2025 Agenda
Check out the Gamesforum Cyprus 2025 Agenda below.
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- Day One
- Day Two
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08.25 - Registration Opens
Josh Vowles, Head of Product, GamesforumJosh VowlesHead of ProductGamesforum09.25
Welcome to Gamesforum Cyprus!
Jacki Vause, CEO, DimosoJacki VauseCEODimosoJacki Vause is the Founder and CEO of Dimoso PR and Co-Founder of Global One Communications. She is one of the UK’s female tech PR pioneers and has worked in publishing and public relations for over 25 years. Named as one of PCR’s top 30 women in mobile, Jacki created Dimoso, an integrated digital marketing and PR agency specialising in mobile games and technology. Jacki has vast experience as a proven tech entrepreneur, with more than 9 companies under her belt, and wears the crown of business leader, mentor, Grit Daily author, and PR communications savant. Jacki’s experience encompasses leading entertainment companies such as BBC, Channel 4, Disney, and Angry Birds; expertly managing major consumer brands including Mazuma, Apple, GE, AT&T, and Panasonic; and successfully growing gaming giants like Rovio and Gismart. Managing traditional and digital, mobile, and social communications strategies for these brands, Jacki’s experience with startups and scaleups is extensive and invaluable.
Andrey Korotkov, CEO & Partner, Zillion WhalesAndrey KorotkovCEO & PartnerZillion Whales
Alexander Lubchenko, CMO, KosmosAlexander LubchenkoCMOKosmos
John Wright, Mobile Game ConsultantJohn WrightMobile Game ConsultantI am currently working as a strategic advisor or consultant for studios or technology companies in gaming, my specialities are in Growth (UA & Monetisation), GTM, Strategy, Publishing and Investment.
My most recent role was steering Kwalee's mobile games to new heights, my focus lies in advancing game monetization and online marketing strategies. With a rich background in the AdTech and gaming industries, our team has successfully expanded the user base and optimised game performance on a global scale.
Transitioning from finance to gaming has equipped me with a unique perspective, enhancing our approach to B2B marketing and web content. As a board member and advisor, I am committed to fostering innovative partnerships and guiding developers to create captivating gaming experiences that resonate with players around the world.09.30
State of Industry: Mobile F2P
Kicking-off Gamesforum Cyprus join Dimoso’s Jacki Vause with our State of Industry panel. Reflecting on Q1 of 2025, this panel will share their insights on the challenges and opportunities for mobile gaming and give their take on what will define the next stage of the F2P industry.
David Vykopal, Producer, NOXGAMESDavid VykopalProducerNOXGAMES10.30
Mobile Gaming Trends 2025: The Heart of Gaming Innovation
The mobile F2P sector leads gaming innovation in 2024. I'll analyse key reports on rising/falling genres, business trends, and market shifts. Drawing from extensive experience, I'll offer insights into what 2025 holds for mobile games, sharing real-world examples from my company's journey.
11.00 - Morning Coffee Networking Break
Alina Ismailova, Head of Marketing Partnerships, MY.GAMESAlina IsmailovaHead of Marketing PartnershipsMY.GAMESAlina is Head of Partner Relations at MY.GAMES, and has been responsible for recruiting new advertising channels, building strategic partnerships, leading a media buying team and overseeing performance marketing campaigns for over 15 mobile and PC titles in 60 placements (including flagship titles War Robots and Rush Royale).
Over the last 8 years, Alina has held various roles in the games marketing field, starting her career as an account manager at an affiliate network, then later moving on to MY.GAMES to explore new markets like China and driving fresh traffic to their apps and PC projects.
11.30
Key Steps for Successful UA Diversification
This presentation covers MY.GAMES experience onboarding and scaling new UA channels without compromising ROI (and actually growing it). Alina will touch on the importance of analytics, creativity, and risk optimization in relation to various types of traffic sources, more specifically: rewarded platforms, ad networks and affiliates. Check back for more information...
Harry Phokou, Podcast Host, The Gaming PlaybookHarry PhokouPodcast HostThe Gaming PlaybookPodcast host and ghostwriter specializing in the gaming industry. With over 200 interviews with gaming leaders, Harry brings a unique top-down perspective on the industry, gained from years of experience in recruitment and business development.
