🎮 Kingshot's Insane Genre Mix Explained! How Century Games’ New 4X Hooks Players & Payers

3 april 2025 | 57 min

Today, we are tearing down Kingshot by Century Games – a new free-to-play mobile strategy game blending 4X strategy and idle survival mechanics. Our provides a detailed, data-driven look at Kingshot’s gameplay design, monetization strategies, creative marketing trends, and its competitive context.

We examine how Kingshot builds on Century Games’ previous hit, Whiteout Survival. The video dissects Kingshot’s core gameplay loop – from its survival city-building and fixed-base progression to its 4X alliance warfare on the world map – highlighting how familiar mechanics are executed and improved.

Beyond gameplay and revenue, this teardown highlights creative trends in user acquisition. You’ll learn how Kingshot’s ad creatives leverage popular trends – from fake gameplay mini-games to AI-generated characters.

Get our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop

--------------------------------------

PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.

Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/

They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.

- Scale fast

- Keep your shares

- Drawdown only as needed

- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you

+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors

---------------------------------------

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/lZAAOCS2GkM

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes

04:23 Game Overview: Kingshot by Sentry Games

07:27 Game Mechanics and Design Elements

10:25 Onboarding and Gameplay Experience

13:34 Monetization Strategies and Player Engagement

21:05 The Importance of Game Mechanics

23:38 Analyzing Game Revenue and Player Retention

29:00 Funding and Scaling Game Development

32:20 Comparative Analysis of Game Portfolios

35:24 The Future of Game Genres and Market Trends

40:08 The Evolution of Game Mechanics

42:28 Creative Inspirations in Game Development

46:11 AI and Creative Trends in Gaming

50:35 Marketing Strategies and Spending in Mobile Games

52:35 Future Prospects of Game Titles

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

King Shot Is a Genre Mashup Done Right

The “In-Game Bank” Monetization Is Next-Level

King Shot runs hundreds of creatives, from Rush Royale clones to fake survival stories and AI-generated UGC—proving that creative variety is king.

Built on a Proven Template for Rapid Scaling

With pressure from River Game’s stacked portfolio, King Shot isn’t just a game—it’s a strategic move to stay competitive in the 4X mobile space.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Your Ads Are Boring! 5 Inspiration Tricks to Ignite Your Creative Strategy by Matej Lancaric

2 april 2025 | 21 min

Where to get creative inspiration? That is always the hard question. Maybe the hardest one! Let’s dig a little bit deeper: There are companies/games you need to follow to uncover the recent creative trends. Continue reading!

Get the Creative bible now: https://lancaric.substack.com/p/the-creative-bible-how-to-win-in?r=7qqaf

Always check the competitors. Use the FB Ads library, TikTok Ad library, and Google Ads transparency center; on top of that, use Adscan.ai to spy on your competitors and see which creative is spending the most in Europe (the most-spending creative is most likely their best-performing creative at that moment).

I usually use a combination of the above-mentioned free tools and Sensor Tower—a quite good combo! Go and see the top creatives in the last 30 days; they give you super interesting insights.

𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗣𝗜𝘀. Whatever it takes! The creative inspiration flow has shifted—𝟰𝗫 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗶𝗴 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀, and it all comes down to one important thing: 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀.

Get our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop

---------------------------------------

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Podcast:

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Finding Creative Inspiration

04:05 The Shift in Creative Flow

06:59 Exploring Non-Direct Competition

10:06 Leveraging Trends and Tools

12:58 Analyzing Competitors and Their Strategies

15:25 Utilizing AI for Creative Concepts

17:44 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Creative inspiration can come from various sources.

Emotions play a crucial role in engaging audiences.

The creative flow has shifted from Forex to casual games.

Analyzing competitors can provide valuable insights.

Exploring non-direct competition can spark new ideas.

Leveraging trends from social media is essential.

AI tools can assist in generating creative concepts.

Understanding your target audience is key to success.

Utilizing different game genres can enhance creativity.

Iterating on ideas using AI can lead to innovative solutions.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://lancaric.substack.com/p/the-creative-bible-how-to-win-in?r=7qqaf

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Screwdom 3D Is PRINTING MONEY! 💸 Vietnam’s Game Devs Just Raised the Bar

31 mars 2025 | 39 min

This is not just another mobile puzzle game. Screwdom 3D is a MASTERCLASS in hybrid casual design, monetization, and creativity.

In this episode, we dive deep into how a small Vietnamese studio is scaling up Screwdom 3D into a $3.6M/month beast, powered by killer rewarded ads, smart boosters, and wildly satisfying 3D physics. Think Screw Jam meets Pinout Master meets genius-level iteration.

💥 Learn how the game blends deep engagement with hypercasual roots

📈 See why it's converting on both IAP and ad revenue (40/60 split!)

🧠 Understand why this game is a new benchmark for hybrid casuals

😂 Plus: shower jokes, physics-wiggles, garlic confusion, and we almost lose it mid-episode

👀 Don't just watch – share this with your game dev crew, UA team, and monetization leads.

📣 COMMENT your thoughts. Smash that LIKE. And SUBSCRIBE for more brutally honest breakdowns.

Get our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop

--------------------------------------

PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.

Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/

They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.

- Scale fast

- Keep your shares

- Drawdown only as needed

- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you

+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors

---------------------------------------

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Podcast: https://youtu.be/soVUNLWxNf4

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:24 Overview of Screwdom and Its Development

04:20 Growth of Vietnamese Game Dev & Studios

07:26 Screwdom's Performance and Revenue Insights

10:25 Gameplay Mechanics and Features of Screwdom

13:22 User Experience and Game Design Elements

16:22 Monetization Strategies and Ad Integration

19:21 Future Prospects and Industry Trends

20:27 Quality and Adaptation in Game Development

20:54 Revenue Insights: IAP and Ad Revenue

22:24 Scaling and User Acquisition Strategies

23:25 Creative Strategies in User Acquisition

25:21 Market Trends and Game Mechanics

27:27 User Engagement and Retention Strategies

30:25 The Role of Social Media in Game Marketing

32:24 Audience Dynamics in Mobile Gaming

34:24 Challenges in User Acquisition and Analytics

37:24 Final Thoughts on Game Development and Marketing

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Vietnam's game dev industry is rapidly growing, especially in IAP revenues.

Screwdom is an iteration of previous games, showcasing improved mechanics.

The game utilizes 3D elements effectively, enhancing gameplay.

User engagement is crucial, with long levels and no timers.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Top Girl meets Last War! Last Z: Survival Shooter review

27 mars 2025 | 48 min

Last Z: Survival shooter is basically a Top Girl with AI girls as heroes mixed with a Last War 4X core. Top Girls are everywhere. It's a new Waifu game in the West.

We explore the mobile game Last Z Survival Shooter's gameplay mechanics, character dynamics, and monetization strategies.

We discuss the game's onboarding process, the integration of AI, and the cultural references embedded within the game.

The conversation also touches on regulatory challenges facing the gaming industry and the future of the 4X genre, highlighting the trends and metrics that indicate growth in this sector.

Ending with reflections on the implications of these trends for the gaming landscape.

Get our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop

--------------------------------------

PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.

Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/

They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.

- Scale fast

- Keep your shares

- Drawdown only as needed

- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you

+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors

---------------------------------------

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Podcast:

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context

04:06 Game Review: Last Z: Survival Shooter

07:11 Analyzing Game Metrics and Trends

10:16 Onboarding and Gameplay Mechanics

13:14 Character Dynamics and AI Integration

16:09 Monetization Strategies and User Engagement

19:10 Cultural References and Game Design

22:07 Conclusion and Future Insights

25:44 Game Mechanics and Character Development

28:11 Creative Strategies in Game Marketing

31:07 Trends in Game Advertising and Regulation

37:07 AI and Game Development Innovations

41:10 Revenue Trends in the 4X Genre

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

'Last Z: Survival Shooter' blends familiar mechanics from previous titles.

AI integration is becoming increasingly prevalent in mobile games.

Monetization strategies are evolving, focusing on user engagement and character dynamics.

Cultural references in games can enhance player connection and engagement.

Regulatory challenges are emerging as the industry grapples with content standards.

The 4X genre is experiencing significant growth, driven by successful titles.

Character dynamics play a vital role in player engagement and game success.

The gaming industry is increasingly leaning towards content that appeals to basic human needs.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Mastering Effective Spend Depth in Gaming by Jakub Remiar

26 mars 2025 | 22 min

In this episode, Jakub goes into the intricacies of game economies, focusing on the concepts of spend depth and effective spend depth. He explains how these metrics are crucial for understanding player engagement and monetization strategies in games.

Through practical examples from popular games like Clash Royale and Survivor.io, he illustrates how to calculate and increase spend depth while managing content effectively.

The monologue also touches on the challenges of maintaining a balanced game economy and the importance of supporting new content with appropriate progression layers.

Get our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop

--------------------------------------

PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.

Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/

They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.

- Scale fast

- Keep your shares

- Drawdown only as needed

- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you

+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors

---------------------------------------

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/3YcIfmBLZw8

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Game Economies

02:58 Understanding Spend Depth and Effective Spend Depth

07:49 Calculating Spend Depth in Different Game Genres

11:35 Increasing Spend Depth: Case Study of Survivor.io

17:11 Advanced Game Economies: Honkai Star Rail and Beyond

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Spend depth represents the total money a user can spend in a game.

Effective spend depth is the specific resources needed to access end-game content.

Calculating spend depth requires understanding the game's currency and upgrade costs.

Different game genres have unique methods for calculating spend depth.

Increasing spend depth involves adding new layers of progression and content.

Content management is crucial to support new progression layers in games.

Game economies can become bloated if not managed properly.

Understanding competitor spend depth can inform your game's economy design.

Player engagement metrics are essential for balancing game economies.

The longevity of a game depends on its ability to introduce new content and challenges.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Supercell's Mo.co: Exciting new global launch. Is this the next billion-dollar game?

24 mars 2025 | 50 min

In this episode, we discuss Supercell's latest game launch, MoCo, exploring Mo.co gameplay mechanics, monetization strategies, and overall market positioning.

We go into the game's features, compare it to other action RPGs, and analyze its potential for future success in the gaming industry.

https://lancaric.me/future-of-ua-creators-mobile-user-acquisition/

Get our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop

--------------------------------------

PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.

Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/

They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.

- Scale fast

- Keep your shares

- Drawdown only as needed

- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you

+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors

---------------------------------------

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/AqdL57Mh6Fk

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

04:12 MoCo Launch and Initial Impressions

07:24 Gameplay Mechanics and Features

10:04 Inventory and Equipment System

13:13 Monetization and Shop Features

16:08 Game Modes and Progression

18:34 Elite Hunter Program and Seasonal Content

24:50 The Launch of MoCo: A New Era for Supercell

27:59 Monetization Strategies: Balancing Profit and Player Experience

29:58 Design Philosophy: The Challenge of Endgame Content

34:50 Influencer Marketing: Supercell's Creator Program

41:59 The Impact of Marketing Strategies on Game Success

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Supercell's MoCo is a streamlined action RPG.

The game features a polished and finished look.

Gameplay is designed to be snappy and user-friendly.

Monetization focuses heavily on cosmetics and battle passes.

The game employs a gacha system for cosmetics.

We express skepticism about the game's long-term appeal.

Endgame content is a significant factor for player retention.

Supercell's marketing strategy includes leveraging content creators.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Softlaunch Sonar #8 - Exploring the Latest Game Releases & Innovations

20 mars 2025 | 51 min

Jakub and Felix discuss the latest trends in mobile gaming, focusing on new game releases, soft launches, and the impact of monetization strategies.

We explore unique gameplay concepts, particularly in the match-3 genre, and analyze the role of intellectual property in game development.

The conversation also touches on future predictions for mobile gaming and the challenges developers face in a competitive market.

Get our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop

--------------------------------------

PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.

Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/

They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.

- Scale fast

- Keep your shares

- Drawdown only as needed

- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you

+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors

---------------------------------------

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/g04p176ZrDg

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Emerging Trends in Mobile Gaming

12:17 The Evolution of Merge Games

15:27 AI and Waifu Games: A New Frontier

18:16 Unique Gameplay Mechanics in New Titles

21:28 Family Farm Match: A New Take on Match-3

24:23 Exploring the Alpha of a New Pirate Game

27:28 Supercell's Latest Innovations

29:22 The Rise of User-Generated Content in Gaming

30:37 Marketability of New Games

31:46 Trends in Game Development

33:11 Emerging Game Concepts

34:37 The Match-3 Game Landscape

37:15 Innovations in Game Mechanics

40:12 RPGs and Their Appeal

42:33 The Future of Game Genres

45:46 The Impact of IP in Gaming

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Homa is scaling rapidly with IAP-driven games.

Soft launches are crucial for user acquisition.

The merge genre is facing intense competition.

Unique gameplay concepts can differentiate new games.

Match-3 games continue to dominate the market.

IP can significantly influence a game's success.

The mobile gaming landscape is evolving with new mechanics.

Developers must adapt to changing player preferences.

Monetization strategies are key to sustaining games.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

A Human-Centric Approach to Mobile gaming industry by Ömer Yakabagi

19 mars 2025 | 26 min

In this conversation, Ömer emphasizes the importance of a human-centric approach that prioritizes creativity, joy, and connection over mere revenue generation.

He highlights the challenges faced by the industry, including the pressure on developers and marketers, and advocates for a shift back to the core values of gaming.

The monologue also touches on the need for collaboration, well-being, and redefining success in the gaming world.

Get our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ömer Yakabagi⁠

https://www.linkedin.com/in/omerya/

Podcast:

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 The Human-Centric Approach to Mobile Gaming

06:01 Challenges in the Mobile Gaming Industry

13:13 Rekindling Creativity and Joy in Gaming

20:05 The Future of Mobile Gaming: A Call to Action

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Mobile gaming should prioritize creativity and fun.

The industry faces challenges due to aggressive startup culture.

Work-life balance is essential for developers and marketers.

Creativity is often stifled by revenue-focused pressures.

Human connection is vital in gaming experiences.

Industry events foster community and collaboration.

Investing in well-being can enhance creativity.

We need to celebrate the joy of gaming.

The focus should shift back to storytelling in marketing.

Support and connection within the industry are crucial.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Exploring Match Villains: A New Contender for THE Casual Throne

17 mars 2025 | 35 min

Today, we discuss the mobile game Match Villains, developed by Good Job Games. We explore its gameplay mechanics, market performance, and the competitive landscape of mobile gaming.

The conversation goes into the game's features, comparisons with similar titles, and insights into the developers' strategies and industry trends. In this conversation, we dive into the innovative concepts and market trends in mobile gaming, mainly focusing on the Royal Match game and its competitors.

We discuss the revenue potential of these games, comparing their performance and user engagement strategies. The conversation also touches on creative gameplay mechanics, scaling strategies, and the financial considerations necessary for success in the gaming industry.

Get our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop

--------------------------------------

PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.

Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/

They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.

- Scale fast

- Keep your shares

- Drawdown only as needed

- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you

+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors

---------------------------------------

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/te5fkSD0VLg

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Match Villains and Game Overview

04:22 Game Performance and Market Positioning

07:26 Gameplay Mechanics and Features Comparison

10:12 Good Job Games and Industry Insights

13:18 Creative Strategies and Marketing Approaches

19:05 Innovative Game Concepts and Market Trends

22:08 Revenue Potential and Market Comparisons

24:37 Creative Gameplay Mechanics and User Engagement

29:06 Scaling Strategies and Financial Considerations

31:34 Future Prospects and Industry Insights

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Match Villains is gaining traction in the mobile gaming market.

The game features mechanics similar to Royal Match.

Good Job Games has a strong reputation in the industry.

Market competition is fierce, with few games achieving high revenue.

The game's growth is attributed to effective user acquisition strategies.

The gameplay lacks some features compared to established competitors.

The heist mechanic adds a unique twist to the gameplay.

Good Job Games is a breeding ground for successful game developers.

Creative marketing strategies are crucial for game visibility.

The Turkish gaming market is evolving with new talent and innovation.

Market comparisons reveal insights into game performance.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

The Art of Scaling Games: When to scale your game?

13 mars 2025 | 57 min

In this episode, we explore the critical aspects of scaling games in the gaming industry, focusing on the right timing, key metrics, and financial strategies.

Ridzki Syahputera from PVX Partners shares insights on cohort profitability, the importance of soft launching, and various financing options available for game developers.

The conversation emphasizes the need for consistency in cohort performance and the role of data in making informed scaling decisions.

Get our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop

--------------------------------------

PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.

Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/

They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.

- Scale fast

- Keep your shares

- Drawdown only as needed

- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you

+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors

---------------------------------------

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Special Guest: Ridzki Syahputera

Youtube: https://youtu.be/_HtnAVoNUUM

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Scaling in Gaming

04:28 Key Metrics for Scaling Games

07:32 The Importance of Soft Launching

10:34 Understanding Cohort Profitability

13:32 The Role of Consistency in Cohorts

16:32 Funding Growth Strategies

19:25 Navigating Debt and Equity Financing

22:30 Cohort Financing Explained

34:00 Understanding Payback Periods and Risk Monetization

37:37 Data-Driven Financing: The Role of Cohorts

40:39 The Underwriting Process: How Financing Works

46:33 Cohort Analysis: Visualizing Performance Metrics

52:08 Forecasting Future Performance: Tools for Financial Planning

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Ridzki Syahputera

Founder of PVX Partners

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ridzkisyahputera/

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Scaling should be based on solid metrics and data.

Cohort profitability is essential for sustainable growth.

Soft launching allows for testing and iteration before scaling.

Consistency in cohort performance builds confidence for scaling.

Cohort financing can be a viable option for funding growth.

Understanding the payback period is crucial for financial planning.

Testing new creatives is necessary to maintain performance.

The process of securing funding can be quick if the data is ready.

Using tools for cohort analysis can aid in decision-making.

Engaging with investors early can help secure necessary funding.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

A Beginners Guide to Ad monetization: The Fundamentals by Felix Braberg

12 mars 2025 | 31 min

This episode of Two and a Half Gamers provides a comprehensive introduction to ad monetization in mobile gaming. Felix Braberg discusses key metrics such as ECPM, fill rate, and ad ARPDAU, explaining their importance in maximizing ad revenue.

The monologue delves into how ad networks operate, how they determine ECPM, and the various revenue models they employ. The episode also covers strategies for soft launching, selecting mediation platforms, and effectively scaling ad revenue.

Listeners gain insights into best practices for network selection and the significance of maintaining good relationships with ad network account managers.

Get our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop

---------------------------------------

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/BY5THj6vQuE

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ad Monetization Metrics

02:57 Understanding ECPM and Fill Rate

05:46 Key Metrics: Ad ARPDAU and Engagement Rates

09:07 The Role of Ad Networks in Monetization

11:53 How Ad Networks Determine ECPM

15:08 Revenue Models of Ad Networks

17:53 Soft Launching and Impression Value

21:08 Choosing a Mediation Platform

23:57 Scaling Your Ad Revenue

27:07 Best Practices for Network Selection

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Ad ARPDAU is crucial for tracking performance.

ECPM and fill rate together determine ad revenue.

Higher user engagement leads to increased ad revenue.

Ad networks connect advertisers with app users.

Understanding how networks determine ECPM is essential.

Ad networks charge margins and fees for services.

During soft launch, focus on ad viewer rates.

Choosing the right mediation platform impacts revenue.

Scaling ad revenue requires adding competitive networks.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Who is Tripledot & what do they do? The History, games portfolio & estimated profits

10 mars 2025 | 48 min

We discuss the recent news of Applovin selling its gaming division to Tripledot for $900 million. We dive into who Tripledot is, its revenue model, and the impact of ad revenue in the mobile gaming industry.

The conversation covers the rise of Tripledot, key milestones, acquisitions, and an analysis of their game portfolio, particularly focusing on Wodoku.

We also explore the mechanics of ad revenue and provide estimates of Tripledot's earnings and future prospects. In this conversation, we go into the financial dynamics of the gaming industry, focusing on ad revenue, profit margins, and the strategic positioning of major publishers.

We analyze the retention metrics of various games, estimate potential profits, and discuss the implications of publisher incentives and relationships within ad networks.

Get our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop

--------------------------------------

PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.

Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/

They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.

- Scale fast

- Keep your shares

- Drawdown only as needed

- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you

+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors

---------------------------------------

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/7VFD0qNTZIE

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Gaming Industry Shakeup

04:33 Understanding Tripledot and Its Revenue Model

07:50 The Rise of Tripledot: Key Milestones and Acquisitions

10:37 Exploring Tripledot's Game Portfolio

13:36 Analyzing Woodoku and Its Impact

16:36 The Mechanics of Ad Revenue in Mobile Gaming

19:39 Estimating Tripledot's Earnings and Future Prospects

25:20 Analyzing Ad Revenue and Retention Metrics

27:52 Estimating Profit Margins and Financial Health

29:41 Publisher Incentives and Market Positioning

32:20 The Role of Relationships in Ad Networks

34:30 Diversifying Game Portfolios and Revenue Streams

35:46 Creative Strategies in Game Marketing

40:48 The Use of IP and Branding in Gaming

42:48 Final Thoughts on Game Monetization Strategies

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Ad revenue is often more challenging to track than IAP revenue. Thats why people think it doesn't exist.

Tripledot has seen substantial growth since its founding in 2017.

Wodoku is a flagship title that has driven Triple Dot's success.

Revenue estimates for Tripledot suggest they are earning substantial profits.

User acquisition plays a crucial role in the success of mobile games.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Love & Deep Space: The success of Otome Games. A very heavy RPG with dating mechanics & ASMR systems

6 mars 2025 | 46 min

In this episode, we dive into the world of gacha games, focusing on the popular title Love and Deep Space.

We explore the game's mechanics, revenue generation, and character interactions while also discussing the broader context of otome games and their appeal in the gaming market.

The conversation highlights the game's unique features, including its combat system, dating mechanics, and ASMR elements, as well as the marketing strategies employed to attract players.

Get our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop

--------------------------------------

PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.

Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/

They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.

- Scale fast

- Keep your shares

- Drawdown only as needed

- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you

+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors

---------------------------------------

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/wMBL7Z9qL88

Join our Slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:37 Exploring Game Development

03:17 Understanding Gacha Games and Waifu Genre

06:46 The Success of Otome Games

10:47 The Evolution of Paper Games and Love Nikki

15:46 Cultural Context of Gaming in Asia

20:54 Gameplay Mechanics of Love and Deep Space

22:32 Exploring Combat Mechanics in Gacha Games

24:16 The Dating Core: Building Relationships in Gameplay

26:36 Innovative Features: ASMR and Photo Studio Mechanics

28:41 Gacha Mechanics: The Money Maker of the Game

31:10 User Engagement: The Role of Ads and Marketing

35:16 Revenue Insights: Understanding the Game's Success

39:56 Creative Strategies: Marketing and User Acquisition

44:21 Conclusion: Learning from Niche Games

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Gacha games, particularly the waifu genre, are discussed in detail.

Otome games are identified as a growing trend, especially among female gamers.

Revenue insights reveal that 'Love and Deep Space' is generating substantial income.

The game features a unique blend of storytelling and interactive mechanics.

Character interactions play a crucial role in player engagement.

Combat systems in gacha games are becoming more complex and engaging.

ASMR features are introduced as a novel element in gaming.

