Actual Gaming Business Facts with Mat Piscatella

[@hikaruyoroi]

Timestamps 00:00 - Intro 00:28 - What is Circana? 01:14 - Why do you publish your numbers (Best Selling Videogames in US in a month, etc...)? 04:30 - What are the kinds of questions you get from your clients? 05:50 - What is primary and secondary research? 07:13 - Do you cross-reference numbers publicized by publishers (e.g. Nintendo) with your own data? 08:38 - How do you classify the Switch in the broader gaming market? 13:46 - Would it be fair to call the performance of the Xbox Series 'stinky'? 16:10 - Do you believe the success of Grand Theft Auto V (GTA5) can be replicated with GTA6? 19:44 - Are things like "sentiment" or "cool factor" significant predictors of the performance of a video game release? 22:32 - Have you ever had to inform a client that players tend to have low "affinity" with an aspect of their game? 23:51 - Are publishers actually trending towards "bigger development budgets = more revenue"? 26:10 - Do publishers seem more nervous about the future than usual? 28:14 - How do you gain insight into people's use of PCs for gaming? 30:17 - Is the PC the broadest gaming platform? 32:13 - Is Intellectual Property (IP) "disposable" in mobile gaming? 34:27 - Do you have any insights on cross-media (e.g. merchandize) sales? 35:12 - Do you ever consume podcasts/videos, think "man that's wrong!" and want to correct that person? 37:50 - Does it actually take only one or two hit releases to go from red to black? 39:10 - Outro

[@Thethinker6141]

Someone tell this guys that xbox is not just a console it's all about gamepass and u can play gamepass on any device but playstation Console sales don't matter this is not 1999

[@matpiscatella6606]

Wow, thanks everyone for checking it out, and the kind comments. And huge thanks to Kyle for the opportunity to chat.

[@madhyama5016]

Loved the interview!

[@milesdyson7429]

Thanks for your incredible industry insight!

[@brauliochicken]

Great insight I hope you guys do more videos together in the future!

[@HungryWinnebago]

Love seeing your tweets pop up in my feed. Thanks for all the work you do.

[@DrauulGaming]

Great watch. Big Helldivers fan here.

[@TheMarkoSeke]

"Would it be fair to call the performance of the Xbox Series stinky?" These are the hard-hitting questions we need, thank you Kyle.

[@nickbartolotti6344]

Kyle I would love to see you host more interviews like this. You have such a keen talent for this. Hosting is NOT easy. I certainly miss the days you hosted the EZA podcast. The insight, the willingness to push back, the ability to keep the convo flowing and the other panelists engaged…it’s hard to find that in other gaming podcasts.

[@John-tp7yg]

Same!

[@michaelfederico1541]

I appreciate how well-spoken he is. He doesn’t just ramble until Kyle cuts him off with the next question. He has his answer and stops talking when he’s done. Very refreshing. :)

[@glungusgongus]

Edited but yea

[@dannyb6380]

I love how "Pokemon was one of the highest growth categories in backpacks last year" is a fact so close to the front of Mat Piscatella's mind that he doesn't even need to pause to collect it. That fact is locked and loaded for any situation. Fascinating interview.

[@Fat4all]

Feels like a the kind of data he keeps in mind just to show how widespread his collection of sales data goes, really neat stuff

[@TheSpeedfoever]

It's big and it's fantastic to this day!

[@Valoric]

Where in the video does he say this? Found it. 34:44

[@HackerAtesh]

Actual journalism? In my Delayed Input? It's likelier than you think

[@mipe3844]

@35:46: That zoom-in on Kyle slightly nodding in silent, expressionless glee when he was fishing for criticism and actually got a compliment made my day

[@peterwilkinson1975]

KZbin randomly suggested this video, and I am thankful

[@kimchristensen453]

2 hours of this would not have been too much. More of this in the future please - my body is ready for information. Much appreciated.

[@mementomori5216]

It actually makes a lot of sense that younger gamers would tend to care less about specs. Older gamers were seeing crazy graphics improvements with each console generation, and would actually compare the quality of multi-platform console games between PS2/Xbox/GC. Whereas nowadays most phones/laptops are "good enough" and accessibility/convenience is a totally different thing

[@RenanGreca]

yeah, the same thing happened with video and audio tech just a few years prior.

[@hododod246]

I would argue that actually. Lot's of younger gamers have these hero streamers. And once they see those shiny boxes, they want those as well. And once Timmy has it Jimmy wants it.

[@Ayoul]

What's interesting too is for a lot of games people watch like Fortnite for example, the streamers may have crazy machines, but they all play at the lowest graphical setting to get a competitive edge. The people watching are going to want to emulate them to win.

[@twincherries6698]

An extremely sizable and now financially independent market of gamers grew up on minecraft, roblox and mobile games.

