To launch a new F2P Mobile studio in 2024

To launch a new F2P Mobile studio in 2024, fundraising requires a unique hypothesis on how to reach market viability.If aiming for top-100 grossing, first principles would suggest three possible paths, each a solution for the same problem: profitable distribution:3 Paths:1) Quality First: Build a game so original / innovative that it distributes itself (Supercell strategy)2) CPI First: Identify a novel distribution path / hack, tailor product for it (Capybara Go, Monopoly GO)3) Operations First: Build / operate with incomparable scale, product scope, efficiency (Tencent)Recent raises by Bit Odd and Antihero seem squarely in the #1 camp. Can this still work?Is there still ample space for pathway #1 to overcome #2-#3 in the current mobile market?

Matthew Emery December 9

Journal

FTUE Guide For Casual Games

FTUE Guide For Casual Games Based on the Playliner research, here are key takeaways from studying FTUE of 30 top games:1. Gameplay:• Primary mechanics are introduced right away, ensuring clarity.• Early levels are easy, helping players build confidence.• 33% include bonus levels for added fun and rewards.2. Onboarding:• Tutorials usually span the first four levels, providing gradual instructions.• Core gameplay-focused games teach mechanics directly, while meta-progression games tie them into the story.3. Mechanics:• 1-4 new mechanics are added progressively to avoid overwhelming players.• Boosters appear later (level 7 and 9), showcasing advanced strategies.4. Progression:• Players experience a 99%+ win rate early on, reinforcing positive feedback.• Most games push players through 15-20 levels in the first 30 minutes.• Meta-progression games offer early milestones to highlight meaningful progress.5. Monetization:• Ads are avoided during the first session to keep players immersed.• Free rewards, […]

Anton Slashcev December 9

Journal

Mobile Gaming Industry: Innovation, Reinvention, and Growth

The Mobile Gaming Industry: Innovation, Reinvention, and Growth 🌟 We are living through a transformative phase in the #gamingindustry where a series of converging trends are reshaping how #mobilegames are developed, distributed, and sustained. Over the past couple years only, these changes have sparked new opportunities and challenges, setting the stage for continued growth in 2025 and beyond. If you think about it, it's pretty amazing how fast everything has evolved. Here are few things we've seen:1. High-Velocity and Emergent Innovation 🌟🚀The rise of #hybridcasual and emergent #puzzlegames games over the past few years ignited a wave of fast-paced innovation. This momentum has given birth to genres like #Match3D, while hybrid casual games are evolving towards deeper meta systems and social features. These games are no longer just fleeting experiences—they are transforming into experiences with sustained engagement, blending casual accessibility […]

Antti Kananen December 9

Journal

UGC: Organic Trends for Paid Campaigns

⏰ Monday UGC Trend Alert: Organic Trends for Paid Campaigns Ready to level up your ad game?These new organic trends are designed to captivate and convert.From dynamic sketches to niche-specific hooks, there’s something here for every brand looking to make an impact.1️⃣ Relatable Dating Hooks Dating-centric hooks resonate with audiences by tapping into universal experiences. These trends create an emotional connection and boost engagement. • Example 1: https://lnkd.in/gfTqa_zM • Example 2: https://lnkd.in/gNc64Pzr2️⃣ Sketch Comedy with a Twist Humorous sketches are versatile tools for keeping audiences entertained while subtly promoting your brand. Perfect for lifestyle, tech, or service-based campaigns. • Example 1: https://lnkd.in/gx248ECQ • Example 2: https://lnkd.in/g2XZNsU83️⃣ Travel Hooks that Inspire Wanderlust Create engaging content for travel campaigns with hooks that inspire adventure and exploration. These trends are great for showcasing travel products or services. • Example: https://lnkd.in/gRKvV2aF4️⃣ Bold Fashion and […]

Andrew Shemet December 9

Journal

Ad Flow in Sticker Book by Lion Studios

🚀 Ad Flow in Sticker Book by Lion Studios 🚀 While playing Sticker Book, I encountered a pretty interesting ad strategy that caught my attention:1️⃣ You’re immersed in the game, placing your stickers and having fun.2️⃣ Suddenly, a “No Ads” offer pops up, giving you the option to remove ads for 30 days.3️⃣ If you close this offer without buying, you then see a screen labeled "Ad Break."4️⃣ Right after, the ad starts, but psychologically it feels different! By closing the offer, it’s almost like you’ve chosen to accept the ad instead. It’s a subtle yet effective way of presenting ad-free options while keeping ads less intrusive.🔍Would love to hear your insights and whether you feel this kind of flow encourages ad removal purchases!

