Craig Chapple

Craig Chapple is head of content at PocketGamer.biz, covering the business and market dynamics of the global games industry with a focus on mobile, data-led analysis and editorial direction that extends beyond daily news. His work stands out for combining numbers-driven market breakdowns, industry commentary and agenda-setting roles across conferences and podcasts.

Mobile games business and market analysis

As head of content, he leads PocketGamer.biz’s editorial coverage of the mobile games business, shaping what the masthead highlights as key trends and stories in the sector. His remit includes guiding the team toward breaking news and “insightful editorial,” positioning the outlet as a reference point for executives tracking the mobile games ecosystem. In long-form features such as “In numbers” breakdowns of markets like the Spanish and Portuguese games industries, he uses metrics and comparative data to show how specific territories are performing, where investment is flowing, and how local studios fit into the wider global picture. That approach makes his coverage useful for anyone who needs a clear view of market size, growth and structure rather than just headline announcements.

Platform rules, technology shifts and investment stories

Chapple regularly focuses on how platform decisions and technology changes affect the mobile games business, treating regulation and hardware as core parts of the beat rather than peripheral topics.

On the Week in Mobile Games podcast he fronts discussions on issues such as Apple’s high-priced iPhone Duo and the backlash against new EU App Store rules, breaking down what device strategy and policy shifts mean for developers, publishers and monetisation models. He uses podcast episodes to unpack investment and consolidation, including deep dives into a multibillion-dollar EA acquisition and broader “games industry investment overdrive,” framing deals in terms of strategic fit and long-term market impact rather than deal size alone. His Week in Views columns extend this lens to technology initiatives such as Xbox Game Pass’s cloud gaming limits and Epic’s social push through Epic Parties, taking a critical view of how these moves reshape access, discovery and player behaviour.

The result is coverage that treats platforms, regulation and capital as central forces in the games industry story.

Crossovers, culture and commentary

Beyond pure business reporting, Chapple uses his Week in Views column to explore the cultural and cross-media ties of games, pulling in subjects that range from football’s deepening links with gaming to Pokémon’s latest film release. He connects major entertainment brands and sports properties with interactive experiences, showing how licensing, audience overlap and fan culture create new commercial and creative opportunities. In the same column he looks at topics like Zelda’s mobile connection and lessons from Sucker Punch, using them as jumping-off points for wider commentary on franchise stewardship, narrative design and the shifting expectations of players. This commentary strand gives his output a reflective tone that distinguishes it from straightforward news updates, while still staying grounded in current industry developments.

Pocket Gamer Connects agenda and Week in Mobile Games podcast

Chapple’s role extends into events, where he develops the conference agenda for Pocket Gamer Connects gatherings around the world. He curates tracks and sessions that mirror the themes in his editorial work, ensuring that topics such as mobile market growth, platform changes, investment and regional opportunities are reflected on stage for a professional audience.

On the Week in Mobile Games podcast he serves as the recurring host voice, leading conversations with colleagues on the latest games industry news and conference takeaways.

Recent episodes cover insights from Pocket Gamer Connects London and Barcelona, as well as debates around issues like a national social media ban and the battle between Fortnite and Roblox, giving listeners an audio digest of both event content and breaking news. His dual role across editorial and events means he not only reports on where the industry is going but also helps set the agenda for how professionals discuss those changes.

Experience across games, analytics and trade media

Chapple’s perspective is shaped by experience on both the editorial and corporate sides of the games industry. At PocketGamer.biz he has previously served as senior editor before moving into his current head of content role, giving him long familiarity with the outlet’s B2B mission and audience. His background includes roles at a games analytics firm, a major platform holder and a trade publication, which brings first-hand knowledge of data, publishing and development into his coverage.

That mix of roles underpins his focus on numbers, commercial strategy and practical implications, making his work valuable for readers who need clear, actionable insight into how industry trends translate into business decisions.