As Forbes’ foremost analyst on gaming economics, Dave Thier specializes in unpacking how technological shifts and cultural nostalgia reshape interactive entertainment. His recent work focuses on:
Thier’s collaborations with Newzoo and regular appearances on the Gies Podcast make him particularly receptive to data-rich stories that reveal undercurrents in PC/console gaming markets. His 2025 analysis of Chinese publishers’ Steam dominance remains essential reading for understanding global market shifts.
We’ve followed Dave Thier’s evolution from freelance contributor to Forbes’ gaming and tech analyst with interest. His career began at The Atlantic and The New Republic, where he honed his ability to dissect cultural impacts of technology. By 2025, Thier has become a sought-after voice for analyzing gaming industry economics, particularly through his regular contributions to Forbes and collaborations with research firms like Newzoo.
Thier’s analysis of Chinese gaming companies capturing 60% of Steam’s top sellers reveals his knack for geopolitical-economic synthesis. The piece traces Tencent’s strategic partnerships with Western indie studios, demonstrating how cultural hybridity drives commercial success. His methodology combines sales data with developer interviews, creating a multidimensional view of market disruption.
In this 75-minute deep dive, Thier dissects Newzoo’s finding that 67% of playtime occurs in games over six years old. His commentary on “recursive nostalgia” in live-service games has become industry shorthand for understanding player retention strategies. The analysis stands out for its balance of data literacy and cultural criticism, particularly regarding Fallout 4’s resurgence through Amazon’s TV adaptation.
This curated collection showcases Thier’s range, from investigative pieces on labor practices in AAA studios to commentary on AI-generated game assets. A standout entry examines how Unreal Engine 6’s neural rendering tools are reshaping indie development budgets. The portfolio demonstrates his consistent focus on technology’s democratizing potential within creative industries.
Thier’s analysis of Fallout 4’s 300% player surge post-TV adaptation [2][5] makes him particularly receptive to pitches demonstrating measurable impacts of transmedia strategies. PR professionals should emphasize:
His Gies Weekly breakdown of Witchfire Studio’s “reset” approach to live-service games [8] reveals interest in alternative monetization. Effective pitches might highlight:
Thier’s PressContact portfolio shows consistent focus on tools empowering creators [6]. Successful pitches should connect technical advancements to:
While Thier acknowledges mobile’s market share, his work [5][8] consistently focuses on PC/console ecosystems. Pitches emphasizing hyper-casual gaming or app store optimization tend to gain less traction compared to those exploring:
His analysis of 1990s game design principles in modern AAA titles [5] suggests receptiveness to pitches that contextualize trends through:
While Thier maintains a focus on substantive reporting over awards pursuit, his work has been recognized through:
“The most compelling games journalism doesn’t just report trends – it anticipates how today’s design choices will shape tomorrow’s cultural landscape.”
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Tech, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
