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 ...
Dec 16, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 67
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 w...
Nov 27, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 66
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 ...
Oct 30, 2025•27 min•Ep. 65
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 ...
Aug 14, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 64
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. 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...
Jun 26, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 63
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. Remember to subscribe, leave a review, and check out our websites, https://liftoff....
Feb 20, 2025•33 min•Ep. 62
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...
Jan 09, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 61
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...
Dec 17, 2024•47 min
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....
Oct 24, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 59
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 ...
Sep 18, 2024•30 min
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...
Aug 08, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 56
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...
Jul 18, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 57
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 chal...
May 09, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 55
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 s...
Apr 04, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 54
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 in...
Jan 11, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 53
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 Ana...
Dec 14, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 52
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 tr...
Nov 23, 2023•31 min•Season 1Ep. 51
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 ind...
Oct 19, 2023•33 min•Season 1Ep. 50
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 g...
Sep 21, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 49
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 tha...
Aug 31, 2023•31 min•Season 1Ep. 48
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 gamer...
Aug 17, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 47
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 importan...
May 25, 2023•26 min•Season 1Ep. 46
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 i...
May 12, 2023•26 min•Season 1Ep. 45
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 e...
Mar 22, 2023•37 min•Season 2Ep. 44
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...
Feb 16, 2023•37 min•Season 2Ep. 43
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...
Jan 25, 2023•34 min•Season 2Ep. 42
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 Gam...
Jan 11, 2023•47 min•Season 2Ep. 41
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 ...
Dec 15, 2022•31 min•Season 1Ep. 40
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...
Dec 01, 2022•41 min•Season 1Ep. 39
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 m...
Nov 17, 2022•32 min•Season 1Ep. 38
