Mobile Games Playbook

Episode 67: Relearning the Rules - Player Motivations and Understanding Audiences with Carlos Salvado

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Join GameRefinery’s Brendan Fraher and industry veteran Carlos Salvado for another episode of the Mobile Games Playbook. With 15 years of experience across mobile, PC, and console, Carlos shares his expertise on why the industry demands continuous adaptation, touching on new business models, emerging tech, and AI integration.

This episode tackles the major challenges facing developers today, including the rise of web stores and the strategic use of live events, as well as how player motivations and audience understanding can lead to mobile success.

Remember to subscribe, leave a review, and check out our websites, https://liftoff.io/ and https://gamerefinery.com/, for more information on game development topics and strategies for growing your game.

Episode 66: Mastering Mobile Growth Marketing - Testing, Pilot Testing, and Cross-Industry Skills with Saikala Sultanova

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Join us for another episode of the Mobile Games Playbook as we dive into the world of mobile growth marketing and user acquisition. Guiding us through these crucial aspects of mobile games development is industry expert Saikala Sultanova.

Saikala, accompanied by host Jon Jordan, will break down the importance of structured processes in UA, including effective methods for testing and pilot testing to drive success. We’ll also explore the transferable skills and experiences UA professionals gain when moving from the fast-paced gaming space into non-gaming environments.

Episode 65: More Than Just a Name - Leveraging IP in Mobile Games with Rovio’s Kentaro Sugiura

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In today's hyper-competitive app stores, intellectual property is the ultimate power-up for mobile games. Join us on this episode of the Mobile Games Playbook as we explore the strategic value of licensing, from the instant recognition of beloved brands to the revenue boost of limited-time events.

Join host Jon Jordan and Rovio’s User Acquisition (UA) Manager Kentaro Sugiura as they dive into the critical factors for IP selection (Affinity vs. Expansion), the challenges of UA creative approvals and balancing IP expectations, and the future trends of deeper integration and crossover events.

Episode 64: Introducing AppRefinery - A New Playbook for Consumer Apps

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0100

This episode of the Mobile Games Playbook explores Liftoff’s new AppRefinery platform. Building on the success of GameRefinery, AppRefinery offers deep insights into the strategies driving engagement across over 20 consumer app verticals.

We've just launched a brand new listener survey, and your feedback is invaluable in helping us make The Mobile Games Playbook even better. We want to know what you enjoy, what you'd like to hear more of, and how we can continue to bring you the most insightful content. Head to the following link to share your thoughts and be entered into a draw to win a $150/£100/€130 Amazon voucher: https://liftoff.io/resources/?type=podcast

Join Brendan Fraher, General Manager of Liftoff Intelligence, and Kalle Heikkinen, Chief Game Analyst, as they unpack how AppRefinery will revolutionise our understanding of what makes apps successful.

Episode 63: Award-winning insights - Our 2025 Mobile AppDev Awards winners

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0100

This episode of the Mobile Games Playbook is all about celebrating and breaking down the 2025 Mobile AppDev Awards winners, brought to you by Liftoff.

Head to the following link to share your thoughts and be entered into a draw to win a $150/£100/€130 Amazon voucher: https://liftoff.io/resources/?type=podcast

Join Liftoff’s Chief Game Analysts, Kalle Heikkinen and Wilhelm Voutilainen, along with host Jon Jordan, as they discuss this year’s winners, ranging from categories such as “Best Collaboration Event”, “Best Newcomer”, and “Excellence in AI-powered features”, diving into the reasons each winner managed to beat the competition and present you with actionable insights that will help take your mobile game to the next level.

Episode 62: Profit from Play - The top monetization trends in the Mobile Games market

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000

This episode of the Mobile Games Playbook explores current monetization trends in mobile gaming and touches on subjects such as hybrid monetization, header bidding, and the challenges of in-app purchases.

Join Andrew Seow (Director of Monetization at Tripledot Studios) and Ravid Sela (Ad Monetization Lead at Play Studios), along with host Jon Jordan as they discuss the ever-shifting nature of mobile monetization.

Episode 61: Looking Forward - What we expect to dominate mobile gaming in 2025

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000

This episode of the Mobile Games Playbook peers into the crystal ball to forecast the mobile gaming landscape of 2025 with GameRefinery’s experts, Kalle Heikkinen, Senior Chief Market Analyst, and Wilhelm Voutilainen, Chief Game Analyst.

