nov 17, 2022
Episode 38: License to Game - Licensing and IPs in mobile games
How can brands get their IPs into mobile games?
In this episode, we discuss the complexities and processes of how brands and licenses can get their IPs into mobile games. Joining us from Layer Licensing is CEO and Founder, Rachit Moti, and from Tilting Point is Chief Business Officer, Asi Burak, as well as resident expert from GameRefinery, a Liftoff Company, Chief Game Analyst Kalle Heikkinen.
We examine the challenges encountered in licensing, interesting trends and collaborations, how games make money from IPs, and what Layer aims to change.
You can now find The Mobile GameDev Playbook on GameRefinery’s Youtube channel.
Please subscribe and leave a review!
Thanks for listening,
The Mobile GameDev Playbook
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Nov 2, 2022
Episode 37: What’s new in how games make money
In this episode of the Mobile GameDev Playbook, we look at how monetization features have evolved from 2020 till now. Joining us from GameRefinery, a Liftoff Company, are Chief Game Analysts Erno Kiiski and Wilhelm Voutilainen.
We explore innovation in battle passes, IAP mechanics, external web stores, and what monetization may look like in the future for mobile games like Cookie Run: Kingdom, Call of Duty Mobile, and Royal Match.
You can now find The Mobile GameDev Playbook on GameRefinery’s Youtube channel.
Please subscribe and leave a review!
Thanks for listening,
The Mobile GameDev Playbook
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Oct 19, 2022
Episode 36: Celebrity collaborations in mobile games with HypGames
In this episode of the Mobile GameDev Playbook, Mike Taramykin, the founder of HypGames, and Chief Game Analyst Teemu Palomäki from GameRefinery, a Liftoff company, join our host Jon Jordan to discuss the celebrity partnerships in mobile games.
We delve into the strategy behind celebrity partnerships and analyze mobile collaboration trends this year while sharing heartwarming anecdotes of working with stars including Tiger Woods, Steve Carell, Amy Poehler, and Tina Fey.
You can now find The Mobile GameDev Playbook on GameRefinery’s Youtube channel.
Please subscribe and leave a review!
Thanks for listening,
The Mobile GameDev Playbook
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Oct 6, 2022
Episode 35: April Fools, Christmas, and Golden Week - discussing seasonal events in 2022
In this episode of the Mobile GameDev Playbook, we’re joined by GameRefinery, a Liftoff company, analysts Erno Kiiski and Sonja Skoglund, who will be discussing seasonal events in mobile games.
We will cover noteworthy events, interesting trends, and what these events may look like in the future for the three major markets - the USA, Japan, and China.
You can now find The Mobile GameDev Playbook on GameRefinery’s Youtube channel.
Please subscribe and leave a review!
Thanks for listening,
The Mobile GameDev Playbook
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Sep 21, 2022
Episode 34: Gaming mobilescriptions with Multiscription
In this episode of the Mobile GameDev Playbook, Teis Mikkelsen, the founder of Multiscription, and senior market analyst Kalle Heikkinen from GameRefinery, a Liftoff company, joins our host Jon Jordan to discuss the topic of subscriptions in mobile gaming.
We will cover the exciting trends in mobile game subscriptions, their mechanisms, the Unleashd service, and what the future may look like for this increasingly common trend.
You can now find The Mobile GameDev Playbook on GameRefinery’s Youtube channel.
Please subscribe and leave a review!
Thanks for listening,
The Mobile GameDev Playbook
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Sep 7, 2022
Episode 33: How State of Survival: Zombie War became an award-winning game
In this episode of the Mobile GameDev Playbook, Bob Slinn, Head of Business Development at FunPlus, and game analyst Milka Paunonen from GameRefinery, a Liftoff company, joins our host Jon Jordan to discuss State of Survival’s well-deserved wins in the most recent Mobile GameDev Awards!
We will discuss the development and inspiration behind State of Survival, the recent trends in the 4x strategy genre, its wins in the categories of ‘Biggest Evolver’ and ‘Best Use of IP in a Collaboration Event’, and what the future holds for the game.
You can now find The Mobile GameDev Playbook on GameRefinery’s Youtube channel.
Please subscribe and leave a review!
