305. Why Adding Brands to Games Is So Hard with Bastian Bergmann

What really happens when brands collide with games? Mishka Katkoff sits down with Bastian Bergmann, COO of Solsten, to break down why gaming is the most transformative medium of our time, how consumer psychology shapes player engagement, and why authenticity in games runs circles around social media.

00:20 The Power of Reading and Writing

01:12 Video Games as a Medium for Transformation

02:57 Parenting and Gaming: Finding Balance

08:25 Understanding Consumer Psychology

13:39 The Importance of Human Connection in Marketing

19:50 Gaming and Emotional Engagement

23:09 Games Driving Social Change

28:37 The Business Impact of Gaming on Brands

30:42 Navigating Risks in Gaming Investments

32:56 Starting Small: Testing the Waters in Gaming

36:08 Key Performance Indicators for Gaming Initiatives

39:26 Authenticity in Gaming vs. Social Media

43:49 Integrating Brands into Games: Challenges and Opportunities

45:47 Myth Busting: Data, Creativity, and Gaming Audiences