We'll delve into how we expect monetization models such as DTC and subscriptions to evolve, the continued growth of LiveOps, and the upcoming genres/games we expect to be taking over the charts in 2025. Join us as we discuss the trends poised to shape the future of mobile gaming. This episode will provide valuable insights for developers and players alike, offering a glimpse into the year ahead.

Episode 60: Mobile Gaming in 2024 - Exploring the top trends that dominated the year

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000

This episode of the Mobile Games Playbook dives into the mobile landscape of 2024 with GameRefinery’s experts, Erno Kiiski, Chief Game Analyst, and Teemu Palomaki, Chief Game Analyst. They’ll explore the trends that have shaped 2024 in mobile games, analyzing how midcore genres like 4X and CCGs are adapting to wider audiences and the rise of hybrid casual games before delving into the growth of trending features, including live events, overarching currencies, and loss aversion mechanics.

Join us as we break down the biggest trends of the year in this essential guide to understanding 2024 in mobile games and a sneak peek at what the future may hold.

Episode 59: Going Global - How Chinese Gaming Apps can succeed on the global stage

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0100

Dominating the App Store charts, Chinese mobile games are captivating players worldwide. But what's their secret?

This episode of the Mobile Games Playbook dives deep with Liftoff’s experts, Kalle Heikkinen, Chief Game Analyst, and Inka Reinola, Game Analyst, to unpack the winning formula behind China's mobile gaming giants. We'll explore how China’s mobile market became a global force and discuss the effective monetization strategies and gameplay mechanics fuelling the success of Chinese games.

Join us as we unpack the secrets of Chinese mobile game success and how developers worldwide can learn from their winning formula.

For more on what's driving the success of Chinese apps, check out Liftoff's Guide to Growing Chinese Gaming Apps Overseas: https://info.liftoff.io/2024-growing-chinese-gaming-apps

Episode 58: User Acquisition Blueprint: Harnessing User-Generated Content for Effective UA

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the Mobile Games Playbook, we explore the power of UGC to effectively acquire users (UA).

UGC is a goldmine for mobile game marketers, but how do you leverage it for maximum impact? Join our expert guests, Nicole Danser, Senior Manager of Creative Strategy & Production at Liftoff Influence, and Sydney Bruce, Creative Account Strategy—UGC, as they share insights into identifying target audiences and the key components of a successful UA campaign.

By harnessing the power of UGC, you can unlock a cost-effective and authentic way to reach new players and grow your mobile game.

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and check out our website, https://liftoff.io/

and https://gamerefinery.com/ for more information on game development topics and strategies for growing your game.

Episode 56: Beyond the Hype - Building a Winning UA Strategy for Your Mobile Game

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0100

Join us as we break down the best ways to build a winning User Acquisition (UA) strategy for your mobile game.

This episode of the Mobile Games Playbook is about all things UA. In the crowded mobile gaming market, cutting through the noise and figuring out how to acquire users can be challenging.

Join our expert guests, Kentaro Sugiara, Senior Performance Marketing Manager at Rovio, and Christie Crable, Head of Activations at GameRefinery, who will share actionable insights and proven techniques to help you develop a successful user acquisition (UA) strategy. Whether you're a seasoned game developer or just starting out, this episode of the Mobile Games Playbook offers a roadmap to navigating the ever-evolving world of mobile UA.

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and check out our website, https://liftoff.io/

and https://gamerefinery.com/ for more information on game development topics.

Episode 57: Mobile Gaming in 2024: A Mid-Year Deep Dive

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0100

Join us as we discuss the first half of 2024 and examine the trends dominating the mobile landscape so far.

This episode of the Mobile Games Playbook is a mid-year deep dive. From Supercell’s comeback with Squad Busters to the emergence of hybrid casual and other core gameplay types, there are lots of lessons to learn from 2024 mobile trends.

Join our expert guests, Kalle Heikkinen, Chief Game Analyst, and Erno Kiiski, also a Chief Game Analyst at GameRefinery, a Liftoff Company, who bring their extensive knowledge and experience to share insights into what these trends mean for the future of mobile gaming, in order to help you stay ahead of the curve.

