Mobile Games Playbook
Episodes
Episode 67: Relearning the Rules - Player Motivations and Understanding Audiences with Carlos Salvado
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join GameRefinery’s Brendan Fraher and industry veteran Carlos Salvado for another episode of the Mobile Games Playbook. With 15 years of experience...
Episode 66: Mastering Mobile Growth Marketing - Testing, Pilot Testing, and Cross-Industry Skills with Saikala Sultanova
27 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 65: More Than Just a Name - Leveraging IP in Mobile Games with Rovio’s Kentaro Sugiura
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 G...
Episode 64: Introducing AppRefinery - A New Playbook for Consumer Apps
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of the Mobile Games Playbook explores Liftoff’s new AppRefinery platform. Building on the success of GameRefinery, AppRefinery offers d...
Episode 63: Award-winning insights - Our 2025 Mobile AppDev Awards winners
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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....
Episode 62: Profit from Play - The top monetization trends in the Mobile Games market
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of the Mobile Games Playbook explores current monetization trends in mobile gaming and touches on subjects such as hybrid monetization, h...
Episode 61: Looking Forward - What we expect to dominate mobile gaming in 2025
09 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of the Mobile Games Playbook peers into the crystal ball to forecast the mobile gaming landscape of 2025 with GameRefinery’s experts, K...
Episode 60: Mobile Gaming in 2024 - Exploring the top trends that dominated the year
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of the Mobile Games Playbook dives into the mobile landscape of 2024 with GameRefinery’s experts, Erno Kiiski, Chief Game Analyst, and ...
Episode 59: Going Global - How Chinese Gaming Apps can succeed on the global stage
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dominating the App Store charts, Chinese mobile games are captivating players worldwide. But what's their secret? This episode of the Mobile Gam...
Episode 58: User Acquisition Blueprint: Harnessing User-Generated Content for Effective UA
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 marketer...
Episode 56: Beyond the Hype - Building a Winning UA Strategy for Your Mobile Game
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Playboo...
Episode 57: Mobile Gaming in 2024: A Mid-Year Deep Dive
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 i...
Episode 55: From Niche to Global - Top Tips to Cracking the Lucrative Japanese Mobile Market
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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’...
Episode 54: Unlocking LiveOps Success - Lessons from Mobile GameDev Award Winners
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Discover the strategies that drive award-winning LiveOps! In this episode, we analyze the Mobile GameDev Award winners, revealing their secrets to boo...
Episode 53: Predicting the biggest mobile game trends in 2024
11 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 pro...
Episode 52: Exploring the top five trends that dominated 2023
14 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 51: How to navigate the evolving advertising and revenue landscape
23 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we explore the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in mobile game design, advertising, and revenue generation. In this episode, we t...
Episode 50: The top three trends in the Chinese mobile game market in 2023
19 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 wh...
Episode 49: Chocobo on-the-go - Exploring Final Fantasy on mobile
21 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 gen...
Episode 48: Pikachu, I snooze you! Mastering the dream world with Pokémon Sleep
31 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Episode 47: How women can reshape the games industry with Zynga
17 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode delves into the dynamic and diverse world of women in gaming. Karen Chen, Account Executive at Liftoff, and Paula Neves, Senior Product M...
Episode 46: Unveiling the top 3 mobile game studio secrets for engaging live events
25 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 45: From student to game developer - How investing in young talent can transform the industry
12 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Say farewell to The Mobile GameDev Playbook, as we introduce the new and improved Mobile Games Playbook, brought to you by Liftoff. Investing in youn...
Episode 44: Locked and loaded: An expert review of the mobile shooter market
22 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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, th...
Episode 43: How to make money if you're ditching lootboxes
16 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Episode 42: Marvelling at Marvel Snap
25 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 41: The top eight mobile game monetization trends in 2023
11 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 Pa...
Episode 40: Merging to the top - The development of EverMerge
15 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 N...
Episode 39: Top seven game design trends - 2022 in review
01 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 mob...
Episode 38: License to Game - Licensing and IPs in mobile games
17 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 37: What’s new in how games make money
02 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Episode 36: Celebrity collaborations in mobile games with HypGames
19 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Mobile GameDev Playbook, Mike Taramykin, the founder of HypGames, and Chief Game Analyst Teemu Palomäki from GameRefinery, a L...
Episode 35: April Fools, Christmas, and Golden Week - discussing seasonal events in 2022
06 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Mobile GameDev Playbook, we’re joined by GameRefinery, a Liftoff company, analysts Erno Kiiski and Sonja Skoglund, who will b...
Episode 34: Gaming mobilescriptions with Multiscription
21 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Mobile GameDev Playbook, Teis Mikkelsen, the founder of Multiscription, and senior market analyst Kalle Heikkinen from GameRefi...