Thanks for listening,
The Mobile GameDev Playbook
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Aug 24, 2022
Episode 32: The Mobile Gamedev Awards: What makes an award-winning mobile game
In this episode of the Mobile GameDev Playbook, we’re joined by GameRefinery, a Liftoff company analysts Erno Kiiski and Kalle Heikkinen for a special episode looking at the games that won at the Mobile GameDev Awards.
The Mobile GameDev Awards are an annual set of awards by GameRefinery to recognize and celebrate innovation and excellence in mobile games. We will cover what made these games and studios win their respective categories, what aspects GameRefinery examines within a game, and what the future may look like for these games. Some examples include Apex Legends Mobile winning The ‘Most Promising Soft Launch Game’. Several games, such as State of Survival won ‘Biggest Evolver’. Beatstar, along with a few other games, was voted as ‘Best Newcomer’.
You can now find The Mobile GameDev Playbook on GameRefinery’s Youtube channel.
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Thanks for listening,
The Mobile GameDev Playbook
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Aug 9, 2022
Episode 31: Crafting a charming farming game: The story of Sunrise Village’s development
In this episode of the Mobile Gamedev Playbook, Thi Detert, Senior Lead Game Designer at InnoGames, and Product Owner, Alison Simpson talk about the development journey of Sunrise Village with GameRefinery, a Liftoff company analyst Teemu Palomäki and our host, Jon Jordan.
We will cover the challenges (and solutions) encountered along the way from soft launch to global launch; the solutions that allowed the design team to build everything from components developed by the dev team; what inspired the game; and what the future might have in store for InnoGames.
You can now find The Mobile Game Dev Playbook on GameRefinery’s Youtube channel.
Please subscribe and leave a review!
Thanks for listening,
The Mobile GameDev Playbook
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Jul 20, 2022
Episode 30: Diablo Immortal or Diablo Immoral? Discussing the monetization controversy behind Blizzard’s latest mobile game
In this special episode of the Mobile GameDev Playbook, our host Jon Jordan discusses the popular but controversial game Diablo Immortal with Erno Kiiski and Wilhelm Voutilainen, Chief Game Analysts at GameRefinery, a Liftoff Company.
We discuss the franchise's background, what separates Diablo Immortal from its predecessors, the player experience, the monetization controversies surrounding the game, and whether they are justified.
You can now find The Mobile Game Dev Playbook on GameRefinery's Youtube channel.
Please subscribe and leave a review!
Thanks for listening,
The Mobile GameDev Playbook
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Jul 5, 2022
Episode 29: Fishing for knowledge: designing realistic life simulation games for mobile
In this episode of the Mobile Gamedev Playbook, Kirill Petruk, Lead Producer at Ten Square Games, talks about the development of Fishing Clash: Sports Games and other realistic life simulation games with GameRefinery, a Liftoff company analyst Teemu Palomäki and our host, Jon Jordan.
We discuss the inspiration behind Fishing Clash, the realistic gameplay it provides, the social elements, and the collaborations it has had.
You can now find The Mobile Game Dev Playbook on GameRefinery’s Youtube channel.
Please subscribe and leave a review!
Thanks for listening,
The Mobile GameDev Playbook
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Mar 28, 2022
Episode 28: How to create a winning in-game economy with Machinations
In this episode of the Mobile Gamedev Playbook, we’re looking at the tools available on the market to build a thriving free-to-play game economy. Our host, Jon Jordan, is joined by GameRefinery’s Erno Kiiski, Machinations CEO & Co-Founder, Mihai Gheza and Sales Director of Machinations, Matthew Morris.
We’ll learn how the Machinations tool designs and balances game economies, forecasts player progression across gameplay, and how it’s used in classrooms worldwide to teach game economy design.
You can now find The Mobile Game Dev Playbook on GameRefinery’s Youtube channel.
Please subscribe and leave a review!
Thanks for listening,
The Mobile Gamedev Playbook
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Feb 23, 2022
Episode 27: Kingdom Rush: What makes a successful game franchise? With Ironhide Games
In this episode of the Mobile Gamedev Playbook, Ariel Coppes, Lead Game Engineer at Ironhide Games, talks about the success of the Kingdom Rush franchise with GameRefinery by Vungle analyst Erno Kiiski and our host, Jon Jordan.