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and check out our websites, https://liftoff.io/

and https://gamerefinery.com/, for more information on game development topics and strategies for growing your game

Episode 55: From Niche to Global - Top Tips to Cracking the Lucrative Japanese Mobile Market

Thu, 09 May 2024 10:00:00 +0100

Join us as we explore the ever-evolving Japanese mobile market.

In this episode, we set our sights on the lucrative world of Japanese mobile games. We’ll dive into player preferences, effective monetization strategies, and the cultural nuances that influence this thriving market.

Join industry experts Teemu Palomäki, Chief Games Analyst, and Sonja Skoglund, Games Analyst at GameRefinery, a Liftoff Company, as they discuss actionable insights to help you navigate the unique opportunities and challenges that the Japanese mobile scene presents.

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and check out our website, https://liftoff.io/ and https://gamerefinery.com/, for more information on game development topics.

Episode 54: Unlocking LiveOps Success - Lessons from Mobile GameDev Award Winners

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 12:00:00 +0100

Discover the strategies that drive award-winning LiveOps! In this episode, we analyze the Mobile GameDev Award winners, revealing their secrets to boosting engagement and revenue.

Join host Jon Jordan and GameRefinery experts Erno Kiiski, Kalle Heikkinen, and Jiri Saarinen as they break down the essential components of successful LiveOps. Learn how to master collaborations, competitions, seasonal events, minigames, and compelling narratives.

Get actionable insights to level up your own LiveOps strategy, whether you're an indie developer or an established studio. Discover the key metrics that matter and tailor your events to maximize impact.

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and visit https://liftoff.io/ and https://gamerefinery.com/ for more game development resources.

Here's to unlocking the power of LiveOps,
Mobile Games Playbook

Episode 53: Predicting the biggest mobile game trends in 2024

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Join us as we explore the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in mobile game design for 2024.

In this episode, we’re looking at the most prominent trends to shape the mobile games landscape for the year ahead. We’ll dive into the anticipation surrounding upcoming game releases and explore key trends poised to dominate the industry.

Join industry experts Wilhelm Voutilainen, Sr. Chief Game Analyst, and Kalle Heikkinen, Chief Game Analyst at GameRefinery, a Liftoff Company, as they delve into the exciting mobile game releases of the year.

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and check out our website, https://liftoff.io/ and https://gamerefinery.com/, for more information on game development topics.

Here’s to a successful 2024 for mobile games,
Mobile Games Playbook

Episode 52: Exploring the top five trends that dominated 2023

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Join us as we explore the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in mobile game design.

As 2023 comes to a close, we’ll uncover the latest trends dominating mobile games and driving changes within the industry in this episode. We’ll explore the innovative ways games differentiate themselves in the market and elevate player engagement. And reflect on the standout moments in the mobile gaming industry in 2023.

Join industry experts Teemu Palomäki, Chief Game Analyst, and Inka Reinola, Game Analyst at GameRefinery, a Liftoff Company, as they reflect on the industry’s standout moments and challenges in 2023, including the revival of iconic franchises on mobile platforms, the decline in hypercasual games, and the rise of merge gaming.

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and check out our websites, https://liftoff.io/ and https://gamerefinery.com/, for more information on game development topics.

Farewell for 2023,
Mobile Games Playbook

Episode 51: How to navigate the evolving advertising and revenue landscape

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Join us as we explore the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in mobile game design, advertising, and revenue generation.

In this episode, we thoroughly examine the mobile gaming landscape, focusing on the constantly evolving dynamics of advertising and revenue with industry experts Kenneth Wong, Senior Director of Ads Revenue at Scopely, and Yimin Gu, Director of Performance Marketing at Scopely.

We'll discuss the constantly evolving dynamics of advertising and revenue, as well as the transformative impact of AI and user acquisition strategies.

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and check out our websites, https://liftoff.io/ and https://gamerefinery.com/, for more information on game development topics.

Thank you for listening,
Mobile Games Playbook

Episode 50: The top three trends in the Chinese mobile game market in 2023

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0100

Welcome to the 50th episode of the Mobile Games Playbook podcast!

We're thrilled to have reached this milestone; thank you to all the listeners who’ve been a part of this amazing journey.

In this special edition, we’re taking a deep dive into the dynamic world of mobile gaming in China.

