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Deconstructor of Fun breaks down successful free-to-play games in search of what makes them fun - or not. All of the contributors to this site are both gamers and game makers.

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Value Optimization, Hybridcasual, and the Impact of AI
Nov 19

Nov 19 Value Optimization, Hybridcasual, and the Impact of AI

Kate Halewood
Business

Discover how hybrid monetization and AI are reshaping mobile gaming, with insights from Meta and Kwalee on optimizing engagement, profitability, and user acquisition

The Sweet Art of Feature Adaptation
Nov 12

Nov 12 The Sweet Art of Feature Adaptation

Guest Writer
Deconstructions

Game development isn’t just about creating from scratch—it’s about knowing when and how to borrow smartly. See how thoughtful adaptations, rather than straightforward copying, shape the most successful games in the industry.

Untold Stories of ex-Activision Blizzard King’s Founders
Nov 4

Nov 4 Untold Stories of ex-Activision Blizzard King’s Founders

Guest Writer
Business

What gives former Activision, Blizzard, and King employees an edge when launching gaming startups?

Shooting for Success: Navigating the Ultra Competitive Shooter Genre
Oct 28

Oct 28 Shooting for Success: Navigating the Ultra Competitive Shooter Genre

Adam Telfer
Business

With PvP shooters facing major player drop-offs and new titles struggling to break in, we’re looking at how competitive and unforgiving this space has become—and what developers need to stay in the game.

Transmedia Triumphs and Traps: Lessons from the Convergence of Gaming and Media
Oct 21

Oct 21 Transmedia Triumphs and Traps: Lessons from the Convergence of Gaming and Media

Kate Halewood
Business

Forget what you thought you knew about Hollywood dominating entertainment. Gaming adaptations have taken center stage, and transmedia storytelling is where it’s at.

From $1B to $10B in 5 Years – Scopely’s Journey to Mobile Game Success
Oct 14

Oct 14 From $1B to $10B in 5 Years – Scopely’s Journey to Mobile Game Success

Kate Halewood
Business

Game studios can learn a thing or two from Scopely’s approach, especially when it comes to crafting solid product strategies and creating engaging experiences that truly connect with players.

Savvy Moves: Saudi Arabias Gaming Vision
Oct 7

Oct 7 Savvy Moves: Saudi Arabias Gaming Vision

Kate Halewood
Business

Saudi Arabia has set a very ambitious goal. However, will it succeed in attracting top global talent and investment to meet its targets?

4 x Reasons Why Squad Busters Suffers While Brawl Stars Soars
Oct 1

Oct 1 4 x Reasons Why Squad Busters Suffers While Brawl Stars Soars

Michail Katkoff
Deconstructions

Despite the hype, Squad Busters is facing major challenges. In this analysis, we break down the reasons for its struggles and what Supercell can do to turn things around.

Daily Missions in Puzzles: Why should we see them more often?
Sep 23

Sep 23 Daily Missions in Puzzles: Why should we see them more often?

Guest Writer
Deconstructions

Puzzle games thrive on quick sessions, though daily missions can take that a step further.

AI x Game Industry in 2025 - The Unspoken Part
Sep 16

Sep 16 AI x Game Industry in 2025 - The Unspoken Part

Michail Katkoff
Business

AI is shaking up game development, unlocking new levels of innovation. But with these advances come fresh challenges that will test the industry’s adaptability.

Top 3 Mistakes Gaming Startups Make - According to the VCs
Sep 9

Sep 9 Top 3 Mistakes Gaming Startups Make - According to the VCs

Kate Halewood
Business

Getting VC funding in gaming can be a make-or-break moment for any startup. But with so many moving parts, it’s easy to trip up. We’re breaking down the three biggest mistakes founders make—from cap table mismanagement to neglecting distribution strategy.

Time Blast: Will it revive the Rest of the Genre?
Sep 2

Sep 2 Time Blast: Will it revive the Rest of the Genre?

Guest Writer
Deconstructions

Time Blast isn’t just another puzzle game—it’s a reinvention of the Blast genre with modern twists that could change the way you play.

5 Tactics for the Volatile PC/Console Market
Aug 26

Aug 26 5 Tactics for the Volatile PC/Console Market

Adam Telfer
Business

The gaming industry’s golden age may feel like a distant memory, yet 2024 arrives with both fresh challenges and new opportunities. As the market evolves, we explore key trends and tactics to help developers navigate this shifting landscape.

Finding Genre Success: the Case of Gossip Harbor
Aug 19

Aug 19 Finding Genre Success: the Case of Gossip Harbor

Guest Writer
Deconstructions

The merge game space is fiercely competitive, yet Microfun has achieved an impressive feat by climbing to the second spot in the US with Gossip Harbour. Discover how this success story unfolded.

Why Global Stock Markets Collapsed, and What Does It Mean for the Gaming Industry?
Aug 12

Aug 12 Why Global Stock Markets Collapsed, and What Does It Mean for the Gaming Industry?

Michail Katkoff
Business

Explore the impact of the recent global stock market collapse on the gaming industry and what it means for its future.

Win Streak: the Gift That Keeps on Giving
Aug 5

Aug 5 Win Streak: the Gift That Keeps on Giving

Guest Writer
Deconstructions

Puzzle games on mobile continue to reach new revenue and engagement heights thanks to features like the win streak. Let us explain to you how this particular feature works.

Mobile Gaming After the Digital Markets Act
Jul 29

Jul 29 Mobile Gaming After the Digital Markets Act

Michail Katkoff
Business

Could the DMA be the boost the mobile game industry desperately needs to bounce back from the challenges of IDFA?

Platform Payouts and Fortnite’s Unique Approach
Jul 23

Jul 23 Platform Payouts and Fortnite’s Unique Approach

Guest User
Business

Curious about how different content platforms handle creator payouts? Explore the intricacies of revenue models from Steam to Spotify, and discover Fortnite’s distinctive approach with skin-based funding.

Behind the Wheel: How Hutch Built Strong Partnerships with Car Manufacturers
Jul 15

Jul 15 Behind the Wheel: How Hutch Built Strong Partnerships with Car Manufacturers

Kate Halewood
Business

Breaking into the world of big IP licenses might seem like an uphill battle for independent game developers. Discover how Hutch made waves with Formula One and Forza, and explore key strategies for building successful partnerships.

Squad Busters One Month Later: Down, But Not Out
Jul 8

Jul 8 Squad Busters One Month Later: Down, But Not Out

Guest Writer
Deconstructions

Let’s dig into why Squad Busters, Supercell's latest release, struggled after launch and whether it can become a comeback story or remain a costly lesson in mobile game development.

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