We delve into making games for the premium market, releasing games cross-platform, stepping into F2P games, and the highs and lows that come with developing a franchise of successful mobile games.
You can now find The Mobile Game Dev Playbook on GameRefinery’s Youtube channel.
Please subscribe and leave a review!
Thanks for listening,
The Mobile GameDev Playbook
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Feb 7, 2022
Episode 26: Raid: Shadow Legends - Creating a mobile powerhouse with Plarium
In this episode of the Mobile Gamedev Playbook, host Jon Jordan and GameRefinery by Vungle analysts Erno Kiiski and Altti Fromholdt join Vice President of Creative at Plarium, Nick Day. Together they give an inside look into the development process behind Raid: Shadow Legends and how it became one of the best known mobile games in the world and enjoyed by millions of players.
Nick spills the tea on influencer marketing tactics, retention strategies, and the art direction behind Raid: Shadow Legends. GameRefinery analysts discuss the market as a whole, meta elements in mobile games, and their own experience with Raid.
You can now find The Mobile Game Dev Playbook on GameRefinery’s Youtube channel.
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Thanks for listening,
*The Mobile GameDev Playbook*
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Jan 26, 2022
Episode 25: How to create a winning shooter game with Nitro Games
In this episode of the Mobile GameDev Playbook, we sit down with Finnish mobile game developer Nitro Games to discuss how to design, monetise and market your mobile shooter for success.
Jon Jordan is joined by GameRefinery by Vungle’s Erno Kiiski and Product Marketing Director at Nitro Games, Jukka Hilvonen, to discuss the popularity boom in mobile shooters, how to succeed in a genre dominated by massive studios, as well as getting some juicy insights into Nitro Games upcoming release Nerf: Battle Arena.
You can now find The Mobile Game Dev Playbook on GameRefinery’s Youtube channel.
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Thanks for listening,
The Mobile GameDev Playbook
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Jan 13, 2022
Episode 24: What will 2022 bring to mobile games?
In this episode of the Mobile GameDev Playbook, we look at what 2022 might have in store for the mobile game industry across the US, China and Japan.
Host Jon Jordan is joined by GameRefinery by Vungle’s chief game analyst, Kalle Heikkinen, to discuss upcoming trends and changes in mobile games in 2022, as well as anticipated releases throughout the forthcoming year.
You can now find The Mobile Game Dev Playbook on GameRefinery’s Youtube channel.
Please subscribe and leave a review!
Thanks for listening,
The Mobile GameDev Playbook
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Dec 16, 2021
Episode 23: 2021 Retrospective with the GameRefinery Analysts
As we wrap up the end of the year, this episode of The Mobile Gamedev Playbook looks back at what 2021 brought to the mobile gaming industry in the US, China and Japan. We delve into the key trends to come out of this year, including the rise of renovation mechanics, collaboration events and popular IPs.
Host Jon Jordan is joined by GameRefinery by Vungle’s analysts, Teemu Palomäki and Wilhelm Voutilainen, who together take us through this year’s most successful games and even a few unfortunate failures.
You can now find The Mobile Game Dev Playbook on GameRefinery’s Youtube channel.
Please subscribe and leave a review!
Thanks for listening,
The Mobile GameDev Playbook
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Nov 7, 2021
Episode 22: Why diverse teams make better mobile games with HiDef
In this episode of The Mobile Gamedev Playbook, we’re looking at diversity in the mobile games industry and how having a culturally and ethnically diverse team helps build better mobile games.
Co-founder and Head of Analytics at GameRefinery, Joel Julkunen, shares his expertise on player motivations and expanding your player base by adding features that cater to wider audiences. He is joined by the HiDef team, Anthony Castoro, Jen Donahoe, and basketball legend Rick Fox. Together they discuss their individual experiences of being a minority in the games industry and how diversity and representation are central to HiDef’s corporate DNA.
You can now find The Mobile Game Dev Playbook also on GameRefinery’s Youtube channel.