We’ll discover what makes China an unrivalled hub for mobile gaming as we delve into the fascinating phenomenon of popular mobile games. We’ll also uncover the profound impact of government regulations on the industry, spanning from game approvals and content restrictions to censorship.

We’ll also predict how China’s gaming landscape will evolve over the next five years—considering the game-changing role of technology, shifting player preferences, and ever-evolving industry trends.

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and check out our websites, https://liftoff.io/ and https://gamerefinery.com/, for more information on game development topics.

Thank you for listening,
Mobile Games Playbook

Episode 49: Chocobo on-the-go - Exploring Final Fantasy on mobile

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 12:00:00 +0100

Join us as we explore the exciting world of Final Fantasy.

In this episode, we'll uncover the legacy of this iconic franchise within the JRPG genre and its transformative impact on the world of mobile games. From its inception to its latest mobile adaptations, we'll discuss Final Fantasy's remarkable evolution and ability to captivate a new generation of gamers.

We’ll look into how Final Fantasy's success in mobile gaming is tied to its monetization strategies and what truly sets Final Fantasy games apart, from their captivating stories and immersive gameplay to their stunning visuals. Beyond the technical aspects, we'll examine the immense impact of the Final Fantasy brand on both the gaming world and popular culture.

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and check out our websites, https://liftoff.io/ and https://gamerefinery.com/, for more information on game development topics.

Thank you for listening,
Mobile Games Playbook

Episode 48: Pikachu, I snooze you! Mastering the dream world with Pokémon Sleep

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 12:00:00 +0100

Join us as we unravel the exciting details of the latest addition to the Pokémon universe: Pokémon Sleep. This innovative app has taken the concept of gamification to a whole new level by transforming how we approach sleep.

Are there benefits to merging gaming with sleep? Find out how Pokémon Sleep stacks up against other sleep-related apps. We'll delve into the unique features that make Pokémon Sleep a standout experience and explore how it integrates into the broader Pokémon ecosystem. But that's not all; we’ll discuss if there could be plans to extend its reach beyond sleep and venture into the realm of promoting other healthy habits.

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and check out our websites, https://liftoff.io/ and https://gamerefinery.com/, for more information on game development topics.

Thank you for listening,
Mobile Games Playbook

Episode 47: How women can reshape the games industry with Zynga

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 12:00:00 +0100

This episode delves into the dynamic and diverse world of women in gaming. Karen Chen, Account Executive at Liftoff, and Paula Neves, Senior Product Manager at Zynga, join us to spotlight women's challenges and discuss their unique perspectives on the industry.

Despite the proliferation of mobile games aimed at women, there remains a concern for more representation of women in various job roles within the gaming world. We will explore the reasons behind this disparity and examine how women gamers often find themselves confined to certain gaming genres, perpetuating limiting stereotypes. We will also tackle the pervasive issue of online harassment and its impact on the gaming experiences of women.

We also celebrate the strides made by the gaming industry to address these issues and promote inclusivity. Discover the emerging initiatives, programs, and opportunities to bridge the gender gap and create a more diverse and welcoming gaming landscape for everyone.

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and check out our websites, https://liftoff.io/ and https://gamerefinery.com/, for more information on game development topics.

Thank you for listening,
Mobile Games Playbook

Episode 46: Unveiling the top 3 mobile game studio secrets for engaging live events

Thu, 25 May 2023 12:00:00 +0100

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

Episode 45: From student to game developer - How investing in young talent can transform the industry

Fri, 12 May 2023 13:00:00 +0100

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

Episode 44: Locked and loaded: An expert review of the mobile shooter market

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000

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

Episode 43: How to make money if you're ditching lootboxes

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 17:00:00 +0000

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

Episode 42: Marvelling at Marvel Snap

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0000

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

Episode 41: The top eight mobile game monetization trends in 2023

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0000

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

Episode 40: Merging to the top - The development of EverMerge

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0000

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

Episode 39: Top seven game design trends - 2022 in review

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0000

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

Episode 38: License to Game - Licensing and IPs in mobile games

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 08:00:00 +0000

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

Episode 37: What’s new in how games make money

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0000

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

Episode 36: Celebrity collaborations in mobile games with HypGames

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 09:00:00 +0100

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

Episode 35: April Fools, Christmas, and Golden Week - discussing seasonal events in 2022

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0100

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

Episode 34: Gaming mobilescriptions with Multiscription

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 14:00:00 +0100

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

Episode 33: How State of Survival: Zombie War became an award-winning game

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0100

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

Episode 32: The Mobile Gamedev Awards: What makes an award-winning mobile game

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 09:00:00 +0100

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

Episode 31: Crafting a charming farming game: The story of Sunrise Village’s development

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 00:00:00 +0100

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.

