Mobile Games Benchmarking

How do you usually approach (early stage) mobile games benchmarking? This article discusses about benchmarking and introduces couple methods (/’schools’) over it.The article is partly related to (/complements it) also my previous article about importance of Business Modeling (https://gamesalchemy.substack.com/p/6-why-business-modeling-your-f2p):How To Approach Benchmarking?There seems to be on high level few ‘schools’ to look into:One goes deep in understanding KPIs from macro tools such as Sensor Tower, data ai, AppMagic and other sources of data (ad networks, MMPs, industry reports, industry peers, etc.), and using them in combination for benchmarking.‘Schools’ that with current commercial sentiment aim, e.g., for hybrid casual games to have 40-50% (or even more) D1 and < $1 CPIs (US) for starting point — to invest further (kinda overlooks benchmarking, but counts in a target profiling of top 5-100 games in certain categories).‘Schools’ that start with scientific approach where […]

Antti Kananen January 6

Journal

‘Unorthodox’ Product and Positioning Strategies

Let's talk about 'unorthodox' Product & Positioning strategies no-one is currently looking into! This article focuses on covering and discussing 'unorthodox' Product and Positioning Strategies that are beyond current commercial sentiment in F2P Mobile Games Welcome to the ‘Unorthodox’ Side of Things! However, despite this, there are lots of opportunities out there no-one is currently looking into; OR they work on them in total secrecy! Shh-h! We’re exploring the shadowy place here. What I mean by ‘unorthodox’ here is everything that is basically beyond the current commercial sentiment and state / phase of the mobile games industry. Here are few examples of 'unorthodox' Product & Positioning strategies that are 'forbidden': Genres and sub-genres no-one is looking to invest in. As publishers, VCs and investors tend to avoid certain midcore, hardcore, and other markets with certain characteristics, there's less money flowing […]

Antti Kananen January 6

Analysis

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

Journal

Physiology and Psychology: How They Explain F2P Game Metrics

When we talk about metrics like session times, retention rates, and monetization in F2P mobile games, we’re not just talking numbers. These metrics reveal how player habits, behaviors, and decision-making are rooted in human physiology and psychology.This article focuses on discussing about physiology and psychology behind F2P metrics / KPIs, and how they can be used to break down KPIs you’re seeing behind your game — and, furthermore, how physiology and psychology can be used for game design.Note: Some of the points discussed here can be more theoretical still, as they’ve not been used to far extend, yet, in game development and design.Physiology and Psychology Behind Mobile F2P Games and Their MetricsHere's a deeper look at how we tap into the principles of physiology and psychology to build successful games:Engagement Loops and Habits FormationGratification systems, feedback loops, and well-designed hooks […]

Antti Kananen January 4

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

Journal

Mobile Gaming Cycles: Commercialization & Industry in Motion

The mobile gaming industry is a dynamic ecosystem, constantly evolving through cycles of innovation, commercialization, and reinvention. Each cycle introduces new opportunities and challenges — shaping how games are developed, marketed, and sustained. From genre-mixing to shifts in user acquisition strategies, these cycles fuel the industry’s growth and creativity — and sentiment. This article focuses on discussing about current state of Mobile Games market, what has driven it where it is, and what (potentially) lies ahead. How We Ended Up Where We Are: The Post-IDFA Reset The introduction of Apple’s App Tracking Transparency (ATT) framework sent shockwaves through the industry — disrupting traditional methods of user acquisition and monetization. Over the years, most (commercially adaptable) studios have adapted to what is required for survival; focusing on e.g., onboarding and first-time user experiences (FTUE) with marketability in mind — whilst overall […]

Antti Kananen January 3

Journal

Mobile MMOs / MMORPGs: Innovation Opportunities in 2025

The mobile MMO / MMORPG genre remains an interesting frontier, offering opportunities for creative disruption.This article discusses in about mobile MMO / MMORPG market(s) and gives trends and predictions for it for 2025 and beyond.Note: This article has data from AppMagic; MMORPG segment (some games from APRG could be classified as MMOs, and revenue doesn't count D2C in).Current State of MMO / MMORPGGlobal Revenue and DownloadsMobile MMOs, Top 100 Global Revenue (Source: AppMagic).Mobile MMOs, Top 100 Global Downloads (Source: AppMagic).Global downloads have been able to be sustained in similar manner, while in-store global revenue has been declining a bit — which most likely is due to D2C / Webshops (more below about D2C / Webshops) taking chunk of revenue. Big chunk of revenue comes from Asian markets and games.Overall the market has been led by the games that have been […]

Antti Kananen January 2

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

Journal

The Next Frontier in 4X: Pure Hybrid Casual 4X Games

The 4X Strategy Games genre, known for its complexity and depth, has long dominated the hardcore space, even after post-IDFA — but, how? Mostly, and very recently, thanks to hybrid casual elements slipping into 4X onboarding, first time user experience (FTUE), and UA strategies. This article focuses on discussing about current and upcoming trends for 4X Strategy Games, with emphasis on Hybrid Casual elements slipping into the genre. Note: This article has data from AppMagic; 4X Strategy segment. Growth Trend for 4X Strategy Games As mobile games continue to evolve due to e.g., post-IDFA effects, hybrid casual elements have been slipping into the 4X ecosystem — specifically to onboarding, FTUE, UA, and driving users to learn the 4X gameplay and systems around it through mini-game takes. Thanks to this the segment has been actually growing lately, instead of churning out […]

Antti Kananen January 1

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

Antti Kananen

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