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Thanks for listening,
The Mobile GameDev Playbook
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Oct 11, 2021
Episode 21: Concerts, collabs and KFC: The wonderful world of seasonal events in mobile games
In this episode, GameRefinery looks at the craziest events this year, from Genshin Impacts’ collab with KFC to Roblox Lil Nas X digital concert.
GameRefinery Analysts Kalle Heikkinen and Wilhelm Voutilainen join host Jon Jordan to discuss the wonderful world of mobile game events, including the mechanics behind LiveOps and utilising the same framework for multiple events, the benefits of collaborating with non-gaming brands and the importance of seasonal events to the success of mobile games.
You can now find The Mobile Game Dev Playbook also on GameRefinery’s Youtube channel.
Please subscribe and leave a review!
Thanks for listening,
The Mobile GameDev Playbook
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Sep 28, 2021
Episode 20: The toxic content dilemma “Can AI help moderate in-game chat?” with Utopia Analytics
In this episode of The Mobile Gamedev Playbook, we're looking at the use of AI moderation in social gaming.
GameRefinery analyst and podcast regular Kalle Heikkinen joins host Jon Jordan to kick off the podcast with all things social, including the emergence of social hangout areas and the rise of social features in mobile games.
While social features create endless opportunities for games to succeed (look at Roblox!), there is also a toxic content dilemma that comes with gamers being able to communicate with one another freely. CEO and Co-Founder of Utopia Analytics, Dr Mari-Sanna Paukkeri, brings her expertise to discuss AI moderation, toxicity in gaming and the intricacies behind moderating language, images and voice.
You can now find The Mobile Gamedev Playbook also on GameRefinery's YouTube channel.
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Thanks for listening,
The Mobile Gamedev Playbook
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Aug 17, 2021
Episode 19: The metaverse & mobile gaming with RP1
In this episode of The Mobile Gamedev Playbook, we’re exploring all things metaverse. The idea of the metaverse has caught on across the tech industry over the last decade, with tech giants seemingly in a race to make it a reality.
CEO and co-founder of RP1, Sean Mann, joins host Jon Jordan to discuss how close the metaverse is to becoming a reality, what it might look like, how it’ll affect mobile gaming and how RP1 has created a proprietary technology that provides a foundational layer upon which the metaverse can be built.
You can now find The Mobile Game Dev Playbook also on GameRefinery's Youtube channel.
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Thanks for listening,
The Mobile GameDev Playbook
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Jul 18, 2021
Episode 18: What has happened in the mobile games industry so far? With GameRefinery by Vungle’s Analysts
As we wrap up the first half of 2021, in this episode of The Mobile Gamedev Playbook, we have asked our analysts to spell out what have been the biggest mobile trends and games of the year so far!
GameRefinery by Vungle's own Erno Kiiski, Wilhelm Voutilainen, and Kalle Heikkinen join host Jon Jordan to discuss how hybrid game mechanics and particular market trends have rocketed new games to the top of the download charts across the USA, China and Japan, as well as which games we should be keeping an eye on.
You can now find The Mobile GameDev Playbook also on GameRefinery's Youtube channel.
Please subscribe and leave a review!
Thanks for listening,
The Mobile GameDev Playbook
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Jun 29, 2021
Episode 17: Designing Your Audience for Mobile Games with Richard Bartle
We are a bit starstruck in this episode of The Movile GameDev Playbook, with guest Richard Bartle! Listen in to learn more about best practices for audience design, taxonomies of players and how they can help developers design better, more engaging mobile games.
Richard joins the podcast to discuss his impressive career, including how he created the Multi-User Dungeon - or simply MUDs - the forebearer of the multiplayer online role-playing genre and how he developed the Bartle Taxonomy Player Types.
Head of Analytics at GameRefinery by Vungle, Joel Julkunen, also joins the conversation to discuss the influence Bartle's player types have had on GameRefinery's own taxonomy and the subtle difference between mobile and MMORPG players.
You can now find The Mobile GameDev Playbook on video and all the usual podcast platforms.
Thanks for listening!