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Thanks for listening,

The Mobile GameDev Playbook

Episode 30: Diablo Immortal or Diablo Immoral? Discussing the monetization controversy behind Blizzard’s latest mobile game

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 10:00:00 +0100

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

Episode 29: Fishing for knowledge: designing realistic life simulation games for mobile

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0100

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.

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Episode 28: How to create a winning in-game economy with Machinations

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 09:00:00 +0100

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.

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Episode 27: Kingdom Rush: What makes a successful game franchise? With Ironhide Games

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +0000

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.

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The Mobile GameDev Playbook

Episode 26: Raid: Shadow Legends - Creating a mobile powerhouse with Plarium

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 13:00:00 +0000

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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Episode 25: How to create a winning shooter game with Nitro Games

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000

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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The Mobile GameDev Playbook

Episode 24: What will 2022 bring to mobile games?

Thu, 13 Jan 2022 14:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 23: 2021 Retrospective with the GameRefinery Analysts

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0000

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.

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Episode 22: Why diverse teams make better mobile games with HiDef

Sun, 07 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000

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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Episode 21: Concerts, collabs and KFC: The wonderful world of seasonal events in mobile games

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 14:00:00 +0100

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.

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The Mobile GameDev Playbook

Episode 20: The toxic content dilemma “Can AI help moderate in-game chat?” with Utopia Analytics

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 11:00:00 +0100

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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The Mobile Gamedev Playbook

Episode 19: The metaverse & mobile gaming with RP1

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 09:00:00 +0100

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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The Mobile GameDev Playbook

Episode 18: What has happened in the mobile games industry so far? With GameRefinery by Vungle’s Analysts

Sun, 18 Jul 2021 09:00:00 +0100

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.

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The Mobile GameDev Playbook

Episode 17: Designing Your Audience for Mobile Games with Richard Bartle

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 09:00:00 +0100

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.

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Episode 15: Tools, tips, and tricks to design winning mobile games with PickFu & Mojiworks

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 09:00:00 +0100

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!

Episode 14: Maximise ROI on Ad Monetization With Kolibri Games

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 09:00:00 +0000

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!

Episode 13: Mobile GameDev Awards 2021 Winners - What is their secret? Featuring Luna Labs

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 16:00:00 +0000

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!

Episode 12: What’s in store in 2021 for the mobile gaming industry?

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +0000

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!

Episode 11: 2020 Retrospective with the GameRefinery Analysts

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 14:00:00 +0000

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!

Episode 10: Game Economy Design and Monetization with The Mobile Game Doctor

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 09:00:00 +0000

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!

Episode 9: IDFA and the future of the Mobile Gaming Ad Industry, featuring AdColony

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 17:00:00 +0100

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 1.5billion users globally.

Thanks for listening!

Episode 8: Social Games: What are the social must-have features that help create global hits? Featuring Teatime Games

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 13:00:00 +0100

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!

Episode 7: Getting to Grips with the RPG Genre with Facebook Gaming

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0100

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 Facebook. In this role, he not only drives the B2B marketing strategy for the region but also global gaming marketing initiatives for Facebook with the Genre and Great Games report being one of them.

Take a look at the live report on the GameRefinery website: https://www.gamerefinery.com/genre-and-great-games-report/

Thanks for listening!

Episode 6: Understanding Player Motivations and Archetypes with Rovio and Fundamentally Games

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 11:00:00 +0100

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!

Episode 5: COVID-19's Mobile Gaming Boom with GameAnalytics

Fri, 22 May 2020 09:00:00 +0100

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.

Episode 4: How to Create Chart-Topping Casual Games with PeopleFun

Mon, 11 May 2020 09:00:00 +0100

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!

Episode 3: The lowdown on Licensed IPs with Ludia

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0100

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!

Episode 2: Perfect World talks Chinese Games

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 17:00:00 +0000

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!

Episode 1: 2019 Gaming Retrospective and 2020 predictions!

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 17:00:00 +0000

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.