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

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/MjaizTimestamps02:54 – Saltwater Fish Tank Update04:02 – Shilling and Blog Highlights07:56 – Mobile Gaming Trends 202513:35 – Not E3 Events Recap19:12 – Switch 2 Record-Breaking Launch27:00 – Tencent’s Potential Nexon Acquisition29:26 – Korean Gaming Industry Insights30:42 – Western Capital in Eastern Markets32:01 – Stellar Blade’s Success on Steam35:07 – Candy Crush Veterans’ New Venture36:42 – Nice Plans Studio’s Funding Round38:05 – Warner Bros. Game Restructure39:36 – Believer’s Shutdown42:17 – Build a Rocket Boy’s Struggles49:31 – Bungie’s Marathon Delay50:18 – Remedy’s New Release56:13 – King Shot’s RiseSubscribe, 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.