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May 31, 2021
Episode 16: How to use creative strategy to build successful mobile game ads with Vungle and Rovio
I*n this episode of The Mobile GameDev Playbook, we’re discussing how to use creative strategy to build better mobile ads. We look into what creative strategy is, how it’s implemented and what might change for user acquisition in the post-IDFA world.*
*Vungle joins our podcast for the first time since acquiring GameRefinery earlier in the year - bringing all its mobile advertising expertise. Angry Birds developer Rovio also joins in the chat to discuss all things creative. *
*Dive deep into the topic with host Jon Jordan, Vungles’ Global Head of Creative Labs Gavin McNicholl, Mobile Pod Lead Natalie Suthons and from Rovio, we have Senior Performance and Marketing Specialist for Small Town Murders, Jussi Naapuri and Performance Marketing Manager for Angry Birds Dream Blast Ann-Marie.
You can now find The Mobile Game Dev Playbook on video and the usual podcast platforms.
Thanks for listening!*
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Apr 15, 2021
Episode 15: Tools, tips, and tricks to design winning mobile games with PickFu & Mojiworks
In this episode of The Mobile GameDev Playbook, we’re discussing how to utilize player insight to help build better games. We look into the tips, tools, and techniques game developers can use to understand what their players want so that they’ll keep coming back for more.
Market-research platform PickFu joins this episode to discuss how game developers have collected user feedback using their service, along with mobile game studio Mojiworks, which uses data-led design in their game development process.
Dive deep into the topic with host Jon Jordan, GameRefinery’s Chief Game Analyst Erno Kiiski and special guests John Li, co-founder of PickFu, and Jen Bolton, VP of Player Insights at Mojiworks.
Thanks for listening!
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Mar 23, 2021
Episode 14: Maximise ROI on Ad Monetization With Kolibri Games
*In this episode of The Mobile GameDev Playbook we discuss the common struggles game developers face when monetizing their games and provide some top tips to ensure optimal ROI on mobile gaming ad monetization. We also take a deep dive into the current mobile app monetization strategy and how it might change post IDFA. Will high IAP monetization games survive the change?
Kolibri Games brings their expertise to the panel today, as a games publisher, with their most notable mobile titles including “Idle Miner Tycoon” and “Idle Factory Tycoon”, with the former reaching over 100 million downloads worldwide. This episode also takes us through Kolibri’s humble beginnings from being founded in a student dorm to building an 120 strong team based out of Berlin. *
*Host Jon Jordan is joined by GameRefinery's Head of Product & Ad Intelligence Lauri Heikkinen and special guest Nate Barker, Director of Business Development at Kolibri. *
*Thanks for listening! *
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Mar 10, 2021
Episode 13: Mobile GameDev Awards 2021 Winners - What is their secret? Featuring Luna Labs
Episode 13 brings you insight into the winners and finalists of GameRefinery’s very first Mobile GameDev Awards in 2021. These new annual awards aim to reward design and innovation in the mobile game industry by developers in the US, China and Japan. In this episode, GameRefinery’s analysts and partner judge from Luna Labs discuss a few of the award categories and what made the winners stand out from the competition - what is their secret?
Award categories discussed include Innovation and Excellence in Core Gameplay, Best Evolver, and Best in-game Event.
Host Jon Jordan is joined by GameRefinery's Chief Analysts Erno Kiiski, Kalle Heikkinen, and Teemu Palomäki and special guests John Wright, Vice President of Operations at Luna Labs.
Thanks for listening!
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Jan 18, 2021
Episode 12: What’s in store in 2021 for the mobile gaming industry?
In this first podcast of 2021, The Mobile GameDev Playbook unveils what might be in store for the new year and the mobile gaming industry - it’s a fully packed episode! We discuss how the pandemic’s development might affect industry growth in 2021 and how gaming habits might evolve in the post-COVID era. We also explore future potential trends for the Match 3 genre, the expansion of the casual gaming market in China, as well as the recent increase of mobile game collabs.
Host Jon Jordan is joined by GameRefinery's Chief Analysts Kalle Heikkinen, Erno Kiiski and Wilhelm Voutilainen.
Thanks for listening!