Episode 33: How State of Survival: Zombie War became an award-winning game
07 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Mobile GameDev Playbook, Bob Slinn, Head of Business Development at FunPlus, and game analyst Milka Paunonen from GameRefinery,...
Episode 32: The Mobile Gamedev Awards: What makes an award-winning mobile game
24 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Mobile GameDev Playbook, we’re joined by GameRefinery, a Liftoff company analysts Erno Kiiski and Kalle Heikkinen for a speci...
Episode 31: Crafting a charming farming game: The story of Sunrise Village’s development
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Mobile Gamedev Playbook, Thi Detert, Senior Lead Game Designer at InnoGames, and Product Owner, Alison Simpson talk about the d...
Episode 30: Diablo Immortal or Diablo Immoral? Discussing the monetization controversy behind Blizzard’s latest mobile game
20 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode of the Mobile GameDev Playbook, our host Jon Jordan discusses the popular but controversial game Diablo Immortal with Erno Kii...
Episode 29: Fishing for knowledge: designing realistic life simulation games for mobile
05 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Mobile Gamedev Playbook, Kirill Petruk, Lead Producer at Ten Square Games, talks about the development of Fishing Clash: Sports...
Episode 28: How to create a winning in-game economy with Machinations
28 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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. Ou...
Episode 27: Kingdom Rush: What makes a successful game franchise? With Ironhide Games
23 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Mobile Gamedev Playbook, Ariel Coppes, Lead Game Engineer at Ironhide Games, talks about the success of the Kingdom Rush franch...
Episode 26: Raid: Shadow Legends - Creating a mobile powerhouse with Plarium
07 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Mobile Gamedev Playbook, host Jon Jordan and GameRefinery by Vungle analysts Erno Kiiski and Altti Fromholdt join Vice Presiden...
Episode 25: How to create a winning shooter game with Nitro Games
26 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 mark...
Episode 24: What will 2022 bring to mobile games?
13 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
Episode 23: 2021 Retrospective with the GameRefinery Analysts
16 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 22: Why diverse teams make better mobile games with HiDef
07 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 d...
Episode 21: Concerts, collabs and KFC: The wonderful world of seasonal events in mobile games
11 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, GameRefinery looks at the craziest events this year, from Genshin Impacts’ collab with KFC to Roblox Lil Nas X digital concert.Game...
Episode 20: The toxic content dilemma “Can AI help moderate in-game chat?” with Utopia Analytics
28 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Mobile Gamedev Playbook, we're looking at the use of AI moderation in social gaming. GameRefinery analyst and podcast reg...
Episode 19: The metaverse & mobile gaming with RP1
17 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 indust...
Episode 18: What has happened in the mobile games industry so far? With GameRefinery by Vungle’s Analysts
18 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 bigge...
Episode 17: Designing Your Audience for Mobile Games with Richard Bartle
29 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 au...
Episode 15: Tools, tips, and tricks to design winning mobile games with PickFu & Mojiworks
15 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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, to...
Episode 14: Maximise ROI on Ad Monetization With Kolibri Games
23 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Mobile GameDev Playbook we discuss the common struggles game developers face when monetizing their games and provide some top t...
Episode 13: Mobile GameDev Awards 2021 Winners - What is their secret? Featuring Luna Labs
10 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 12: What’s in store in 2021 for the mobile gaming industry?
18 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 f...
Episode 11: 2020 Retrospective with the GameRefinery Analysts
01 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 in...
Episode 10: Game Economy Design and Monetization with The Mobile Game Doctor
02 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 s...
Episode 9: IDFA and the future of the Mobile Gaming Ad Industry, featuring AdColony
06 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Apple shocked the mobile advertising world this summer when it gave a two months’ notice of a seismic change in how mobile advertising campaigns wou...
Episode 8: Social Games: What are the social must-have features that help create global hits? Featuring Teatime Games
03 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 c...
Episode 7: Getting to Grips with the RPG Genre with Facebook Gaming
18 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Drawing from insights gained from Facebook and GameRefinery's brand new report on mobile gaming genres, this episode of the Mobile GameDev Playbo...
Episode 6: Understanding Player Motivations and Archetypes with Rovio and Fundamentally Games
18 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 6 of The Mobile GameDev Playbook looks at player archetypes and motivations and how these essential insights are being factored into game deve...
Episode 5: COVID-19's Mobile Gaming Boom with GameAnalytics
22 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
Episode 4: How to Create Chart-Topping Casual Games with PeopleFun
11 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 favour...
Episode 3: The lowdown on Licensed IPs with Ludia
01 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 spec...
Episode 2: Perfect World talks Chinese Games
05 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 featu...
Episode 1: 2019 Gaming Retrospective and 2020 predictions!
10 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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...