Mobile Games Heatmap for 2024

Mobile Games Heatmap for 2024 Here’s a detailed analysis of the genres' performance this year:🟥 𝗥𝗣𝗚𝘀: $𝟭𝟱.𝟯𝗕 (-𝟭𝟮.𝟱%)↳ Top apps of the genre: https://lnkd.in/eTZdHNNs• Action RPG/MMORPG: $6.0B (-15.3%) • Team Battlers: $4.8B (-14.6%) • Idle RPG: $2.1B (+16.3%) • Puzzle RPG: $1.2B (-21.9%) • Other RPGs: $1.2B (-15.6%) 🟩 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆: $𝟵.𝟰𝗕 (+𝟯.𝟱%)↳ Top apps: https://lnkd.in/eGrYsVai• 4X Strategy: $6.6B (+1.5%)• Real-Time Strategy (RTS): $1.3B (+7.4%)• Tactics: $905M (+23.4%)• Card Battler: $545M (-8.7%)🟩 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗼: $𝟴.𝟴𝗕 (+𝟭𝟮%)Top apps: https://lnkd.in/eHWj_VBa• Slots: $3.6B (-6.2%)• Casual Casino: $2.8B (+82%)• Casino Card Games: $937M (+0%)• Bingo: $475M (-6.3%)• Other Casino: $900M (-3.5%)🟩 𝗣𝘂𝘇𝘇𝗹𝗲: $𝟴.𝟱𝗕 (+𝟭𝟮.𝟴%)Top apps: https://lnkd.in/eXuTZuc6• Match-3: $5.3B (+4.6%)• Merge: $1.1B (+55.4%)• Match-2: $550M (+1.6%)• Other Puzzle Games: $863M (+14.7%)• 3D Match: $297M (+46%)🟩 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: $𝟯.𝟴𝗕 (+𝟰.𝟯%)Top apps: https://lnkd.in/ex_P_EsA• Sandbox: $1.4B (+19.9%)• Farming: $1.1B (-0.5%)• Life Sim: $192M (-12.0%)• Fashion: $186M (-13%)• Other Simulations: $912M (+2.4%)🟩 […]

Anton Slashcev November 4

Journal

Ultimate career advice for newcomers in GameDev

The ultimate career advice for newcomers in game development: Build long-term relationships with your peers.In this industry, connections are everything.The gaming industry might seem big, but it is like a "small village." You'll keep running into the same people in surprising ways as your career progresses.Here’s why relationships matter:• You never know where your peers will be in 10 years, or where you will be. • A single connection can open (or close) big doors down the road. • Opportunities often come from those you’ve worked with before.So, here’s what to do:• Stay in touch with former colleagues. • Keep your promises and always follow through. • Help others whenever you can.The relationships you build today can lead to unexpected opportunities tomorrow.

Anton Slashcev November 3

Journal

What top creatives casual games are using?

What top creatives casual games are using? Here are three new examples:Data Source: AppMagic

Anton Slashcev November 2

Journal

Think games are made only by programmers?

Think games are made only by programmers? Think again! Here’s a glimpse into the professionals it takes to bring a game to life:Development • Programming: gameplay programmers, AI engineers, full-stack developers • Art: concept artists, 3D modelers, illustrators • Game Design: level designers, narrative designers, system designers • Quality Assurance: QA testers, compliance testers, automation engineers • Animation & Audio: character animators, sound designers, audio engineers Localization & Community • Localization: translators, cultural adaptation specialists • Community Management: community managers, social media managers, moderators Marketing & Sales • Marketing: creative producers, content makers, growth managers • Business Development: sales managers, licensing managers, monetization experts Administration • Management: CEOs, CTOs, product managers • HR & Finance: recruiters, payroll managers, legal counsel • Support: customer service reps, player support specialists Other Key Roles • Esports & Events: tournament organizers, coaches, commentators • […]

Anton Slashcev October 30

Journal

Which game metrics drive the most ROAS impact?

Which game metrics drive the most ROAS impact? Here is a Tier List:S-Tier (Highest Impact)• Long-Term Retention• ARPDAU (Average Revenue Per Daily Active User)A-Tier• CPI (Cost Per Install)• Conversion to Payer Rate• Short-Term RetentionB-Tier• Sticky Factor• Average Purchase Value• Session Length• Number of SessionsC-Tier• Purchase Frequency• Levels per Session• Churn Rate• Tutorial Completion RateD-Tier• CTR (Click-Through Rate)• eCPM (Effective Cost Per Mille)E-Tier• K-Factor• CVR (Store Page Conversion Rate)• Time to First Purchase

Anton Slashcev October 29

Journal

Season Pass 101

Season Pass 101 Here’s a guide based on insights from the Playliner report featuring the 30 top-grossing games in the US.𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀? • A limited-time event where players level up by earning points in core gameplay. • Offers two types of rewards: free and premium (premium unlocks with purchase). 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗔𝗱𝗱 𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀? • Boosts engagement by encouraging players to log in more often to unlock rewards. • Incentivizes purchases by motivating players to buy the pass to avoid missing out on rewards. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻: • Appears early, typically available by level 36. • Duration is around 21-31 days per pass. • Reward structure includes about 30 levels of rewards, tied to core gameplay activities. 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 • Price ranges from $2.99 to $9.99 - Casino games tend to have cheaper […]