Itay Milstein, Director of Growth, SciPlayItay MilsteinDirector of GrowthSciPlay
I-Lun Chung, Sr. Sales Director, ProdegeI-Lun ChungSr. Sales DirectorProdegeI-Lun Chung, Sr. Sales Director at Prodege, LLC, has extensive experience in gaming user acquisition (UA), driving exponential revenue growth, and building strategic partnerships. With a deep understanding of performance marketing, market penetration, and brand building, she has been instrumental in the growth of rewarded UA for 5+ years and has helped numerous brands reach untapped user pools, significantly expanding their market share.
Cevdet Ustun, Account Manager, KashKickCevdet UstunAccount ManagerKashKick12.00
Navigating Success with Rewarded UA
With the continued upward trajectory of rewarded networks in Q1 of 2025, join our panel as they share their expertise on finding growth with rewarded traffic. Sharing their experience on rewarded spend, retention beyond D-30, segmentation, monetization and the challenges and opportunities in leveraging the best pocket of growth for mobile UA in 2025.
13.00 - Networking Lunch Break14.00
Creative Marketing x Ad Quality
In the era of hybrid-casual creative marketing has yet again required an overhaul, but what does this mean for those on the supply and demand side of the coin?
Join our panel as they share creative hacks for 2025, what ads are performing best, the use of AI to bolster processes as well as the challenges of navigating bad ad quality and poor design, answering the question, why do we still see “bad” ads?
Derek Butcher, Group Product Manager - App & Web Ad Formats, GoogleDerek ButcherGroup Product Manager - App & Web Ad FormatsGoogle14.30
Presentation on Immersive Ads by Google
Check back for more information...
Jacki Vause, CEO, DimosoJacki VauseCEODimosoJacki Vause is the Founder and CEO of Dimoso PR and Co-Founder of Global One Communications. She is one of the UK’s female tech PR pioneers and has worked in publishing and public relations for over 25 years. Named as one of PCR’s top 30 women in mobile, Jacki created Dimoso, an integrated digital marketing and PR agency specialising in mobile games and technology. Jacki has vast experience as a proven tech entrepreneur, with more than 9 companies under her belt, and wears the crown of business leader, mentor, Grit Daily author, and PR communications savant. Jacki’s experience encompasses leading entertainment companies such as BBC, Channel 4, Disney, and Angry Birds; expertly managing major consumer brands including Mazuma, Apple, GE, AT&T, and Panasonic; and successfully growing gaming giants like Rovio and Gismart. Managing traditional and digital, mobile, and social communications strategies for these brands, Jacki’s experience with startups and scaleups is extensive and invaluable.
Dheeraj Matta, Head of Ad Monetization, Outfit7Dheeraj MattaHead of Ad MonetizationOutfit7Navigating an eclectic career trajectory, Dheeraj Matta has established himself as the Head of Ad Monetization at Outfit7, the masterminds behind the globally acclaimed Talking Tom & Friends franchise. His competence reaches across a multitude of sectors, such as digital advertising, data analytics, compliance, and strategic development.
Known affectionately as Dhee, he fuels his professional journey with a relentless curiosity, persistently pursuing knowledge and tackling challenges head-on. His agile shift from investment banking to advertising post-MBA, combined with a decade-long dedication to the industry, underlines his impressive adaptability and sharp acumen.
Dheeraj's career is marked by a rich tapestry of experiences spanning advertising agencies, networks, and publishers, exhibiting his versatility and strong command over the industry. He adeptly balances a keen focus on commercial aspects of operations with a solid operational and technical grounding, culminating in comprehensive, effective solutions.
Ascending rapidly within Outfit7 in less than five years, Dheeraj now masterminds ad monetization for Talking Tom & Friends, a beloved gaming portfolio engaging hundreds of millions of players globally. This achievement not only underscores his swift progression but also his capacity to thrive and lead in a dynamic, fast-evolving industry.
Derek Butcher, Group Product Manager - App & Web Ad Formats, GoogleDerek ButcherGroup Product Manager - App & Web Ad FormatsGoogle14.45
Innovation in Ad Monetization: Brands Advertising & Immersive Ads
Decreasing eCPMs, poor ad experiences and network power have put a strain on ad $$$’s, with more ad monetization teams looking to diversify revenue sources what opportunities lie ahead?
Join our experts as they share their experience experimenting with the ad monetization norm. From ad formats innovation with immersive in-game ads to unlocking brand $$$'s with direct deals, hear how you can make more out of your non-payers and optimise the ad experience for payers.