Love and Deep Space could do way more in their UA activities.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Revolutionizing Video Production & AI UGC with Poolday.AI

5 mars 2025 | 50 min

In this episode, we discuss the transformative impact of AI on video production in the gaming and marketing industries.

They explore the evolution of AI-generated user-generated content (UGC), the importance of volume in creative production, and the cost reductions that AI brings to video creation.

The conversation also touches on the testing methodologies for video performance, the comparison between AI UGC and human creators, and the legal considerations involved in using AI-generated content.

The episode features insights from Alexei, the CEO of Pool Day, who shares how their platform streamlines video production processes and enhances creative testing.

The shift from traditional data-driven user acquisition roles to more creative-focused positions is highlighted, emphasizing the need for UA managers to adapt to new technologies.

The coupon for the 2.5 gamers audience is 50% off on the first 3 months for all new signups on any plan.

POOLGAMERS (make sure to hit "apply coupon")

Sign up, get 2 free AI UGC videos, then choose a subscription plan that works for you!

APPLY COUPON POOLGAMERS

---------------------------------------

Get our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop

---------------------------------------

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/0eKuPCIJNH0

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AI in Gaming and Marketing

03:04 The Evolution of AI UGC and Video Production

06:01 Testing Methodologies in Video Production

08:55 The Importance of Volume in Creative Production

11:51 Cost Reduction in Video Production

14:45 AI UGC vs. Human Creators

17:53 The Video Creation Process with Pool Day

21:02 AI Voiceover and Localization Features

23:54 Legal Considerations in AI Video Production

26:15 Video Editing Revolution: The Power of AI

31:58 Streamlining Creative Processes with AI

39:02 The Shift in User Acquisition: From Math to Creativity

44:01 The Future of Video Production: A Design System for Creatives

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

AI is revolutionizing video production in gaming and marketing.

Testing methodologies have evolved with the rise of AI.

AI UGC can outperform traditional human-created content in certain scenarios.

AI voiceover features enhance localization and accessibility.

The platform allows for rapid iteration and testing of video content.

Marketers can now produce hundreds of videos quickly and affordably. AI tools are revolutionizing video editing and production

Video editors can now produce content without bottlenecks.

The future of video marketing lies in design systems for efficiency.

AI can help test game concepts before actual development.

Creatives can be generated in minutes, saving time and resources.

The importance of adapting to new technologies in marketing roles.

Video production is becoming more accessible to non-experts.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

Vita Mahjong Game Review: Ads in Gaming? Yes!

3 mars 2025 | 50 min

In this conversation, we discuss the mobile game Vita Mayong, exploring its gameplay mechanics, user experience, monetization strategies, and user demographics. We delve into the game's ad revenue model, highlighting its success and the criticisms it faces from users regarding ad overload. The discussion also includes comparisons with other games in the genre and insights into the target audience, particularly seniors.

The conversation concludes with reflections on user feedback and the game's future prospects. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the pervasive annoyance of ads in mobile gaming, the creative strategies used in game marketing, and the importance of funding for growth in the gaming industry.

We delve into the role of AI in game development and how it influences user engagement and game performance. The discussion also touches on the evaluation of game creatives and the effectiveness of various marketing strategies.

Get our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop

--------------------------------------

PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.

Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/

They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.

- Scale fast

- Keep your shares

- Drawdown only as needed

- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you

+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors

---------------------------------------

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/UeNb404tVVE

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts on Vita Mayong

04:35 Gameplay Mechanics and User Experience

07:35 Ad Integration and Monetization Strategies

10:34 Target Audience and Game Design Philosophy

13:34 Dynamic Difficulty and Player Engagement

16:39 Market Performance and Competitive Landscape

19:10 Game Features and User Experience

20:57 Ad Revenue Insights

23:21 Market Dynamics and User Demographics

24:57 User Feedback and Game Monetization

29:24 Creative Strategies in Game Marketing

31:17 Funding and Growth Strategies

32:48 Competitor Analysis and Creative Inspiration

34:59 Healing Through Gaming: The Impact on Mental Health

36:45 Creative Diversity in Advertising: Strategies and Insights

38:42 The Role of AI in Gaming: Innovations and Limitations

39:47 Analyzing Ad Campaigns: What Works and What Doesn't

41:48 The Power of Storytelling in Game Marketing

44:28 Evaluating Game Performance: Metrics and Expectations

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Vita Mayong has gained significant popularity with 9 million downloads in 30 days.

The game is heavily ad-driven, generating approximately $55 million annually.

User feedback indicates frustration with the frequency of ads in the game.

The game lacks complex features, focusing instead on straightforward matching mechanics.

User demographics suggest a target audience of older players who prefer easy-to-play games.

Comparative analysis reveals similarities with other successful mobile games like Block Blast.

Rise of Vietnam: Mobile Gaming Boom—Key Players, Winning Strategies & What’s Next

27 februari 2025 | 45 min

In this episode, we explore Vietnam’s rapidly expanding mobile gaming scene, now projected to exceed USD 1 billion in annual revenue by 2025 and boasting a year-over-year growth rate of nearly 30%—one of the highest in Southeast Asia. We spotlight pioneering Vietnamese game studios and their chart-topping hits, examining the creative approaches that have helped them gain international recognition. We also discuss how local developers navigate Vietnam’s evolving regulatory environment and the potential hurdles these rising stars must overcome to sustain their momentum in the global market. Tune in to learn how Vietnam has become a powerhouse in mobile gaming and what’s driving this unprecedented surge.

Get our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop

--------------------------------------

PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.

Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/

They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.

- Scale fast

- Keep your shares

- Drawdown only as needed

- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you

+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors

---------------------------------------

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/lSzc2Y2DqFU

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Album Release

03:35 Vietnam's Mobile Gaming Explosion

05:43 Understanding Vietnamese Game Studios

11:52 iKame: A Case Study

16:21 Brave Stars: Success in Ad Monetization

20:48 X Game Studios: The Hidden Giants

24:49 The Evolution of Casual Gaming

25:40 Understanding Ultra Casual Games

26:51 The Appeal of Satisfying Gameplay

27:37 User Acquisition Strategies in Mobile Gaming

31:36 The Rise of Music-Based Games

34:38 Competition in the Music Game Genre

35:41 The Impact of Vietnamese Game Studios

38:41 Regulatory Changes in Vietnam's Gaming Industry

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Vietnam has emerged as a significant player in the mobile gaming industry.

The Vietnamese gaming market is characterized by collaboration among studios.

iKame is a leading studio with impressive download numbers.

Brave Stars has successfully tapped into the ad monetization model.

X Game Studios is gaining traction with innovative titles.

ABI Games is pioneering the ultra-casual gaming genre.

Amanotes specializes in music-based games, showing a unique niche.

OneSoft has a diverse portfolio, including popular puzzle games.

The regulatory landscape in Vietnam is evolving, impacting foreign entities.

Vietnamese companies are competitive globally, often outperforming their Western counterparts.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Publishing 101: What Game to Build, Why, and Which Publisher is Right for You by John Wright

26 februari 2025 | 32 min

In this monologue session, John Wright discusses the current state of mobile game publishing, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between developers and publishers. He outlines the challenges developers face in securing funding and the advantages of working with publishers, including access to expertise and technology. The monologue also covers strategies for choosing the right game and publisher, understanding the game discovery process, and the differences between farming and hunting strategies used by publishers to find new games.

Get our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop

---------------------------------------

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists:John Wright

Youtube: https://youtu.be/Ja0Vf2lNHoA

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 The Current State of Mobile Game Publishing

08:27 Choosing the Right Game and Publisher

15:26 Understanding Publisher Game Discovery

23:31 Farming vs. Hunting: Publisher Strategies

---------------------------------------

John Wright

Independent publishing consultant

https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwright1987/

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

The current state of mobile game publishing is positive, with notable successes.

Developers face challenges in securing funding, making publishers essential partners.

Lean teams should focus on core game development and utilize publisher expertise.

True innovation in games can lead to significant success but carries high risk.

The plus one strategy allows for lower risk and faster validation of game concepts.

Market research is crucial; developers should use data tools to inform their decisions.

Finding the right publisher is vital for game success; alignment with their thesis is key.

Building relationships with publishers can lead to future opportunities, even after rejection.

Publishers use both farming and hunting strategies to discover new games.

Understanding publisher strategies can improve a developer's chances of getting signed.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Goods Puzzle Sort Challenge Review: Innovative Puzzle Game

24 februari 2025 | 53 min

We review a new puzzle game from Vietnam, Goods Puzzle: Sort Challenge, discussing its gameplay mechanics, design, monetization strategies, and user engagement.

We explore the challenges players face, the game's level structure, and how it compares to other titles in the genre. The conversation also delves into the game's ad revenue potential and future market trends, concluding with ratings and overall impressions.

Get our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop

--------------------------------------

PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.

Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/

They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.

- Scale fast

- Keep your shares

- Drawdown only as needed

- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you

+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors

---------------------------------------

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/hZ3EfncFR3Q

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Game Review

04:18 Gameplay Mechanics and Challenges

07:24 Game Design and Level Structure

10:19 Reward Systems and Monetization

13:21 Final Thoughts and Insights

16:20 The Rise of Casual Gaming Mechanics

19:23 Understanding Shallow Economies in Casual Games

22:23 The Evolution of Game Features and Events

25:19 Ad Revenue Strategies in Puzzle Games

28:14 Balancing Gameplay and New Features

31:21 Revenue Insights and Future Projections

34:53 Scaling and Profitability Insights

36:17 Funding and User Acquisition Strategies

37:10 Organic vs Paid Growth Dynamics

38:20 Creative Strategies in User Acquisition

40:48 Market Trends and User Engagement

42:32 Advertising Channels and Budget Allocation

45:02 Performance Metrics and Retention Strategies

50:41 Game Evaluation and Future Recommendations

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

The game presents significant challenges that require strategic thinking.

Monetization through ads is a key revenue driver for the game.

User engagement is crucial, with a focus on retention strategies.

The game design includes innovative level structures that enhance gameplay.

Comparative analysis shows the game is competitive within its genre.

Future growth potential is promising based on current trends.

The hosts emphasize the importance of balancing gameplay and monetization.

Ad revenue estimates suggest a strong financial performance.

The game has a unique appeal that resonates with casual gamers.

Overall ratings reflect a positive reception of the game's mechanics.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Candy Crush Solitaire: The Solitaire Showdown on a Gaming Battlefield

20 februari 2025 | 65 min

Ever wondered why some games blow up while others fade into obscurity? We dive headfirst into the surprisingly complex world of Solitaire games—yes, Solitaire! Especiall, Candy Crush Solitaire! We unpack how this classic genre has evolved from your grandma’s desktop time-killer to a booming corner of the gaming industry, fueled by IP powerhouses like Candy Crush Solitaire.

Oh, and we’re not holding back on the Candy Crush of it all. We swing between hype and skepticism about its latest spin-off, asking: Can a titanic IP guarantee success, or is the market too unpredictable? This episode’s got hot takes, cold truths, and enough Solitaire trivia to impress your group chat.

Get our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop

--------------------------------------

PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.

Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/

They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.

- Scale fast

- Keep your shares

- Drawdown only as needed

- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you

+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors

---------------------------------------

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/uKTs4zqksY8

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Solitaire and Personal Updates

03:14 Metrics and Predictions in the Gaming Industry

07:10 The Evolution of Solitaire Games

13:10 New Entrants in the Solitaire Market

19:11 Challenges and Opportunities in Game Development

21:10 Review of Candy Crush Solitaire

24:43 Brand Recognition and Game Mechanics

26:04 Gameplay Dynamics and Strategic Depth

29:43 Balancing Complexity and User Experience

31:09 Monetization Strategies and Game Economics

33:12 Advertising and Revenue Generation

35:52 Event Rotation and Player Engagement

41:54 Future Prospects and Market Competition

44:58 Cultural Differences in Gaming

45:47 Market Challenges and Pessimism

47:03 User Acquisition Strategies

48:47 The Role of Playable Ads

50:00 Nostalgia in Game Marketing

51:33 User-Generated Content and Its Impact

53:42 Revenue Insights and Market Analysis

57:41 Future Predictions for Solitaire Games

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

The gaming industry is witnessing a battlefield of Solitaire games.

Gameplay mechanics can create strategic depth in Solitaire games.

The evolution of Solitaire games reflects changing player preferences.

The future of Solitaire games may involve more aggressive monetization tactics.

Pessimism about game launches can stem from high expectations and market competition.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

2.5 gamers x Live AM(F)A #8 - Ask Me Anything

19 februari 2025 | 62 min

Our "monthly" live AMA is live. Check it out, and next time, ask questions in real time!

Secret quest: Jesse Lempiäinenhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jesselempiainen/

https://geeklab.app/

In this conversation, we discuss various aspects of mobile game development, focusing on App Store Optimization (ASO), user acquisition strategies, and monetization techniques. They explore the integration of AI in ASO, the importance of creative-level frameworks for iOS, and the nuances of soft launching games.

The discussion also covers attribution challenges, effective testing methods for game ideas, and strategies for segmenting users based on monetization models. In this conversation, the speakers delve into various aspects of user acquisition, advertising strategies, and the challenges posed by privacy regulations. They discuss innovative ad strategies, technical capabilities in user acquisition, and the impact of Apple and Google policies on the advertising landscape. The conversation also touches on the rise of alternative app stores, navigating app store rejections, and effective marketing strategies for Steam games. Additionally, they explore the intricacies of ECPM and user segmentation, emphasizing the importance of diversifying user acquisition channels.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

02:00 ASO and AI Integration

04:59 iOS Framework and User Acquisition

07:57 Soft Launch Strategies

12:00 Attribution and Campaign Insights

16:50 Testing Game Ideas and User Segmentation

22:02 Monetization Strategies in Hybrid Games

28:23 Innovative Ad Strategies and Market Trends

29:14 Technical Capabilities in User Acquisition

30:36 Challenges in Tracking and Privacy Regulations

32:12 The Impact of Apple and Google Policies

34:16 The Future of Advertising on iOS

38:14 The Rise of Alternative App Stores

40:41 Navigating App Store Rejections

43:25 Marketing Strategies for Steam Games

47:16 Understanding ECPM and User Segmentation

53:19 Diversifying User Acquisition Channels

Takeaways

ASO requires a unique skill set and personality.

AI is increasingly taking over tasks in ASO.

Creative-level frameworks are essential for iOS user acquisition.

Soft launching can be done effectively through beta testing.

Attribution is becoming more complex with new updates.

Testing game ideas is crucial for understanding user preferences.

Segmentation based on user acquisition sources can enhance monetization.

Hybrid games can benefit from both ad and IAP revenue strategies.

Using landing pages for testing can provide valuable insights.

AI can expedite the testing process for game ideas. Innovative ad strategies can significantly improve CTR.

Technical capabilities are evolving but not fully utilized yet.

Privacy regulations pose challenges for tracking user behavior.

Apple and Google policies heavily influence the advertising landscape.

Alternative app stores are emerging but face significant challenges.

App store rejections can be random and frustrating for developers.

Marketing strategies for Steam games can leverage mobile marketing techniques.

ECPM is influenced by various factors including user behavior and geography.

Diversifying user acquisition channels is crucial for sustained growth.

Understanding user segmentation can enhance ad performance.

Creative Trends in Mobile gaming - January 2025

17 februari 2025 | 47 min

In this episode, we dive into the latest creative trends and insights in the gaming industry, focusing on creative trends and strategies, emotional advertising, and the growing impact of AI in mobile game marketing.

We analyze successful game creatives, share thoughts on the evolution of marketing strategies, and explore how emotions are essential for engaging players. Together, we highlight the importance of iteration in improving game performance and discuss the future of game marketing as AI reshapes the industry.

Join us for a comprehensive discussion that blends data, creativity, and cutting-edge technology to uncover what’s next for game marketers and developers alike.

Our Music Album: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2o80XDfSqkDIqmuc5tOZdt

Get our Merch NOW: 25gamers.com/shop

--------------------------------------

PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.

Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/

They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.

- Scale fast

- Keep your shares

- Drawdown only as needed

- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you

+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors

---------------------------------------

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/S5hOmIjVRYE

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Gaming Landscape

03:02 Creative Trends in Game Advertising

05:53 Analyzing Successful Game Creatives

09:02 The Importance of Iteration in Game Development

11:58 Understanding Game Revenue Dynamics

14:58 Exploring New Game Concepts and Mechanics

17:55 The Role of Physics in Game Creatives

21:01 Future Directions in Game Advertising

24:23 The Evolution of Top War's Marketing Strategy

27:18 Creative Iteration in Game Advertising

30:12 Visual Styles and Game Mechanics

31:32 User-Generated Content in Game Promotion

34:09 Innovative Advertising Techniques in Gaming

36:35 The Role of Celebrity Endorsements

39:10 AI and Creative Trends in Game Marketing

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Successful creatives often use satisfying physics interactions.

Iteration in game development is crucial but can be unpredictable.

Understanding player psychology is key to successful game design.

The future of gaming will rely on creativity and player satisfaction. Top War's marketing strategy is evolving with creative iterations.

User-generated content is becoming more prominent in promotions.

Innovative advertising techniques are essential for engagement.

Celebrity endorsements can significantly impact game visibility.

AI is influencing creative trends in-game marketing.

The gaming industry is seeing a shift towards emotional storytelling.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

Playable trends: https://lancaric.substack.com/p/playbles-trends-in-mobile-games-january?r=7qqaf

Key aspects for Mobile Game Growth in 2025: UA, speed, monetization & globalization with Airbridge

13 februari 2025 | 63 min

Today, we talked about how to break the charts in 2025 for hybrid and hyper-casual games. Buckle up for this takeaway-packed interview - it might just be the spark your game needs to blow up.

Despite the chatter about mobile game growth hitting the brakes, especially after the COVID-fueled boom that supercharged hyper-casual and hybrid-casual games, the industry is far from slowing down. As we pointed out, mobile game growth in 2025 is driven by three key aspects: speed, monetization, and globalization.

--------------------------------------

PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.

Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/

They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.

- Scale fast

- Keep your shares

- Drawdown only as needed

- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you

+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors

---------------------------------------

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Host: Roi Nam

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Podcast:

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 The Evolution of In-App Advertising

05:55 The Global Gaming Landscape

12:10 Emerging Markets in Gaming

17:51 Strategies for Game Success

23:53 User Acquisition Channel Diversification

30:21 Hybrid Monetization: The Key to Success

36:01 Segmentation Strategies in User Acquisition

39:39 The Role of Creatives in User Acquisition

50:01 The Evolving Role of UA Managers

57:20 Global Expansion: Navigating Cultural Differences

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

Roi Nam

CEO Airbridge

https://www.linkedin.com/in/roinam/

https://www.airbridge.io/

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Players who are likely to spend on in-app purchases should see fewer ads.

The gaming industry is seeing a significant upward trend in app development.

Emerging markets like Vietnam and Turkey are becoming key players in mobile gaming.

Speed and adaptability are crucial for success in the gaming industry.

User acquisition strategies must evolve to include diversification across channels.

A good game is just the starting point; a great user acquisition strategy is essential.

CPI versus LTV is a critical equation for game success.

The landscape of mobile gaming is shifting towards more diverse and innovative games.

Rewarded ad platforms are gaining traction in the market. Hybrid monetization combines the best of hypercasual and casual games.

User acquisition is crucial for successful monetization strategies.

Segmentation allows for tailored experiences based on player behavior.

Creatives, especially playables, are essential for effective user acquisition.

UA managers must adapt to evolving roles in the gaming industry.

A robust in-game economy is vital for monetization success.

Cultural differences must be considered when expanding globally.

Feature-heavy games may not perform well in Western markets.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

A Beginners Guide to UA: The Fundamentals by Matej Lancaric

12 februari 2025 | 27 min

In this episode, Matej Lancaric provides a comprehensive guide to mobile user acquisition (UA), covering essential terms, metrics, and strategies for beginners and experienced marketers. He emphasizes the importance of data integrity, navigating privacy changes, and the role of creativity in UA campaigns. The discussion also includes insights on leveraging paid, owned, and earned media and the impact of AI on marketing strategies.

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Podcast:

Articles:

https://lancaric.me/ua-manager-life-post-idfa-reality/

https://lancaric.me/influencer-marketing-guide-ua-in-2024/

https://lancaric.substack.com/p/stay-ahead-in-ua-for-2025-my-top

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to User Acquisition

01:15 Understanding User Acquisition Fundamentals

03:11 Key Metrics in User Acquisition

08:47 The Importance of Data Integrity

10:39 Navigating Privacy Changes in User Acquisition

12:31 Creative Strategies for User Acquisition

13:30 Paid, Owned, and Earned Media Strategies

17:09 Building and Engaging Your Own Audience

19:54 App Store Optimization and Content Marketing

23:50 Leveraging Earned Media and Press Relations

25:38 The Role of AI in User Acquisition

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

UA is a fast-moving field that requires constant learning.

Understanding key metrics is crucial for effective UA.

Data integrity is essential for making informed decisions.

Privacy changes are reshaping the landscape of UA.

Creative strategies must evolve to combat user fatigue.

Paid, owned, and earned media are all vital components of UA.

Building a loyal audience can enhance user engagement.

App Store Optimization is key for visibility and installs.

Content marketing helps build trust and authority.

AI tools can significantly enhance marketing efficiency.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Cracking the 4X Code: Billion Dollar Strategy (2.5gamers x GameMakers crossover)

10 februari 2025 | 68 min

Our conversation dives into the evolving landscape of game marketing, particularly focusing on the 4X genre and the dynamics between successful game studios like First Fun and River Game. The discussion highlights the importance of user acquisition strategies, server management, and the integration of gameplay with marketing efforts. We also explore the future of 4X games, the impact of themes and reskins, and the innovative use of AI ingame mechanics. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of 4X game design, exploring its economic foundations, innovative mechanics, and the role of AI in shaping user acquisition strategies. We discuss the sustainability of the 4X model, future trends in user acquisition, and the evolution of game genres, culminating in predictions for the 4X market's trajectory.

---------------------------------------

PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.

Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/

They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.

- Scale fast

- Keep your shares

- Drawdown only as needed

- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you

+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors

---------------------------------------

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Matej Lancaric⁠, Joseph Kim, Justin Yau

Youtube:https://youtu.be/t28sVVnYWKw

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 The Evolution of Game Marketing Strategies

02:54 Understanding First Fun and River Game Dynamics

06:02 The 4X Game Landscape: Trends and Innovations

09:07 The Role of User Acquisition in Game Success

11:52 Server Management and Player Dynamics in 4X Games

15:09 Integrating Gameplay and User Acquisition

17:58 The Future of 4X Games: Multiple Core Strategies

20:59 The Impact of Themes and Reskins in Game Development

24:06 The Rise of AI in Game Mechanics

33:51 The Economics of Game Design

36:24 Innovations in Game Mechanics

39:12 Creative Strategies in User Acquisition

42:58 The Role of AI in Game Development

48:30 Future Trends in User Acquisition

54:01 Predictions for the 4X Market

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

Joseph Kim

CEO, Lila Games

https://lilagames.com/ & GameMakers

Justin Yau

https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinhbyau/

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

First Fun & River Game share a complex relationship.

The 4X genre is evolving with new strategies and themes.

Server management is key to maintaining player engagement.

The future of 4X games may involve multiple core strategies.

AI is transforming user acquisition strategies in gaming.

The 4X model's sustainability is under scrutiny due to high CPIs.

Future trends in user acquisition will lean heavily on AI.

