Economy Diagramming Using Figma & AI

Every game/economy diagram worth its salt contains a +Power ↔ +Action slide. It says something, but usually it’s not enough to understand what the hell is going on. Like traditional economic modeling, diagramming clarifies uncertainty by revealing a game’s internal structure or “wiring.” It forces a simplification of assumptions, and, like the effect of understanding the…

Squad Busters 2.0 & SpaceX’s Raptor 3 Engine

Squad Busters’ original thesis has been falsified. What once seemed like KPI paradise: hypercasual-esque core, aggregating Supercell’s beloved IPs à la Super Smash Bros., and infinite consumable-based monetization with zero marginal cost, is now unrecognizable. I was brought in, and called it the game with Supercell’s biggest ceiling! Yet, just a year later, the hypercasual core…

Law & Economic Order, A Game Economist Investigation

Pokémon’s patent of spherical objects throwing of cartoon creatures threatens Palword’s lifeblood, while Tim Sweeney has lifted, at least a percentage point, in total gaming GDP with its injunction success. We premier a new segment: SOLVE that for EQUILIBRIUM. We discuss the marginal monetization effects and debate the benefits of personalization opportunities (hint: there are…

Two Troubling Signs for Gaming

Two troubling signs for gaming: First, Danielle Tran from Konvoy reports that AI accounts for only 10% of gaming investments, compared with 71% across all venture activity. Do VCs believe AI will transform every industry except gaming? AI is a growth mechanic, and the idea that gaming won’t benefit as much is a tough pill…