Antti Kananen

This article focuses on analyzing Boom Beach’s current state and suggests couple theoretical ideas for how it could be set back to growth. Note: This article is constructive, giving a straight-forward analysis on a game’s current state — with also suggestions and ideas for future improvement. The sole intention is to provide here an insightful article and as a goodwill-basis give open ideas and principles for improvement. This article has data from AppMagic. Current State of Boom Beach When looked over the long haul, Boom Beach by Supercell has seen long-term engagement decline (despite bringing great amount of revenue and success — which is still something everyone needs to acknowledge) over its lifecycle; a common “trend” for many mobile games as their player bases gradually lose interest after peak growth. Side Note: These things are common “trends” in games such […]

When we talk about metrics like session times, retention rates, and monetization in F2P mobile games, we’re not just talking numbers. These metrics reveal how player habits, behaviors, and decision-making are rooted in human physiology and psychology.This article focuses on discussing about physiology and psychology behind F2P metrics / KPIs, and how they can be used to break down KPIs you’re seeing behind your game — and, furthermore, how physiology and psychology can be used for game design.Note: Some of the points discussed here can be more theoretical still, as they’ve not been used to far extend, yet, in game development and design.Physiology and Psychology Behind Mobile F2P Games and Their MetricsHere's a deeper look at how we tap into the principles of physiology and psychology to build successful games:Engagement Loops and Habits FormationGratification systems, feedback loops, and well-designed hooks […]

This article focuses on analyzing Stumble Guys’ current state and suggests couple theoretical ideas for how it could be set back to growth. Note: This article is constructive, giving a straight-forward analysis on a game’s current state — with also suggestions and ideas for future improvement. The sole intention is to provide here an insightful article and as a goodwill give open ideas and principles for improvement. This article has data from AppMagic. Stumble Guys Faces Downhill Slide in Engagement According to AppMagic, Stumble Guys, a hit from Scopely (originally developed and released by Kitka Games who sold Stumble Guys for Scopely), is seeing decline in downloads and engagement. Stumble Guys, Revenue  Stumble Guys, Downloads This trend, while common in games after top peaks, highlights a critical point: Without re-freshening of gameplay and strategic updates, it's challenging to maintain DAU […]

Thinking about making a Screw Puzzle game (/Nuts & Bolts game)? You should think again! The market may look appealing, but you should rethink.This article discusses about the current state of a Screw Puzzle segment and what these games should do to start getting more downloads and revenue.Note: This article has data from AppMagic; Screw Puzzle segment.Current State of Screw Puzzle SegmentAppMagic paints the picture; the genre has seen its peak, and is now on a downward trajectory.From Q4 2023 to Jul-Sept. 2024, the market saw fast growth, peaking in downloads and revenue — but, now the story is different:DownloadsA steep decline, driven by a churning retention profile, rising CPIs due to saturation, and a slowing ROAS profile.Screw Puzzle segment, Top 100 Downloads (Source: AppMagic).In terms of downloads, after a big drop, Screw Away: 3D Pin Puzzle boosted some downloads […]

The Hexa Sort sub-segment, led by Hexa Sort by Lion Studios, remains as a promising, yet still small, Casual Puzzle / Sort Puzzle sub-segment.This article dives deep into one of the interesting phenomena’s which were spotted in 2024: the Hexa Sort game and the sub-segment it has formalized (/is giving inspiration for). The article discusses trends as well as future opportunities for this particular sub-segment.Note: This article has data from AppMagic, Hexa Sort and its competitors.State of the Hexa Sort Puzzle SegmentHexa Sort: The LeaderHexa Sort stands as the king of the hill, leading in IAP revenue and Ads revenue. Its success lies in balanced, well-planned UX, tying engagement with monetization:🔹 Dopamine-driven gameplay encourages positive reviews, rewarded video views, and currency use, blending monetization with satisfaction.🔹 This game design drives strong monetization while maintaining engagement, setting it apart in the […]

Merge games segment on mobile has seen interesting takes in past couple years, from Merge Mansion originally boasting the genre up — with Travel Town and Gossip Harbor raising their heads up as followers, who managed to raise to the genre’s top.This article focuses on looking beyond what is currently out there, with giving some trends and predictions for the near and longer future, in terms of what type of merge games we would be seeing (hopefully) — and, discussing, why these introduced topics could make sense for the genre.Note: This article has data from AppMagic; Merge Games segment.Innovation Meets DepthMerge games have proven their staying power with Travel Town and Gossip Harbor blending solid grid management with narrative-driven building layers (in terms of grid management and how it boasts from engagement to economy and monetization, Travel Town has done […]