Rami Ismail on attracting press, players, and platforms, Zynga, King and GREE dismiss disappointing quarters, and Infinity Blade gets 3D printing

With Gamescom 2014 still in full swing, it's not surprising that most of this week's big hitters come from Cologne. 

Industry speakers were once again on fine form, with Vlambeer's Rami Ismail serving up some advice on how to attract the press, players, and platform holders, while Adriel Wallick - a.k.a. Ms Minotaur - told us what she learned from making 38 games in 38 weeks. 

Outside of Germany, everyone else did their best to throw a few surprises our way. 

Zynga CEO Don Mattrick turned heads by revealing that the firm is well on track to meet internal expectations, despite having a disappointing quarter. 

Infinity Blade  developer Chair also made headlines by becoming one of the first studios to give its players the chance to purchase personalised 3D-printed collectables in-game. 

As always, that's just the tip of the iceberg, so sit down, relax, pour yourself a refreshing glass of cranberry juice, and chow down on another nutritious Week That Was. 

Industry Voices

• Barry Meade explained how Fireproof found its feet on mobile at this year's GDC Europe.
• Zynga CEO Don Mattrick suggested the firm was meeting internal expectations despite a disappointing quarter. 
• Vlambeer's Rami Ismail offered some advice on talking to the press, publishers, platform holders and players.
• Christoph Safferling of Ubisoft Blue Byte revealed how metrics can actually ruin your game.
• We found out what Adriel Wallick, a.k.a. MsMinotaur, learned from making 38 games in 38 weeks
• We spoke to inkle duo Jon Ingold and Joseph Humfrey to find out how they created their stunning text-adventure game, 80 Days. 
• Madfinger's Marek Rabas told us why F2P games need to focus on emotions not challenges.
• Creative Mobile's Vladimir Funtikov said "Build a brand or throw in the towel".
• Our Hall of Fame welcomed Scopely CEO Walter Driver.

 Monetisation

• It was revealed that China's #1 mobile game publisher Tencent generated $487 million in FY14 Q2
• Infinity Blade developer Chair partnered with a 3D printing firm to give its players the ability to create customisable collectables.
• With FY14 Q2 revenue up by 30 percent to $594 million, King announced a $150 million dividend. 
• We looked to see how historic success and games-as-a-service expertise is keeping DeNA profitable.
• And you can check out all the quarterly financials reports here. 

 User acquisition, retention, and discovery

• iQU and HoneyTracks joined forces to deliver next generation marketing.
• Micromon and Crazy Taxi  kept their crowns on this week's UK App Store charts. 

Tools & Platforms

• The GameMaker: Marketplace opened its doors, giving developers the chance to purchase assets for their projects. 
• Dead Trigger dev Madfinger got all crafty with its Monzo virtual model kits.
• GameMaker: Studio beefed up support for Microsoft hardware, adding Xbox One. 

Funding, acquisitions, personnel and shutterings

• King expanded to core gaming with $32 million acquisition of Nonstop Games.
• Flaregames signed F2P strategy title from ex-Empires & Allies  start-up Superweapon.
• With FY14 sales down by 27 percent to $1.2 billion, GREE switched 700 staff to native games.
• Following its recent $4.75 million funding round, German performance marketing outfit Crobo opened an office in San Francisco.