[@TAHK0]

Settling in ☕️

[@cheesewombatTV]

Mat if you're reading this a lifetime Top 10-20 3DS games list would be my eternal Christmas present as a nerd for game sales data

[@hododod246]

I don't think Mat can give the information you are looking for. His company is looking at sales and spending data in North America market. You just need to look at "List of best-selling Nintendo 3DS video games" at wikipedia which may not be accurate.

[@PIKMINROCK1]

I recall there was one a few years ago. Wouldn't be the final numbers but it should be close.

[@mipe3844]

This somewhat reminded me of the "PachAttack" segments during the golden Gametrailers era, just with an even more relatable, down-to-earth and humble expert/analyst. Mat is great.

[@rdh288]

Maybe you know, but if you miss Michal Pachter, he's still doing PackAttack. It's called Pachter Factor now and is with SFTD gaming. Search it on KZbin.

[@skeletonboones9666]

This was an incredibly insightful video! Mat Piscatella is so well spoken, dishing out info like it was nothing. What a pro!

[@0arcadia489]

40 minutes of pure video game passion right here, great stuff.

[@hemangchauhan2864]

35:46 Kyle JUMPSCARED when he got a complement

[@tinamp811]

I've been waiting for this interview for 15 years and just didn't know it. Fantastic conversation, would love to see a second iteration sometime. Matt seems like the kinda guy you'd just want to pick their brain for hours.

[@Chaos2Frozen]

Really appreciate these kinds of level-headed discussions.

[@telerobotic]

Ah sheeet. This is an awesome colab!

[@TheRadioSquare]

Recently found him on twitter, dude has massive cool uncle energy

[@snugmode]

I love that kyle didn’t know about grocery inflation because he doesn’t buy real food

[@Janiz1998]

He would have seen the increase in soylent prices, surley

[@SFTaYZa]

@@Janiz1998 soy must be selling at an all time high in this economy

[@quagthias]

Fast food prices are up too so he would've noticed taco bell charging more for less.

[@wooordwooord4712]

"Vegetables taste bad. Vegetables taste bad."

[@Celicagame13]

He makes too much money to notice inflation anywhere Kbsshowme

[@bengotagun]

14:00 Kyle very pleased with his use of “stinky”

[@jackcall3815]

Awesome!! Loved having Mat here - more of this please

[@wackydavo]

Kyle, thanks for having Mat on the show. Really interesting interview. I think his point at ~27:00 about younger kids not relying on consoles shows that he has good data. Anecdotally, I have 3 sons between ages 14 and 18. We have a Series X, PS5, and PC. They almost never play the xbox, very rarely play the PS5 and are almost always on a PC. They are almost 100% uninterested in big narrative-driven single player games.

[@matthewvandeleest8095]

Interesting. Why do you think that is? Do they keep long narrative stuff to shows and books?

[@baked7423]

curious to what would happen if they owned a switch. Im guessing in their mind beside not being interested in those games, PC is just overall better than those two but what about a diversified ecosystem like nintendo with it's hybrid model

[@otakuchrash]

@@matthewvandeleest8095I think for a lot of the younger generations gaming is purely a social activity, games need multiplayer and they are heavily influenced by their peers and social media into what they will play e.g Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite, Among Us…

[@ryannc1756]

Holy shit! This was the best video games coverage/conversation I’ve listened to in a long time. Mat is awesome! Do more of this Kyle 👏🏻

[@Caveberry1]

Kyle, thank you for digging deep and being a GOT DANGED journalist. Data is, and should be, the foundation of all discussion surrounding the industry. Invaluable coverage.

[@rikkuricky]

Mat is the best in the biz! Love hearing his insights

[@johndissociative8331]

The interview I didn't know I needed, but I needed. Great stuff

[@TheRealNoobSauceG7]

This was maybe Kyle's best video. Loved hearing from Mat, incredible source of info, would love to see him again!

[@Theywantthedro]

35:38 Spawnwave Name drop! Great video! Loved the questions and the engaging conversation!

[@ThunderRazorYT]

So good to hear from Mat! Excellent interview.

[@cantrip7]

Really cool. Chipped away at this for the past few days. Hope there's more interviews like this.

[@hhs6864]

More of this collaboration in future please. ❤

[@SlyInvasion]

I've always wanted to hear from him. Very insightful interview Kyle,. You put Mat on the map for me with your podcast and it is fun to finally have the two legends meet.

[@LordMarlle]

If you don't try to the Mat back in a years time at most, you're leaving money on the table. Great interview, very insightful

[@ftbfelix]

Lovely dude! ''Don't go on Twitter, save yourself'' was hilarious. :)

[@ohbigstretch]

Think you're gonna have to do more interviews Kyle. This was tops. And thank you Mat for being a great interviewee. A great, insightful, entertaining discussion.

