Katerina from Burny Games joined Josh to discuss the importance of responsible data collection, the new bidding era for ad monetization, and tips for a successful mediation in 2024. You can hear more from Kate at Gamesforum Hamburg on June 11th & 12th!

Josh: Great to have you join us Katerina, can you quickly introduce yourself?

Hello, it's a pleasure to be here. Thank you for inviting me to the Games Forum. I've been leading the ad monetization at Burny Games for two years now. I’m passionate about my work. It challenges me, helps me expand my knowledge and what particularly drives me is being able to see the impact of our team’s work on the growth and success of all company.

Josh: What is your go-to mobile game?

I’m familiar with all the top puzzle games, but I keep going back to Colorwood Sort by Burny Games.

Josh: How did you start working in gaming?

During my time at a marketing agency four years ago, I was contacted by a current e-commerce client who offered to publish their apps. Consequently, the company embarked on a new path of development, and I chose to specialize in ad monetization.

Josh: Tell us a bit more about Burny Games.

Burny Games is a full-cycle game development company which specializes in puzzle games. We are a technologically advanced, innovative, and confident company. We focus on creating high-quality games. Our mission is to develop top-notch innovative games that challenge players’ minds daily.

Josh: How have you adapted to ongoing privacy changes?

Digital privacy standards such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the privacy policies of Google and Apple have a significant impact on the gaming industry. Integrating processes to comply with frequent changes in these regulations requires considerable time and effort.

Respecting players' rights and adhering to all applicable policies, we closely monitor updates to SDKs installed in our games and utilize a Consent Management Platform (CMP). This inventory assists in collecting data ethically and as per the publisher's specific requirements, providing a user-friendly interface and seamless server integration to control and implement consent settings in accordance with current policies.

Josh: In the past, we have talked a lot about your successful mediation. What advice do you have on setting up successful mediation in 2024?

Achieving successful mediation isn't solely about incorporating more networks and placements. While collaborating with vendors and exploring new approaches is essential, it's equally crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of your app. This involves delving into raw data, performing thorough research, analyzing metrics, and adapting to changes on both the product and user acquisition (UA) fronts.

Josh: What do you see as the biggest change since you started working on mobile game ad monetization?

I never imagined that bidding would become so powerful and that waterfalls would lose their influence. But that’s our reality now. Despite the bidding era, there are still many ways to maintain strong performance if there is synergy between product, UA, and ad monetization teams.

Josh: What can our audience expect to hear from you on our mediation madness panel at Gamesforum Hamburg?

I’m sure all panelists are ready for tough questions and knowledge exchange. We will discuss the unstable marketing landscape in 2024 and strategies to cope with it. But everyone should remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution and all theories should be tested.

Josh: Final question, what are you most excited for while in Hamburg (other than the event!)?

This is my second time in Hamburg. It’s a wonderful place. I have a few favorite spots in Hamburg-Mitte, and I enjoy walking along the banks of the Elbe River, where you can see traditional houses with wooden beams.

Josh: Thanks Katerina for your time and insight on Burny Games and mobile gaming Ad Monetization!

You can hear more about mobile games Ad Monetization at Gamesforum Hamburg 2024!