Web Stores Impact & Trends

🎮 Web Stores Impact & TrendsThe mobile gaming industry has faced significant revenue challenges in 2024, with a notable decline across various genres and platforms. One key factor contributing to this shift is game developers' increasing adoption of web stores, bypassing platform fees, and offering better value to players. The shift toward web stores represents a significant evolution in mobile game monetization. Games implementing these strategies create direct relationships with players while offering better value, potentially reshaping the industry's revenue distribution model.

Oxana Fomina November 5

Journal

Successful Growth Strategy Behind Dice Dreams

SuperPlay first rolled the dice on Dice Dreams back in 2019, and fast forward to 2024, it’s enjoying its biggest winning streak yet. Not only has the studio managed to scale Dice Dreams to new heights, but they've also introduced a rising star: Domino Dreams. Launching a new hit in today’s hyper-competitive market? That’s no small feat. The buzz around SuperPlay’s meteoric rise hasn’t gone unnoticed. Gaming giant Playtika is now set to acquire SuperPlay in a blockbuster deal potentially worth up to $1.95 billion. In the fast-paced world of mobile gaming, few titles can boast such rapid and sustained growth as Dice Dreams. Since its global launch on February 5th, 2020, the game has transformed from an underdog into a board game juggernaut—especially throughout 2023 and 2024. According to Sensor Tower, since the start of 2023, Dice Dreams has […]

Oxana Fomina October 9

Journal

Multiple Paid Pass: Boost Player Choice, Rewards, Playtimes, And Revenue

Based on an analysis of 44 games we show how multiple paid pass options can impact player retention and monetization. In recent years, the Battle Pass system has become a cornerstone of monetization strategies in the video game industry. However, with new mechanics like the "Multiple Paid Pass," developers are discovering even more opportunities to enhance player engagement and revenue growth. This article explores this model's trend and successful implementations, based on an analysis of 44 games across various genres, and discusses how multiple paid pass options can impact player retention and monetization. As the gaming market becomes increasingly competitive, developers constantly seek new ways to retain players and increase monetization. The introduction of the Multiple Paid Pass model reflects a growing trend towards providing players with more personalized and flexible engagement options. The introduction of the Multiple Paid Pass […]

Oxana Fomina August 16

Journal

Candy Crush Saga’s Unique Challenge For More Lives

The innovative challenge mechanism activates in Candy Crush Saga by King when a player has exhausted all lives, presenting an exclusive opportunity for an additional attempt to conquer the level. This unique feature, offers a player the chance to earn 1 life as a reward for successful completion of the level. This daily-available challenge surfaces once all lives are depleted, opening a challenge window that grants players an extra shot at level completion, making it a strategic and engaging addition to the game's dynamics. ✅ 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 By offering an additional attempt after all lives are spent, the game effectively encourages players to continue engaging with it, even after facing setbacks. This can increase the time spent in the game and improve player retention rates. ✅ 𝐑𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 The incentive of receiving an extra life for completing the challenge […]

Oxana Fomina April 29

Journal

What Do You Like Most About Your Job?

I really enjoy finding cause-and-effect relationships in player behavior, discovering insights in data, exploring games, and identifying triggers and call-to-actions that motivate players to engage, return, and pay. I love learning not just why a game/event/offer evokes certain emotions and feelings, but most importantly, because of what? I am fascinated by deconstructing the gameplay and events to understand the secret to a game's success. I am incredibly inspired when I see the beauty and pattern of engagement and monetization mechanics. I sincerely admire the work that the game creators have done, and I often want to meet and learn about those who have created a particular event or mechanic in a game. I feel absolute exhilaration when I first research an event and it seems genius to me, and then I study the game's metrics during the first launch of […]

Oxana Fomina April 1

Journal

All Players Are Paying With Different Payment Methods

𝘗𝘢𝘺𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘯𝘰𝘯-𝘱𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳𝘴: ✅ 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 They pay with their time, creating the core part of your game's audience.✅ 𝐈𝐧-𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Directly, as in Minecraft, or indirectly by joining teams, players participate in cooperative battles, collaborate with others, demonstrate their skill level through combat or build defensive structures, etc.✅ 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜 Players might not pay directly but will bring organic traffic by telling their friends and acquaintances about your game.✅𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 Non-paying players are engaged in the game and completing events to gather as much in-game currency as possible and spend it on heroes or Battle Passes. They are already paying you.✅ 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐝𝐬. 𝘗𝘢𝘺𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘥𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳𝘴: ✅ 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞✅ 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐬✅ 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 (Subscription, Seasonal Pass, etc.To ensure your events generate real income, you must identify the most effective triggers and call-to-actions for all payment […]