Michael Kopelovich December 9

Journal

Path of Exile 2 is profitable and loved by players.

5 simple reasons why Grinding Gear Games with Path of Exile 2 is both profitable and loved by players. They are proof of actual game development:Based on proven game design,Development over years,Community building,Player centered,Data driven,Success...Have you played it yet?Cheers! PS: I love the fact that Diablo 4 producers keep tweeting about the game. Thats just great.

Gökhan Üzmez December 9

Journal

Confessions of A Short-lived AI CEO

How is it going with Olivya?That’s the question many industry peers have been asking me lately. While answering it, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of disappointment—with myself more than anything. But I knew I had to be honest about where I stood in my entrepreneurial journey and where I truly wanted to invest my energy. And that energy wasn’t in building a scalable AI/tech company.We built Olivya in just three months and three months of research and testing. Here’s a snapshot of what we created during this process: Olivya V2 (Sept 2024)Alongside my partner, Marko Kecman, we’re happy to share our key insights—both about the product and the market—for anyone who might want to continue the quest of building the perfect AI human companion… #1 The AI App Challenge: Another Habit-App ChallengeIn the rapidly growing world of AI […]

Sophie Vo December 7

Journal

The downsides of high valuation

I often get puzzled about high valuations. Sure, the market sets the price. If the founder is in a hot market with many investors wanting to lead the deal, founders often lean towards the fund that can give the biggest valuation. Here's an example I witnessed myself: A founder had a term sheet for 2M at 10M from one of the best VCs in their sector, but then they got a 2.5M at 15M offer from a bigger fund, and the founders went with this offer. They could have raised 2.5M at 10.5M and gotten the industry favorite VC, but they optimized for lower dilution. As a founder myself for almost two decades and now as a startup investor for over five years, I feel that founders don't appreciate all the issues that come from raising their first institutional investor […]

Joakim Achren December 6

Journal

Had a chance to “dress up” your game for Christmas?

Have you had a chance to "dress up" your game for Christmas yet? Just compiled a collection of Christmas references from top games for you.

Anton Slashcev December 6

Journal

Investing in AI Companion Apps

My partner at F4 Fund, David Kaye, wrote about the future of AI earlier this year in his piece, "How will we touch the robots?"I want to share my thoughts on investing in AI companion, tutor, mentor, etc. companies. Here’s a list of challenges and opportunities to go beyond the initial “wow” factor, which current products excel at but often fail to sustain.Challenge: ChatGPT already a mentor and companionHere's my prediction: The LLMs keep maturing and advancing, probably to the point where an OpenAI product can do many of the things that a consumer AI app would do right now. Eventually, the companionship that LLMs provide will become commoditized to the point where your virtual buddy on your mobile screen is just a flashy interface.Another challenge: Flashy interface and long term user retentionYou could argue that a flashy interface has […]

Joakim Achren December 6

Journal

2025 Mobile Ad Tech Predictions

As user behaviors shift and technology evolves, 2025 is a make-or-break year for advertisers navigating this dynamic landscape. 2025 isn’t just a year of change—it’s a year to redefine the rules of mobile advertising. From the dominance of AppLovin to the rise of alternative app stores, the landscape is evolving rapidly. This article explores the key trends shaping the future of mobile advertising, highlighting opportunities and challenges for advertisers, developers, and brands. 1. How AppLovin’s diversification is shaping the Ad landscapeAppLovin’s position as a leader in the mobile advertising space has never been stronger. Known for its advanced AI-driven ad optimisation and massive inventory, the network has been the backbone for many gaming companies for years. However, 2025 brings a notable shift as e-commerce brands enter the auctions, driving up competition.E-commerce advertisers, traditionally focused on Google and Meta, are now […]

Julie Tonna December 6

Journal

US Only soft-launch: Top Girl scaled to $80K/Day

Top Girl by A3 Games (ehm, tap4fun 😅) scaled to $80K a day in US only a soft-launch release. Is the Japanese Idol Master genre finally coming to the West? NO NOT, it is again another, ehm, ..., read the rest here 😅 The game starts as Idol Master, and you as CEO manage a company of girls that produce music 🎵, have different abilities to increase the sales of the music itself and it is all nicely wrapped around the Idle generation mechanic, where dollars per second is the main progression of the game. Girls are given through gacha, there is a tour mechanic, which gates the upgrades, and the idle timer mechanic as you sell the new songs. And EVERYTHING is done with AI - the characters, the videos, the creatives, the "animations" 😱 . So what's next? […]

Jakub Remiar December 6

Journal

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