Take-aways from playing Block Blast

Want to know what’s wrong with Block Blast from Hungry Studio ? The game is #1 in the casual category at the moment (March 20), but from a monetization perspective it is pure AdMon and much more simple that many other casual games on the market. Static banners at the bottom. Interstitials after every level, short ones, easily skippable. The only case of rewarded videos – revival after losing. In this case, the video ad is long because the player is motivated to wait, providing better CPM. Revival happens only one time. If you lose again, it will be final. There are no IAPs, so there is no game shop, no offers, no resources, no energy, no lives, you name it. Players can play as long as they want. Game sessions are not limited. But absence of IAPs also means […]

Michael Khripin April 1

Analysis

What Makes CAPYBARA GO! Successful?

A stylish game that attracts you at first sight! Adventure RPG, where you fight with players using magic, swords, and build your own unique character strategy to win the battle, but as a cute, fluffy character. So let’s dive into what makes this game successful and worth playing. First pillar – Setting. Setting in games is the world and style where the game happens. It can be realistic, fantasy, cute, dark — and it helps the game feel unique and attract the right players. Nowadays, style can be one of the main USPs of a game. It reflects user preferences — that’s why we see a lot of similar games with different settings. The most common example: PUBG and Fortnite. Very similar gameplay core, but completely different approaches, one goes for realism, the other for a stylized, fun experience. Both […]

Taras Svityk March 28

Analysis

Supercell’s mo.co: A Constructive Deep Dive

Supercell has once again entered the mobile gaming landscape with their newest title, mo.co, a game that blends elements of Action RPGs, MMOs, and a bit of Extraction Shooters (specifically, given how its core loop is currently constructed, it resembles some elements from Extraction genres — if you have played e.g., Helldivers 2 recently, you can spot the similarities definitely in terms of jumping in and out for missions).Note! This is a constructive analysis and review with all good and “bad” laid out to discuss and analyze this game and its current state properly. This post’s intention is not to judge and point any fingers — the intention is solely to educate and discuss about the game and its current state in a professional manner, and give pointers for my readers on where this type’s of game’s strengths and challenges […]

Antti Kananen March 27

Analysis

Engaging Mini Games and Where to Find Them

Like any business, games exist to generate revenue. Without a solid monetization strategy, even the most passionate developers struggle to sustain their projects. But every successful developer knows that a game’s ability to make money is deeply tied to its retention metrics. While revenue is the ultimate measure of success, retention serves as a crucial intermediate indicator that is often prioritized even over direct revenue figures. And the strategies to ensure strong retention evolve over different stages of a game’s lifecycle. In the short term (call it D1 to D7), a compelling core loop is essential: a mechanic that is easy to pick up but challenging to master, providing endless variations without becoming stale. In the long term (call it D180 and beyond), retention hinges on intrinsic motivation: social engagement, a thriving community, and compelling end-game content. But what about […]

Ahmetcan Demirel March 23

Analysis

Mo.co’s Exclusive Launch Strategy Works!

Supercell mo.co’s Exclusive Launch Strategy Is Working – Here’s Why 👇🏻 mo.co by Supercell is out globally, but is it? You can’t play unless you’ve received an invite. This growth hack is a masterclass in product marketing and might just be a groundbreaking way to launch a game globally while reaching a massive audience. Before diving into the growth strategy, let’s first break down just how polished the experience is, given its invite-only launch. For the TL;DR, check out my video below 🤟🏻 monetisation_polished.pdf From day one, the game has all key monetization elements in place. However, instead of following the traditional monetization model of dungeon crawlers, where items, wearables, and cosmetics often provide power, mo.co separates cosmetics from gear. This approach aligns its monetization closer to Fortnite rather than conventional freemium mobile games, let alone dungeon crawlers. The monetization […]

Jesse Lempiäinen March 20

Analysis

Gossip Harbor’s Live Ops Strategy

Gossip Harbor’s Live Ops Strategy Gossip Harbor is a masterclass in Live Ops execution. In 2024 alone: • 20 new events • 5 new offers • Significant revenue growth 🎯 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗚𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦 • WEEKLY EVENTS – Short bursts (1-3 days) on specific weekdays • MID-TERM EVENTS – Rotating events lasting 4-7 days • LONG-TERM EVENTS – Spanning 2+ weeks, often back-to-back • HOLIDAY EVENTS – One-day themed specials • SHORT-TERM EVENTS – Quick engagement boosters (30 min - 1 hr) 🎮 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗟𝗬 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦 – 𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗔𝗚𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦 • Sam’s Road Trip – Collect wheels from orders for rewards • Pinata Party – Merge bats to reach max level and earn prizes • Coconut’s Sky Journey – Merge balloons for increasing rewards • Olivia’s Lollipop Hunt – Merge lollipops to max level for bonuses • Ziva’s Goldrush & Beat The Heat Wipeout […]