15.30 - Afternoon Coffee Networking Break
Murad Musakaev, Head of Studio, Tactile GamesMurad MusakaevHead of StudioTactile GamesStarting out as a copyright lawyer in the game development field, Murad worked with companies like Animaccord and Fahrenheit Lab before moving into roles that involved product development and team management. His experience grew in smaller teams at Blakkfort and Full HP.
When COVID hit, Murad moved to Denmark to work as a producer at Tactile Games. There, he led diverse creative teams, worked on scaling games, ensured regular updates, and pushed for new ideas in the games they released. He became passionate about building and guiding teams around the world, helping them to do their best work.
As a producer, Murad contributed to games like 'Penny & Flo,' which was nominated for Best Live Game in 2022, 'Lily's Garden,' and the 'Simon's Cat' series. Now, he's leading a new division at Tactile Games in Cyprus as the head of the studio.16.00
Building a Monetization Team: Ad Mon x Product
The nature of ad monetization has changed automation has changed the extent of ad operations and ad mon managers find themselves working closer with product on placement design and frequency. Join Tactile Games and Zynga as they share their experience bridging the gap between ad and product monetization, with a focus on building and adapting a team to the new era of monetization.
John Wright, Mobile Game ConsultantJohn WrightMobile Game ConsultantI am currently working as a strategic advisor or consultant for studios or technology companies in gaming, my specialities are in Growth (UA & Monetisation), GTM, Strategy, Publishing and Investment.
My most recent role was steering Kwalee's mobile games to new heights, my focus lies in advancing game monetization and online marketing strategies. With a rich background in the AdTech and gaming industries, our team has successfully expanded the user base and optimised game performance on a global scale.
Transitioning from finance to gaming has equipped me with a unique perspective, enhancing our approach to B2B marketing and web content. As a board member and advisor, I am committed to fostering innovative partnerships and guiding developers to create captivating gaming experiences that resonate with players around the world.
Ravid Sela, Ad Monetization Lead, PlaystudiosRavid SelaAd Monetization LeadPlaystudiosSince 2016, Ravid has specialized in ad monetization. Joining Playstudios in 2022, she's led ad monetization across their portfolio, leveraging data-driven strategies to optimize revenue. As a passionate gamer, she brings a unique perspective to the Tetris mobile product team since April 2024, focusing on integrating seamless ad experiences and product features that enhance ad mon KPIs.
David Vykopal, Producer, NOXGAMESDavid VykopalProducerNOXGAMES16.30
Hybrid Monetization: Fostering a Game Economy
Forming the second part of our conversations around the changing monetization landscape, our Hybrid Monetization panel will look at how publishers have adapted their game economies to encourage and maximise revenue potential. Join our panellists as they share their experience balancing monetization, overhauling old titles and mastering ad placements in 2025.
17.30 - Sunset Drinks Reception at the Parklane Resort Hotel -
Sergei Vasiuk, Director of Live Operations, WargamingSergei VasiukDirector of Live OperationsWargamingSergei Vasiuk is an executive leader with over 25 years of experience. His career commenced as a full-stack developer and progressed into a software lead role, where he made critical technology and architecture decisions. Utilizing his technical expertise, he has played integral roles in the gaming industry, including establishing successful Live-Services Games Operations at Wargaming, constructing a data-driven organization, and overseeing a diverse team comprised of over 17 nationalities. Sergei has significantly contributed to company success by enhancing operational efficiency, spearheading effective live-services game development, and mentoring team members to reach their full potential.
Glib Platonov, CEO, Outloud GamesGlib PlatonovCEOOutloud GamesGlib has more than 12 years of experience in the gaming industry both on Mobile and PC/Console markets. Currently leading Outloud Games as CEO, data-driven developer and publisher of Idle/Tycoon games for mobile with 10M+ installs, and Co-founder of Doghowl Games, PC/console developer of AA games.
Denise Farrelly, Head of Apps & Gaming, EMEA, GoogleDenise FarrellyHead of Apps & Gaming, EMEAGoogle
Alona Frishberg, Product Director, WhaloAlona FrishbergProduct DirectorWhaloAlona Frishberg is the Product Director for Fish of Fortune at Whalo. With nine years in the gaming industry, she has worked at leading studios like Product Madness, Playtika, and Jelly Button Games. Starting as a QA engineer, Alona transitioned into product leadership, guiding social and casual games like Board Kings and Merge Stories from concept to global launch.