The integration of AI in game development is becoming essential.

4X games are setting the standard for creative strategies.

The evolution of game genres will incorporate 4X elements.

Understanding 4X is vital for anyone in the gaming industry.

Predictions suggest a shift towards more innovative gameplay in 4X games.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

Ad placements & Admon trends in Mobile Games: January 2025

6 februari 2025 | 49 min

We dive into the world of ad monetization in mobile games, reviewing several recent titles that rely heavily on ad revenue. We discuss the strategies behind these games, their performance metrics, and the implications for the gaming industry. We discuss the challenges parents face with kids' gaming, the success of ultra-casual games, and the aggressive monetization tactics employed by developers. ---------------------------------------

PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.

Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/

They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.

- Scale fast

- Keep your shares

- Drawdown only as needed

- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors

--------------------------------------- This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Special Guest: Katerina Maliaran Podcast: Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ad Monetization and Game Review

02:10 Exploring King Pin: A Case Study in Ad Revenue

14:20 Super Car Merge: Merging Genres and Monetization Strategies

20:44 Boo Boo and Mimi: The Power of Cuteness in Gaming

29:35 Tricky Twist Puzzle: The Rise of Ultra Casual Games

38:05 Indian Car Highway Drive: Targeting the Indian Market

42:24 Gold Rush: A Hybrid Casual Game Analysis --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Katerina Maliaran Head of Admonetization https://www.linkedin.com/in/katerina-maliaran-b35a78203/ --------------------------------------- Takeaways Ad monetization is a crucial aspect of mobile game development. King Pin has seen significant growth in daily active users since launch. Super Car Merge targets a male audience with its merge mechanics. Cuteness in games can drive downloads and engagement. Retention rates are critical for long-term success in mobile games. Ad revenue can be substantial for games with high daily active users. Cross-promotion strategies can enhance user engagement. In-game ads can be implemented without harming player experience. The mobile gaming ecosystem is still thriving despite challenges. Parental controls are essential for managing kids' gaming. Ultra-casual games are gaining significant traction in the market. Monetization strategies can greatly impact a game's success. Targeting specific demographics can lead to higher downloads. Aggressive ad placements can lead to user frustration. Hybrid casual games are blending genres for better user experience. Developers need to balance monetization with user satisfaction. Innovative ad formats can enhance revenue without alienating players. The mobile gaming landscape is constantly evolving with new trends. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Exploring Pokemon TCG Pocket's Revenue Trends by Jakub Remiar

5 februari 2025 | 24 min

In this podcast, Jakub Remiar discusses the performance and updates of the Pokemon TCG Pocket game, focusing on revenue trends, user engagement, the new expansion, and the controversial trading system. He highlights the game's revenue spikes, user retention rates, and the implications of the trading mechanics on player experience. Also touches on the need for improved game features and the future of the game in terms of expansions and player engagement.

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/XZ5_IbVvZJM

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Game's Performance

01:15 Revenue Trends and User Engagement

06:07 New Expansion and Card Mechanics

09:27 Trading System and Its Implications

18:02 Challenges in Game Features and Player Experience

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

The game is projected to generate around 980 million in revenue.

Revenue spikes are typical for gacha games, with significant daily earnings.

User engagement remains strong, with high daily active users.

The US market is becoming increasingly important for revenue growth.

The new expansion introduces unique cards and mechanics.

The trading system has been criticized for being prohibitive and unintuitive.

Players are frustrated with the lack of communication features in trading.

The game needs a proper PvP ranking system to enhance competitiveness.

Despite community backlash, the game continues to achieve record revenue.

Future expansions are expected to keep the game fresh and engaging.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Game Review Radar #7: All-time highs! Random pundits think Balatro is dead. Think twice!

3 februari 2025 | 50 min

In this episode, we explore game apps—their growth, challenges, and performance metrics. We examine monetization, user engagement, and the impact of offline and hybrid games while discussing anticipated titles and marketing strategies. We also cover scaling strategies, power progression layers, and future predictions for trading card games, emphasizing the need for creativity and innovation in the gaming industry. This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Podcast: Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg ---------------------------------------PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.- Scale fast- Keep your shares- Drawdown only as needed- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors--------------------------------------- Chapters 00:00 The Growth and Challenges of Game Apps 02:27 Review Radar: Analyzing Game Performance 06:27 The Impact of Offline Games 12:08 The Rise and Fall of Anticipated Titles 19:05 Innovations in Game Monetization and User Engagement 26:24 Analyzing User Base and Market Trends 27:00 Marketing Strategies and Game Performance 29:10 The Rise of Hybrid Games and Competitions 30:33 Revenue Insights and Game Launch Success 31:14 The Evolution of Game Genres and Trends 32:17 Scaling Strategies for Game Development 33:20 The Future of Hubby Games 35:35 Power Progression Layers in Gaming 36:30 Comparative Analysis of Game Performance 38:07 User Engagement and Game Updates 40:04 Nostalgia and Market Competition 41:07 Predictions for Trading Card Games 43:32 Final Thoughts on Game Performance 48:15 Closing Remarks and Future Directions --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaways Offline games can still generate revenue despite perceptions of being dead. Anticipated titles can experience significant drops in user engagement post-launch. Understanding user demographics is key to effective marketing. Cross-promotions and collaborations can enhance user interest and retention. Marketing strategies play a crucial role in game performance. Hybrid games are becoming increasingly popular in the market. Revenue insights reveal the potential for significant earnings. The evolution of game genres is shaping player preferences. Scaling strategies are essential for successful game development. Power progression layers are a common trend in gaming. User engagement is critical for long-term success. Predictions for trading card games indicate a bright future. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

High Seas Hero Game Review: Navigating through Scaling Challenges

30 januari 2025 | 50 min

We explored the complexities of game scaling, user acquisition, and the mechanics of Century Games' new game, High Seas Hero.

In our discussion, we unpacked game progression systems, monetization strategies, and the intricacies of global launches. We reflected on how gameplay innovation often clashes with monetization tactics that prioritize short-term revenue over long-term player satisfaction. We also debated the future of game design, mainly how user acquisition will evolve in an increasingly competitive market, and stressed the need to balance creativity with player-centric experiences.

Throughout the conversation, we kept returning to one core idea: the gaming industry thrives when we challenge conventions without losing sight of what makes games enjoyable. Whether dissecting retention mechanics or debating global launch pitfalls, our focus remained on building games that resonate deeply with players while staying sustainable in a fast-paced market.

---------------------------------------

PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.

Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/

They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.

- Scale fast

- Keep your shares

- Drawdown only as needed

- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you

+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors

---------------------------------------

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/uO9gIP2LqBQ

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Game Scaling Challenges

03:07 User Acquisition and Funding Solutions

05:57 Exploring High Seas Hero Game Mechanics

12:06 Forex Game Dynamics and Player Engagement

18:06 Monetization Strategies in Forex Games

25:29 Game Progression and Innovation

28:25 Monetization Strategies and Player Experience

30:44 Global Launch and Market Dynamics

34:30 User Acquisition and Game Design

47:15 Future of Game Development and Competition

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Game scaling often does not meet expectations due to various factors.

High Seas Hero incorporates mechanics from other successful games.

4X games can confuse players with their complex dynamics.

Player engagement is crucial for the success of any game.

Generosity in game rewards can lead to imbalances in player strength.

The hidden mechanics of 4X games can be challenging to navigate.

The game was initially very engaging and rewarding for players.

Global launches require careful consideration of market dynamics and player expectations.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

How Ads increase IAP & Subscription revenue by Felix Braberg

29 januari 2025 | 23 min

Felix Braberg discusses the evolving landscape of ad monetization in mobile apps and games. He highlights the shift towards mobile apps, the increasing importance of ad quality, and innovative strategies for driving in-app purchases (IAPs) and subscriptions. He delves into the brain training app market, effective ad messaging techniques, and psychological pricing strategies that enhance user engagement and revenue generation.

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg

Youtube: https://youtu.be/V9tr_ZbVFHY

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ad Monetization Trends

03:10 Shift from Games to Mobile Apps

06:01 Ad Quality and User Experience

10:11 Brain Training Apps: A Case Study

17:00 Innovative Remove Ads Strategies

20:47 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

2025 is predicted to be the year of mobile apps.

There is a significant shift from games to mobile apps.

Ad quality is declining, leading to creative monetization strategies.

Push notifications can effectively drive user engagement.

Double-choice pricing can enhance perceived value.

Bundling IAPs with ad removal increases user purchases.

Mobile app companies are gaining traction in downloads.

Innovative ad strategies are crucial for revenue growth.

User experience is impacted by longer ad formats.

Understanding user psychology is key to effective monetization.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Unlocking the Secrets of Color Block Jam: The New Puzzle Sensation

27 januari 2025 | 40 min

We dive into the mechanics, revenue, and market positioning of the new puzzle game Color Block Jam by @rollic-games We discuss its gameplay design, ad revenue potential, user engagement, and competitive landscape while also exploring future prospects and user acquisition strategies.

The discussion highlights the game's deterministic nature and its appeal in the mobile gaming market, alongside insights into monetization and retention strategies. Color Block Jam review shows the Color Block Jam gameplay and walkthrough of levels while discussing revenue potential.

Color Block Jam is using altered gameplay in UA + Creatives. Good start!

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/hdB9vlg5Hdo

---------------------------------------

PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.

Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/

They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.

- Scale fast

- Keep your shares

- Drawdown only as needed

- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you

+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors

---------------------------------------

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Color Block Jam and Revenue Insights

04:45 Gameplay Mechanics and Design of Color Block Jam

09:49 Ad Revenue and User Engagement Analysis

14:55 Market Positioning and Competitive Landscape

19:56 Future Prospects and Retention Strategies

25:00 User Acquisition Strategies and Creative Trends

29:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Color Block Jam is generating significant daily revenue. Already at 150k/day and growing.

The game features deterministic puzzles that enhance player engagement.

Ad revenue begins after level 14, impacting monetization strategies.

The game's mechanics are similar to other successful puzzle games.

Creative trends in user acquisition are shifting towards harder gameplay.

The game's success relies on effective monetization without compromising user experience.

Future updates may introduce new mechanics to enhance gameplay.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Project R.I.S.E Alpha Test First Look: Gameplay & impressions! What's next for @supercell ?

23 januari 2025 | 49 min

We dive into the closed alpha testing of Project Rise, a new game from Supercell. We discuss gameplay mechanics, user interface changes, and the challenges players face.

The conversation also touches on the importance of tower upgrades, the introduction of new features and perks, and the role of bots in gameplay.

We also expressed our thoughts on the game's long-term viability and compared it to other titles in the market, ultimately questioning its casual appeal and future direction.

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/foFP_BDXh84

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Project Rise and Gameplay Mechanics

03:11 Game Development Insights and Alpha Testing

05:54 Gameplay Experience and User Interface Changes

08:45 Tower Upgrades and Game Progression

12:05 Exploring New Features and Perks

15:07 Challenges in Gameplay and Player Strategies

18:01 The Role of Bots and Team Dynamics

20:57 Meta Progression and Long-term Game Viability

23:47 Comparative Analysis with Other Games

27:13 Final Thoughts and Future Predictions

30:41 Game Progression and Leveling Up

35:16 Balancing Game Difficulty and Player Experience

40:11 Comparing Game Mechanics and Market Positioning

45:29 Final Thoughts and Future Predictions

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Supercell focuses on refining successful game mechanics.

Project Rise is currently in its alpha testing phase.

Gameplay is easier with the introduction of bots.

The user interface has seen significant improvements.

Tower upgrades play a crucial role in game progression.

New features and perks enhance the gameplay experience.

Players face challenges that require strategic thinking.

The game may appeal to a niche audience.

Comparisons with other games highlight its unique position.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

What payback should I aim for? Mastering CPI & LTV in Mobile Gaming by Matej Lancaric

22 januari 2025 | 30 min

In this episode, Matej Lancaric discusses the critical relationship between Cost Per Install (CPI) and Lifetime Value (LTV) in mobile gaming. He explores how different game genres affect these metrics, the importance of churn prediction for user retention, and strategies for optimizing user acquisition.

The monologue also covers the significance of payback periods and how to utilize LTV predictions for effective marketing strategies, ultimately emphasizing the need for informed decision-making in the competitive mobile gaming landscape.

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/56V_6ZYyM_0

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Game Genres and Revenue Models

01:14 Understanding CPI and LTV in Mobile Gaming

12:09 Churn Prediction and User Retention Strategies

14:37 Decision-Making Based on CPI vs LTV

18:01 Payback Periods Across Game Genres

22:30 Utilizing LTV Predictions for User Acquisition

28:09 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

CPI is a critical metric for user acquisition budgets.

Different game genres have varying payback periods.

User engagement directly influences LTV.

Regular game updates can enhance user retention.

For profitability, CPI should always be lower than LTV.

Predictive modeling aids in targeting high-value users.

Analyzing competitors can provide valuable benchmarks.

Understanding the CPI-LTV equation is essential for success.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Block Blast Review: What is behind 40 million DAU & 1 million/day revenue?

20 januari 2025 | 44 min

We dive into the phenomenon of Block Blast! by Hungry Studio, exploring its massive success in the mobile gaming industry. We discuss the game's impressive download numbers, user engagement strategies, and unique game mechanics that keep players hooked.

Our conversation also touches on the dynamic difficulty adjustments that personalize the gaming experience and the revenue generation strategies contributing to its financial success. We conclude with a comparative analysis of Block Blast! against other games in the market and speculate on its future prospects.

Additionally, we explore the intricacies of mobile game monetization, focusing on the impressive revenue generated by specific games, ad networks' role, and user acquisition strategies. We discuss the importance of creative marketing approaches and how game mechanics can enhance player engagement.

Our conversation concludes with insights into the future of mobile gaming and the challenges of monetization. Join us for a comprehensive discussion that blends data, creativity, and cutting-edge technology to uncover what’s next for game marketers and developers alike.

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/fLkvGTgDQjw

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Blockblast and Its Impact

02:53 Analyzing Download Numbers and User Engagement

05:55 Game Mechanics and User Experience

09:00 Dynamic Difficulty and Personalization

11:54 Revenue Generation Strategies

15:01 Comparative Analysis with Other Games

17:55 Conclusion and Future Prospects

21:51 Monetization Strategies in Mobile Gaming

24:29 The Role of Ad Networks and Mediation

27:17 User Acquisition and Funding Strategies

30:36 Creative Approaches in Game Marketing

37:20 Game Mechanics and Player Engagement

41:50 Conclusion and Future Insights

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Block Blast has broken records with over a million downloads a day.

Dynamic difficulty adjustments enhance user retention.

The game mechanics are simple yet effective in keeping players engaged.

Creative marketing strategies play a significant role in user acquisition.

Ad revenue is primarily generated through interstitials and banners.

The game has nearly 15 million daily active users.

User experience is tailored through A-B testing and personalized content.

The mobile gaming industry is highly competitive and requires innovative approaches.

Block Blast exemplifies the potential of ad-driven revenue models in gaming.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Emergency Episode TikTok is Banned in the US! Now what?

19 januari 2025 | 5 min

The ban of TikTok in the United States has sparked widespread discussion, but the implications extend beyond the loss of a single social media platform. While some may dismiss TikTok as a trivial app, this situation is part of a broader historical pattern where access to popular media is used as a means of control. Examining the ban within this larger context offers a framework to understand its significance and may provide insights into future developments. US Supreme Court Upholds TikTok Ban Amid National Security Concerns

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/xC_IuoC1J8w

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

The TikTok ban was lifted after 13 hours!

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Creative Trends in Mobile Games - December 2024

16 januari 2025 | 53 min

We dive into the latest creative trends and insights in the gaming industry, focusing on creative trends and strategies, emotional advertising, and the growing impact of AI in mobile game marketing.

---------------------------------------

PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.

Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/

They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.

- Scale fast

- Keep your shares

- Drawdown only as needed

- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you

+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors

---------------------------------------

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube:https://youtu.be/kjDRP7ZlvD0

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

---------------------------------------

Ready to transform your game from a hybrid to a hybrid business? Enter the SuperHybrid competition from December 2nd to January 30th for a chance to scale your game with epic publishing support from Supersonic full team of experts, up to $10K monthly while you iterate, $30K in bonuses when you hit milestones - and even more ways to win! Plus, they’re non-recoupable. Don't miss out. Submit your game Now!

Register here: https://supersonic.com/superhybrid/

---------------------------------------

Chapters

00:00 The Future of AI in Gaming

03:14 Celebrating Milestones and Announcements

06:05 Creative Trends in Mobile Gaming

08:53 The Rise of AI-Driven Creatives

11:57 Trends in Game Marketing and Creatives

14:47 The Impact of AI on Game Development

17:47 IP Infringement and Ethical Concerns

21:06 The Evolution of Game Creatives

23:53 Future Predictions for Mobile Gaming

26:52 Creative Strategies for Lowering CPI

28:38 Innovative Hooks and Game Creatives

30:39 Celebrity Cameos and Their Impact

32:55 The Rise of Merge Games

35:39 AI in Game Marketing

38:50 Understanding CPI and Campaign Scaling

41:38 The Evolution of Game Creatives

44:29 Satisfying Game Mechanics and ASMR Creatives

47:49 Trends in Game Development and Marketing

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

AI is becoming increasingly relevant in the gaming industry.

The mobile gaming industry is heavily influenced by 4X!

Copying in the mobile gaming industry is rampant and often untraceable.

AI tools are revolutionizing the way game creatives are produced.

We express a desire for better quality creatives in the industry.

Ethical concerns regarding IP infringement are raised during the discussion.

Predictions for the future of mobile gaming are made based on current trends. Lowering CPI often involves outrageous hooks and creative strategies.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Product trends for Mobile Games in 2025 by Jakub Remiar

15 januari 2025 | 43 min

In this episode, Jakub discusses the evolving landscape of mobile gaming, focusing on the impact of CPI and IDFA on user acquisition, product trends for 2025, and the adaptation of successful Steam games to mobile platforms.

He highlights the disruption in casual genres, particularly solitaire, and the evolution of hidden object games. His presentation also dives into the proliferation of fake creatives and mini-games, emphasizing the importance of templatization for success in the competitive mobile gaming market.

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duVmJbcTKaM

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 The Impact of CPI and IDFA on User Acquisition

01:39 Product Trends for Mobile Games in 2025

07:52 Adapting Proven Steam Games to Mobile

12:15 Casual Genre Disruption: Solitaire and Beyond

19:51 The Evolution of Hidden Object Games

23:34 Fake Creatives and Mini-Game Proliferation

34:00 Templatization: The Key to Success in Mobile Gaming

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

CPI and IDFA significantly affect user acquisition efficiency.

Adapting successful Steam games to mobile is crucial.

The mobile gaming market is seeing a trend towards casual genre disruption.

Hidden object games are becoming more casual and approachable.

Fake creatives are prevalent in the current app store landscape.

Templatization is essential for success in mobile gaming.

Fast iteration and adaptation are key to capturing trends.

Expertise in game adaptation is necessary for success.

The mobile gaming market is expected to see exciting new releases.

Understanding market trends is vital for game developers.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Magic Sort Review: The Next big thing in gaming. Or is it?

13 januari 2025 | 46 min

In this episode, we delve into the latest industry trends, focusing on Magic Sort, a game gaining significant attention in Türkiye. We explore its gameplay mechanics, monetization strategies, and user acquisition insights, highlighting the importance of production quality and effective ad strategies.

Our discussion also touches on the game's future prospects and the overall landscape of puzzle games in the market. Is Magic Sort the next big thing in gaming?

---------------------------------------

Ready to transform your game from a hybrid to a hybrid business? Enter the SuperHybrid competition from December 2nd to January 30th for a chance to scale your game with epic publishing support from Supersonic full team of experts, up to $10K monthly while you iterate, $30K in bonuses when you hit milestones - and even more ways to win! Plus, they’re non-recoupable. Don't miss out. Submit your game Now!

Register here: https://supersonic.com/superhybrid/

---------------------------------------

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube https://youtu.be/Pq0oDsdpc6Y

---------------------------------------

PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.

Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/

They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.

- Scale fast

- Keep your shares

- Drawdown only as needed

- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you

+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors

---------------------------------------

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Gaming Show

01:46 Magic Sort: The Next Big Thing

06:41 Gameplay Mechanics of Magic Sword

14:15 Monetization Strategies in Puzzle Games

20:22 User Acquisition and Revenue Insights

31:21 Ad Strategies and Future Prospects

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

The gaming industry is evolving with new titles like Magic Sort.

Production quality is crucial for success in the gaming market.

User acquisition is a key factor in scaling a game.

The streak mechanic enhances player engagement and monetization.

Magic Sort has shown promising metrics since its launch.

Effective ad strategies are essential for user retention.

The importance of LiveOps features in maintaining player interest.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Dark and Darker Review: Unique blend of survival & extraction

9 januari 2025 | 42 min

In this episode, we are focusing on the game Dark and Darker. We discuss its mechanics, survival elements, class systems, and monetization strategies.

The conversation also touches on the trends in mobile gaming and the importance of community engagement for game longevity.

At the end, we share insights on the game's hype and its potential impact on the gaming landscape.

---------------------------------------

Ready to transform your game from a hybrid to a hybrid business? Enter the SuperHybrid competition from December 2nd to January 30th for a chance to scale your game with epic publishing support from Supersonic full team of experts, up to $10K monthly while you iterate, $30K in bonuses when you hit milestones - and even more ways to win! Plus, they’re non-recoupable. Don't miss out. Submit your game Now!

Register here: https://supersonic.com/superhybrid/

---------------------------------------

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/aDMkY559Vu4

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

---------------------------------------

PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.

Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/

They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.

- Scale fast

- Keep your shares

- Drawdown only as needed

- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you

+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors

---------------------------------------

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Gaming Landscape

02:57 Exploring Dark and Darker: Game Mechanics

05:46 Survival and Extraction Gameplay

09:06 Class Systems and Character Progression

11:53 Monetization Strategies in Gaming

14:49 Mobile Gaming Trends and Predictions

18:07 Community Engagement and Game Longevity

20:59 Final Thoughts and Future Outlook

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Dark and Darker features unique survival and extraction gameplay mechanics.

Class systems in games enhance player engagement and strategy.

Mobile gaming is becoming a significant focus for developers.

Community engagement is crucial for the longevity of games.

The thrill of gameplay is heightened by the risk of losing everything.

Monetization can be tied to gameplay mechanics, such as fear of loss.

The success of a game can be influenced by its hype and community support.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

The Evolution of Mobile Advertising Explained: How to make Ad revenue by Felix Braberg

8 januari 2025 | 28 min

In this episode, Felix Braberg dives deep into the mobile mediation market, exploring its history, the evolution of mobile advertising, and the key players in the mediation space. He discusses the importance of ad revenue, how it is calculated, and best practices for app developers to maximize their earnings.

He also covers strategies for soft launching apps and optimizing ad stacks as developers scale their operations.

---------------------------------------

101 ad monetization guide

https://lancaric.substack.com/p/getting-started-with-ad-revenue-applovin

https://lancaric.substack.com/p/everything-you-need-to-know-about

https://lancaric.substack.com/p/getting-started-with-ad-revenue-unity

---------------------------------------

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/Q9W04l1u8UI

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mobile Mediation and Ad Revenue

03:05 The Evolution of Mobile Advertising

05:48 The Rise of Mediation Platforms

09:07 Understanding Mediation Platforms: Pros and Cons

11:59 How Ad Revenue is Calculated

14:59 Best Practices for Ad Networks

17:53 Strategies for Soft Launching Apps

20:46 Scaling and Ad Stack Optimization

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Mobile mediation is crucial for maximizing ad revenue.

