55:46Gaming Studio Founders - Patrick Moberg and Holly Liu
From Y Combinator · Published Jul 22, 2018 · Watch on YouTube
TL;DR
Patrick Moberg (founder of Dots) and Holly Liu (co-founder of Kabam) discuss game development from indie to midcore, covering origins, prototyping cycles, CPI/LTV economics, and the shift from web to mobile.
Key insights
- Dots originated as an art project inspired by Yayoi Kusama’s dot-based work, not as a deliberate game design; the simple white-on-dots aesthetic lowered cost-per-install (CPI) because users projected
- Two Dots, directed by David Hausen, introduced characters and deeper narrative, which increased lifetime value (LTV) beyond the minimalist approach Patrick initially envisioned.
- Holly’s Kabam moved from 3-month web cycles to 18–24 month mobile cycles due to higher quality demands (3D art, IP licensing) and platform submission constraints.
Want the full analysis - every claim cited to the second it was said?
This page only shows a teaser. Sign up to chat with the complete, cited breakdown of "Gaming Studio Founders - Patrick Moberg and Holly Liu".