Two & a Half Gamers Session #45: Predictions 2023

The podcast session provides a series of industry predictions for 2023, focusing on the evolving landscape of mobile gaming, user acquisition, and ad monetization. The discussion centers on the shifting dynamics within the digital advertising ecosystem, the potential for industry consolidation, and the future of specific gaming genres. The panelists adopt a candid, informal tone to analyze trends that impact developers, publishers, and marketers.

Key predictions include the rise of Amazon as a major player in the ad monetization space and the potential for significant corporate acquisitions, such as Amazon purchasing Unity. The discussion also touches on the future of virtual reality, with participants expressing skepticism regarding its immediate growth, and the role of hypercasual games as a gateway for broader gaming engagement. Furthermore, the panelists explore the emergence of retention-focused gaming models, particularly within mobile platforms like Netflix, and the potential for new market entrants to challenge established titles.

A significant portion of the analysis addresses the ethics of creative advertising, specifically questioning whether the industry will move away from sexist ad practices by the end of 2023. The session serves as a high-level overview of the challenges and opportunities facing the mobile gaming sector, emphasizing the need for strategic adaptation in response to changing platform policies and consumer preferences. The insights are framed as expert commentary intended to guide professionals through the complexities of user acquisition and game design in a rapidly shifting market.