[@mapcrow]

This is one of the best videos about video games that I’ve ever watched. This is so insightful. Thank you both for recording this conversation!

[@1bytesnack369]

Mat and Kyle. You guys made a subject that can be so dry, so very interesting. Thank you!

[@fadelalturki5360]

GOAT interviewing GOAT. Mat Piscatella is the best! 🙏😍

[@LearnedFingers]

great interview!

[@adrock2099]

This interview was so interesting I am compelled to comment for the algorithm.

[@boldlyfumblin]

Awesome chat! It'd be extremely cool to make this a regular (quarterly?) thing

[@DaiNguyen-xv4vn]

This was way more fun to listen to than I anticipated

[@captainjumptoast]

This was great to watch Kyle. I think having a guest really helps you to display your charisma.

[@toodlesX14]

This was remarkably interesting. Really cool of Mat to take the time, and great questions from Kyle!

[@NinjaxShadowXx]

This was super fascinating I really enjoyed learning about this part of the gaming industry

[@Tovalx]

All I got from this is GTA6 and Switch 2 is gonna save gaming.

[@Kango234]

Holy shit, this is better than anything I could have expected!

[@rowegardner9673]

Would LOVE more of these types of videos from you, Kyle! Really phenomenal job with this interview. Amazing guest too.

[@AlienDuckie]

Excellent hosting and I hope Mat returns here soon

[@ginofication]

Great interview Kyle. Thank you for this. Cheers!

[@the_sigil4340]

Excellent video. Thank you Kyle and Mat.

[@Joe-nd6km]

literally the most exciting videogames focused interview I can remember. Breath of fresh air considering all the pandering/rehearsed/scripted nonsense interviews we've been subjected to as of late. Fantastic interview!

[@ajl6780]

Kyle this is amazing content. You have always been an excellent host and I would love to see you venture into the realm of consistent industry interviews with everyone ranging from voice actors, developers, creative directors, and company executives. To me you are capable of being the Conan O'Brien equivalent to video game interviewing.

[@mhee12]

The Dream Interview I've been waiting for long! You both looking fantastic!

[@CheddarBayBaby]

Crazy to me that gaming is old enough for enthusiasts to now look like the Dad from Wonder Years

[@corwynprichard6274]

Wild to hear someone with not stake in spouting corporate fluff talk straight about the industry. Cool video 👍

[@acegibbo9056]

This was a very enjoyable and interesting listen! Thank you for doing it

[@KevinJennissen]

This interview is an awesome get. It feels more like something MinnMax would do, TBH, but seeing Kyle do it is awesome.

[@jorgebravo7980]

He looks like the most interesting guy to talk to about gaming as a bussiness and ask sales fun facts (like the backpack thing)

[@bradcotter3475]

Holy heck, Kyle. Nice get. What a wonderfully informative conversation! I absolutely love the industry deep dives, especially as someone not directly involved in any capacity other than as a consumer. If you’d like to produce more interview videos like this, I’ll be there!

[@Stealitnot]

This is great. The financial overviews and industry deep dives from you have always been my favorite content. I'd be stoked to see something like this between more seasons. I dunno, I feel like Helldivers and Palworld were shoe-ins as gangbusters. "Core" gamers seem to want 1) Minimally-invasive games with high budgets and 2) Pokemon on other platforms. With both at a lower pricepoint, I don't know how you could NOT foresee them doing well. And relying immediately on GTAVI "saving the industry" seems like it'd depend on how they set up the online considering its all that's kept that game afloat.

[@RougeMephilesClone]

Very good, liked the information in this a lot. Mat's now a name I'll look up sometimes for potential industry info. Also, Kyle didn't have to edit this 40-minute long interview as much as he did, but we appreciate all the work.

[@Treefingers6005]

What a fantastic interview! Matt is in an incredibly engaging interviewee and Kyle was amazing at steering the conversation. Thank you.

[@Zeldafan355]

Really interesting interview, Kyle. Thank you for zooming in on your face when he said he likes your show.

[@dookieshoes3585]

Anyone else get weirdly captivated the second Mat opened his mouth? I know it’s his job to make hard data approachable, but he made all this sound so interesting

[@quagthias]

This was fantastic. Great humbling insights. Always nice to see that someone is a fan of Kyle and acknowledges that his attention to detail is commendable. And here come the Mortal Kombat keyboard and mouse users...

[@tommim4353]

THIS is the video I needed without knowing it ... LOVED it KyLe and Mat !

[@BunkgoVideo]

Good job Skippy, more videos like this please...

[@miscsloan8834]

ahhh its too short. Good stuff.