The App Store's launch in 2008 revolutionized app discoverability.

AdMob was the first to show ads in mobile apps.

Mediation platforms help developers get better ad prices.

ECPM and fill rates are key to understanding ad revenue.

Competition among ad networks increases revenue potential.

Soft launches require a focus on ad impressions over ECPM.

Scaling requires a more sophisticated ad stack.

Understanding user behavior is essential for ad success.

The mobile advertising landscape is constantly evolving.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Inspector Budget: UA Trends, Top Advertisers & Gaming Market December 2024

6 januari 2025 | 44 min

In this episode, we explore the latest trends shaping the gaming industry, focusing on user acquisition strategies, game performance metrics, and the evolving impact of advertising channels. We also explore the rise of new games, the top UA advertisers, the dynamics of real-money gaming, and how platforms like TikTok and Unity influence marketing and development. Packed with insights, we discuss top spenders and tackle the unique challenges of navigating the competitive December gaming market.

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Podcast:

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gaming Trends and Insights

03:11 Inspector Budget: Analyzing Top Spenders

06:06 Deep Dive into Game Performance Metrics

09:08 Exploring User Acquisition Strategies

11:54 The Rise of New Games and Market Dynamics

14:56 Understanding Advertising Channels and Their Impact

17:53 Real Money Gaming and Its Growth

21:00 The Role of TikTok in Game Marketing

24:03 Unity and Its Influence on Game Development

26:45 Conclusion and Future Trends in Gaming

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Understanding the top spenders in the market can provide valuable insights for developers.

December is a challenging month for game revenues due to increased competition.

TikTok is a crucial platform for game marketing, reaching diverse audiences.

Unity's influence on game development is growing, but its effectiveness in user acquisition is questioned.

Analyzing game performance metrics is essential for understanding market dynamics.

Effective advertising strategies can significantly impact a game's success.

Engaging with the community for feedback can help improve content and strategies.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Exploring Path of Exile2: Pay for Convenience & Comfort

2 januari 2025 | 56 min

In this episode, we dive into the latest developments in the gaming world, focusing on Path of Exile 2. We explore the game's mechanics, its free-to-play model, and the historical context of the franchise. Our discussion also touches on player engagement, game balance, and community feedback, offering insights into the current state and future of the game.

Together, we unpack the intricacies of Path of Exile 2, delving into gameplay elements like solo self-found options, microtransactions, and the cosmetic economy. We examine the convenience of stash tabs, trading mechanics, and the in-game economy's dynamics, including inflation and player retention strategies. Additionally, we highlight the skill system's evolution, the PEO2 endgame's complexity, and how the free-to-play model and interoperability between the first and second games in the series shape the player experience.

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/_yvviU7bbUs

---------------------------------------

PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.

Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/

They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.

- Scale fast

- Keep your shares

- Draw down only as needed

- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you

+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors

---------------------------------------

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Gaming Landscape

04:49 Exploring Path of Exile 2

11:40 The Evolution of Game Mechanics

18:20 Endgame Dynamics and Player Engagement

24:28 Challenges and Community Feedback

27:37 Game Development Insights and Future Plans

30:05 Microtransactions and Cosmetic Economy

33:50 Utility and Convenience in Gameplay

39:05 Trading and Economic Systems

41:53 Skill System and Gameplay Mechanics

45:06 Competition and Market Positioning

51:47 Free-to-Play Model and Player Engagement

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Path of Exile 2 is currently in early access with a focus on endgame content.

The game has a rich history and community-driven development.

Community feedback plays a significant role in game development.

The economy in Path of Exile 2 is experiencing inflation issues.

Microtransactions in Path of Exile 2 are not just cosmetic; they provide utility.

Stash tabs enhance convenience and organization for players.

Trading mechanics are essential for player engagement and economy.

The in-game economy experiences inflation cycles that affect item value.

Competitive play is intense, with players striving for top ranks.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Top 10 Gaming Predictions for 2025: What to Expect by John Wright

1 januari 2025 | 36 min

In this episode, our friend John Wright discusses his predictions for the gaming industry in 2025, covering a range of topics from the rise of anime games to the impact of AI on game development. He emphasizes the importance of direct-to-consumer models and alternative stores while also addressing the challenges of privacy and user acquisition.

He highlights the evolving gaming landscape and the strategies developers will need to adopt to succeed in the coming years.

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelist: John Wright

Youtube: https://youtu.be/UHDcP1jdYIk

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gaming Trends and Predictions

02:44 The Rise of Anime Games

05:11 Big Publishers vs. Small Studios

08:59 The Evolution of Hybrid Casual Games

11:53 Transmedia and Intellectual Property in Gaming

16:08 The Impact of AI on Game Development

20:43 The Future of Walled Gardens in Gaming

23:25 Privacy Challenges in User Acquisition

25:51 Direct-to-Consumer and Web Stores

28:10 The Emergence of Alternative Stores

31:31 The Potential of HTML5 Games

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Anime games are experiencing a cultural shift and growing popularity.

Big publishers are likely to dominate the market, pushing small studios to adapt.

Hybrid casual games are evolving towards a more casual model.

Transmedia and IP integration are becoming crucial for game success.

AI is set to revolutionize game development processes.

Walled gardens in gaming are becoming more prevalent and successful.

Privacy concerns will continue to impact user acquisition strategies.

Direct-to-consumer models are essential for profitability in gaming.

Alternative app stores are gaining traction and offering new opportunities.

HTML5 games present a significant opportunity for developers to reach new audiences.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Softlaunch Sonar #7: The Evolution of CPI Testing in Gaming

30 december 2024 | 47 min

In this episode, we explore the gaming industry's evolving landscape, focusing on CPI testing, game mechanics, and market trends. We also explore the new games in Soft Launch, the impact of new game launches, the disruption of traditional genres like Solitaire, and the potential of branded games like Barbie.

The conversation also touches on the strategies of various game developers, including Century Games and Voodoo, and explores the future of mobile gaming amidst changing consumer preferences.

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/drc6KPJJlk4

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 The Evolution of CPI Testing in Gaming

01:09 Introduction to the Gaming Show

02:34 Christmas Gifts and Personal Anecdotes

03:30 Game Analysis: Merge Plaza and Innovations

06:10 The Disruption of the Solitaire Category

10:00 Soft Launch Insights and Game Mechanics

12:28 Exploring New Game Genres and Trends

15:07 Barbie Merch and Market Potential

17:21 The Domino Game Trend

19:38 Voodoo's New Game Innovations

21:33 Century Games and Their Strategy

23:23 Post-Apocalyptic Game Mechanics

26:07 The Forex Game Landscape

30:12 The Future of Mobile Gaming and Trends

33:50 Final Thoughts and Predictions

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

CPI testing has evolved, with mini-games becoming the new standard.

The gaming industry is experiencing significant disruptions, particularly in the Solitaire category.

Branded games like Barbie have potential but face challenges in execution.

Voodoo continues to innovate within the casual gaming space.

Century Games is a company to watch due to their strategic approach.

The 4X genre is becoming saturated with similar onboarding mechanics.

Post-apocalyptic themes are gaining traction in mobile games.

The importance of user acquisition strategies cannot be overstated.

The future of mobile gaming will likely see more integration of successful mechanics from various genres.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Blossom Sort Game Review: Exploring the Future of casual games

26 december 2024 | 44 min

In this episode, we dive into the game Blossom Sort, exploring its revenue generation, user engagement metrics, game design mechanics, and monetization strategies. Together, we unpack the dynamics of the Chinese gaming market and discuss the creative marketing strategies that have propelled the game’s success.

We also share our thoughts on future trends in the casual gaming sector, offering insights and analysis that make this episode a valuable resource for anyone passionate about the gaming industry.

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/8sb5-dx9UIo

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Epic intro

01:24 Introduction to Blossom Sort and Revenue Insights

04:00 User Engagement and Active User Metrics

08:09 Game Design and Mechanics Overview

11:47 Monetization Strategies and User Acquisition

15:50 Chinese Gaming Market Dynamics

20:10 Creative Strategies in Game Marketing

23:50 Future Trends in Casual Gaming

27:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

The game is generating around $60k a day in IAP revenue.

User engagement metrics show a steady increase in active users.

The game design features unique mechanics that differentiate it from competitors.

Monetization strategies focus on in-app purchases rather than aggressive ad placements.

The Chinese gaming market plays a significant role in the game's development and success.

We predict a disruption in the casual gaming category in the near future.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

How to conquer the farming games market? Minigames FTW. Implement or die by Matej Lancaric!

25 december 2024 | 28 min

In this new segment, I explore the farming games market, its growth, key players, revenue insights, and player engagement strategies. I also discuss the importance of retention rates, monetization strategies, and mini-games emergence as a crucial trend.

The conversation highlights opportunities for new entrants in the market and emphasizes the need for innovation and an understanding of player demographics. The episode concludes with final thoughts on the evolving landscape of farming games and the commitment required for success.

Yours, Matej!

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/GYLX2zAbjks

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Farming Games Market Dynamics

02:13 Market Growth and Key Players

05:39 Revenue Insights and Performance Metrics

12:20 Retention Rates and Player Engagement

18:36 Monetization Strategies in Farming Games

22:54 Opportunities for New Entrants in the Market

25:37 Final Thoughts on the Farming Games Landscape

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Farming games have a significant market share and growth potential.

Key players like Township and Hay Day dominate the genre.

Revenue insights reveal Township's impressive earnings compared to competitors.

Retention rates are crucial for long-term success in gaming.

The emergence of mini-games enhances player engagement and retention.

Social features are vital for community building in farming games.

Understanding player demographics is essential for targeting.

Investing in high-quality creatives is necessary for market competitiveness.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Creative Trends in Mobile Gaming - November 2024

23 december 2024 | 53 min

In this episode, we dive into the latest creative trends and insights in the gaming industry, focusing on creative strategies, emotional advertising, and the growing impact of AI in mobile game marketing.

We analyze successful game creatives, share thoughts on the evolution of marketing strategies, and explore how emotions are essential for engaging players. Together, we highlight the importance of iteration in improving game performance and discuss the future of game marketing as AI reshapes the industry.

Join us for a comprehensive discussion that blends data, creativity, and cutting-edge technology to uncover what’s next for game marketers and developers alike.

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/gI8BHEN8J-U

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Epic intro

01:24 Introduction to Gaming Trends and Insights

03:00 Creative Trends in Gaming

05:49 Analyzing Successful Game Creatives

09:10 The Evolution of Game Marketing Strategies

12:07 Identifying Trends and Inspirations in Game Development

14:58 The Role of Emotions in Game Advertising

17:51 Innovations in Game Creatives and AI Influence

20:45 The Impact of Iteration on Game Performance

24:09 Case Studies of Successful Game Ads

26:58 Future of Game Marketing and AI Integration

29:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Small adjustments can lead to significant changes in performance.

Understanding emotional triggers is key in-game advertising.

AI is revolutionizing the way game creatives are developed.

Iterative processes are essential for optimizing game marketing.

Successful game ads often draw inspiration from each other.

The use of AI can enhance the quality and effectiveness of game ads.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Match3 Games Market Overview: Mechanics, Monetization, Trends, UA & Creative Strategies for Success

19 december 2024 | 162 min

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of match3 games, exploring their core design, the evolution of game mechanics, and what it takes to succeed in this highly competitive genre. We look back at the historical context of match 3 games, discuss today’s market leaders, and highlight the challenges faced by new entrants.

Our conversation focuses on striking the right balance between luck and skill in gameplay while emphasizing the need for innovative design to captivate players and drive revenue. We examine key elements like visual clarity, game mechanics, and player engagement, as well as the importance of balancing difficulty with player satisfaction.

We also explore the rise of the restoration meta in casual games and new progression mechanics, like win streak systems, that drive player retention. User acquisition strategies are another hot topic—highlighting the high costs of acquiring players for match-3 games and the role of ad monetization.

Additionally, our conversation touches on the role of playables in advertising, the evolution of creative strategies, and the latest trends in game advertising, emphasizing the importance of constant innovation in a saturated market.

This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to thrive in the match3 genre and beyond!

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Special Guest. Laura Taranto

Youtube: https://youtu.be/-THrT_jrtZE

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Epic intro

01:24 The Importance of Core Design in Match-3Games

10:29 The Evolution of Game Mechanics and Monetization

16:26 Current Market Leaders and Their Strategies

29:10 Challenges for New Entrants in the Match-3 Genre

40:36 The Importance of Game Mechanics in Match-3 Games

47:14 Visual Clarity and Ergonomics in Game Design

01:10:16 Narrative and Player Engagement in Game Design

01:22:08 Evolution of Game Mechanics

01:48:39 Ad Monetization Techniques in Mobile Games

02:10:26 Trends in User Acquisition and Advertising

02:20:55 The Shift in Creative Strategies for Match-3 Games

02:26:30 Emerging Trends and Innovations

02:34:53 Final Thoughts on the Future of Match-3 Games

---------------------------------------

Laura Taranto

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurataranto/

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Core Puzzle Design is Crucial: A solid, engaging puzzle design is essential to attract and retain players in the competitive match-three genre.

Balancing Difficulty is Key: Striking the right balance between challenge and satisfaction is critical for long-term player retention.

User Acquisition is Complex: High user acquisition costs require careful balancing with retention rates and innovative UA strategies like minigames, playables and AI-driven campaigns.

Visual Clarity & Speed Matter: Clear visuals, differentiated game pieces, and appropriate gameplay speed significantly impact player satisfaction and usability.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

How to increase your profitability with Cross-promotion? A step-by-step guide with Gonçalo @ Boombit

16 december 2024 | 51 min

In this conversation, we have a guest Gonçalo from Boombit and delve into the intricacies of cross-promotion in the gaming industry.

We discuss the significance of cross-promotion for profitability, the strategies employed by Boombit to effectively engage users, and the technical aspects of implementing cross-promotion.

The conversation also touches on the challenges faced in cross-promotion and the future potential for monetization within the gaming sector.

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Special Guest: Gonçalo Alemao Martins

Check out Boombit: https://boombit.com/services/

Youtube: https://youtu.be/ToVgvpQPHno

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Epic Intro

01:24 Introduction to Cross-Promotion in Gaming

03:07 Understanding Boombit's Revenue and User Base

06:14 The Importance of Cross-Promotion for Profitability

09:06 Strategies for Effective Cross-Promotion

11:49 Analyzing User Engagement and Retention

15:09 Technical Aspects of Cross-Promotion

17:49 Challenges and Solutions in Cross-Promotion

20:47 Future of Cross-Promotion and Monetization

24:05 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

Gonçalo Alemao Martins

VP of Marketing @Boombitgames

https://www.linkedin.com/in/goncaloalemao/

https://boombit.com/

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Cross-promotion is a vital source of profitability for gaming companies.

Boombit generates around 70 million in annual revenue.

User retention is more cost-effective than user acquisition.

Cross-promotion can significantly enhance user engagement.

The effectiveness of cross-promotion is genre-dependent.

Technical implementation of cross-promotion is crucial for success.

Understanding user behavior is key to effective marketing strategies.

Cross-promotion can be a reliable source of revenue during market fluctuations.

The future of cross-promotion may include e-commerce and brand deals.

Automated waterfall setups can streamline cross-promotion efforts.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Royal Kingdom Game Review: The Art of Level Design in Puzzle Games Genre

12 december 2024 | 54 min

We delve into the gaming industry, focusing on the recent launch of Royal Kingdom, a sequel to Royal Match. We discuss the game's performance, monetization strategies, and the competitive landscape, comparing it to its predecessor.

The conversation also touches on financial insights regarding Dream Games, the company behind these titles, and the evolving game mechanics that cater to a specific audience.

Jakub emphasizes the significance of level design and the need for continuous innovation to maintain player interest and maximize monetization.

The discussion also touches on user acquisition strategies and the evolving landscape of game marketing, highlighting the role of creative trends in attracting players.

Ready to transform your game from a hybrid to a hybrid business? Enter the SuperHybrid competition from December 2nd to January 30th for a chance to scale your game with epic publishing support from Supersonic full team of experts, up to $10K monthly while you iterate, $30K in bonuses when you hit milestones - and even more ways to win! Plus, they’re non-recoupable. Don't miss out. Submit your game Now!

Register here: https://supersonic.com/superhybrid/

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/tRt3Y0g7dAY

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Epic intro

01:24 Introduction to the Gaming Landscape

02:37 Royal Kingdom's Launch and Performance

07:50 Comparative Analysis: Royal Kingdom vs. Royal Match

13:09 Financial Insights and Company Strategy

15:35 Game Mechanics and Player Experience

25:50 Target Audience and Market Positioning

27:11 Game Mechanics and Strategies

32:47 Retention and Player Engagement

34:41 Level Design and Game Innovation

39:10 User Acquisition and Marketing Strategies

45:39 Creative Trends in Game Advertising

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Royal Kingdom has seen explosive growth.

The game features a traditional global launch strategy with significant marketing efforts.

Royal Match has become the leading puzzle game, surpassing Candy Crush.

Royal Kingdom's daily downloads are impressive, maintaining around 80k post-launch.

The UK market is expensive but crucial for monetization in mobile games.

Royal Kingdom presents a challenging gameplay experience, with increased difficulty levels.

The target demographic for these games skews towards older audiences, particularly those 35 and above. Game mechanics play a crucial role in player engagement.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Ad placements & Ad monetization trends in Mobile Games - November 2024

9 december 2024 | 49 min

In this episode, Felix delves into the latest trends in ad monetization within the gaming industry. We explore various games that have achieved high download numbers despite low in-app purchase (IAP) revenue, highlighting the effectiveness of ad-based revenue models.

Our discussion includes detailed analyses of specific games, their gameplay mechanics, and revenue strategies, showcasing the evolving landscape of mobile gaming and the rise of ultra-casual games, particularly from regions like Vietnam.

Ready to transform your game from a hybrid to a hybrid business? Enter the SuperHybrid competition from December 2nd to January 30th for a chance to scale your game with epic publishing support from Supersonic full team of experts, up to $10K monthly while you iterate, $30K in bonuses when you hit milestones - and even more ways to win! Plus, they’re non-recoupable. Don't miss out. Submit your game Now!

Register here: https://supersonic.com/superhybrid/

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/RW06nG-h0IM

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Epic intro

01:24 Introduction to Ad Monetization Trends

02:55 Exploring High Downloads with Low IAP Revenue

05:47 Game Analysis: Coffee Craze and Its Revenue Model

09:08 The Success of Find the Cat: A Case Study

11:53 Car Race: Sustaining User Engagement Over Time

17:58 Horror Spanky Beats: The Music Rhythm Trend

26:00 Perfect Tidy: The Rise of Ultra Casual Games

34:08 Mini Games: The Ultimate Ad Revenue Machine

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Ad monetization is crucial for game developers.

High downloads can occur with low IAP revenue.

The gaming industry is seeing a rise in ultra-casual games.

Vietnam is becoming a significant player in mobile gaming.

User engagement is key to sustaining game success.

Rewarded ads can enhance user retention.

Game design trends are shifting towards ad-driven models.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Top Girl game review: Idle Game made with AI meets 4X genre!

5 december 2024 | 45 min

In this episode, we delve into the unexpected success of the game Top Girl, exploring its unique gameplay mechanics, the influence of AI in its design, and the surprising elements of 4X integrated into a waifu game.

We also discuss the game's revenue potential, the simplification of 4X mechanics, and the future of AI in the gaming industry, concluding with predictions about the game's trajectory and the broader implications for mobile gaming.

Ready to transform your game from a hybrid to a hybrid business? Enter the SuperHybrid competition from December 2nd to January 30th for a chance to scale your game with epic publishing support from Supersonic full team of experts, up to $10K monthly while you iterate, $30K in bonuses when you hit milestones - and even more ways to win! Plus, they’re non-recoupable. Don't miss out. Submit your game Now!

Registier here: https://supersonic.com/superhybrid/

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/E2Z73tMFPU0https://youtu.be/E2Z73tMFPU0

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Gaming Landscape

03:06 Exploring Top Curl: A Surprising Game

05:54 The Numbers Behind Top Curl's Success

09:04 Gameplay Mechanics: A Unique Experience

12:03 The AI Influence in Game Design

15:12 Forex Elements in a Waifu Game

17:54 Simplifying Forex: A New Approach

21:09 The Future of AI in Gaming

23:55 Concluding Thoughts and Predictions

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Top Girl is a surprising success in the gaming market. It is still in soft launch!

The game combines waifu, an idle game with 4X mechanics.

AI plays a significant role in game design and character creation.

The revenue model shows potential for high earnings.

Simplifying Forex mechanics could attract a broader audience.

The integration of AI in gaming is a growing trend.

Matej expresses discomfort with the game's adult themes.

Top Girl's gameplay is unlike traditional 4X games. Streamlined!

The gaming industry is evolving with AI-driven innovations.

Predictions suggest a bright future for AI in mobile gaming.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Archero 2 Review: The Evolution of gaming & Habby template perfection

2 december 2024 | 65 min

In this episode, we discuss the gaming landscape in Vietnam, highlighting its rapid growth and potential. We delve into the specifics of Archero 2, comparing it to its predecessor and other games while exploring its gameplay mechanics, progression layers, and monetization strategies. The conversation emphasizes the evolution of game design and the importance of ad revenue in the gaming industry.

Discussing the implications of game mechanics on user experience, the importance of ad revenue, and the potential of hybrid casual games.

We also analyze the differences between Archero and Archero 2, discuss the implications of ad placements on revenue, and explore the different creatives in Archero 2.

Ready to transform your game from a hybrid to a hybrid business? Enter the SuperHybrid competition from December 2nd to January 30th for a chance to scale your game with epic publishing support from Supersonic full team of experts, up to $10K monthly while you iterate, $30K in bonuses when you hit milestones - and even more ways to win! Plus, they’re non-recoupable. Don't miss out. Submit your game!

Registier here: https://supersonic.com/superhybrid/

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/xnOMrmYJJko

Join our Slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Epic intro

02:59 Archero 2 Overview and Comparisons

05:49 Gameplay Mechanics and Progression Layers

09:12 Monetization Strategies and Ad Revenue Discussion

23:12 Game Pricing Strategies and Market Trends

24:03 Future Game Releases and Development Strategies

25:12 Game Mechanics and User Engagement Challenges

26:10 Monetization Strategies and Game Economics

27:40 User Experience and Game Maintenance Issues

28:44 Ad Revenue and Market Performance Analysis

29:27 Revenue Insights and Market Launch Strategies

31:10 Comparative Analysis of Game Performance

33:22 User Acquisition and Revenue Predictions

35:57 Game Design and Marketability Considerations

38:44 Hybrid Casual Game Development and Competitions

42:57 Game Mechanics and Features

44:49 Ad Placement Strategies and Revenue Estimates

46:54 Market Performance and User Engagement

48:59 Creative Strategies in Game Marketing

51:58 Comparative Analysis of Game Creatives

55:56 Future Trends in Game Development and Marketing

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Vietnam's gaming industry is rapidly growing and impressive.

Archero 2 is already generating significant daily revenue.

The game mechanics in Archero 2 have evolved from its predecessor.

Archero 2 offers a smoother progression experience than Archero 1.

