TWIG #336 Candy Crush Veterans Return as Marathon Runs Out of Steam

Deconstructor of Fun

We start with a massive Switch 2 record-breaking pre-launch momentum and what it signals for Nintendo’s comeback strategy. Then it’s on to Tencent’s rumored bid for Nexon that could reshape the Korean gaming landscape.

Candy Crush OGs jump back into the game as we unpack the shock closures (RIP Believer), restructures (Warner Bros Games), and slowdowns (Bungie’s Marathon, Build a Rocket Boy). Plus: Mobile Gaming Trends 2025, Remedy’s mysterious new drop, and why Kingshot might be the next game to watch.
Sharp, unsentimental, and essential, just how you like it.

Appsflyer State of Creative Optimization: shorturl.at/Mjaiz
Timestamps
02:54 – Saltwater Fish Tank Update
04:02 – Shilling and Blog Highlights
07:56 – Mobile Gaming Trends 2025
13:35 – Not E3 Events Recap
19:12 – Switch 2 Record-Breaking Launch
27:00 – Tencent’s Potential Nexon Acquisition
29:26 – Korean Gaming Industry Insights
30:42 – Western Capital in Eastern Markets
32:01 – Stellar Blade’s Success on Steam
35:07 – Candy Crush Veterans’ New Venture
36:42 – Nice Plans Studio’s Funding Round
38:05 – Warner Bros. Game Restructure
39:36 – Believer’s Shutdown
42:17 – Build a Rocket Boy’s Struggles
49:31 – Bungie’s Marathon Delay
50:18 – Remedy’s New Release
56:13 – King Shot’s Rise
Subscribe, rate, and tell a friend who’s still waiting on the Marathon beta.
In this podcast, the group shares **game dev** secrets and **game design** insights from working in the industry. They also discuss the realities of **game development**, covering everything from the highs to the lows, and provide a **reaction video** to specific scenarios that can happen. The discussion also includes stories from **indie game dev** studios.