Anton Slashcev March 20

Analysis

What the Hex! is Going On? Agave Games’ New Soft Launch

Soft-launching in Canada & Brazil. Data: AppMagic Casual puzzle game lovers, it’s time to pay attention—Agave Games just dropped a new title into soft launch, and if you’ve been following their recent $18 million investment, you know the industry has its eyes on them. The game? What the Hex!—a mix of color-sorting puzzles with a Monopoly GO! style town-building meta. I played it, and here’s the scoop on what it’s all about, how it plays, and why people are curious about Agave’s next move. A Hexagonal Spin on Sorting Puzzles If you’ve played Hexa Sort, you’ll feel right at home with What the Hex! The gameplay is simple but strategic: you stack and merge hexagonal tiles of the same color to clear space and meet level goals. Sounds easy? Well, not so much. The game doesn’t hold your hand for long—later levels introduce more colors, trickier […]

Aylin YAZICI March 18

Analysis

Habby Dominates the Roguelike Genre

Habby dominates the roguelike genre. 𝟭. 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆 🕹️ • Fast, action-packed sessions with wave-based combat • Simple joystick/tap controls for easy access • Deep strategy and skill-based progression 𝟮. 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 📈 • Players pick abilities, creating unique builds each run • Early levels are easy to attract players • Late-game challenges push skill (or spending) 𝟯. 𝗦𝗺𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗻𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 🔽 • Minimal tutorials, letting players learn by doing • Core mechanics are intuitive • Advanced mechanics require player experimentation 𝟰. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 ♻️ • New maps, enemies, and mechanics keep gameplay fresh • Talent and upgrade systems provide long-term growth • Achievements and events encourage deeper exploration 𝟱. 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 💰 • No intrusive ads for uninterrupted gameplay • IAPs, special offers, and rewarded ads for revenue • Free progression is possible, but paid options speed it up 𝟲. 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 👩‍👩‍👦‍👦 […]

Anton Slashcev March 17

Analysis

Lucky Defense Analysis: 111%’s Risky Bet That Won Big

An All-in-One Deep Dive That's Actually Fun to Read! Alright, let’s talk about Lucky Defense—the game that took the classic tower defense genre, rolled the dice (literally), and ended up creating one of the most chaotic, fun, and weirdly addictive experiences out there. This isn’t your average game analysis. Nope. We’re going full throttle into the depths of Lucky Defense—from its epic rise, gameplay mechanics, wild community moments, and even the monetization that’ll make you ask, "Am I gambling or gaming?" So, buckle up. It’s about to get lucky (or unlucky) 🎉 The Origin Story: When Luck First Struck Lucky Defense was officially launched by 111% (a South Korean dev studio) on May 23, 2024. And it didn’t just drop quietly—it absolutely exploded in South Korea. We're talking about skyrocketing to the #1 download spot and pulling in over $11 million in revenue within its first two months. Not too shabby for […]

Aylin YAZICI March 17

Analysis

The Importance of Personalization in Gaming

Segmentation has long been a cornerstone of success in the gaming industry, particularly for top-grossing titles across various genres. The ability to analyze player data, categorize users based on specific behaviors, and tailor their experiences accordingly is a well-established best practice. With AI and machine learning continuing to evolve, this practice has become even more sophisticated, offering dynamic personalization at an unprecedented scale. However, personalization does not have to be solely reliant on automated algorithms. There is another, often overlooked, yet equally powerful approach: empowering players with choices. Allowing players to actively shape their experiences through in-game options provides a layer of customization that is perceived as more engaging and rewarding. While still requiring extensive data analysis to design these options effectively, the act of letting players choose creates a deeper sense of agency and investment in the game. Why […]

Ahmetcan Demirel March 16

Analysis

Mobile Game Publishing: Strategies for Success in 2025

The Current State of Mobile Game Publishing in 2025 Mobile game publishing is poised for a strong performance in 2025, riding the wave of momentum from a highly successful 2024. Blockbuster hits such as Hexa Sort and Twisted Tangle have underscored the critical role that effective publishing strategies play in the mobile gaming ecosystem. It’s no coincidence that 9 out of the top 10 gaming companies by downloads have established dedicated publishing divisions or robust publishing strategies. For game developers, aligning with a well-established publisher has become more crucial than ever. Below, we explore three key reasons why publishers are indispensable to success in today's competitive market. 1. Navigating Growing Funding Challenges The mobile gaming industry is currently navigating a challenging investment landscape. Investment in game studios has plummeted to a five-year low, with the most recent Konvoy report highlighting […]

John Wright March 10

Analysis

Collectible Albums: A New Frontier in Motivating Players

Casual games succeed by offering straightforward mechanics that are easy to grasp but challenging to master. However, this simplicity can present a challenge for developers. Over time, it becomes increasingly difficult to introduce new features that boost engagement and monetization without compromising the game's streamlined experience. Many developers have tried to introduce ambitious, intricate mechanics only to discover that these alienate their audience rather than delight them. In recent years, a new solution has gained momentum across the casual gaming space: collectible albums. Games like Monopoly Go, Royal Match, and Gossip Harbor have embraced these mechanics, creating highly engaging live events that revolve around collecting virtual cards. Players earn, trade, and complete albums in pursuit of rewards, badges, or bragging rights. Collectible albums have become a key tool for developers to add new layers of motivation and replayable content to […]

Ahmetcan Demirel March 9

Analysis

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