The game is designed with a polished aesthetic similar to Supercell titles.

Ad revenue plays a significant role in the game's financial success.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up

Dark War Survival Review: If Whiteout Survival & Last War had a baby. This is it! And it's a Zombie

28 november 2024 | 73 min

Today, we discuss the evolution of gaming, focusing on the game Dark War Survival and its mechanics, storytelling, and monetization strategies. We explore how the game integrates emotional engagement through its narrative and character development, particularly highlighting the emotional hook of saving a sick dog.

The discussion also delves into market trends, user acquisition strategies, and the competitive landscape of 4X games, emphasizing the importance of effective onboarding and monetization tactics in the gaming industry.

We discuss the evolution of game mechanics, the impact of user acquisition strategies, and the role of AI in marketing. The conversation highlights the changing landscape of game design and monetization, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in a competitive market.

We also highlight the transformative impact of AI on creative production, particularly in the gaming industry.

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jani Torppa, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/_l6Jb1P2TbE

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Epic Intro

03:06 Gameplay Mechanics of Dark War Survival

05:58 Storytelling and Emotional Engagement in Gaming

11:57 Monetization Strategies and Emotional Hooks

18:02 Market Trends and Competitive Analysis

20:57 User Acquisition and Cost Per Install (CPI) Insights

25:04 The Economics of Game Downloads

29:23 Revenue Trends in 4X Games

30:36 The Evolution of Game Mechanics

34:30 The Impact of User Acquisition Strategies

39:03 The Role of AI in Game Marketing

44:26 The Future of Game Design and Monetization

49:35 AI in Creative Production

51:08 The Impact of AI on Engagement

52:37 Interactive Storytelling and Game Design

54:55 Trends in Game Marketing and User Acquisition

56:19 The Role of AI in Game Development

01:00:00 The Future of AI in Gaming and Marketing

01:07:25 Final Thoughts and Ratings

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Latest AI guide - https://lancaric.me/ugc-guide-ai-user-acquisition/

Jani Torppa

Founder & COO Geeklab

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jani-torppa-80480a122/

https://geeklab.app/

https://audiencelab.ai/

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Dark War Survival employs a zombie apocalypse theme to attract players.

The game features a strong narrative and emotional engagement.

Monetization strategies include emotional hooks like saving a sick dog.

UA costs in 4X games can be very high.

UA strategies in 4X are evolving, focusing on broad appeal and engagement.

The approachability of games is key to attracting a larger player base.

ASO strategies may become less relevant if user acquisition is effective.

The future of gaming & UA will heavily rely on AI technologies.

The pace of innovation in the gaming industry is accelerating due to AI.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric.

Triple Match City: New Evolution of casual (Match 3D) games

25 november 2024 | 40 min

In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of a new game, Triple Match City, exploring its gameplay mechanics, revenue performance, and user experience. We discuss the game's innovative features, monetization strategies, and the impact of ads on user retention.

The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of mobile gaming and the clever tactics developers use to engage players while maximizing revenue.

We discuss the importance of understanding user behavior to optimize revenue, the effectiveness of different gameplay mechanics, and the challenges faced in user acquisition. The conversation also highlights innovative concepts in game design and the potential future directions for mobile gaming.

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/bZKQBoNWlVg

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q

Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

01:25 Introduction to the Podcast and Triple Match City

02:57 Game Performance and Revenue Insights

05:55 Gameplay Mechanics and Innovations

08:56 User Experience and Ad Integration

12:02 Monetization Strategies and User Retention

14:55 Final Thoughts and Future Predictions

18:45 Game Monetization Strategies

21:06 User Segmentation and Revenue Insights

23:00 Creative Concepts in Game Design

26:01 Gameplay Mechanics and User Engagement

30:02 Future Prospects and Challenges

34:01 Final Thoughts and Ratings

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Triple Match City has shown unexpected revenue growth despite low download numbers.

The game incorporates innovative gameplay mechanics that blend match-3 and hidden object genres.

The game features sandbox levels that challenge players to collect various items within a time limit.

The conversation highlights the role of user acquisition in the game's success.

We note the clever design choices that keep players engaged and willing to spend.

The episode concludes with predictions about the future of mobile gaming and its monetization trends. Understanding user segmentation is crucial for monetization.

User acquisition remains a challenging aspect of mobile gaming.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Revolutionizing UA & Product Reporting in Gaming! Feat. Kohort & Deconstructor of Fun

22 november 2024 | 53 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej Lancaric⁠, Nathan Ceulemans, Michail Katkoff

Youtube: https://youtu.be/_HqQKAAyMWk

Join our Slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Epic intro

01:24 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests

03:05 The State of Product Reporting in Gaming

06:01 Understanding Metrics and Their Evolution

08:57 Analyzing Graphs for Product Health

11:57 Identifying Issues in User Acquisition

14:52 The Role of Product and UA Teams

17:56 Retention Metrics and Their Importance

20:50 Setting Goals for Product Updates

24:12 Proposed Solutions for Better Reporting

26:28 Understanding User Acquisition and Product Metrics

30:19 Analyzing Payer Retention and Revenue Trends

35:46 The Importance of Cohort Analysis

37:59 Navigating Marketing Budgets and User Acquisition Strategies

42:28 The Impact of Channel Strategy on User Acquisition

47:46 Bridging the Gap Between Product and User Acquisition Teams

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Nathan Ceulemans

Head of Sales

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanceulemans/

Michail Katkoff

Founder I Angel Investor I Deconstructor of Fun

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michailkatkoff/

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Product reporting in gaming is often outdated and ineffective.

Metrics should evolve over time to provide a clearer picture.

Graphs can reveal critical insights about product health.

User acquisition strategies need to be aligned with product goals.

Retention metrics are crucial for understanding long-term success.

Setting clear goals for product updates can drive better outcomes.

Collaboration between product and UA teams is essential.

Dashboards should be tailored for different audiences within a company.

Understanding the customer acquisition cost is vital for success.

Effective reporting can lead to better decision-making in game development. Clean up your base before involving UA teams.

Education on metrics is crucial for product and UA teams.

Different channels yield different LTV curves.

Payer retention is essential for revenue stability.

Cohort analysis helps identify user behavior trends.

Marketing budgets must be maintained to support UA efforts.

Diminishing spend can lead to a decline in user quality.

Channel strategy significantly impacts user acquisition success.

Effective dashboards facilitate better decision-making.

Collaboration between product and UA teams is vital.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Playdoku Block Puzzle & Colorwood Sort: Burny Games Live Review with Anatolii Henis

21 november 2024 | 65 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Special guest: Anatolii Henis

Youtube: https://youtu.be/e3fsHuHrEAY

Join our Slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Chapters

00:00 Epic intro

01:24 Introduction to Burnie Games and Anatolii Henis

02:31 Transition from Social Casino to Mobile Puzzle Games

04:04 Overview of Games: PlayDoku and Colorwood Sort

06:14 Game Mechanics and Player Retention Strategies

09:19 Ad Monetization vs. In-App Purchases

11:41 Current Performance and Future Plans

12:35 Deep Dive into PlayDoku's Gameplay

18:09 Iterating on Proven Mechanics for Success

19:10 Game Mechanics and Features Overview

21:55 Monetization Strategies in Mobile Games

23:57 User Engagement and Ad Strategies

28:01 Comparative Analysis of Game Titles

34:54 User Acquisition and Retention Insights

39:51 Exploring Creative Potential in Game Development

40:47 Analyzing Advertising Channels and Strategies

42:33 Navigating Facebook Advertising Challenges

44:53 The Importance of Creative Testing and Iteration

46:41 Understanding Revenue Models in Mobile Gaming

49:32 Long-Term Goals in Game Development

51:52 Leveraging Previous Learnings for New Games

01:02:15 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

Anatolii Henis

CEO Burny games

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anatoliihenis/

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

The company focuses on mobile puzzle games with ad monetization.

PlayDoku and Colorwood Sort are their main games.

Player retention is crucial for game success.

Ad monetization is currently the primary revenue source.

They are exploring in-app purchases for future games.

Iterating on proven mechanics can lead to success.

User experience is prioritized in game design.

Game reviews reflect player satisfaction with their games. The main saga is the journey of the game.

Unique mechanics can set a game apart from others.

Interstitial ads are placed after failed levels to maximize engagement.

More ads can lead to better monetization strategies.

ColorWood is a sorting game with a simple UI.

Fail states in games can be hard to identify for players.

Long-term goals should guide the development and marketing strategies of games.

Leveraging past experiences can accelerate the development of new games.

Creative concepts should be diverse to avoid fatigue in campaigns.

Collaboration and sharing insights within the industry can lead to better outcomes.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Creative trends in Mobile Games - October 2024

18 november 2024 | 47 min

In this episode, we delve into the creative trends shaping the gaming industry for October 2024.

We discuss the advertising strategies of games like AFK Journey, the impact of misleading ads on revenue, and the evolution of creative strategies in gaming. The conversation also touches on the importance of user reviews, the influence of micro learning in ads, and the future of game advertising trends.

Main Takeaway = Reviews less important than Revenue

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/G83ZsDABGUE

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipg

Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

01:25 Introduction to Creative Trends

01:49 Analyzing AFK Journey's Advertising Strategies

05:08 The Impact of Misleading Ads on Game Revenue

06:31 Exploring Creative Inspirations in Game Ads

10:29 The Evolution of Game Creatives

14:21 Reviewing Player Feedback and Expectations

18:54 The Future of Game Advertising and Player Engagement

23:27 The Power of Hooks in Gaming Ads

24:11 Emotional Engagement in Game Design

25:30 Visuals and Branding in Mobile Games

26:30 Game Mechanics and Player Retention

28:49 Trends in Game Advertising

29:56 Innovative Game Features and Mechanics

31:25 The Influence of Visual Styles in Gaming

32:39 The Role of Creativity in Game Marketing

34:41 Understanding Player Psychology

37:05 The Impact of Trends on Game Development

39:51 Micro Learning and Game Advertising

42:01 Final Thoughts on Game Trends and Innovations

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

AFK Journey is utilizing unconventional advertising strategies.

Misleading ads can significantly impact game revenue.

The gaming industry is seeing a rise in high-quality creative content.

The importance of emotional engagement in game ads cannot be overstated.

Giant animals and absurd concepts are trending in game ads.

We plan to explore user reviews in future episodes.

The discussion highlights the interconnectedness of various creative strategies.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Pokémon TCG Pocket: Exploring a Billion Dollar Nostalgic Journey

14 november 2024 | 80 min

We discuss our favorite and least favorite Pokémon, leading into a detailed overview of the newly released Pokémon TCG Pocket. We explore the gameplay mechanics, the game's nostalgia factor, and the importance of booster packs and collection systems.

The discussion of the innovative Wonder Pick mechanic that drives player interaction and excitement. We projected billion-dollar IP sales, upcoming events, game mechanics, trading dynamics, and user experience.

We explore the emotional connection players have with card opening. The discussion also touches on marketing strategies, the impact of geolocation on gaming, and the challenges of bot farms in trading.

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Special guest: John Wright

Youtube: https://youtu.be/sUjoT49BfTc

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q

Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

01:20 Introduction and Favorite Pokémon

02:55 Overview of Pokémon TCG Pocket

06:00 Gameplay Mechanics and Nostalgia Factor

08:59 Booster Packs and Collection System

12:00 Monetization and Shop Features

15:02 Event Systems and Player Engagement

18:00 Wonder Pick Mechanic and FOMO Strategy

22:46 The Billion-Dollar Game: Analyzing IP Sales Potential

24:30 Event-Driven Engagement: Upcoming Promotions and Their Impact

26:30 Game Mechanics Evolution: New Features and Meta Changes

30:54 Trading Dynamics: Expectations and Concerns

34:17 Launch Success: Comparing Revenue and User Engagement

48:25 Future Earnings: Pokémon Go vs. TCG

50:55 Potential Revenue Streams and Trading Mechanics

52:19 The Dark Side of Trading and Bot Farms

57:47 The Emotional Connection of Card Opening

01:01:22 Advertising Spend and Revenue Predictions

01:03:06 The Power of Pokémon IP and Future Prospects

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

John Wright

Mr.Vice President

https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwright1987/

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

Pokémon (Anime Series) Music Video

Music: Pokémon Theme Song by Jason Paige

Anime: Pokémon

Directed by: Kunihiko Yuyama

Written by: Takeshi Shudo

Studio: OLM, Inc.

Song: Gotta Catch 'Em All

Artist: Jason Paige

Producer: John Loeffler

Songwriters: John Siegler, John Loeffler

The video clip/s that I used in this video are owned by PokemonItalianMovie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2x1mkthU7Eo

Edited by: Kerwin Joseph Cuadra (kerwinpogi092)

This video is for entertainment purposes only. The music included in this video is owned by particular artists and composers. There's no copyright infringement intended. The viewers of this video are advised to support the artist and their music.

Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

Age of Empires Mobile: Nostalgia Meets Modern Gaming (ehm, modern 4X strategy games)

11 november 2024 | 57 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/qP1EYgI95E4

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q

Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

01:23 Introduction to Age of Empires and Nostalgia

02:59 The Impact of Tencent on Age of Empires

05:54 Gameplay Mechanics and Mini-Games

09:05 The Evolution of Strategy Elements

11:59 Integration of Vampire Survivors Mechanics

14:55 Balancing and Game Design Insights

17:50 The Absence of Zombies in Forex Games

17:58 Clan Dynamics and Player Retention

18:56 Understanding Forex Server Ecosystems

20:02 Monetization Strategies in Forex Games

21:07 Game Features and User Engagement

22:00 Hero Mechanics and Progression Systems

23:06 Streamlined User Interface in Forex Games

23:57 Revenue Insights and Market Performance

25:01 Nostalgia and Player Engagement in Game Design

40:11 The Future of Gaming IPs

44:00 Nostalgia in Game Design

49:02 The Impact of Marketing on Game Success

54:04 Evaluating Game Mechanics and User Acquisition

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Age of Empires has a strong nostalgic value for many players.

Tencent's involvement raises concerns about the game's direction.

The mobile adaptation features polished graphics and gameplay

Mini-games are a significant part of the new Age of Empires experience

The game incorporates elements from popular titles like Vampire Survivors.

Balancing gameplay is crucial for player engagement.

The integration of different game mechanics can enhance player experience.

Clan dynamics significantly influence player retention.

4X operates on multiple server shards, creating unique ecosystems.

Hero mechanics add depth to gameplay and progression.

Revenue insights reveal the financial success of Forex games.

Nostalgia plays a crucial role in player engagement.

The 4X genre is growing, attracting diverse players. Nostalgia plays a significant role in game design.

The success of a game often hinges on its marketing strategy.

IP deals can limit creative freedom in game development.

Players are looking for innovation, not just remakes.

The gaming market is highly competitive, with few players at the top.

Understanding player preferences is key to game success.

High production value does not guarantee player engagement.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

My Supermarket Simulator 3D: The ultimate shop simulator game that makes serious money!

7 november 2024 | 40 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/Q9rLc86vRF4

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ

Agenda

00:00 Epic Intro

02:55 Exploring Supermarket Simulator 3D

05:54 Game Mechanics and User Experience

08:54 Monetization Strategies and Revenue Insights

12:04 Comparative Analysis of Game Success

14:59 Final Thoughts and Future Prospects

17:11 Monetization Strategies in Gaming

19:50 Ad Revenue Insights and Mistakes

22:22 Improving Ad Formats for Higher Revenue

23:14 Game Aesthetics and User Experience

25:17 Creative Challenges in Game Growth

30:05 Ad Networks and Creative Concepts

31:04 Scoring the Game and Future Potential

36:46 Merch and Community Engagement

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

The game has scaled significantly since its launch.

User engagement is crucial for long-term success.

Ad revenue strategies need to be optimized for better returns.

The game mechanics are polished and user-friendly.

Creative marketing strategies can enhance user acquisition.

Retention strategies must be implemented to keep players engaged.

The game has a lot of potential for future growth.

Feedback from players is essential for game development.

The atmosphere of the game contributes to user satisfaction.

We emphasize the importance of continuous improvement in game design.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Supercell's Project R.I.S.E Update: Gameplay Review with new features & improvements

6 november 2024 | 29 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/_CEkh3WNXq4

Join our slack channel here: hhttps://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ

Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

01:24 Introduction to Project Rise

02:58 Gameplay Mechanics and Changes

05:54 Hero Progression and Meta Features

08:53 Team Dynamics and Individual Progression

11:59 Consumables and Floor Mechanics

14:52 Cumulative Rewards and Risk-Reward Mechanics

18:03 Final Thoughts and Future Updates

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

The game has undergone significant changes since the last update.

Players can now join or create teams to play together.

Hero progression includes new tiers and abilities.

The game is shifting towards individual player progression.

Consumables like Phoenix feathers are now persistent and consumable per player.

Floor skips have been introduced to ease gameplay.

Cumulative rewards are based on performance and strategy.

The game is more polished and engaging than before.

The community is actively involved in the game's development.

Future updates are expected to refine the game's meta features.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Capybara GO! Defining a new genre: Social Casino RPG! Another Mobile Sensation by Habby

4 november 2024 | 70 min

In this conversation, we delve into the latest mobile game sensation, Capybara Go!

We explore the passive gameplay experience, the importance of user engagement, and the innovative features that set Capybara Go apart from its competitors. The discussion also touches on the game's community aspects and event systems, concluding with thoughts on the future of mobile gaming and the evolving landscape of game design.

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube:

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q

Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

01:24 Introduction to Capybara Go

02:30 Gameplay Mechanics and Features

08:01 Core Game Loop and Player Interaction

12:10 The Future of Mobile Gaming

17:10 Hobby's Impact on Mobile Gaming

21:01 Monetization Strategies and Player Engagement

26:33 Template Building and Game Development

27:56 Adapting Successful Systems from Other Games

31:54 Dungeon Dive and Alternative Game Modes

34:02 Reward Systems and Player Frustration

36:08 Monetization Strategies and Revenue Potential

39:06 Market Performance and Future Predictions

46:01 Capybara Go Launch Insights

49:50 Ad Monetization Strategies

51:15 US Launch Timing and Strategy

53:25 Creative Marketing Approaches

56:22 Trends in Game Development

01:01:25 Comparative Analysis of Game Revenues

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Community features and social interactions enhance the player experience.

Passive gameplay mechanics may represent the future of mobile gaming.

Capybara Go's success may influence future trends in mobile game development. The game features a unique power progression system that enhances player engagement.

Revenue insights indicate strong performance in Asian markets, particularly South Korea.

The game is positioned as a social casino RPG, blending elements of both genres.

Marketing strategies focus on leveraging trends and user acquisition tactics.

Creative advertising approaches are crucial for capturing player interest and engagement.

The game's design is considered a masterpiece, effectively utilizing successful mechanics from other games.

The potential for high revenue growth is evident, especially with the upcoming US launch.

The game's mechanics and events create a competitive environment for players.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

New ways of monetization with Bright SDK

1 november 2024 | 34 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg

Special Guest: Ofir Meir | Director of Bright SDK group,

Bright Data | Skype: live:.cid.d170945c61f0d08d | Slack: [email protected]

Podcast:

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q

Bright SDK homepage: https://bright-sdk.com

Partner Program information: https://bright-sdk.com/partners

Bright SDK YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BrightSDK

Partners’ success stories: https://bright-sdk.com/blog/success-and-studies/wizard-games-ad-free-monetization-success

Agenda

00:00 Epic Intro

02:30 Understanding Bright SDK and Its Unique Offerings

08:15 The Business Model Behind Bright Data

10:05 Integration Process for Publishers

12:43 Partner Program Benefits and Growth Opportunities

16:06 User Experience and Implementation Examples

20:53 Publisher Earnings and Revenue Potential

24:15 Privacy Considerations in Data Collection

30:31 Comparing Bright SDK with Traditional Monetization Methods

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Bright SDK empowers game developers to monetize without sacrificing user experience.

The business model is based on public web data collection, not user data.

Publishers can earn revenue by sharing a small portion of their bandwidth.

Integration of Bright SDK is self-service with support available.

The partner program offers loyalty benefits and dedicated account management.

Publishers can choose how and when to present offers to users.

User consent is mandatory before sharing bandwidth.

Privacy is prioritized; only IP addresses are collected.

Publishers can optimize their revenue through A-B testing.

Bright SDK provides a fixed revenue model with no ad interruptions.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

All in Hole: A Stolen Voodoo's lunch. A new (hybrid) casual game on the horizon

31 oktober 2024 | 42 min

In this session, we discuss Homa Games' upcoming game, All in Hole, exploring its mechanics, gameplay experience, monetization strategies, and user engagement. We analyze how the game compares to other titles in the market, its revenue generation, and the potential for user retention and demographics.

The discussion also discusses the game's future prospects and challenges in maintaining player interest. In this conversation, we will explore the evolving landscape of hybrid casual games and discuss monetization strategies, user acquisition, and the integration of ads.

We also analyze the future prospects for game development, particularly in the context of Homa Games transitioning from hyper-casual to hybrid casual games.

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/5VSqXDHaOHA

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q

Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

02:58 Overview of 'All in Hole' Game Mechanics

05:59 Gameplay Experience and User Engagement

08:59 Monetization Strategies and Revenue Insights

11:51 Comparative Analysis with Other Games

14:55 User Retention and Demographics

18:02 Future Prospects

21:25 Exploring Hybrid Casual Games

23:38 Monetization Strategies in Gaming

24:50 Ad Integration and User Experience

26:01 Analyzing User Acquisition Strategies

28:05 Creative Approaches in Game Marketing

30:17 Evaluating Game Mechanics and Difficulty

32:29 Comparative Analysis of Game Creatives

35:27 Future Prospects for Game Development

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

The game 'All in Hole' is set to generate significant IP revenue before its official release.

Gameplay mechanics are reminiscent of popular casual puzzle games, with a focus on metagame progression.

Monetization strategies include in-app purchases, but ad revenue appears limited.

The game is compared to others in the genre, highlighting similarities and differences in mechanics.

User retention may be a challenge due to the game's simplistic nature.

We question the game's long-term viability and player motivation.

Demographics indicate a strong revenue stream from tier-one countries.

The game has the potential for future updates and expansions to enhance gameplay.

Despite some reservations, we are cautiously optimistic about the game's success. Hybrid casual games borrow mechanics from hypercasual games.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Hexasort: Unpacking the $500k/day revenue success. A new era of casual & puzzle games!

28 oktober 2024 | 60 min

In this session, we delve into the success of Lion Studios' mobile game, Hexasort, discussing its gameplay mechanics, user engagement, and innovative ad monetization strategies. We explore how the game has evolved since its launch, its addictive nature, and its impact on the gaming market. The discussion also includes comparisons with other games and predictions for Hexasort's future in the competitive landscape of mobile gaming.

Discussing innovative gameplay mechanics and ad integration strategies of the game Hexasort. We discuss how user experience is enhanced through clever segmentation and the impact of these strategies on revenue generation.

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/LPMT0DvKxd4

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q

Agenda

00:00 Epic Intro

01:20 The Rise of Hexasort

03:00 Gameplay Mechanics and User Experience

07:00 Monetization Strategies and Engagement

12:01 Innovations in Gameplay and Ad Integration

16:42 Unlocking Game Mechanics

19:40 Level Design and Difficulty

21:01 Game Performance and Optimization

22:52 Ad Monetization Strategies

30:51 Innovative Ad Units and Revenue Generation

37:03 Estimating Ad Revenue and User Engagement

40:14 Analyzing Retention Strategies and Ad Lengths

43:54 Exploring User Acquisition Strategies

50:14 Evaluating Profitability and User Metrics

54:01 Scoring the Game's Performance and Innovations

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Hexasort has become a significant player in mobile gaming.

