Niccolo de Masi, CEO of Glu Mobile, discusses the evolution of mobile gaming, emphasizing the success of celebrity-licensed games like Kim Kardashian: Hollywood. He breaks down Glu's strategy for leveraging intellectual property, contrasting it with previous failures in the market. This episode is a masterclass in adapting business models for digital entertainment and anticipating future trends in a rapidly changing industry.
Key takeaways
Glu Mobile's success with celebrity-licensed games like Kim Kardashian: Hollywood stems from a deep understanding of mobile gaming mechanics and monetization, moving beyond mere IP attachment.
The key to successful licensed IP games lies in integrating the celebrity into the core game loop and monetization strategy, rather than just using their image for marketing.
The future of gaming, particularly mobile, hinges on innovative business models like the freemium model and virtual goods economies, coupled with strong player retention strategies.
Effective game development and monetization involve data-driven design and continuous adaptation to player expectations and technological shifts.
Understanding and leveraging influencer marketing, especially with high-profile celebrities, can significantly drive player acquisition and engagement in the mobile gaming sector.
Glu Mobile CEO Niccolo de Masi talks with Kara Swisher about Glu's hit games like Kim Kardashian: Hollywood and Katy Perry Pop, and what makes them different from earlier video games based on licensed intellectual property. He also handicaps the future of the gaming business, and discusses what will separate the winners from the losers. Later on: Kara Swisher and Lauren Goode review the top gadgets of 2015.
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Glu Mobile's success with celebrity-licensed games like Kim Kardashian: Hollywood stems from a deep understanding of mobile gaming mechanics and monetization, moving beyond mere IP attachment.
What does this episode say about dtc strategy?
The key to successful licensed IP games lies in integrating the celebrity into the core game loop and monetization strategy, rather than just using their image for marketing.
What does this episode say about product & merchandising?
The future of gaming, particularly mobile, hinges on innovative business models like the freemium model and virtual goods economies, coupled with strong player retention strategies.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Effective game development and monetization involve data-driven design and continuous adaptation to player expectations and technological shifts.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Understanding and leveraging influencer marketing, especially with high-profile celebrities, can significantly drive player acquisition and engagement in the mobile gaming sector.