Oxana Fomina March 29

Journal

Personalized Gaming Offers Through Phone Numbers

The trend of expanding sales channels for in-app purchases (IAP) continues. Initially, sales were available only through the Apple and Google stores, then web shops appeared. Now, there is a trend of selling in-game purchases through messenger services, where you can send push messages and personalized offers specifically for that player, which won't be available to others.Two pioneering games, Monopoly GO! by Scopely and Coin Master by Moon Active are leading the charge by collecting phone numbers from users beyond the conventional Facebook Connect and email integrations. This strategy opens many opportunities to deepen engagement and streamline the sales process.I see this as a golden opportunity to expand communication channels with players and innovate to sell in-game currency. Imagine leveraging direct-to-consumer technology with a 'Buy Button' that can be seamlessly integrated into any messaging app. This personalizes the player's journey, […]

Oxana Fomina March 18

Journal

Innovative Daily Bonus Strategies On Retention and Monetization

Developers continually optimize and innovate within their games and events to enhance the player experience and foster deeper engagement, retention, and monetization strategies. A notable trend is the evolution of universally applied mechanics, offering fresh approaches to captivate players. A prime example that caught my attention is the implementation of a Daily Bonus in two notable games: Candy Crush Soda Saga by King implements a three-tiered daily bonus system. The first reward is granted immediately upon the player's login, with subsequent rewards available 4 hours after the previous one is claimed. This incentivizes players to log in multiple times throughout the day, enhancing player engagement. Should a player fail to return within the same day, they're greeted with a visual representation of missed opportunities upon their next login, subtly encouraging a habit of regular play. This strategy is particularly effective […]

Oxana Fomina February 5

Journal

Increase Player Retention Through In-App Purchases

Studios always seek innovative ways to keep players monetized and engaged. Paid Periodic Bonus is an approach where players make a purchase with real money and, in return, receive continuous bonuses. This strategy not only enhances the value of the purchase but also keeps players returning for more.This model's 𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞𝐬 and its ability to be tailored to different player segments makes it an invaluable tool for developers seeking to maintain a competitive edge.𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬:𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: Players perceive more value in their purchase because it unlocks ongoing rewards.𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝: The offer entices players to spend more by presenting a compelling deal.𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: To collect all their bonuses, players must return to the game over several days.🎮 A stellar example this year is the offer 'Get Chuck And Lots Of Staff Earlier.' It provides early access […]

Oxana Fomina December 25

Journal

Increased Holiday Events And Sales In Games

To amplify this festive spirit, introduce an element of enchantment and the chance to perform a good deed. Consider offering players an 𝐞𝐜𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 from Dots.eco. Players can plant trees, save baby sea turtles and many more environmental activities in the real-world as part of the game experience.The Advent Calendar, popular not just at Christmas but for various holidays, presents a prime opportunity to integrate eco-rewards. Benefits of Advent Calendars Retention By offering daily surprises, players are encouraged to return, enhancing game retention.Engagement Boost involvement with the main gameplay and events. Offering limited-time boosters and event-specific currency can deepen user engagement and prolong gaming sessions.Monetization Choose the monetization methods that are optimal for your game’s audience: Incorporate special discount offers within the advent calendar as an additional incentive. Add a place at the bottom of the calendar for special offers […]

Oxana Fomina November 27

Journal

Win Streak Offer In Candy Crush Saga By King

The offer has appeared in the game. It opens when the player loses the maximum permanent streak bonus, allowing the player to save their maximum permanent streak bonus for premium currency. Monetization 𝐀 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐚 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫. Players invest considerable effort to attain the highest streak bonus, a milestone they value greatly. The likelihood of players spending money to maintain this status symbol is increased, seeing it as a worthwhile investment to safeguard their progress. Engagement The loss of a streak often leads to the end of a gaming session. However, with the Win Streak Offer, players are more inclined to continue playing, perceiving the purchase as a second wind—a lifeline that keeps them engaged.Match-3 games frequently incorporate streak mechanics, compelling players to clear levels consecutively without defeat. The three primary streak formats—streak-rewards, streak-location, and streak-tournament—encourage the use of extra moves and […]

Oxana Fomina November 14

Journal

How Monopoly GO Leverages Coin Master’s Live Ops Strategies

𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 Monopoly Go allows players to participate in events from the start, offering free dice, reducing early player drop-off. 24-𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 Unlike Coin Master’s 6-hour tournaments, Monopoly Go’s day-long events encourage players to return multiple times during the day to secure rewards and positions. 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐞 Monopoly Go alternates between easy and hard challenges, maintaining player interest, whereas Coin Master toughens events for paying players. 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐬 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 Monopoly Go utilizes short-term bonus events, offering time-limited advantages and keeping players engaged. 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 With co-op events where friends work towards common goals, Monopoly Go encourages deeper player engagement.By examining top-performing games, developers can blend mechanics, events, offers, and gameplay to optimize their game strategy and boost initial profits.

Oxana Fomina October 30

Oxana Fomina

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