Anton Slashcev October 28

Journal

How to Analyze Your Game Competitors:

How to Analyze Your Game Competitors: A Step-by-Step Guide:1. Identify Competitors • Go to AppMagic (https://lnkd.in/ek8Npiyr) • Select your game subgenre. • Choose top 2-3 games from "Top Grossing" and "Top Free" categories. • Check the “Competitors” tab to find games with the highest overlap scores. 2. Compile a List • Include both high-revenue games and underperformers. • This helps you see the full range of competitive elements in your space. 3. Study Reviews • Go to the App Store (https://lnkd.in/e2Ajf7j4) or Google Play (https://lnkd.in/eNJdH5hg) • Download games-competitors • Check reviews on this games • Look for common feedback: What do players love? What’s missing? What’s frustrating them? 4. Play and Analyze Key Aspects • FTUE (First-Time User Experience): Evaluate tutorials and initial game goals. • Core Gameplay: Identify mechanics, gameplay loop, and engagement factors. • Progression & Balance: Assess […]

Anton Slashcev October 27

Journal

Why do launched games fail?

Why do launched games fail? It often comes down to one of three things: 1. Weak Product ↳ The game doesn’t provide enough value to its core players. ↳ It’s not fun to keep players engaged. 2. Weak Marketing ↳ The game could be a hit, but it’s lost in the noise. ↳ Players who would love it simply don’t know it exists. 3. Weak Market Research ↳ The game resonates with players, but the audience is too small. ↳ A loyal fanbase is great, but without enough players, costs won’t be covered. Having a fun game (Point 1) is critical. But most games fail because of Points 2 and 3. So, remember: Creating a great game is only half the battle. To win, you need a sizable niche and the ability to connect with players.

Anton Slashcev October 26

Journal

Mobile game loop breakdown:

Mobile game loop breakdown:Here's a simplified view of how key elements fit together:1. Core Gameplay • This is where the main action happens – puzzle-solving, combat, or other mechanics. • Consumables or Boosters help players progress faster by enhancing gameplay.2. Win Condition • When players win, they are rewarded with: - Currency 💰 - Meta Score 📊 - Progress Points 🎯 • Success keeps players motivated to continue and progress further.3. Fail Condition • When players fail, they lose: - Lives 🫀 - Currency 💰 • Players can choose to continue by spending currency, keeping engagement high.4. Progression System • Progression is critical for maintaining player interest: - Win streaks and quests offer goals and challenges. - Players earn boosters, currency, power levels, and progress points to advance.5. Metagame • The metagame adds depth and longevity: - Leaderboards 🏆 and […]

Anton Slashcev October 25

Journal

How Cup Heroes Monetizes Its Success

How Cup Heroes Monetizes Its Success10M+ downloads and $1.7M in monthly revenue (https://lnkd.in/eyg_hWaK)Cup Heroes is a masterclass in hybrid-casual monetization. Here’s how they do it:I. Core-Gameplay Ads Monetization:• 🛡️ Watch ads to unlock skills like boosting damage or crit rate.>>>> Skills last for only one chapter, so players keep watching.• 💀 Revive your character once per chapter by watching an ad.• 🎁 Double your rewards at the end of each chapter with another ad.II. Progression IAP Monetization:• 🎉 Starter packs offer hard and soft currency, plus bonuses.• 🏆 Season passes keep players engaged with rewards and daily quests.• 💎 Hard currency packs let players fast-track progress for a premium price.• 🎲 Gacha chests offer upgrades and characters with a bit of surprise.• 🔓 Unlock new characters by collecting fragments or buying them with diamonds.III. Other Monetization Options:• ⚡ Speed boosts […]

Anton Slashcev October 24

Journal

Top Progression Mechanics from Peak Games

Top Progression Mechanics from Peak GamesBased on the Playliner report, here are the 11 most popular progression mechanics in Peak games:1. Short-term goals ↳ Players are introduced to goals within the first minutes to keep them focused and motivated.2. Progress visualization ↳ Thematic rooms or stages unlock at specific levels, offering visual changes and rewards.3. Event locks ↳ Teasers for upcoming events encourage players to progress and unlock new content.4. Global maps ↳ A visually engaging path shows players how far they've come and what’s next.5. Daily bonuses ↳ Players receive rewards for logging in daily, promoting consistent engagement.6. Win streaks ↳ Winning multiple levels grants escalating rewards, with FOMO kicking in after a defeat.7. Sprint tournaments ↳ Players compete to complete levels faster, often using boosters for an advantage.8. Regular tournaments ↳ Players earn points through level completion to […]

Anton Slashcev October 23

Journal

How to Evaluate Your Game Ideas?

How to Evaluate Your Game Ideas?Here are some critical questions you need to ask:1. Market Size: • Is your genre growing or declining? • Are new developers entering the niche, or is it saturated? • How could future trends and technology impact your genre?2. Competitive Analysis: • Who are your competitors, and what made them successful? • Why did similar games fail? • What makes your game stand out?3. Know Your Audience: • Who is your audience, and what do they value (e.g., story, competition)? • What are people saying about similar games on platforms like Reddit, Steam, or App Store?4. Core Game Design: • Can you pitch your game in one sentence? • Does the art style and core gameplay loop stand out? • What will keep players coming back?5. Marketing & Community Building: • How will you reach […]

Anton Slashcev October 22

Anton Slashcev

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