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The Gaming Playbook

Game Development

· 65 min

Mobile Game Publishing in 2026: What Publishers Actually Want | Elena Lobova

With Elena Lobova

About this episode

Learn how mobile game publishing really works in 2026, from user acquisition costs to what publishers actually look for when funding games.

Today, I’m joined by an industry expert, Elena Lobova (Head of Strategic Partnerships at Burny Games), who breaks down the realities of mobile game publishing, why most games fail, and how developers can stand out in a hyper-competitive market.

We cover everything from securing a publisher to understanding UA and avoiding the biggest mistakes that kill game launches.

If you’re a mobile game developer, indie studio, or just curious about how top publishers operate, this episode is for you.

Connect with Elena Lobova

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