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Dec 1, 2020
Episode 11: 2020 Retrospective with the GameRefinery Analysts
As the end of the year approaches, this episode of the MobileGameDev Playbook will take a look back at what 2020 has had to offer the mobile gaming industry. We’ll delve into the key trends to come out of this eventful year, including the rise of social mechanics, changes to location-based AR games to fit COVID lockdown restrictions, as well as some of the secrets behind Genshin Impact’s success. To wrap the year up, we’ll also do some forward-thinking about what might be in store for the industry in 2021.
Host Jon Jordan is joined by GameRefinery's Chief Analysts Kalle Heikkinen, Erno Kiiski and Wilhelm Voutilainen.
Thanks for listening!
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Nov 2, 2020
Episode 10: Game Economy Design and Monetization with The Mobile Game Doctor
In the latest episode of the Mobile GameDev Playbook, we examine what it takes to design a profitable game economy. We uncover the best monetisation strategies for mobile game developers, as well as how to plan and execute these strategies to boost a free-to-play mobile game’s potential revenue.
From the planning of in-game economic structures to applying an enticing value exchange for players, this episode covers all the bases for developers looking to maximise their game’s chances of financial success.
We’re joined by game design consultancy Mobile Game Doctor that specialises in bringing together experienced game designers from all over the world to help promote global game design health and creative well-being for its clients.
Host Jon Jordan is joined by GameRefinery's Chief Analyst Erno Kiiski and special guests Dave Rohl, Chief Executive Officer and Raymond Holmes, Consulting Designer at Mobile Game Doctor.
Thanks for listening!
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Oct 6, 2020
Episode 9: IDFA and the future of the Mobile Gaming Ad Industry, featuring AdColony
Apple shocked the mobile advertising world this summer when it gave a two months’ notice of a seismic change in how mobile advertising campaigns would be targeted, measured and evaluated with the arrival of iOS14 and IDFA changes. Luckily, with these changes now likely taking place in early 2021 instead, mobile game developers and advertisers have some more time to plan accordingly and explore new ways to build their acquisition and attribution strategies. But what is IDFA? What do the upcoming changes really mean? And most importantly, what marketing and tracking technologies will be available for the mobile games industry instead?
In this episode of the Mobile GameDev Playbook, we focus on Apple's iOS14 ad feature updates and how to best prepare for them. Host Jon Jordan is joined by GameRefinery's Head of Product, Lauri Heikkinen, as well as special guest Alasdair Pressney, Product Manager at AdColony - one of the world's largest mobile advertising platforms, with a reach of 1.5b…
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Sep 3, 2020
Episode 8: Social Games: What are the social must-have features that help create global hits? Featuring Teatime Games
Social Games are the hot topic for Episode 8 of the Mobile GameDev Playbook, where we delve into understanding what the must-have features that help create global hits are. We are joined by the expertise of Teatime Games who will share the lessons learnt from their amazing success with mobile game 'QuizUp', which has now accumulated over 100 million downloads.
As well as talking about feature-level specifics, Teatime Games uncovers how they reached the top of the US App Charts in only two weeks with 2 million users, as well as their recent success with their brand new game, Trivia Royale. From avatars and AR emoticons, to chat rooms and other social mechanics, this episode explores why social features in games could be the missing piece in the puzzle for developers looking to maximise their game's success and monetisation.
Host Jon Jordan is joined by GameRefinery's Chief Analyst Erno Kiiski and special guest Thor Fridriksson, CEO of Teatime Games.
Thanks for listening!
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Aug 18, 2020
Episode 7: Getting to Grips with the RPG Genre with Facebook Gaming
Drawing from insights gained from Facebook and GameRefinery's brand new report on mobile gaming genres, this episode of the Mobile GameDev Playbook delves into the popular RPG Genre. Titled 'Genre and great games - Understanding Audiences and Designing Better Mobile Games', the report provides valuable genre-level insight across mobile games in the US, UK, South Korea and Japan. With a specific eye on RPG’s, the podcast takes an in-depth look at genre fulfilment, community, monetisation and ad preferences for RPG’s. We’re joined by Facebook Gaming to explore the differences and similarities in RPG design across the four main markets as well as what RPG fans are looking for in their games. We'll also be exploring the winning features common to the most popular RPGs and how game developers can build games that their fans will genuinely love.