The game is highly addictive.

Gameplay mechanics are designed for long sessions and strategic thinking.

Ad monetization strategies are innovative and effective.

The game has seen substantial growth in user engagement and revenue.

Hexasort has set a new standard for hybrid-casual games.

The game has inspired numerous clones and competitors in the market.

Future trends indicate continued success for Hexasort and similar games. The integration of ads into gameplay can enhance user experience.

User segmentation based on acquisition source is a game-changer.

Hexasort generates significant daily revenue through innovative ad strategies.

The design of levels supports seamless ad breaks without penalties.

The game has a strong organic traffic presence due to effective ASO.

Ad performance can significantly impact overall game revenue.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Creative Trends in Mobile Games - September 2024

24 oktober 2024 | 46 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Youtube: https://youtu.be/9hXqXwBbv1A Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q Agenda 00:00 Epic intro to Creative Trends in Gaming 01:00 The Rise of Dream Games 03:59 Creative Strategies in Game Marketing 08:00 Innovations in Gameplay Mechanics 12:00 High Production Value in Game Creatives 16:01 The Evolution of Game Genres 19:57 Trends in User Acquisition and Retention 24:59 Creative Innovations in Gaming 28:01 Game Performance and Revenue Insights 29:59 The Evolution of Game Creatives 32:59 Celebrity Influence in Game Marketing 35:59 Trends in Mobile Game Development 38:55 The Future of Game Genres and Mashups --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaways Dream Games has become a leader in the match-3 genre. Creative marketing strategies are crucial for game success. High production values are becoming standard in-game creatives. Celebrity endorsements can significantly boost a game's visibility. Merging gameplay mechanics can enhance player engagement. The gaming industry is rapidly evolving with new trends. Tomato overload is a unique marketing trend to watch. Understanding player psychology is key to effective marketing. In the future, gaming will see more genre mashups. Community engagement is essential for ongoing success. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai Felix Latest Article - https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Soft launch Sonar #6: Is Capybara GO the next big hit from Habby?

21 oktober 2024 | 39 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Podcast: Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q Agenda00:00 Epic Intro03:39 Game Mechanics and Innovations05:40 Monetization Strategies in Gaming09:12 The Solitaire Trend in Mobile Games11:51 VUGA's New Direction with Solitaire15:39 Happy Bada Go: A New Hit Game18:07 Comparing Game Mechanics and Player Engagement20:05 Innovative Game Concepts and Mechanics23:31 Marketing Strategies in Gaming25:40 Trends in Game Development28:05 Creative Iterations in Game Design31:25 High Production Values in Mobile Gaming34:24 The Importance of User Feedback --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- TakeawaysThe hosts introduce themselves and set the stage for discussing new games.They explore the mechanics and gameplay of various soft-launched games.Monetization strategies are a key focus in the conversation.The rise of solitaire games is noted as a significant trend.Wooga's new solitaire game is discussed in terms of its market potential.Archero 2 is highlighted as a highly anticipated sequel.Capybara Go is presented as a very promising new title.The hosts compare different game mechanics and their impact on player engagement.The conversation emphasizes the importance of innovation in game design.They conclude with plans to review games post-global launch. Capybara is the new iteration of the Harvey pipeline.Superhero League features clever puzzle-based minigames.Simulation games are evolving with new concepts.Idle games are on the rise in mobile gaming.Creative iterations are essential for game design.4x games are becoming increasingly popular.High production values enhance user experience. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai Felix Latest Article - https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Saying NO to Millions revenues?! Balatro: Power combo of Poker & Solitaire.

17 oktober 2024 | 42 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/bINdgyGjc_w

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ

Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

01:20 The Excitement of Gaming in Turkey

03:01 Introduction to Balatro: The Card Game

06:00 Gameplay Mechanics of Balatro

08:46 Deck Building and Strategy in Balatro

12:02 The Meta and Replayability of Balatro

14:59 Market Performance and User Engagement

18:01 The Future of Premium Games in Mobile Gaming

23:58 Monetization Strategies in Gaming

26:57 User Acquisition and Daily Active Users

29:57 Game Design and User Experience

32:00 Market Trends and Future Predictions

36:59 Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Turkey's gaming industry is booming with opportunities.

Balatro combines elements of poker and solitaire for unique gameplay.

The game features a deck-building mechanic that enhances strategy.

Replayability in Balatro is virtually infinite due to its design.

Market performance shows Balatro is gaining traction among users.

Premium games face challenges in the mobile market.

User engagement metrics indicate strong interest in Balatro.

The design of Balatro exemplifies clever game mechanics without high budgets.

The hosts emphasize the importance of great game design over graphics.

Balatro's success could influence future mobile game strategies. Minecraft's daily revenue is significant compared to other games.

Free-to-play models with ad removal options can be more profitable.

User acquisition strategies are crucial for scaling games.

Game design must cater to casual players for broader appeal.

Market trends indicate a shift towards mobile gaming.

Community feedback is essential for game development.

Retention strategies alone are not sufficient for profitability.

The gaming industry is evolving rapidly post-COVID.

Understanding user behavior is key to monetization success.

Future iterations of games must consider user experience.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Cup Heroes: Voodoo's new hybridcasual hit making $160k/day! Steady growth w/ adplacement excellence

14 oktober 2024 | 58 min

In this episode, we dive into a detailed review of the game Cup Heroes by Voodoo, discussing its hybrid casual gameplay, performance metrics, monetization strategies, and user experience. We explore the game's growth trajectory, retention rates, and how it compares to other titles in the market.

Discussing the effectiveness of decoys and rewards in gameplay, the impact of skill randomizers on player experience, and the creative approaches used in game advertising. Our conversation also touches on the importance of testing different ad creatives! This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Youtube: https://youtu.be/lIaP8MJ5Dms Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q Agenda 00:00 Epic intro 01:20 Game Performance Metrics 06:01 Gameplay Mechanics and Features 12:01 Monetization Strategies 17:56 Comparative Analysis with Other Games 22:17 Game Design Insights and Comparisons 24:01 Monetization Strategies and Revenue Estimations 26:50 User Engagement and Ad Revenue Dynamics 29:57 Skill Randomization and Gameplay Mechanics 33:54 User Acquisition and Marketing Tactics 42:18 Exploring Game Mechanics and User Engagement 48:30 Advertising Strategies in Mobile Gaming 55:00 Creatives 59:50 Evaluating Game Features and Monetization Strategies --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaways Cub Heroes is a hybrid casual game that combines various gameplay elements. The game has shown gradual growth since its soft launch in February 2024. Retention rates are crucial for monetization, with day 30 and day 90 metrics being particularly important. Monetization strategies include a mix of in-app purchases and ad revenue. The game employs a unique skill randomizer mechanic that affects gameplay. User experience is impacted by the frequency and timing of ads during gameplay. Comparative analysis with other games reveals strengths and weaknesses in retention and monetization. The hosts predict future trends in the gaming market based on current performance metrics. Engagement mechanics are essential for retaining players in hybrid casual games. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding user behavior in mobile gaming. Decoys can significantly enhance player motivation and engagement. Ad monetization strategies are evolving with more rewarded ads per session. Skill randomizers play a crucial role in gameplay and ad exposure. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Reelshort Review: Redefining genre & . Next step for Netflix Games?

7 oktober 2024 | 59 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Youtube: https://youtu.be/kanIGV0p0eY Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q Agenda just watch the episode! --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaways The app is generating significant revenue, making millions monthly. User engagement is high, with nearly 2 million active users. The app combines elements of gaming and storytelling effectively. Competitors in the market are also performing well, indicating a growing trend. Monetization strategies include in-app purchases and ad placements. The interactive storytelling genre is evolving with new formats and mechanics. User experience is enhanced through clever UI design and rewards systems. The app's success may influence future mobile gaming trends. Understanding user demographics is crucial for targeted marketing. The conversation reflects on the broader implications of app monetization in the gaming industry. LiveOps is becoming increasingly essential in gaming. Ad monetization strategies need to evolve with market changes. Interactive story games are gaining popularity and revenue. Content creation poses significant challenges for developers. User acquisition strategies must adapt to new trends. Innovative advertising techniques can enhance user engagement. The gaming industry is shifting towards more interactive experiences. Understanding audience qualification is crucial for monetization. The potential for high revenue in the gaming sector is significant. Collaboration and sharing insights can drive industry growth. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai Felix Latest Article - https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Game Review Radar #6: The sea of Unfortunate Sharkfins! Exploring Game Updates and Trends

3 oktober 2024 | 47 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Podcast: https://youtu.be/11CcJvEwBM0

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q

Agenda

00:00 Epic Intro

02:57 Game Performance and Updates

05:53 User Acquisition vs. Product Quality

08:50 Star Wars Hunters Analysis

11:53 Casual Game Trends

14:58 Mobile Game Monetization Strategies

17:55 Game Comparisons and Market Dynamics

20:57 Innovations in Game Features

23:54 Community Engagement and Feedback

26:49 Future Predictions for Games

30:00 Closing Thoughts and Future Episodes

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Engagement strategies are crucial for game retention.

User acquisition plays a significant role in game success.

Regular updates can revitalize player interest in games.

The gaming market is highly competitive and dynamic.

Understanding player behavior is key to game development.

Revenue trends can indicate the health of a game.

Community feedback is essential for game improvement.

Innovative game mechanics can enhance player experience.

Data analysis tools are vital for tracking game performance.

The gaming industry is constantly evolving with new trends.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Ad placements & Ad monetization trends in Mobile Games - September 2024

30 september 2024 | 40 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/f8Zdk64GVT8

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q

Agenda

00:00 Epic Introduction

02:48 Experiences at Tokyo Game Show

05:52 Ad Placements in Mobile Gaming

06:47 Introduction to Game Trends

12:31 Exploring Game Monetization Strategies

18:19 The Rise of Ultra Casual Games

25:58 Innovative Gameplay Mechanics

33:14 Future Insights

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Ad placements are crucial for monetization in mobile games.

User acquisition is increasingly influencing game design.

Rewarded ads are becoming a standard feature in gameplay.

Ultra casual games are gaining popularity due to their accessibility.

Innovative monetization techniques are emerging in the gaming industry.

Hiding content behind ads is a growing trend.

The gaming industry is seeing a shift towards subscription models.

User engagement strategies are evolving with new technologies.

Mobile gaming is becoming more competitive with innovative designs.

The future of mobile gaming looks promising with new trends.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Diversifying your Mobile Game UA with Influencer Marketing (real data included)

26 september 2024 | 59 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ed Fuller, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/CM3Kygj3mcw

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q

Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

01:34 Introduction to Influencer Marketing in Mobile Gaming

05:47 The Importance of Diversifying UA Channels

12:14 When to Introduce Influencer Marketing

15:04 Understanding Game Types and Influencer Marketing

20:12 Measuring ROI in Influencer Campaigns

24:20 Creative Strategies for Influencer Marketing

30:48 Best Platforms for Influencer Marketing

36:13 Traditional UA vs Influencer Marketing

41:03 Budgeting for Influencer Marketing

44:37 Post-Campaign Analysis and Insights

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

Edward Fuller

https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardjfuller/

https://mediabodies.com/

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Influencer marketing is crucial for diversifying mobile game UA.

Alternative UA channels are necessary due to changes in the market.

The right time to introduce influencer marketing varies by game.

Not all games benefit equally from influencer marketing.

Measuring ROI is essential for evaluating campaign success.

Creative strategies significantly impact the effectiveness of campaigns.

YouTube and podcasts are effective platforms for influencer marketing.

Traditional UA and influencer marketing have distinct differences.

Budgeting for influencer marketing should be strategic and flexible.

The post-campaign analysis provides valuable insights for future campaigns.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://lancaric.substack.com/p/creative-trends-in-mobile-games-august

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Elder Scrolls Castles: Flop with the most successful iteration of this core gameplay

23 september 2024 | 47 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/pjIeovlSVKI

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q

Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

01:15 Introduction to Elder Scrolls Castles

03:13 Performance Metrics and Initial Reception

05:50 Comparative Analysis with Similar Games

07:46 Gameplay Mechanics and Features

11:04 Innovations in Game Design

16:29 Monetization Strategies and Revenue Insights

31:02 Creative Marketing Approaches

35:07 Final Thoughts and Future Outlook

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Elder Scrolls Castles launched with significant initial downloads but saw a sharp decline shortly after.

The game is compared to Hustle Castle and Fallout Shelter in terms of gameplay mechanics and monetization.

Innovations in gameplay include aging mechanics and a reigns system that affects player decisions.

The hosts express concerns about the game's lack of content and potential for long-term engagement.

Marketing strategies for the game are critiqued, highlighting a need for more diverse creatives.

The performance metrics indicate a need for improved user acquisition strategies.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of player happiness and engagement in mobile games.

The hosts predict a fate similar to Warcraft Rumble for Elder Scrolls Castles if content does not improve.

Monetization strategies are discussed, with insights into revenue generation and player spending.

The episode concludes with a call for better production vision in mobile game development.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric.

Latest article - https://lancaric.substack.com/p/creative-trends-in-mobile-games-august?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Creative trends in mobile games - August 2024

19 september 2024 | 53 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/gsLQ6GCNksg

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q

Agenda

00:00 Epic Intro

02:59 Creative Trends Overview for August 2024

05:53 Innovative Game Concepts and Trends

08:59 Celebrity Endorsements and Their Impact

12:04 The Evolution of Game Creatives

15:01 AI and Its Role in Game Development

18:04 User-Generated Content and Its Influence

20:59 Trends in App Marketing and User Acquisition

23:58 Analysis of Current Game Ads

26:57 The Future of Game Creatives

30:00 Final Thoughts

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

The gaming industry is seeing a shift towards innovative game concepts that engage players.

Celebrity endorsements can significantly impact game marketing and user acquisition.

AI is becoming increasingly important in game development and marketing strategies.

User-generated content is influencing game trends and player engagement.

Current game ads are evolving to include more dynamic and engaging content.

The trend of using celebrities in ads is growing, but the cost-effectiveness is still a concern.

Game creatives are becoming more sophisticated, utilizing various media formats.

Understanding player psychology in marketing strategies is crucial.

Trends in app marketing are shifting towards more personalized and targeted approaches.

The future of game creatives will likely involve more integration of AI and user-generated content.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshesCreative trends in mobile games - August 2024

Deadlock Valve's new game revealed: It's a shooter, NOT just MOBA.

16 september 2024 | 61 min

# Deadlock is finally revealed! The video includes a quick walkthrough of the gameplay. Go to YouTube for the full gameplay experience.

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/uKC2Igwm8VU

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q

Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

02:57 Game Mechanics and Genre Fusion

05:58 Understanding MOBA Elements

08:58 Counter-Strike Influences and Gameplay Dynamics

11:51 Skill Ceiling and Learning Curve

15:04 In-Game Strategies and Itemization

17:58 Character Selection and Team Composition

21:08 Live Gameplay Experience

23:55 Game Progression and Match Dynamics

27:00 Community Engagement and Game Popularity

29:58 Final Thoughts and Game Future

30:02 Deadlock Gameplay

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

The game is a mix of MOBA and shooter genres.

It has a high skill ceiling, making it challenging to master.

Understanding character matchups is crucial for success.

Shopping for items is a key mechanic in gameplay.

The game features a unique character selection process.

Live gameplay showcases the dynamics of team strategies.

Community engagement is vital for game popularity.

The game currently lacks progression systems.

Players can shop directly at their lanes during matches.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Offline games - No WIFI games: The most profitable game in the world

12 september 2024 | 39 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Youtube: https://youtu.be/q9groW1mOnY Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ Agenda 00:00 Epic intro 01:40 Revenue and Monetization Strategies 04:22 Geographical Distribution of Downloads 05:06 Developer Background and Other Games 07:19 Massive Ad Revenue 08:21 The Power of Rewarded Ads 10:29 Gameplay and Features 11:39 Cross Promotion and Expansion 14:13 Organic Growth and SEO 16:54 YouTube Channel and Videos 19:07 Invitation to Jindo Blue 19:20 The Mysterious Success of 'No Wifi Games' 21:17 Uncovering the Secrets of Organic Traffic and Cross-Promotion 22:20 The Role of Backlinks in Driving Traffic to 'No Wifi Games' 26:36 The Surprising Revenue Generation of a Minimally Monetized Game --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaways Offline Games, no Wi-Fi games is a highly successful collection of games that can be played without an internet connection. The game has generated significant revenue primarily through rewarded ads, with estimated daily earnings ranging from $250,000 to $600,000. The developer, Jindo Blue, has a YouTube channel with over 570,000 subscribers, featuring videos of their games that have garnered millions of views. The success of Offline Games highlights the potential for organic growth and effective monetization strategies. The success of 'No Wifi Games' is attributed to its organic traffic, cross-promotion, and ASO strategies. The game may be using backlinks to drive traffic and create the appearance of organic downloads. Despite minimal monetization, 'No Wifi Games' generates significant revenue. The hosts invite listeners to share any additional information or insights about the game. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai Felix Latest Article - https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

WeChat Mini-Games: Exploring the World of Mini-Games with Lemon!

10 september 2024 | 44 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Special Guest: Vincent Lemon Choi

Youtube: https://youtu.be/Jgv4h-OPeOM

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ

Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

01:30 The World of Chinese Mini-Games

06:00 Combining Genres and Game Types

09:38 The Power of Genre Combination and Iteration

11:48 Gacha and Revenue Potential

14:47 Exploring Different Game Genres

19:15 Challenges of Bringing Chinese Mini-Games to the West

23:37 Understanding Trends and Market Dynamics

27:13 The Future of Chinese Mini-Games in the West

29:34 The Impact of Genre Combination and Iteration

32:05 The Success of Chinese Mini-Games

35:03 The Role of Creatives and Unique Gameplay

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

Vincent Lemon Choi

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lemon-minigame

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Chinese mini-games have short development cycles and high revenue potential

Combining different genres and iterating on successful concepts is key to success

Bringing Chinese mini-games to the Western market poses challenges

Faster adoption and understanding of trends is crucial in the rapidly evolving mini-games market

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Impulse Brain Training games: A hyper scaling app masquerading as a brain training

5 september 2024 | 44 min

Impulse is a brain training app with significant revenue and download growth. The app offers a combination of hypercasual games and cognitive training programs to improve IQ, memory, and cognitive abilities. It uses clever monetization strategies, including subscription plans and discounts, to encourage users to upgrade to premium. The app's ad monetization is heavily segmented, with different ad experiences based on the user's usage and payment status. The app also includes prompts that resemble the official Google Play UI to encourage users to make in-app purchases. The conversation explores a popular brain training app's monetization strategies and user acquisition tactics. The app uses interstitial ads and in-app purchases to generate revenue, targeting older female users on Facebook. This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Youtube: https://youtu.be/yfI-rZNCi0M Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q Agenda 00:00 Epic Intro 02:05 Impulse's Impressive Revenue and Downloads 04:04 Impulse as a Gaming Juggernaut in Brain Training 07:52 Clever Monetization Strategies in Impulse 09:35 Segmented Ad Monetization in Impulse 13:28 Innovative Ad Mechanics in Impulse 21:07 Monetization Strategies and User Acquisition Tactics 23:42 Combining Hypercasual Gameplay with Fake Psychological Tests 26:26 Improving User Engagement with Progression Elements and Visual Indicators 29:30 Targeting Older Female Users on Facebook --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaways The app combines hypercasual games and cognitive training programs to improve cognitive abilities. Impulse uses clever monetization strategies, including subscription plans and discounts, to encourage users to upgrade to premium. The app's ad monetization is heavily segmented, with different ad experiences based on the user's usage and payment status. The app includes prompts that resemble the official Google Play UI to encourage users to make in-app purchases. The app uses interstitial ads and in-app purchases to monetize its user base. The app targets older female users on Facebook. The app's creatives combine hypercasual gameplay with fake psychological tests. Adding more progression elements and visual indicators of IQ growth could improve user engagement. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai Felix Latest Article - https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Office cat Idle Tycoon Live Review: $125k/day revenue with 80k/day spend = nice profit w/ Seok Kang

2 september 2024 | 72 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Special Guest: Seok Kang Youtube: https://youtu.be/czpeEt6lnvw Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q Agenda 00:00 Epic intro 02:35 The Popularity of Cat Games and Low CPIs 05:10 Overview of Office Cat and Its Success 07:08 Unique Mechanics and Gameplay of Office Cat 17:16 The Absence of a Reset Mechanic and Player Retention 23:56 Cleverly Placed Ads in Office Cat 33:46 The Revenue Breakdown of Office Cat 41:12 Maximizing Revenue with In-App Purchases 45:27 Driving Additional Purchases with Ad Removal 53:17 Monetizing Loading Screens 56:42 Balancing Revenue and User Experience 01:09:16 Understanding Retention Rates --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar Seok Kang CPO @ Treeplla https://www.linkedin.com/in/seok-kang-321995287/ --------------------------------------- Takeaways Office Cat, developed by Treeplla, is a successful cat-themed tycoon game with unique mechanics. The game does not have a reset mechanic, reducing player frustration and dropout rates. Office Cat features a secondary loop with a factory and production puzzles, a rich index to increase 'rich cat' status, and various management mechanics. The game has cleverly placed ads, including a rewarded ad for offline earnings, a lucky wheel, and a legendary chairman offer. The ad revenue from Office Cat is estimated to be around 30% of the total revenue. Office Cats generates the majority of its revenue from in-app purchases (IAP) rather than ads. The team experiments with different ways to promote the permanent ad removal option, offering it at a discount for a limited time. Users who purchase the ad removal option are more likely to make additional purchases in the game. The game has a small UA team and produces a variety of creatives, including playables and videos, with no set schedule. The retention rate for Office Cats is 35% on day 1 and 5% on day 30. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai Felix Latest Article - https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Lucky Defense Success: Will it conquer the West? A New Tower Defense hitting the charts

27 augusti 2024 | 66 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/ssViN7_K9CY

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q

Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

02:23 Overview of Lucky Defense's Success

06:01 Comparison to Other Tower Defense Games

09:27 Gameplay and Mechanics of Lucky Defense

17:11 The Importance of Luck and Unit Upgrades

18:00 Artifacts and the Gacha System

20:08 Challenges and Complexity of the Game

21:54 Breaking the Rules: Mythic's Unique Gacha Mechanics

23:24 The Frustrations of Randomness in Mythic

29:23 Exploring the Dungeon: Cooperative Gameplay in Mythic

35:43 Balancing Issues and Unit Reliance in Mythic

38:08 Improving Mythic: Adding Variety and Strategy

41:19 Introduction to the ad placements and monetization strategy of Random Dice: PvP Defense

43:23 Challenges with ad placements in the game

46:46 Issues with after-level ad boost placement

49:45 The lack of suitable creatives for the Western audience

01:00:20 Predictions for the game's future and the possibility of a Western release

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Lucky Defense is a popular game in South Korea with unique mechanics and a strong emphasis on luck.

Players should focus on specific units, such as the Bandit and Shock Troop, and upgrade them strategically.

Artifacts play a crucial role in gameplay, with the Safe Box and Money Gun being the most important.

The game's gacha system is challenging and requires players to collect shared shards to upgrade mythic units.