10.00
Gamesforum Unfiltered: Cyprus Edition
Off-the-record and uncensored, our Unfiltered format comes to Cyprus! Moderated by Wargaming’s Sergei Vasiuk, hear from Google, Whalo and Outloud Games as they share their hot takes on mobile games growth and monetization.
11.00 - Morning Coffee Networking Break
Dimitriy Kovalenko, Deputy Chief Ad Innovation & Monetization Officer, My.GamesDimitriy KovalenkoDeputy Chief Ad Innovation & Monetization OfficerMy.GamesDmitriy is a highly experienced professional with over 12 years of expertise in mobile marketing and the gaming industry. Currently, he leads the Ad Monetization department at MY.GAMES, which he built from the ground up since joining the company. His focus has been on developing innovative monetization strategies that drive revenue growth for mobile games
During this period, MY.GAMES has reached several key milestones, including a significant increase in ad revenue and improved user engagement across its mobile portfolio. Beyond his work in ad monetization, Dmitriy is also deeply involved in advancing ad tech initiatives to further enhance the company’s monetization strategies.
11.30
Ad Revenue at MY.GAMES: Squeeze the Ad Mon Lemon
Join Dmitriy ad monetization innovator at MY.GAMES as he shares his best practices for maximising ad revenue in 2025. With insights on segmentation best practices for watefall management and adroas campaigns, real examples from bid floor tests and the road to unlocking brand demand in mobile gaming.
12.00
Audience Segmentation: The Road to Incremental Revenue
With ad mon hacks closed and eCPMs decreasing, what can be done to maximise ad revenue? Our panel will share the importance of effective segmentation to maximise ads monetization. From ad personalization to creating the right ad experience for payers, understand how you leverage segmentation to bolster ad revenue.
Dor Isseroff, COO, TangoDor IsseroffCOOTango12.30
Monetization in Non-Gaming Apps
Crossing the app ecosystem join experts in monetizing non-gaming apps for an insight on how the other side operate their monetization strategies.
Hear examples for monetization in non-gaming, approaches to ads monetization and opportunities for what the F2P gaming scene can learn from the those operating in non-gaming sector.
13.00 - Networking Lunch BreakJohn Wright, Mobile Game ConsultantJohn WrightMobile Game ConsultantI am currently working as a strategic advisor or consultant for studios or technology companies in gaming, my specialities are in Growth (UA & Monetisation), GTM, Strategy, Publishing and Investment.
My most recent role was steering Kwalee's mobile games to new heights, my focus lies in advancing game monetization and online marketing strategies. With a rich background in the AdTech and gaming industries, our team has successfully expanded the user base and optimised game performance on a global scale.
Transitioning from finance to gaming has equipped me with a unique perspective, enhancing our approach to B2B marketing and web content. As a board member and advisor, I am committed to fostering innovative partnerships and guiding developers to create captivating gaming experiences that resonate with players around the world.
Alexander Kuzmenko, Senior UA Manager, EasybrainAlexander KuzmenkoSenior UA ManagerEasybrain14.00
The Gamesforum User Acquisition Panel
Get back to the forefront of mobile games UA with the return of The Gamesforum User Acquistion Panel! Designed to share expertise from UA managers running campaigns daily with insight on new channels, hidden successes, failures and the changing nature of the role of a UA manager.
Alena Filimonova, Marketing Manager, PlayDuckyAlena FilimonovaMarketing ManagerPlayDucky15.00
Case study: Hyper-casual in 2025
Join PlayDucky as they share their expertise in finding success with hyper-casual titles in 2025. With UA and monetization insights to drive home success in the “dead” hyper-casual genre.
15.30 - Afternoon Coffee Networking Break16.00Alona Frishberg, Product Director, WhaloAlona FrishbergProduct DirectorWhaloAlona Frishberg is the Product Director for Fish of Fortune at Whalo. With nine years in the gaming industry, she has worked at leading studios like Product Madness, Playtika, and Jelly Button Games. Starting as a QA engineer, Alona transitioned into product leadership, guiding social and casual games like Board Kings and Merge Stories from concept to global launch.
16.00
Lessons from Live Ops
Rounding off Gamesforum Cyprus Lessons from Live Operations! Sharing insights on live service gaming, the monetization, retention and acquisition benefits and pitfalls and how to keep your players engaged and team motivated with fresh content.
17.00 - Thank you for attending Gamesforum Cyprus!
Home of the Gamesforum events series, Mobilize & Monetize podcast, leading mobile game analysis and more about the world of mobile games marketing and monetization.