Social Casino LiveOps Strategy

Social casino LiveOps Strategy Here are 15 event types that keep players hooked:(used by top games like Monopoly Go, Coin Master, and Dice Dreams)1. 🏆 Leaderboard Tournament • Players collect event items in core gameplay • Enter a leaderboard for 1–2 days • Top players win real-time rewards2. 🗺️ Treasure Hunt • Hidden rewards with empty slots to build suspense • Players earn picks from gameplay or offers • Multi-stage events lasting up to 9 days3. 📶 Milestone Rewards • Collect target items to unlock better rewards • Progress bar shows advancement • Great for 1–6 day events4. 🃏 Collection: Album • Cards drop from different events • Complete time-limited collections • Finish all collections = major reward5. 🎰 Rolling Offer • Series of rewards revealed one by one • Starts free to pull players in • Paid steps get […]

Anton Slashcev May 8

Journal

How to improve your mobile game metrics?

How to improve your mobile game metrics? From retention to monetization, here’s what the best teams focus on:1. 🎮 First-Time User Experience • Focus: D1 retention, tutorial completion • Keep tutorials short, clear, and rewarding • Add early premium rewards or bonus levels • Avoid aggressive monetization or long tutorials2. ⏱ Short-Term Engagement • Focus: D3–D7 retention, level churn • Build clear player progression • Use daily quests, upgrade systems, progress bars • Make progression feel valuable, not trivial3. 🔁 Long-Term Engagement • Focus: D30–D90 retention, sticky factor • Introduce long-term goals and meta layers • Add global maps, leaderboards, customization • Balance grind with meaningful rewards to prevent burnout4. 🕹 Core Gameplay • Focus: Session length, playtime • Polish mechanics and controls • Add dynamic difficulty, diverse enemies, win streaks • Strong core loop is essential—don’t patch it later5. […]

Anton Slashcev May 7

Journal

The fastest-growing mobile games of 2025

The fastest-growing mobile games of 2025 (some of these numbers are insane)Here’s who’s topping the charts so far this year:🧩 Puzzle• Sort Puzzle (Rollic Games) – +15,805,000% 🟢• Screwdom (iKame) – +597%• Knit Out (Rollic Games) – +1,580,500% 🟢⚔️ RPG• 英雄没有闪 – +177,329,100% 🟢• Chiikawa Pocket (Applibot) – +118,676,700% 🟢• 마비노기 모바일 (NEXON) – +404,149,000% 🟢🕹️ Arcade• Idle Weapon Shop (HOT GAMES) – +48,159,200% 🟢• Fancy Hole (Tuan Anh Nguyen) – +39,583,600% 🟢• Chainsaw Juice King (SayGames) – +283%🏗️ Simulation• I Am Cat (Estoty) – +956,613,000% 🟢• Good Coffee, Great Coffee (TapBlaze) – +894,890,100% 🟢• Dreamy Room (ABI Games) – +706,464,400% 🟢🧠 Strategy• DC: Dark Legion (FunPlus) – +310,723,300% 🟢• Kingshot (Diandian) – +302,210,800% 🟢• 엉망 특공대 - 8282회 뽑기 증정 (Kingnet) – +7,335,000% 🟢🎯 Shooter• Armor Attack (Kek) – +159%• Arena Breakout (VNGGames) – +27%• Delta Force (Tencent) – […]

Anton Slashcev May 6

Journal

First 30 Days Checklist for Mobile Games

The first 30 days as a mobile game producer can make or break your impact. 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟭: 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗽 & 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁• Get access to key tools: Jira, Slack, Confluence, Analytics• Play the game to understand gameplay, meta, and monetization• Meet the team, review roadmap, backlog, and deadlines𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝟮–𝟯: 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 & 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲• Analyze retention, playtime, churn, ARPU, LTV, CPI• Study A/B test results and competitor benchmarks• Read player reviews and feedback• Map the workflow: sprint cycles, daily standups, Live Ops• Identify early wins for quick impact𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝟳 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀: 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 & 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆• Review the content pipeline and Live Ops setup• Spot inefficiencies and improve communication• Learn dashboards and tracking tools• Use data to validate decisions• Start forming hypotheses around pricing, retention, engagement𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝟭𝟰 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀: 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗺𝗮𝗽 & 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻• Align on vision and KPIs with stakeholders• Define focus areas and improvement […]