[@thereptilescorpio]

Fantastic timing Kyle, Mat knows his stuff and after this week of opinions across KZbin regarding financial results this was the perfect video to release

[@fincampbell]

Incredibly good shit. Great questions Kyle. Mat seems as down to Earth as he is insightful.

[@directionaljoy]

Just finished. Kyle, seriously, as a fan, so proud. This was soooo un-joker of you. ❤&👊

[@amnesicpachyderm]

This was great! A well informed guest and I liked the general tone of this interview

[@juliobonetti]

Incredible conversation! Well done, as always

[@TheJWinc]

Amazing interview, great hearing Mat. Plus despite being a more informative episode still had laugh out moments. My favourite being the pixeling and unpixeling of the twitter handle has Mat's feelings in the platform were voice haha.

[@TheTovstar]

Two legends

[@brentdasher817]

I never comment on anything, but wanted to say this was very informative and great fun. Hope to see more Piscatella interviews in the future!

[@carlosnascimento9269]

Really appreciate all the data you share Mr. Piscatella.

[@hasnopants]

what a great interview kyle , thank you

[@otakuchrash]

This was great! Mat is super interesting. I’ve always been into games and also the industry itself and I appreciate you (Kyle) covering industry news rather than generic reviews/opinions on games, there aren’t many good sources for this kind of industry discussion without drama or trying to bait views. Keep it up! Would love to ask a lot of questions about the industry to someone like Mat. Like he talks about the gaming landscape being dominated by a select few forever games (GTA, Fortnite, Minecraft etc.) that are just here to stay, but then publishers/developers still keep putting hundreds of mullions into trying to compete with them, and imo it’s completely futile. Square Enix recently said something about this about how their games (single player) are competing with forever games, yet they push out 2nd rate live service games like Babylons Fall and Foamstars, I’d like to understand their thinking about someone like Mat’s view of why they do this. Even success stories like Palworld and Helldivers which are anomalies, will ultimately fall to obscurity over 5-10 years but it’s likely games like Minecraft are here forever. It’s like a company trying to get into the console market where there are a few established players and there is just no room for an alternative.

[@LightyGab]

Such a great listen while at work early in the morning this was. I think we the people that are very into the business side of the games industry know so little about how things actually work from within and so much we share on the internet and say to one another is based on previous cases we have seen, some snippets of info we have managed to gather or just our own interpretation which isn't bad per se but when it comes to trying to discuss big topics we do need actual data and basis to talk and it's so hard to find that type of info that is realiable available, so thanks Kyle for bringing Mat, such an insightful person and really fun to be around guy it seems, my congratulations to him and all the hard work he does. Hopefully we can get him more often and who knows, maybe more people from the industry that can teach us!

[@3zhay]

Thanks Mat for your time!

[@jabbawabs]

Mat was excellent! Hearing his insights in the industry were truly informative! Here's hoping for an upswing in the industry post Switch 2 and GTA6 launch. Great interview!

[@marcobruno1798]

This was terrific. I enjoyed this conversation a lot.

[@Stupidlyepic]

I'm not even into the business side of games, but i found a lot of what you guys discussed incredibly fascinating. Thanks for doing this, very cool! :D

[@directionaljoy]

Mat: “Oooooo, that’s a great question!” Kyle: (internal monologue) “stay calm”, feeling the butterflies. Reeeemain cool. ❤️

[@SlitheringStevePhilips]

Possibly the most interesting video game content I’ve seen in ages, this was great

[@matthewvandeleest8095]

No car honk or did I miss it. Keeping it classy. I enjoyed listening to this.

Hell yeah, I wanted this to happen from the moment I saw Mat discussing one of your episodes a few months back.

[@yusofplayed]

Kyle, you're simply the best gaming channel on youtube, bar none.

[@elfynde8863]

more of this discussions please!

[@audisiojunior21]

He should be interviewed every month.

[@PostTimeskipSamVT]

Awesome interview!

[@Clxmj]

Good God this was a delight to watch. 40mins wasn't enough.

[@xavierarial24]

Console is fairly stable in sales but PC(Steam) can be so incredibly volatile and unpredictable, especially with young gamers being influenced by streamers and word of mouth being such a critical component of indie success or irrelevance(in terms of sales). One aspect not touched on in this short conversation is how important social aspects of games are to the younger kids/adults(although one could infer it by seeing Mat talk about Roblox/GTA/Minecraft/etc...) Things like Palworld this year but also Lethal Company in late 2023 (made by a solodev) was also a big hit near the end of 2023 that started slow but ended up being one of the most played games in the last two months on Steam.

[@wc999]

great video kyle would be nice to have more interviews like this with different industry insiders

[@mikesalami7]

Amazing interview Kyle and Mat! Excellent insights for anyone that engages in the hobby and follows the business in a genuine way without the stupid tribal console crap. everyone should keep in mind so many of the points Mat raised in this. Thanks so much!