These are places where players get stuck and are more likely to quit. By analyzing player data, developers can find these points and implement solutions to make them less sticky. They can be removed, refined, or an IAP (In App Purchase) can be used to monetize this point of play. For example, at a point in game play where a player gets stuck, developers can introduce a purchasable booster that helps players progress through that point.
Historically, developers have looked to reduce friction as much as possible. In today’s gaming environment, freemium models are widely popular. Developers have actually begun to intentionally introduce friction so that the implementation of an IAP can allow gaming studios to monetize that friction.
Creating a reward system will incentivize players to keep coming back. Structuring game play to include short term achievements that lead up to long term achievements will keep players engaged. Imagine players viewing long term achievements like any other goal, if small steps are created to slowly reward them as they get closer to that goal they will be much more likely to reach it.
Consistent and frequent updates will keep your players engaged. Adding new levels, players, themes and boosters can positively impact your player retention. Notifying players in advance before updates are released will give them something to look forward to.
Keep a close eye on the metrics that impact your player retention. These may include average session length and ARPAU (average revenue per active user). Any measurable change in these metrics should be evaluated by the team. Keep an eye on these metrics when game updates are released.
Your first impression is everything, a strong launch will boost user retention and provide much needed momentum to build off of. If you don’t make a good first impression on your users, there’s a good chance that a lot of them won’t return to play again. You’ll often want to have an explainer screen to show users how to play, but you don’t want to over explain and take away from the user experience.
Users expect a smooth user experience when playing your game. Any bugs that are not discovered and fixed in the quality assurance process are sure to throw a wrench in any user experience. Fortunately, analytics tools help developers to spot these bugs early on so that the initial game launch can be bug free!
The more that players interact with your game’s ecosystem and other players within the game, the more likely they will keep coming back. Building a currency into this ecosystem can incentivize game play while also boosting game revenue. Many games incorporate a leader board to boost competition among players. Other community building efforts include social media pages and forums for players to communicate with one another.
The more that players interact with your game’s ecosystem and other players within the game, the more likely they will keep coming back. Building a currency into this ecosystem can incentivize game play while also boosting game revenue. Many games incorporate a leader board to boost competition among players. Other community building efforts include social media pages and forums for players to communicate with one another.