Anton Slashcev May 5

Journal

Gardenscapes Billion-Dollar LiveOps Strategy

Gardenscapes Billion-Dollar LiveOps Strategy Here are 7 event types that keep players engaged and spending:Detailed analysis of the live ops for Gardenscapes𝟭. 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 (𝟭–𝟮𝘅/𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵) 🗺️• Long-term narrative events on unique maps• Players explore, overcome obstacles, and find hidden rewards• Often paired with high-engagement events like Gem Fever• Examples: Doppelganger Alert, Flair Witch!, Atlantis𝟮. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 (𝟯–𝟰𝘅/𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸) 🏆• Leaderboard-driven challenges with time pressure• Players complete tasks quickly for milestone rewards• Boosts short-term retention and intensity• Examples: Trailblazer Dash, Bowling Match, Fiery Sprint𝟯. 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝟭–𝟮𝘅/𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸) 🤝• Teams collect points to hit shared milestones• Rewards like boosters and unlimited lives are split equally• Encourages social play and return sessions• Examples: Team Chest, Bumper Crop𝟰. 𝗪𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 (𝟯–𝟰𝘅/𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸) 🔥• Consecutive wins unlock escalating rewards• One loss resets progress—creating pressure to win• Drives monetization through retries and resources• Examples: Treasure Hound, Catch […]

Anton Slashcev April 30

Journal

Season Pass can drive both engagement and monetization.

Season Pass can drive both engagement and monetization if done right. ❌ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱:• Unclear reward rules and mismatched item sizes = visual mess• Currency for premium pass purchase isn’t labeled clearly• Elements are cut off, players need to scroll to see key info• Main event window overlays core game UI (clutter alert)• Huge banners distract instead of inform• Similar buttons serve different functions (confusing!)✅ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗱:• Visibly separate free and paid rewards• Two buttons → same goal: purchase window (without distraction)• Use icon variety to signal event structure and pass benefits• Highlight goals with a special frame—sets expectations• Display event in full window to avoid background clutterThe best Season Passes balance:→ Clarity→ Motivation→ Minimal distractionsDesign with purpose.Reward with intention.Your players will thank you for it.

Anton Slashcev April 28

Journal

Casual game trends in March 2025

Casual game trends in March 2025 𝟭. 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 ⏱️ Time-limited levels that add pressure and excitement. • Faster finish = better rewards • Players rush → make mistakes → use more boosters • Example: Tile Busters – Countdown Frenzy𝟮. 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝘀 💰 A pricing tactic that plays on FOMO. • Choose 1 pack or 2 for nearly the same price • Side-by-side comparison makes the “2” offer shine • Example: Hidden City, Domino Dreams𝟯. 𝗩𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 🗳️ Gamified creativity + community feedback. • Limited-time design contests • Players vote using special event currency • Winners get exclusive rewards • Example: Project Makeover – Autumn Inspirations𝟰. 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲-𝟮 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀 🔓 Progression now tied to events, not level. • Merge tasks fill a progress bar • Unlocks new areas and content • Example: Gossip Harbor – Taylor’s […]

Anton Slashcev April 25

Journal

Playtesting can make or break your game.

Playtesting can make or break your game. Here’s a simple 10-step checklist:𝟭. 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 • What are you testing? Mechanics, pacing, difficulty, UI? • Set clear goals and decide how you'll measure success.𝟮. 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 • Use a stable build or prototype. • Provide clear instructions or a tutorial. • Remove distractions and get tools ready (feedback forms, screen recorders, analytics).𝟯. 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 • Include your target audience, plus some outsiders and experts. • Mix skill levels (kids, casual players, hardcore gamers). • Set expectations and communicate session details.𝟰. 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗲 • Focused tests to dive deep into specific features. • Blind tests to observe natural behavior. • Exploit tests to see how easily things can break.𝟱. 𝗦𝗲𝘁 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 • Don’t guide or coach, just brief them. • Let players fail to […]