The game's complexity and lack of accessibility may limit its appeal to Western audiences. Mythic breaks the main gacha rules by allowing direct purchase of units through hard currency.

The game's gacha system is highly random and can be frustrating for players.

The difficulty levels and cooperative gameplay in the Dungeon mode add complexity to the game.

The game's balancing issues and reliance on specific units for success are major drawbacks.

Improvements could be made by designing units and monsters with different strategies and adding more variety to the gameplay. The ad placements in Random Dice: PvP Defense are not well explained and lack notification buttons, which hinders their effectiveness.

The game lacks diverse and engaging creatives for advertising.

Improvements such as adding notification buttons and better-explaining ad units could increase ad revenue.

The hosts predict that the game's success may decline over time and suggest the possibility of a Western release.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

2.5 gamers x Live AM(F)A #5 - Ask Me Anything with Filippo De Rose

22 augusti 2024 | 60 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers live AMA session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Filippo De Rose, Matej Lancaric⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/filippoderose Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q

Agenda:

00:00 Epic intro and Secret Guest Introduction

03:01 Transitioning from Gaming to Non-Gaming Apps

06:05 Improving Day One Retention in Games

12:07 Revenue Potential of Find-the-Difference Games

17:32 User Acquisition Strategies for Indie Developers

23:26 Recommended Resources for Game Mechanic Design and UI/UX

34:44 Starting a Blog and Sharing Knowledge

35:25 The Impact of Market Timing on Product Metrics

36:01 Landscape vs. Portrait Mode in Games

41:47 Optimizing Mobile Apps that are Actually Websites

43:43 Recommended Publishers for Casual Hybrid Games

56:41 Forecasting Campaign Targets --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/stay-ahead-in-ua-for-2024-my-top?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai Felix Latest Article - https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Squad Busters BIG NEW update: No more Pay to Win. No gacha, no money!

19 augusti 2024 | 41 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Youtube: https://youtu.be/zXUkwYwHamg Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q Agenda 00:00 Epic Introand Overview of the Update 01:35 Impact on Monetization and Player Base 06:24 Removal of Megas and Introduction of New Characters and Skins 10:36 Gameplay Experiences and Balance Changes 15:22 Exploring the New Game Modes 21:22 Exploring the Recent Updates and Changes in the Game 22:14 The Intriguing Mechanics of Chicken and Gem Pass 23:27 Strategically Using Chest Multipliers for Better Rewards 29:08 Improving PvP Gameplay and Rewards 32:10 Enhancing the Metagame Mechanics for a Better Experience 34:29 Join the Slack Channel and Stay Updated with the Podcast --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaways The recent update to Squadbusters has brought significant changes to the game's monetization and gameplay. The decline in daily active users and low retention rate are concerning for the game's long-term success. Megas have been removed from the game, and players have received skins and coins as compensation. The update introduced new characters, skins, and game modes, providing players with more content to explore. The hosts share their gameplay experiences and discuss the balance changes in the update. The recent updates in the game have brought significant changes, such as the chicken mechanic and gem pass. The chest multipliers have been modified, allowing players to strategically use them for better rewards. The hosts discuss the PvP gameplay and suggest improvements, such as changing the rewards for killing other players. They highlight the importance of metagame mechanics and suggest adding new functionality to enhance the gameplay experience. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai Felix Latest Article - https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Idle Outpost Zombie Apocalypse Review: (down)scaling?

15 augusti 2024 | 48 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/omK5UkWe7cE

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q

Agenda

00:00 Epic Introduction and Overview

02:05 Discussion on Idle Outpost

04:11 Scaling and Downscaling in Idle Outpost

06:08 Comparing Idle Outpost to Other Idle Games

08:15 The Importance of Storytelling in Idle Games

16:42 The Complexity of Idle Outpost's Feature Set

24:48 Addressing Complexity and Pacing in Legend of Mushroom

26:15 Analyzing Revenue and Retention in the Game

30:50 The Role of Ads in Monetization

34:11 The Need for More Creative Concepts in Idle Games

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Idle Outpost experienced scaling and downscaling in terms of downloads and revenue.

The game incorporates elements from other popular idle games, such as Adventure Communist and Legend of Slime.

Storytelling is an important aspect of idle games and can significantly impact player engagement.

Idle Outpost's feature set is complex, which may pose challenges for new players. Legend of Mushroom has issues with overwhelming complexity and fast-unfolding

The pacing and inventory system needs improvement

The decline in revenue and retention is a concern

Ads play a crucial role in the game's monetization

More creative concepts are needed to keep players engaged

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/how-to-market-a-merge-game-top3-ua?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Creative trends in mobile games - July 2024

12 augusti 2024 | 47 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/yBym7yuDi5A

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q

Agenda

00:00 Epic intro and Discussion on Mobile Gaming Podcast

01:18 Creative Trends for July

05:15 Analyzing Hustle Castle

08:57 Exploring Kingdom Guard

09:53 The Rise of Survivor IO

10:23 Analyzing Whiteout Survival

11:33 The Use of Rivers, Fences, and Tracks in Mobile Game Creatives

14:16 The Wild West of Copyright Infringement in Mobile Gaming

18:33 The Importance of Creating New Creatives for Different UA Channels

20:22 Analyzing Idle Outpost

22:59 Analyzing Township

23:15 The Use of Playables in Mobile Game Creatives

00:37 Near-Death Experiences and Tension in Creatives

10:23 Pushing Objects Off the Screen

20:13 Expanding Gates in Game Mechanics

27:27 Importance of High-Quality Visuals and Sound

31:57 Popular Games Showcasing Creative Trends

38:25 Clash of Clans' 12th Anniversary Celebration

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Fear, tension, and near-death experiences are effective creative strategies in mobile gaming.

Creating new creatives is crucial for different UA channels, such as TikTok and Facebook.

Rivers, fences, and tracks are common elements used in mobile gaming creatives.

Playables play a significant role in driving engagement.

The conversation provides insights into the creative trends and strategies in mobile gaming for July. Near-death experiences and tension-inducing mechanics are popular in casual mobile game creatives.

Pushing objects off the screen is a common game mechanic used in creatives.

Expanding gates in game mechanics is a trend observed in casual mobile games.

High-quality visuals and sound are essential for engaging creatives.

Popular games like Brawl Stars, Royal Match, and Block Blast showcase these creative trends.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Inside Stormgate with Tim Morten: In-Depth Live Review & Gameplay with Insights

8 augusti 2024 | 67 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Special guest: Tim Morten

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-morten/

Stormgate

https://playstormgate.com/

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2012510/Stormgate/

Youtube: https://youtu.be/pVaQS942xI0

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q

Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

01:30 Introduction to Storm Gate

09:26 The Free-to-Play Model and Content Differences

14:07 The Business Model and Inspiration from StarCraft II

18:26 The Power of Custom Maps and the Editor

23:02 Ongoing Campaign Content Updates

25:24 Improving the Game and Listening to Feedback

31:57 Observing Recent Game Launches

35:10 The Evolution of Stormgate

44:47 Maintaining Independence

50:18 Support from Investors and the Community

01:00:12 Future Updates

01:03:11 Creating a Long-lasting Game

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Frost Giant Studios is developing Storm Gate, a new PC real-time strategy game that follows the gameplay heritage specific to Blizzard RTS.

The game has different modes, including campaign, cooperative, and competitive, and Frost Giant Studios aims to avoid pay-to-win mechanics and grind.

Players can try the game for free and then purchase additional content if they choose.

The studio plans to release new campaign content regularly and is committed to listening to player feedback and improving the game. Stormgate is an evolving game that blends elements from Warcraft and Starcraft to appeal to a broad audience.

The team behind Stormgate is committed to maintaining their independence and creating the best game possible.

The game has received support from investors and the community through crowdfunding campaigns.

Future updates for Stormgate include new co-op maps, more heroes, seasonal events, a map editor, and a learning tool system.

The goal is to create a game that players enjoy and continue to purchase, similar to the longevity of Blizzard games.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://lancaric.substack.com/p/how-to-market-a-merge-game-top3-ua

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

How to create high performing AI statics? Top 6 Ad placement inspiration in last 30days

5 augusti 2024 | 48 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Youtube: https://youtu.be/jHiBI7HRv0M Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ Agenda 00:00 Epic intro 06:03 RoomSorts by GamingCat 08:33 Traffic Escape 12:22 Pizza Ready by Supercent 15:24 Hexa Sword by Lion Studios 19:32 App Open Rewarded Interstitial Ads in Hexasaur 25:09 The Brilliance of App Open-Rewarded Interstitial Ads 27:06 Using AI-Generated Images for Creative Inspiration 32:20 The Power of Static Images in Facebook Advertising 38:41 The Importance of Regular Creative Refreshes --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaways Different mobile games use various ad placements to monetize their apps Rewarded ad placements can be strategically placed to enhance the gameplay experience Banner ads can be conveniently located near core gameplay mechanics to increase click-through rates App open interstitials can generate revenue from users who show intent to play the game The effectiveness of ad placements depends on the number of sessions and session time App open rewarded interstitial ads can significantly increase ad impressions and revenue The game Hexasaur uses a clever implementation of app open rewarded interstitial ads to maximize ad exposure AI-generated images from the Mid-Journey library can provide creative inspiration for ad campaigns Static images are currently outperforming videos in Facebook advertising Regular creative refreshes, including the use of static images, are crucial for maintaining ad performance --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/how-to-market-a-merge-game-top3-ua?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai Felix Latest Article - https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Softlaunch Sonar #5: More Whiteout survival-like games coming!

1 augusti 2024 | 39 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/bax7FJPrcgw

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ

Agenda

00:00 Introduction and Soft Launch Sonar

01:20 Dark and Dark Mobile

05:01 Dot Dot Blast

06:17 Coin Pusher Adventures

08:21 RoomScapes

10:05 Octopus Feast

11:57 Subway Surfers City

16:20 Tavern Legend

18:02 Chinese Games and Dinner

19:02 Creating a New 4x Genre: Whiteout Survival

21:41 Chinese Companies Dominating the Casual Market

25:51 Chinese Companies Coping with Each Other in the Forex Genre

29:31 Empires and Magic: A Forex Game with Empires and Puzzles Core

33:26 Bacon's Revenge: Reordering Weapons and Merging in a Roguelite RPG Tower Defense

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Soft launch games offer a glimpse into upcoming releases and allow for testing and feedback.

Different game genres, such as line puzzles, coin pushers, and room renovation, are popular in soft launch.

Cross-promotion and meta-game features are strategies used by game developers to increase engagement and monetization.

The success of a game in soft launch can be influenced by its unique gameplay mechanics and appealing themes.

Soft launch games often undergo iterations and updates based on user feedback and market trends. Soft-launched games from Chinese developers dominate the conversation.

Common themes include variations of the 4X genre, merge and match mechanics, tower defense gameplay, and rogue-lite RPG elements.

Successful mobile mechanics are often taken from popular Steam games

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

ChinaJoy 2024 POV: WeChat mini-games, the speed of game development & Impressive market growth

29 juli 2024 | 46 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/_FM7O4K803c

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ

Agenda

00:00 Introduction and Overview of the ChinaJoy Trip

02:56 The Impressive Growth of the Chinese Gaming Market

06:07 Exploring WeChat Mini Games and Unique Features of the Chinese Market

11:30 The Gray Area of Renting ISBNs and Other Publishing Insights

14:51 Data Sharing and Quick Payments in the Chinese Gaming Industry

17:19 Immediate Advertising Revenue and the Convenience of the Chinese Market

21:58 Long Working Hours and the Shrinking China Joy Expo

24:20 Grumpiness and Hunger

24:44 Big Brands and High Production Value Booths

25:14 The Popularity of Gacha Machines

26:06 The Rise of Live Games

29:03 The Importance of UA and Creatives

32:08 The Differences Between Western and Chinese Markets

32:34 The Speed of Game Development in China

33:13 The Abundance of Doodle Magic-like Games

38:07 Admiration for Chinese Game Developers

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

The Chinese gaming market is rapidly growing and is projected to reach $40 billion in revenue this year.

Mobile games dominate the Chinese gaming market, with nearly 75% of the market share.

WeChat mini-games are popular in China and offer fully-fledged gaming experiences within the WeChat app.

The Chinese gaming industry operates quickly, with fast payments and data sharing among industry players.

The Chinese market has unique features, such as the use of QR codes for payments and the extensive sharing of data within the industry. ChinaJoy is a major gaming expo in China that attracts big brands and showcases booths with high production values.

Gacha machines are prevalent at ChinaJoy, offering various items and experiences.

Live games, where players battle in real-time, are popular in China and can run thousands of games simultaneously.

UA (user acquisition) and creatives are highly valued positions in the Chinese game industry.

The Chinese market is known for its speed of game development and the abundance of Doodle Magic-like games.

Chinese game developers have a different mindset and approach to creativity compared to the Western market.

The hosts express their admiration for the creativity and expertise of Chinese game developers and their desire to return to China in the future.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Is Zenless Zone Zero FLOP or NOT?

25 juli 2024 | 46 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Podcast:

Join our slack channel here: hhttps://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ

Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

01:20 Introduction and Disappointment with Genshin Impact

02:19 Competition from Anime RPG Gacha Games

06:15 Critique of Gameplay Mechanics

10:50 Impressive Visuals of Genshin Impact

19:50 Exploring the Anime-Inspired World of Zenonzard

20:29 Disappointing Pacing and Lack of Action in Zenonzard

21:20 The Gacha System in Zenonzard and miHoYo's Other Games

26:19 The Revenue Potential of Zenonzard

29:06 The Need for Change in Zenonzard's Game Mechanics

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Genshin Impact has received mixed reviews and has not lived up to the hype.

The game faces competition from other anime RPG gacha games in the market.

The gameplay mechanics, including excessive non-combat activities, have been criticized.

The combat in the game is visually impressive but lacks satisfaction.

Despite its flaws, Genshin Impact has impressive visuals and production quality. Zenonzard is a visually impressive mobile game with an anime-inspired art style and an urban fantasy setting.

The game's pacing and lack of action can be disappointing for some players.

The gacha system in Zenonzard is similar to miHoYo's other games, Genshin Impact and Honkai Impact 3rd.

While Zenonzard may not have met miHoYo's revenue expectations, it still generates a significant amount of money.

miHoYo may need to consider changing their game mechanics and meta to attract and retain players.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

10+ billion installs x Azur Games Review live: Launching hypercasual with long ROAS

22 juli 2024 | 65 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Youtube: https://youtu.be/nswOwChqyBQ Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ Agenda 00:00 Epic intro 08:04 The Challenges and Potential of the Hyper Casual Market 17:45 Azur Games' Flexible Publishing Strategy 25:33 The Importance of Profitability and ROAS Targets 29:24 Deep Dive into Azur Games' Portfolio: Slime Castle 34:21 The Evolution of Survivor IO and Drawing Inspiration 35:53 Working with Chinese and Korean Developers 39:02 The Creative Process and the Use of AI 41:44 User Acquisition and Advertising Channels 46:26 Evaluation of Ad Partners and Monetization Strategies 52:33 The Size and Structure of Azure Games' Team 56:59 Working with External Developers 59:14 Reaching Out to Publishers Early in the Development Process --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaways Azur Games is one of the biggest publishers in the hyper casual market, with a focus on long-term retention and flexible publishing deals. The hyper casual market is facing challenges due to increased competition and decreasing eCPMs, but Azur Games remains optimistic about the potential of the genre. Hybrid casual games, which combine ad revenue and in-app purchases, are a growing trend in the mobile gaming industry. Azur Games' portfolio includes a mix of hyper-casual, mid-core, and casual titles, with Slime Castle being its current top revenue generator. Azur Games emphasizes the importance of profitability and ROAS targets in their publishing strategy, while also being open to unique and innovative game concepts. The development of mobile games involves testing and iterating on ideas and drawing inspiration from other successful games. Working closely with external developers, especially from China and Korea, can lead to successful partnerships and the acquisition of high-quality games. The creative process for advertising campaigns involves testing and iterating on creatives, as well as using AI to improve performance. Azure Games has a large team with multiple in-house studios and external partners, and they are constantly hiring and expanding. Monetization strategies should be tailored to the specific game and its target audience, and skip-it features may not work well for all games. Reaching out to publishers early in the development process can provide valuable feedback and potential support for iterations. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

2.5 gamers x Live AM(F)A #4 - Ask Me Anything @ July 18 6 pm CET

19 juli 2024 | 60 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers live AMA session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Youtube: https://youtube.com/live/QvLCxdkd3bk Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ

Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

03:00 Game Design and Monetization

11:01 Implementing Back-End Logic

19:30 Choosing Monetization Strategies

32:04 Maximizing App Monetization and User Acquisition with the Molokko SDK

34:48 The Rise of Non-Game Ads in Mobile Games

35:06 Exploring Meta Games and Their Impact on the Gaming Industry

36:11 Harnessing the Power of Playable Ads for App Marketing

38:18 The Importance of Localization for App Store Optimization

41:48 Targeting High-Value Users with Value Optimization Campaigns

44:14 Optimizing Ad Network Performance for Revenue and Competitiveness

48:37 Keeping Up with Industry Trends: Machine Learning Translation in Google Play

--------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/stay-ahead-in-ua-for-2024-my-top?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai Felix Latest Article - https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Project RISE review: Supercells NEW Rogue-lite Game is in pre-alpha!

15 juli 2024 | 61 min

We are testing Project Rise PRE—ALPHA, a really fun rogue-lite game developed by @Supercell. There is so much to improve, but Supercell is taking this seriously and getting feedback from Players

So far, there are 6 Heroes: Archer, Barbarian, Valkyrie, Fisherman, Hog Rider and Firecracker. You play in a team of 3 (if matchmaking works), exploring the map and trying to find the way to the next level of the tower, where you have to beat the boss stage.

The perks are shared with your party so you can split up and clear the map quickly. The perks can range from sustain to damage and mobility. You respawn in 5 seconds when you die, but your party has limited respawns. Only two. You can get more revives with the "stay alive" perk. Well, tune in!

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/00Tdhl8TiFQ

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ

Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

01:00 Introduction and Thanking Supercell

01:38 Recapping the Announcement of Clash Heroes

03:07 Exploring the Gameplay Mechanics of Project Rise

08:22 Discussing Technical Stability and Feedback in the Pre-Alpha Testing

23:35 Highlighting the Importance of the Supercell IP in Attracting Players

31:38 Exploring the Gameplay Mechanics and Character Selection

33:40 Challenges and Feedback: Improving Technical Stability and Communication

34:59 Monetization Potential: Gear and Character Customization

36:18 The Importance of Player Feedback in Shaping Development

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Two gamers are discussing the pre-alpha testing of Project Rise, a game from Supercell.

The gameplay mechanics are explored, including character selection, perks, abilities, and floor progression.

The technical stability issues and the feedback process for the pre-alpha testing are mentioned.

The importance of the Supercell IP in attracting players is highlighted.

The game's level progression and challenges provide depth and replayability.

Technical issues and lack of communication between players are areas that need improvement.

The game has the potential for monetization through gear and character customization.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Banana Special: Exploring the Potential, Mechanics & Popularity of the Banana Game with/ Joseph Kim

11 juli 2024 | 41 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Special guest: Joseph Kim

Youtube

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ

Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

01:12 Introduction and Setting the Stage

03:02 Exploring the Mechanics and Popularity of Banana Game

06:00 The Presence of Bots in Banana Game

09:03 The Marketplace and Monetization Potential of Banana Game

14:59 The Play-to-Earn Model and Speculation in Games

21:07 The success of the Banana Game and the role of bots

22:04 The appeal of UGC and meme-driven games

23:14 Exploring gameplay enhancements

24:26 The challenges of implementing community marketplaces on mobile

25:48 The potential of crypto solutions in games

26:42 The importance of assigning value to in-game items

27:34 The friction in implementing crypto solutions

28:01 The power of memes and viral marketing

29:29 The possibilities and limitations of Steam's community marketplace

30:04 Building a game with natural gameplay and engaging loops

32:24 The potential of mushroom-themed games

35:06 The future of similar games and the sustainability of trends

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

Joseph Kim

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jokim/

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Banana Game on Steam has gained significant popularity, with a large number of players and high concurrent user counts.

The game's mechanics involve clicking on a banana to increase a number and collect banana skins.

The presence of bots in the game is evident, with a majority of the player base being bots.

The game's marketplace allows players to buy and sell banana skins, with some skins selling for significant amounts.

The success of Banana Game highlights the potential for the play-to-earn model and the underserved market for speculation and collection in games.

Game developers can learn from the success of Banana Game and explore ways to incorporate similar concepts into their own games. The success of the Banana Game highlights the potential of the Steam community marketplace and the appeal of UGC and meme-driven games.

Enhancing gameplay with progression, collections, and gacha mechanics can increase player engagement and retention.

Monetization strategies like referral codes and bonuses for sharing can drive user acquisition and community growth.

The conversation raises questions about the sustainability of games like the Banana Game and the role of bots in the gaming ecosystem.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Creative Trends in mobile gaming - June 2024

8 juli 2024 | 50 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/HXP-N3MmAtI

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ

Agenda

00:00 Epic Intro

01:00 Introduction and Creative Trends

01:46 Unconventional Elements in Game Creatives

04:56 Celebrity Endorsements and Cameos

08:58 The Rise of Longer Video Ads

11:54 Addressing the Issue of Sexist Ads

14:07 The Impact of Engaging Animations

20:56 Trend: Games Featuring Cars and Upgrades

22:33 The Impact of In-Engine Rendered Ads

23:49 The Success of Pizza Ready and Township

27:39 Golden Goblins: A Case Study in Game Advertising

32:31 Capturing Attention with Hooks: Unexpected Visuals and Celebrity Endorsements

39:11 The Rise of High-Quality, In-Engine Rendered Ads

40:49 The Power of Cars in Mobile Game Advertising

46:09 Investing in High-Quality Assets for Long-Term Success

47:26 Networking and Collaboration at ChinaJoy

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Unusual and attention-grabbing elements, like poop, can be effective in game creatives.

Celebrity endorsements and cameos are commonly used in mobile game ads.

Longer video ads, often over one minute, are becoming more popular.

The issue of sexist ads in mobile games is still prevalent.

Engaging and high-quality animations can greatly enhance the effectiveness of game creatives. Mobile games featuring cars and upgrades are a popular trend in the industry.

In-engine rendered ads are being used to create more visually appealing and complex creatives.

Understanding reference games and staying up-to-date with creative trends is crucial for success in mobile gaming.

Games like Pizza Ready and Township continue to generate significant revenue and downloads.

The hosts discuss the success of Golden Goblins and the use of different game concepts in their ads. Hooks, such as unexpected visuals and celebrity endorsements, are effective in capturing users' attention in mobile game advertising.

High-quality, in-engine rendered ads are a trend in the industry and can speed up iteration and improve user engagement.

The inclusion of cars in various game genres is a popular strategy to attract users and lower CPI.

Investing in building a library of high-quality assets for ads can be a significant upfront cost but can pay off in the long run.

Attending industry events like ChinaJoy provides opportunities for networking and collaboration.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

June's Journey: A party to die for - The power of community-driven content in gaming!

