Games Growth with Upptic Upptic

In this episode, learn how the TikTok ban stands to impact marketers, content creators, and users in the United States. Plus, get a look at Meta’s Q1 earnings report, what it says about Meta as a performance channel, and challenges and opportunities for marketers. Finally, learn why Embracer Group is splitting into three new entities – and what lessons the games industry can learn from their trial and error.

Takeaways


The “TikTok ban” has become law in the United States, raising concerns for marketers and content creators
Meta’s Q1 earnings beat expectations, but the stock market reacted negatively due to concerns about AI investments
Advertisers should diversify marketing channels and be prepared for changes in performance on platforms like Facebook
Embracer Group is splitting into three separate entities – focusing on physical games, indies/AA games, and AAA games

Podcast Chapters


00:00 – Opening and introductions
00:42 – The TikTok ban is real, here’s what to do
11:11 – Meta stumbles despite strong Q1 report
20:41 – “Embracer” is dead – important takeaways
30:11 – Closing and sponsor message

Explore the importance and unique aspects of India as a gaming market. Joining us is Shloak "Spidey" Pacheriwala – the Founder of BharatGG, an Indian games guild. Spidey challenges misconceptions about the market and discusses the opportunities in India.

Learn about the demographics of Indian gamers, monetization differences between iOS and Android, the lack of local Indian game developers, the challenges of web3 gaming in India, and the role of gaming guilds in bridging the gap.

Plus, get insights on Indian trends and what the next several years are likely to have in store for the Indian market.

Takeaways


India is a rapidly growing gaming market with a large user base, particularly in mobile gaming.
While India is a hub for games growth, there are very few Indian game studios or gaming companies.
The Indian gaming market is predominantly men under 30 and women over 35.
Localization and culturalization are important for international developers looking to enter the Indian market.
Web3 gaming faces challenges in India due to government regulations against cryptocurrencies.
Gaming guilds play a crucial role in onboarding traditional Indian gamers to web3 gaming experiences.
Indian gaming trends show potential for story-based games that incorporate Indian mythology and culture.

Podcast Chapters


00:00 – Opening and introductions
01:50 – What you should know about games in India
13:00 – India's esports explosion
15:08 – Understanding Indian gamedev and gamers
21:37 – Web3 guilds and gaming in India
31:26 – India Insights: Projections and predictions
37:26 – Closing and sponsor message

Get notes from the trenches of GDC, MAU, and NFT NYC. Spirits are high and hiring is up – even if budgets are still tight. There are hints of mobile gaming making a bit of a comeback.

Following the dissection of this anecdotal evidence, we dive into the latest games industry report from Sensor Tower and Data.ai – which forecasts massive growth in global spending and downloads over the next six years.

Takeaways


The gaming industry is experiencing growth and vibrancy, with events like GDC showing an energetic atmosphere.
Web3 gaming is gaining legitimacy and producing visually appealing games, although the top tier is still not on par with web2 games.
The middle may be dropping out of the mobile app market – you either need to be a giant or small, nimble company to survive.
The industry is recovering from the impact of COVID-19, with increased hiring and a more stable environment.
iOS privacy changes, such as ATT and SKAN, have likely had a significant impact on industry layoffs and shifts.
Non-gaming apps are becoming increasingly important and are capturing a larger share of consumer spend.
Asia and North America dominate consumer spend, but emerging markets offer significant growth opportunities.
The future of the gaming industry is uncertain, with projections and forecasts subject to various factors and trends.

Podcast Chapters


00:00 – Opening remarks and intro
00:39 – Notes from GDC, MAU, NFT.NYC
15:26 – The (possibly) bright future of mobile
31:43 – Outro and sponsor message

Subscription gaming has yet to hit critical mass – but it could be one of gaming's next big disruptors. Take a deep dive into Netflix's approach to games and advertising. Plus, get a breakdown of the growth strategies used by today's biggest gaming companies.



TAKEAWAYS


Netflix is taking a conservative approach to gaming, focusing on high-ROI opportunities.
The adoption of gaming on streaming platforms has been slow due to differences in intent.
Netflix is doubling down on becoming an ad network and growing their ads business.
The expansion into gaming and ads presents expansion opportunities for Netflix.
Netflix has the potential to enter the ads space by leveraging their personalization and data.
EA's slow, steady growth strategy revolves around live services and their sports franchises.
Microsoft's acquisition of Activision-Blizzard indicates a strategic expansion to reach gamers.
Microsoft's shift to a content-focused strategy reflects changing games industry dynamics.
Subscription services like Game Pass offer a way to expand distribution and monetization.



CHAPTERS

00:00 – Opening remarks and introduction

04:15 – Netflix and subscription-based gaming

11:02 – Netflix: Advertising king in the making?

17:25 – Electronic Arts’ steady growth strategy

21:02 – Microsoft’s new content-first growth strategy

30:59 – Closing remarks and sponsor message

Sensor Tower's recent acquisition has come as a bit of a shock to many in the industry – not in the least because many thought Data.ai was the company with more purchasing power. Learn what this acquisition means for the industry and how it will likely impact you. Additionally, dive into Apple's new legal fight against the United States and see why Embracer's divestment of Gearbox to Take-Two Interactive highlights the shortcomings of the "federated states" business model.

TAKEAWAYS


Sensor Tower's purchase of Data.ai likely means rising prices for everyone in the industry.
The involvement of private equity in the Sensor Tower deal raises some interesting questions.
The "federated states" business model has not panned out – it really only works during good times.
It makes more sense to consolidate certain things like go-to-market, customer support, etc.
Apple's App Store behavior has created animosity that made them vulnerable to attack.
The case against Apple focuses on withholding feature access from competitors, among other things.

CHAPTERS


00:00 – Opening remarks and intro
00:39 – Sensor Tower: The new king of data?
07:48 – Embracer's failed federated strategy
15:39 – Illegal monopoly? Apple vs. the U.S.
21:26 – Outro and sponsor message

Get more gaming insights at www.upptic.com.

Everyone knows that data is king when it comes to gaming and marketing. But what are the best ways to get, analyze, and utilize this data? John Uke, Founder of GameTree, explains how the company captures user data to find highly compatible matches for gamers, and how this data can be leveraged for user acquisition, retention, and personalization.

TAKEAWAYS


Data and personalization are crucial for better targeted advertising and great customized user experiences.
While matchmaking is important, skill-based matchmaking is the wrong way to go about putting gamers together.
A more holistic approach to matchmaking – based people's personalities – can mitigate toxicity in gaming.
Gamer data and properly optimized matchmaking is integral to building sustainable communities.

CHAPTERS


00:00 – Opening remarks and intros
02:22 – Psychology in gamedev
14:37 – Gamer needs in gaming
20:25 – Unlocking gamer data
31:57 – Outro and sponsor message

GET MORE GAMING INSIGHTS AT UPPTIC.COM.