How Boom Beach Could Be Set Back to Growth?

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 […]

Antti Kananen January 5

Analysis

How Stumble Guys Could Be Set Back to Growth?

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 […]

Antti Kananen January 4

Analysis

What’s Next for Match-3 Puzzle RPGs?

The Match-3 Puzzle RPG genre has been a stalwart of mobile gaming, blending engaging puzzle mechanics with RPG depth. This article focuses on discussing this segment’s current state and predicting future trends and directions. Note: This article includes data from AppMagic, Match-3 Puzzle RPG segment. Current State of Match-3 Puzzle RPGs Titles like Empires & Puzzles by Small Giant Games and Zynga, as well as Puzzle & Dragons, have set high benchmarks according to AppMagic. Empires & Puzzles, for instance, still rakes in approx. $10M per month via IAPs — bolstered further, most likely, by its webshop presence. These games exemplify longevity and profitability in this segment. Empires & Puzzles, Revenue (Source: AppMagic). While the classics thrive, the market has not really seen new launches. The last significant entry I recall was Call of Antia, which launched with promise, leveraging […]

Antti Kananen January 2

Analysis

Thinking About Making a Screw Puzzle Game?

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 Segment AppMagic 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: Downloads A 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 […]

Antti Kananen January 1

Analysis

Hexa Sort Puzzle Segment: Growth, Challenges, and Lessons

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 Segment Hexa Sort: The Leader Hexa 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 […]

Antti Kananen January 1

Analysis

Match 3D Puzzle Games: Bright Future for 2025 and Beyond

The Match 3D puzzle game segment continues to dominate, showcasing resilience and strong growth in both revenue and downloads. This article discusses about current state of the Match 3D Puzzle Games segment as well as gives trends and predictions for 2025 and beyond. Note: This article has data from AppMagic, Match 3D segment. Match 3D Outlook According to AppMagic, titles such as Triple Match 3D by Boombox Games, Match Factory! by Peak, and Match 3D by Lion Studios have established themselves as leaders by combining engaging puzzle game mechanics with good-fitting meta-features. These games have not only captivated casual players but also maintained their positions as high-performing titles in mobile game markets. Match 3D segment, Top 100 Revenue (Source: AppMagic). Match 3D segment, Top 100 Downloads (Source: AppMagic). Why They’re Thriving Match 3D games succeed because they tap into core […]

Antti Kananen January 1

Analysis

The Next Billion-Dollar Merge Games

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 […]

Antti Kananen December 31

Analysis

Match Factory’s Success and Gameplay Mechanics

Match Factory, a standout in the Match-3D genre from Peak Games, has quickly captured players’ attention, generating an impressive $350K in Daily Revenue. But what’s driving this success? By dissecting its gameplay mechanics, difficulty curve, monetization strategy, and player engagement features, we can better understand how Match Factory blends the best practices from its predecessors while putting its own spin on the genre. Revenue Graph Game Design & Core Gameplay At its heart, Match Factory is a match-3D puzzle game with a classic yet refined twist. Players tap on items on the grid to create matches of three or more identical items. When successful, the items disappear, and new items fall to fill the gaps, making for a fast-paced, satisfying gameplay loop. But beyond these basic mechanics, Match Factory layers in complexity, keeping players hooked level after level. The core objectives revolve around matching and clearing items, […]

Aylin YAZICI December 18

Analysis

Game Analysis: Spyke Games’ Tile Busters

Game Mechanics Tile Busters is a tile-matching game where players tap groups of three matching tiles to clear them, managing limited space in the rack as they go. Its simple core mechanic makes it easy to pick up and play. After each level, players earn hammers, which they use to gradually add assets in the backgrounds. Once completed, these backgrounds change, and players move to a new setting. Taking inspiration from popular match-3 games like Royal Match, Tile Busters incorporates obstacles into its gameplay, setting it apart from similar titles like Zen Match, which is currently working to add obstacles. Tile Busters’ obstacles include crates, ice blocks, and chained tiles, each requiring multiple matches or specific boosters to clear. Although these challenges add depth, the game’s reliance on similar obstacle types can make the gameplay loop feel somewhat predictable. Match-3 obstacles are never gonna let you down! Tile Busters motivates players […]

Aylin YAZICI December 16

Analysis

Getting Started with Ad Revenue: Applovin MAX

For the fourth installment of Getting Started with Mobile Ad Revenue, we’ll dive deep into Applovin MAX and its features. Here’s what we’ll cover: Setting up ad units Reading and analyzing data Launching A/B tests As with our previous blog posts on Admob and LevelPlay: We’ll kick off with the pros and cons of using MAX mediation. Pros: Highest eCPM on video inventory Access to AdROAS & Blended ROAS UA campaigns on Applovin Emphasis on Bidders vs. Waterfall, reducing manual work Broad availability of networks Cons: Cross Promo tool will be deprecated; users must transition to Google Ad Manager Applovin’s aggressive video end cards and extended creative lengths may impact retention Getting Started First, apply for MAX access via the Applovin website. Once approved, you’ll receive a confirmation email, and you can log in to your MAX account. Upon your […]

Felix Braberg November 8

Analysis

Getting Started with Ad Revenue: Unity Level Play

Welcome back to the 3rd installment of the Getting Started with Mobile Ad Revenue. After covering Google’s Admob last week this week we deep dive into Unity’s Level Play. Level Play was built by Ironsource which was in turn acquired by Unity in 2022, which now operates the platform. Just like last time we will start with the pros and cons of Unity Level Play then move on to how to set up your apps and how to read and optimize your data. Pros:Best dashboard for data manipulation and data management Good Rewarded Video and interstitial eCPMGreat creative review tool for checking the ads that run in your inventoryIn-house ad placement game designers can give you ad design tips (if you’re large enough)Easy to integrate if you build your game or app in Unity Cons:Banner preformance is frequently higher on other mediation platformsCross-promotion […]

Felix Braberg October 28

Analysis

Daily Missions and Rewards in Puzzle Games

The world of mobile gaming has grown incredibly diverse, with subgenres branching out and becoming increasingly specialized. Whether it’s the strategic depth of 4X games or the fast-paced excitement of shooter games, each subgenre demands a unique approach to game design and player engagement. Although specialization is highly sought after, there remains a surprising amount of overlap in the features and mechanics used across these different genres. Elements like progression systems, in-game currencies, and, importantly, daily missions are common practice, serving as universal tools to enhance player retention and engagement across the board. Daily missions, in particular, have emerged as one of the most effective tools in this regard. These missions are a staple across various gaming genres, providing players with a reason to log in and play regularly. For instance, in games like Genshin Impact, daily commissions are a […]

Ahmetcan Demirel September 24

Analysis

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