Game Development Masterclass: From Prototype to Profit
Join GameAnalytics and Mishka Katkoff for a four-part masterclass on data strategy, acquisition, retention, and monetization. Designed to help you build, scale, and sustain successful games.
The Set Up: Build for Success from Day 1
Get your data strategy right from the start. In this episode, we walk through what every studio needs to track, how to structure their data stack, and how to build a culture of insight.
You’ll learn:
- The difference between data maturity and data sophistication - and why both matter
- What the “best in the business” get right about tooling, people, and process
- Common setup pitfalls and the one piece of advice every founder should hear
- How analytics roles are evolving in the age of AI
Acquire: How to Measure Marketability Before and After Launch
Marketability isn’t luck, it’s a system. From prototype to global scale, we unpack how to test, measure, and master marketability in today’s competitive landscape.
You’ll learn:
- What “marketability” really means
- Which metrics to track at each stage - prototype, soft launch, and scale
- How to connect user acquisition efficiency with gameplay performance
- Why chasing CPI is a trap (and what to measure instead)
- How AI and creative testing are changing the rules - fast
Want more? Read 7 Steps to Build a Winning Creative Strategy with Ad Insights below.
Retain: Fix Your Retention Curve and Keep Players Hooked
Retention is the heartbeat of every successful game. This episode breaks down how to interpret your retention data, pinpoint where players drop off, and use live ops and personalization to keep them coming back.
You’ll learn:
- How to tell if your D1/D7/D30 numbers are “good enough”
- The difference between fixing early-game vs. late-game retention
- The underrated impact of ads, channels, and creative alignment on retention
- Where A/B testing and segmentation actually move the needle
- How AI and personalization are reshaping player engagement
Monetize: Master the Art and Science of LTV
Monetization doesn’t start at launch. It starts the moment you understand your players. In this episode we explore how to balance fun and revenue, build smart segmentation, and find long-term monetization health.
You’ll learn:
- When to start thinking about monetization (hint: it’s earlier than you think)
- The key IAP + ads metrics that actually matter
- How to segment for profit without losing your players
- The warning signs that your monetization strategy is about to backfire
- Why “a good game monetizes itself” is only half true