GameRefinery's Chief Analyst Joel Julkunen joins host Jon Jordan along with special guest Deon Moh, Gaming Marketing Lead for APAC at Faceboo…
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Jun 18, 2020
Episode 6: Understanding Player Motivations and Archetypes with Rovio and Fundamentally Games
Episode 6 of The Mobile GameDev Playbook looks at player archetypes and motivations and how these essential insights are being factored into game development. The podcast explores how game designers develop insight into their player types, as well as some of the most recent developments in player types and motivation metrics. Podcast guests are Rovio and Fundamentally Games, help provide further insight into their own experiences and what they’ve learnt when it comes to designing games for specific audiences.
Host Jon Jordan is joined by GameRefinery's Chief Analyst Joel Julkunen as well as Kieran O'Leary, Director of Growth for Games at Rovio and Oscar Clark, Chief Strategy Officer at Fundamentally Games. Kieran has many years of experience marketing and growing mobile games, including five years at Gameloft before joining Rovio. Oscar is a well-known hat-wearer in the world of mobile games and is also the author of the book ‘Games as a Service’.
Thanks for listening!
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May 22, 2020
Episode 5: COVID-19's Mobile Gaming Boom with GameAnalytics
Join us for Episode 5 of The Mobile GameDev Playbook as we focus the Coronavirus pandemic, how it has impacted developers and how they’ve adapted their games during the last few difficult months. The podcast also examines how the virus has generally affected the mobile gaming industry. We’re also joined by GameAnalytics who unearth some fascinating insights around insights traffic rates, age-specific genre engagement, in-app spending levels, and more.
Host Jon Jordan is joined by GameRefinery's Chief Analyst Joel Julkunen as well as Iona Hreninciuc, CEO of GameAnalytics. GameAnalytics is an analytics tool for games used by indie developers, games studios and publishers around the world, including 100,000 games which are played by more than 1.75 billion people.
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May 11, 2020
Episode 4: How to Create Chart-Topping Casual Games with PeopleFun
Episode 4 of the Mobile GameDev Playbook takes on casual gaming. Joined by PeopleFun, we are taking a close look at the well-known free-to-play favourite, WordScapes. We delve into understanding what makes this mobile game so successful and what are the lessons learnt from generating over 5000 levels. What's more, we will also discuss how they managed to scale up their content and what their overall business strategy is from a mobile game development perspective.
Host Jon Jordan is joined by GameRefinery's Chief Analyst Joel Julkunen along with special guest Carol Miu, VP of Product & Analytics at US developer PeopleFun. PeopleFun is a US-based mobile game developer company, best known for its games such as Wordscapes, Wordstacks and Word Chums, which have over 29 million MAUs.
Thanks for listening!
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Apr 1, 2020
Episode 3: The lowdown on Licensed IPs with Ludia
In this episode of the Mobile GameDev Playbook, we take a look into the challenges faced by game developers when working with licensed IP. With a specific focus on design and feature consideration, we also discuss how licenses have affected mobile game sales in different countries, such as the US and China.
Host Jon Jordan is joined by regular guest, GameRefinery's Chief Analyst Joel Julkunen along with special guests Rosemarie Sarno and Stephen Wark, Community specialist and Lead Game Designer at mobile developer Ludia. Ludia has published several titles around well-known IP including Jurassic Park, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Dungeons & Dragons. Thanks for listening!
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Mar 5, 2020
Episode 2: Perfect World talks Chinese Games
Welcome to episode 2 of the Mobile GameDev Playbook. In this episode, we delve into the Chinese mobile game market, what some of the latest game feature trends are as well as what makes Chinese mobile players tick. This month, host Jon Jordan is joined by regular guest, GameRefinery’s Chief Analyst Joel Julkunen along with special guests Georges Dry and Dean Zhao from Chinese game publisher and developer Perfect World. Thanks for listening!
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Feb 10, 2020
Episode 1: 2019 Gaming Retrospective and 2020 predictions!
Welcome to the Mobile GameDev Playbook! In this first episode, we review the main game development trends in 2019 and what to expect in 2020! Host Jon Jordan is joined by Chief Game Analyst at GameRefinery Joel Julkunen, and a special guest from Square Enix, Albert Custodio Martinez, to provide insights into what makes a good mobile game.
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