Anton Slashcev April 24

Journal

Most Monopolized Puzzle Genres 2025

Some puzzle genres are nearly impossible to break into. The top 5 games often take over 90% of the entire market.Here’s the full list of the most monopolized puzzle genres in 2025, ranked by how much of the market is controlled by just 5 games:𝟭. 𝗣𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗣𝘂𝘇𝘇𝗹𝗲 – 𝟵𝟱% • $77M IAP revenue (2024) • Angry Birds still rules the roost. 𝟮. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝘂𝘇𝘇𝗹𝗲 – 𝟵𝟯% • $152M in IAP • LINE: Disney Tsum Tsum leads the pack. 𝟯. 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵-𝟮 – 𝟵𝟮% • $539M in IAP • Toon Blast, Toy Blast, Angry Birds Dream Blast dominate. 𝟰. 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝟯𝗗 – 𝟴𝟱% • $440M in IAP • Triple Match 3D and Happy Match Cafe™ hold their ground. 𝟱. 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵-𝟯 𝗧𝗶𝗹𝗲 – 𝟴𝟮% • $138M in IAP • Tile Busters and Zen Match are leading the charge. 𝟲. 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵-𝟯 (𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗰) – 𝟳𝟱% […]

Anton Slashcev April 23

Journal

10 funding options to bring your game to life.

In recent years, I've secured funding for 6 different projects. Here are 10 funding options to bring your game to life:---- 1. PUBLISHERS ----• Funding: $50k to several million• Terms: Revenue share, milestone payments, creative control clauses• PC/Console Publishers - https://lnkd.in/eXpN_nve• Mobile Publishers - https://lnkd.in/eFrqyyWh---- 2. VC INVESTORS ----• Funding: $300k to $10M+• Terms: Equity stake, convertible notes, valuation-based funding• List of VCs Investing in Games - https://lnkd.in/eExR25kB---- 3. ANGEL INVESTORS ----• Funding: $10k to $500k• Terms: Early equity, advisory roles• Top Angel Investors (Shizune) - https://lnkd.in/edy-UVy3• Playcap - https://www.playcap.gg/---- 4. ACCELERATORS ----• Funding: $20k to $150k+• Terms: Equity for funding, demo day presentations• Accelerators List - https://lnkd.in/eHY5acAg• Incubator List - https://lnkd.in/ehW4qwPu---- 5. CORPORATE GRANTS ----• Funding: $5k to $500k• Terms: Non-repayable funds, reporting requirements• Epic MegaGrants - https://lnkd.in/eq-FTZsQ• Indie Fund - https://indie-fund.com/• Games for Change Grant - https://lnkd.in/egUEbe8d---- 6. […]

Anton Slashcev April 22

Journal

Best Game Devs don’t work at Blizzard, Riot, King, Playrix, or Supercell.

Unpopular opinion: the best game developers don’t work at Blizzard, Riot, King, Playrix, or Supercell. Some of the best minds in game dev are building alone or in tiny teams. And they’re not just making noise.They’re topping the charts.Recent proof:• Lethal Company – Solo dev. Outsold AAA titles. Viral on Twitch and TikTok.• Balatro – Made by a small team. Hit $1M in sales in 1 day.• Palworld – Team of 40. Outsold Call of Duty and Pokémon.• Dave the Diver – Built like an indie. Game Awards nominee. Massive commercial success.These aren't lucky breaks. They're signals.At big studios:• You work on one piece of a massive machine• There’s process, politics, and polish• Creativity comes with constraintsIn small teams:• You move fast• You take risks• You make weird, unforgettable gamesThere’s no safety net. No backup plan. Just vision and execution.The […]

Anton Slashcev April 22

Journal

LiveOps isn’t just about events. It’s a strategy.

LiveOps isn't just about events. It's a strategy. 𝟭. 𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 🧩Players burn through core content fast. Keep them hooked with: • New levels, weapons, or cosmetics • DLCs and seasonal updates • User-generated content • End-game loops Goal: Keep loyal players invested Key metrics: long-term retention, purchase frequency 𝟮. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 🛠️ LiveOps means constant improvement. Use player data to: • Improve onboarding and first-time experience • Rebalance the economy • Fix bugs and drop-off points • Refine monetization and UX Goal: Make the game feel better over time Key metrics: short-term retention, onboarding completion, churn 𝟯. 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁-𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 🌟Limited-time events create urgency and fun. Think: • Holiday events or limited-time modes • Leaderboards and game seasons • Daily challenges and social features Goal: Spark excitement and boost session frequency Principles: • Novelty, rewards, and FOMO • Prioritize engagement […]

Anton Slashcev April 21

Anton Slashcev

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