4 juli 2024 | 43 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session with @WoogaGames & @MediaBodiesMarketing ! Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Host: Matej Lancaric⁠

Special guests: April Laws, Edward Fuller

Youtube: https://youtu.be/KprKzQQelow

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ

Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

01:30 Introduction and Guest Introductions

04:31 Planning and Logistics

08:13 Phases of the Project

10:18 Involving Players in the Ideation Process

13:45 Internal Team and Collaboration with MediaBodies

16:27 Challenges and Details of the Production

25:20 Engagement and Reach on Social Media

28:18 Episode Length and Viewer Engagement

32:29 Future Plans and Community Engagement

36:53 Reflections and Gratitude

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

April Laws

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprillaws1/

Edward Fuller

https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardjfuller/

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Collaborating with influencers and involving players in a video series can be a powerful way to engage and re-engage the community.

Planning and executing a project like this requires careful coordination, from selecting contestants to writing the story and creating puzzles.

Community-driven content that tells a good story can be a more effective marketing approach than traditional advertising.

Long-form videos can be engaging and successful in driving player engagement, especially when combined with interactive elements like puzzles and QR codes.

Even with a limited budget, smaller-scale community content initiatives can still have a significant impact.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Chrome Valley Customs Live review: How to decrease CPI in Match3 genre? The Success of Xzibit in UA!

1 juli 2024 | 48 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej Lancaric⁠

Special guest: Dmitry Gubanenkov

Youtube: https://youtu.be/fQ0DeZYo4mY

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ

Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

01:20 Introduction and Game Overview

13:22 Game Mechanics and Core Features

20:32 The Success of Using Xzibit in Creatives

22:53 Marketability Tests and Surveys

23:51 Challenges of Running UA Campaigns for a Male Audience

24:09 Competition in the Male-Oriented Match-Three Genre

24:26 The Power of Partnering with a Popular TV Personality

26:00 Exploring Different Creative Formats for Maximum Impact

28:07 The Importance of Testing and Iterating on Creatives

31:33 Staying Informed with Competitive Research

37:43 The Value of an In-House Creative Team

39:24 Selecting UA Channels: Experience, Discussions, and Insights

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Dmitry Gubanenkov

User Acquisition Manager - Space Ape games

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gubanenkov/

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Chrome Valley Customs is a match-three game that targets a male audience, which is unique in the genre dominated by female players.

The game's success can be attributed to its engaging car restoration theme and the use of Xzibit from Pimp My Ride in their creatives.

Marketability tests and surveys helped shape the game's concept and appeal to the target audience.

Running UA campaigns for a male audience in the match-three genre can be challenging due to high CPIs and the need for scalable creatives.

Competition in the male-oriented match-three genre is increasing, with other developers releasing similar games. Partnering with a popular TV personality can help reach a core audience and create a strong connection with players.

Using a variety of creative formats, such as static, playable videos, and long-form videos, can be effective in different channels and for different audiences.

Testing and iterating on creatives is crucial for finding the most successful ad concepts and improving performance metrics.

Competitive research is important for staying informed about industry trends and finding inspiration for new creatives.

Having an in-house creative team can lead to better-performing ads, as they have a deeper understanding of the game and can capture its unique appeal.

Selecting UA channels should be based on a combination of experience, internal discussions, and industry insights, considering factors like scale, spend, and profitability.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Top Creatives & Advertisers with Game Review Radar!

27 juni 2024 | 55 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #120. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Podcast: Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ Agenda 00:00 Epic intro 00:29 Catch-up and Boat Discussion 09:01 Review Radar: AFK Journey 11:24 Merch Episode: Travel Town, Gossip Harbor, Seaside Escape 15:34 Merch Episode: Merge Mansion 17:29 The Coexistence of Multiple Merge Games 18:38 The Growth and Challenges of the Mobile Gaming Industry 23:09 Analyzing the Performance of SquadBusters, Pizza Ready, and Supermarket Manager Simulator 25:38 The Decline of Hale Divers 33:23 Previously Covered: Zombie I.O. 33:58 Analyzing the Performance of Zombie.io and Screwjam 35:24 Scaling Up: Tower War's Revenue and Download Numbers 36:44 Bang Bang Survivor: A Popular Game in Asian Countries 42:31 Reviewing Top Creatives and Advertising Strategies 44:59 The Impact of Mergers and Acquisitions in the Mobile Gaming Industry --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaways Legend of Mushrooms offers incentives for returning players and has a strong revenue stream from Asia. AFK Journey has seen a decline in revenue and needs more frequent content updates. Travel Town, Gossip Harbor, and Seaside Escape are all merge games that are performing well and growing steadily. Merge Mansion is still a top-performing game, but its revenue has slightly declined. Creative advertising plays a crucial role in the success of mobile games. Multiple merge games can coexist and attract different players. Zombie I.O. was previously covered in a separate episode. Zombie.io and Screwjam have lower revenue and download numbers compared to Legend of Mushroom, but they are still sustainable and profitable. Tower War is scaling up and showing a U-turn in downloads, with a revenue of 33k IP-wise and 200k downloads per day. Bang Bang Survivor is mainly popular in Asian countries, with 80% of revenue coming from China. It has a revenue of 500k per day and 45k downloads per day. The hosts discuss the top creatives and advertising strategies of various games, including the use of hooks, real-world backgrounds, and different creative concepts. They highlight the importance of simplifying game names and improving localization for better discoverability. The hosts mention the impact of mergers and acquisitions in the mobile gaming industry and the need for Western simplification in certain genres. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Solo Leveling: Arise - Depth of Content & Progression Layers Exploring the Predatory Monetization

24 juni 2024 | 64 min

Solo Leveling: Arise receives high ratings for its production value and gameplay, but there are areas for improvement. The adaptation of the webtoon with 14.3 billion views is playable NOW! Play Solo Leveling: ARISE same as we did!

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #118. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg

Special guest - Mr. Vicepresident John Wright

Youtube: https://youtu.be/shCIoypUMaY

Join our slack channel here: hhttps://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ

Agenda

00:00 Introduction and Special Episode

01:07 Introduction to Solo Leveling Arise

07:32 Competition and Cannibalization in the Anime Game Segment

10:25 Mainstream Appeal of Anime Games in the West

13:40 Gameplay Overview of Solo Leveling Arise

28:01 Power Layers and Progression in the Game

34:16 Exploring the Predatory Monetization of Solo Leveling: Arise

35:40 The Extensive Event System and Gacha Mechanics in Solo Leveling: Arise

39:14 Analyzing the User Acquisition Efforts of Solo Leveling: Arise

42:04 High Ratings for Production Value and Gameplay in Solo Leveling: Arise

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Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

John Wright

Mr. Vicepresident @KwaleeGames

https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwright1987/

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Anime-style games are becoming more mainstream in the West, and the genre is expected to grow in the future.

Monetization in these games often involves gacha systems, subscriptions, and in-app purchases.

Solo Leveling Arise features depth of content and progression layers, including character leveling, weapon enhancement, and skill upgrades.

The game offers replayability through achievements, missions, and trophy systems.

Aggressive offer notifications and rewarded push notifications to the store are used to encourage in-app purchases. Solo Leveling: Arise employs aggressive monetization strategies, including special summons offers and a slot machine-like mechanic.

The game features an extensive event system, gacha mechanics, and the potential for collaboration events.

We discuss the game's user acquisition efforts, including pre-registration numbers and the network mix of their advertising campaigns.

Solo Leveling: Arise receives high ratings for its production value and gameplay, but there are areas for improvement.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Bytro Live: The Home of Grand Strategy Games & innovative TikTok UA approach

20 juni 2024 | 54 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Guests: Julian Werner, Jan-Michel Saaksmeier

Youtube: https://youtu.be/oUjBwWHGSGw

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ

Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

01:00 Introduction to Bytro and Grand Strategy Games

06:09 The Unique Combination of 4X and Battle Royale

13:08 Bytro's Niche Appeal and Lack of Direct Competitors

15:55 Exploring New Onboarding Methodologies

23:04 Advertising on TikTok and Bold Marketing Strategies

25:25 Balancing Innovation and Niche Appeal

26:30 Maximizing Monetization with Rewarded Ads and Speed-ups

27:05 Tailoring the Gaming Experience with LTVs and Segmentation

29:30 Leveraging TikTok for Creative Advertising

30:17 The Importance of Web and Mobile Platforms

31:44 The Power of Influencer Marketing

33:19 Transitioning to a New Game Engine

34:39 Managing Community Expectations

45:21 Upcoming Game Releases and Hiring Opportunities

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Bytro specializes in grand strategy games with a unique combination of 4X and Battle Royale elements.

It started as a browser games company and has expanded to mobile.

Bytro collaborates with other studios to explore new onboarding methodologies and is working on implementing mini-game tutorials and a hero collection meta-game.

They face the challenge of balancing innovation with maintaining their niche appeal. Rewarded ads can be a valuable tool for monetization, especially when combined with an inventory system that offers speed-ups.

Leveraging LTVs can help tailor the gaming experience for different types of users, such as providing extra boosters for non-IAP players or players from tier 2 and tier 3 countries.

TikTok is a powerful platform for creative advertising, and leveraging UGC (user-generated content) can be highly effective.

The web platform is still relevant for game monetization, but the price situation and native advertising platforms can be challenging.

Influencer marketing can provide access to incremental audiences and is becoming increasingly relevant as more influencers emerge.

Transitioning to a new game engine can be a significant step up, especially in terms of presentation and user experience.

Managing community expectations during transitions and updates is crucial to maintaining player engagement and revenue.

The company is hiring for positions in monetization and game design.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/stay-ahead-in-ua-for-2024-my-top?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Wood Nuts & Bolts Puzzle: Highly challenging & demanding match puzzle game

17 juni 2024 | 47 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #117. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Podcast: Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ Agenda00:00 Epic Intro05:04 Revenue and Downloads10:47 Gameplay and Difficulty14:41 Boosters, Shop, and Wheel22:40 Introduction and Revenue Analysis23:20 Ad Formats and Estimated Session Length24:15 Interstitials, Banners, and Rewarded Ads25:31 Ad Revenue Comparison and Potential26:09 Mobile Gaming and Revenue Potential27:27 Web Store and Other Revenue Sources28:36 User Acquisition and Advertising Channels29:36 Estimating Profit and Revenue30:05 Mobile Gaming Industry and Revenue Potential31:37 Creatives and Daily Challenges34:36 Playable Ads and End Cards36:05 Game Mechanics and Themes39:01 Improvements and Gameplay Experience41:46 Creative Concepts and Variance44:23 The Story of the Game and Studio --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- TakeawaysWood Nuts and Bolts Puzzle is a highly challenging and demanding game that requires strategic thinking and quick reflexes.The game features a time-based win condition and offers various boosters and power-ups to help players progress.Rankings and daily challenges add to the game's engagement and competitive nature.Advertisements play a significant role in the game, with interstitial ads shown after every level and the option to watch rewarded videos for boosters and additional time.The game's ad revenue is likely substantial due to its high engagement and active user base. Understanding the revenue potential of a mobile game requires analyzing daily ad revenue, session length, and ad formats.Different advertising channels can impact ad revenue, and it's important to optimize CPI and LTV for profitability.Creatives play a crucial role in attracting users, and the absence of certain elements, like daily challenges, can impact performance. Considering the performance of a game in different countries and adjusting CPI and LTV accordingly is essential for profitability.Regular analysis and optimization are necessary to maximize revenue and ensure long-term success. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/stay-ahead-in-ua-for-2024-my-top?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai Felix Latest Article - https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Star Wars: Hunters - The Waste of potential & Flaws A.K.A the honest review

13 juni 2024 | 50 min

Welcome to Star Wars Hunters - where under the bright lights of the Arena, survivors of the fallen Galactic Empire and new heroes alike face-off in spectacular gladiatorial battles that will solidify the victors as legends throughout the galaxy.

Love shooter games and arena combat games? Then get ready to dominate your opponents in Star Wars: Hunters.

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #116. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Podcast:

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-29stniv6f-oLJzhx2U_mRB_ppXnJ9hvQ

Agenda

00:00 Introduction and Compliments to Jakub

01:09 Introducing Star Wars Hunters

04:00 The Confusing Menu Design

05:19 Comparing Star Wars Hunters to Other Mobile Games

08:36 Monetization and Revenue Potential

10:26 Gameplay Overview: Hero Shooter and Objectives

13:02 Gameplay Experience and Controls

15:08 Monetization: Battle Pass and Cosmetics

20:06 The Misuse of the Rewarded Ad Button

23:00 The Potential and Flaws of Star Wars Hunters

25:06 Power Progression and Monetization

27:05 Roster Size and IP Licensing

28:15 Potential of PvE Content

29:31 Marketing Strategies and Creatives

30:32 Uncertain Future of Star Wars: Hunters

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Star Wars Hunters is a mobile game that features a 4v4 hero shooter gameplay.

The game has a variety of cosmetics, but the differentiation is limited, and the monetization mainly focuses on unlocking characters sooner.

The menu design of the game is confusing and overwhelming, making it difficult for players to navigate.

The hosts express disappointment with the lack of meaningful power progression and the abundance of scripted quests.

The misuse of the rewarded ad button in the game is seen as a missed opportunity for additional monetization.

Despite its flaws, the hosts acknowledge that the game has potential and could have been more successful with better execution. Star Wars: Hunters lacks power progression and struggles with monetization.

The small roster of characters and lack of recognizable IP may contribute to its limited success.

The game could benefit from adding power progression elements or PvE content.

The marketing efforts include high-quality creatives on platforms like Facebook, Google, TikTok, and YouTube.

The game has received organic traction, but its long-term success is uncertain.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/stay-ahead-in-ua-for-2024-my-top?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Total Battle War Strategy: $600k/day revenue 4X genre success with innovative onboarding

10 juni 2024 | 52 min

Total Battle is a war strategy game that will allow you to become immersed in a fantasy world of battles between ancient civilizations, magic kingdoms, and great empires. Join the legendary heroes of the mighty kingdoms and build your empire in the magical world of Total Battle!

Join the company of legendary heroes in Total Battle who’ll defend their territory at all costs and fight against monsters, barbarians, wizards, elves, and other foes. Develop a base and establish a strong tower defense to win all the kings battles in this medieval strategy war game and become the Lord of all the Kingdoms!

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #115. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/7cgAiDFMsMg

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ

Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

01:46 Overview of Total Battle and Score Warrior

04:43 The Success of Total Battle

06:31 Positioning of Total Battle in the 4X Genre

09:17 The Gameplay and Mechanics of Total Battle

21:08 The Future of Total Battle and the 4X Genre

25:03 Introduction to Total Battle and its monetization success

26:16 Unique mechanics: Onboarding tutorial and hospital system

30:39 Effective creatives and user acquisition strategies

37:13 Total Battle's Strong Presence on YouTube

46:56 Potential concepts for Total Battle's creatives

49:07 Success in the competitive 4X genre

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Total Battle has achieved significant success, generating $600k per day in IAP revenues.

The game features innovative onboarding mechanics, including a simulated 4X map within the city.

Total Battle incorporates puzzle mechanics and a story mode to engage players.

The game has experienced a surge in popularity, reaching a peak of $14 million in monthly revenues in May 2024. Total Battle is a successful 4X strategy game, generating around $600k per day.

The game features unique mechanics, such as an onboarding tutorial within the game's map and a hospital system for resurrecting troops.

Total Battle utilizes effective creatives and user acquisition strategies, with a variety of concepts and playables used to attract and engage players.

Total Battle demonstrates the potential for success in the competitive 4X genre.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://lancaric.substack.com/p/how-to-soft-launch-a-mobile-game

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Match Factory! A Major hit with positive advertising by Peak games

4 juni 2024 | 53 min

Dive into the fascinating world of Match Factory, the brand new puzzle game from the creators of Toon Blast & Toy Blast. Once you play, you will come for Match Factory every day!

Connect identical items, sort tiles, and clear the board in this mesmerizing match 3D game. Challenge your puzzle-solving skills as you keep sorting and matching objects until every item is cleared from the screen. It’s not just a puzzle; it’s a test of your wit and strategy. Whether you’re on a grand adventure or simply taking a break, Match Factory will always be there to entertain you. In-app purchases do require an active internet connection.

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #114. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/XUKwsSU5JYU

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ

Agenda

00:00 Epic Intro

01:34 The Impact of High-Quality Creatives in Game Advertising

38:06 Demographic and Audience Targeting in Game Advertising

44:02 The Potential of Ad Platforms for Game Advertising

48:47 High Hopes for the Future of Game Advertising

51:31 The Emphasis on Positive and Engaging Creatives

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

The conversation explores the gameplay mechanics, monetization strategies, and market competition in the mobile gaming industry.

The potential impact of adding ads to the game and the quality of the game's visuals are discussed.

The market landscape and the potential for the game to become a major hit are considered. The positive impact of high-quality creatives in mobile game advertising

The potential of different ad platforms like TikTok and Android for game advertising

The importance of demographic and audience targeting in game advertising

We have high hopes for the future of game advertising

The emphasis on positive and engaging creatives in mobile game advertising

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/stay-ahead-in-ua-for-2024-my-top?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

BangBang Survivor $600k/day revenue: One step closer to West or just a clone of Doodle Magic?

30 maj 2024 | 55 min

Bang Bang Survivor is finally a game where Jakub can discuss social features. Monetization is much more fleshed out. The art is much more approachable. UI is much better, even though it's still sh*t. I'm sorry. It's...

BangBang Survivor is a Roguelike shooting game with unique graphic style. The story is set in a future era where a natural disaster sweeps the Earth, causing a rapid spread of biochemical infections and unleashing hordes of zombies. By that time, natural resources are scarce, and civilization are severely damaged. Players will take on the role of an outstanding commander to protect humanity and rebuild the Earth, utilizing various skills to fend off endless zombie attacks and defend our territory.

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #113. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/JKI3IdKJdPE

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ

Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

02:58 Insights into Chinese Game Development

06:04 Monetization Strategies and Social Features

10:04 Exploring Game Mechanics and User Experience

28:23 Game Monetization and Ad Revenue: A Detailed Analysis

30:39 Creative Strategies for Game Advertising

31:26 Improving User Interface and Game Features

32:21 Ad Revenue Breakdown and Missed Opportunities

53:40 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgments

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Comparison of 'Bang Bang Survivor' and 'Doodle Magic'

Insights into Chinese game development and monetization strategies

Discussion on social features and player engagement in mobile games

Exploration of game mechanics, balancing, and user experience

Insights into the mobile gaming industry and revenue generation Detailed analysis of game monetization and ad revenue

Insights into creative strategies for game advertising

Discussion on the potential for Western market success

Considerations for improving ad revenue through better integration

The need for streamlining game progression for Western audiences

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://lancaric.substack.com/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

How to grow IAP revenue by 375%? SayGames Special with Anton Volnykh

27 maj 2024 | 65 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #112. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Special guest: Anton Volnykh

Youtube: https://youtu.be/M5p00E7Su3g

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-29stniv6f-oLJzhx2U_mRB_ppXnJ9hvQ

Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

03:36 Admiring Say Games' Work

09:19 Transitioning to Hybrid Casual Games

14:08 Consequences of Different Approaches

27:45 UA Automation and Internal Tools

29:40 Building Analytics System and SDK

31:32 Shift from Ad Revenue to IAP Revenue

32:28 Testing and Data-Driven Decision-Making

33:27 Scaling the Game Economy with Currencies

36:21 Balancing Interstitial Ads and User Retention

42:20 Optimizing Monetization through Ad Segmentation

57:48 Building Games at the Right Pace

01:01:36 Working Towards Bigger Games and More Revenue

01:03:32 Learning from Teams with App Monetization Experience

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

Anton Volnykh

https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonvolnykh/

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

SayGames focuses on automating processes and using internal tools to operate their games.

They work closely with their teams to help them transition from hypercasual to hybrid casual games.

They have a continuous process of iterating and improving their games.

They have built their own analytics system and SDK.

They have seen a shift from primarily ad revenue to a significant amount of IAP revenue. Testing is crucial in game development and monetization, and data-driven decision-making is essential for success.

Interstitial ads in games should be carefully balanced to avoid negatively impacting user retention.

Segmenting users' ad experiences based on factors like platform and user behavior can optimize monetization.

Continuous learning and adaptation are necessary in the gaming industry to stay competitive and achieve success.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/stay-ahead-in-ua-for-2024-my-top?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Screw Jam success story: How to reach $250k/day revenue? Innovative & satisfying hybrid casual game

23 maj 2024 | 52 min

Screw Jam, developed by Quok Games and published by Rollic, is a successful mobile game with daily revenue of 150k+ in InApp Purchases and an additional 80k+ in Ads revenue. Screw Jam combines the mechanics of Tile Match and Zen Match, creating a unique gameplay experience. It features physics-based puzzles and a streak mechanic that adds depth and challenge to the gameplay. This hybrid casual game has a well-designed progression system, including a battle pass and various boosters.

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #111. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/CF4_FaWrpNc

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-29stniv6f-oLJzhx2U_mRB_ppXnJ9hvQ

March3D UA playbook: https://lancaric.substack.com/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside

Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

01:20 Introduction and Background of Qukk Games

03:23 The Success of Screw Jam

11:08 The Streak Mechanic and End Monetization

14:05 Unique Gameplay: Physics-Based Puzzles

16:32 Deterministic Levels and Mastering the Game

18:36 Exploring Gameplay Mechanics and Features

22:12 Analyzing Ad Placements

27:30 The Impact of Rewarded Ads

30:57 Speculating on Success and Scalability

35:30 Rollic Games' Strategy

36:39 Introduction to Mobile Game Advertising

37:08 Playable Ads and Reward Mechanisms

40:06 Exploring Hybrid Casual Games

43:21 The Use of Intellectual Property in Mobile Games

46:25 Leading Publishers in the Hybrid Casual Game Space

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Overall, Screw Jam is praised for its innovative gameplay and satisfying experience. Screw Jam introduces various gameplay mechanics and features, such as ice blocks, shutter open mechanic, bomb mechanic, and chain mechanic.

The game utilizes different ad placements, including banners, interstitials, and rewarded ads.

We speculate on the potential success and scalability of Screw Jam, as well as the overall strategy of Rollic Games.

Rollic Games aims to have multiple successful games in their portfolio, following the hybrid casual genre.

Highlighting the impressive growth and revenue of Screw Jam within a short period of time. Playable ads are a popular trend in mobile game advertising, with many games using them as a format to engage users.

Hybrid casual games, which combine elements of casual and mid-core games, are gaining traction in the industry.

The use of intellectual property in mobile games is becoming more common, with some games incorporating well-known characters or themes.

Engaging with the podcast through likes, shares, and comments can help support its growth and provide valuable feedback.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Zombie.io global launch case study: A Midcore game with complex gameplay & wide range of features

20 maj 2024 | 57 min

Apocalyptic Zombie.io adventure is available now! Immerse yourself in this delightful casual shooting mobile game in Zombie.io, where you take on the role of an adorable potato protagonist.

The game unfolds in a world where extraterrestrial potatoes accidentally find themselves on Earth, forging an alliance with humans to combat the sudden zombie threat and save the world.

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #110. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/46wdtF6eNAE

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ

Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

01:09 Introducing Zombie.io

03:04 Complex Gameplay and Confusion

06:07 Features and Events in Zombie IO

09:42 Rewarded Ads and Epic Heroes

12:32 Monetization Strategies

16:08 Automation and Gameplay

18:14 Exploring the Features of game

36:38 Introduction and Overview of 'Legend of Mushroom'

41:12 Analyzing the Game's Ad Placements

46:22 Discussion on Creative Strategies and Concepts

49:18 Reviewing the Mediation Stack and Ad Revenue

53:08 Final Thoughts and Rating

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Zombie IO is a mid-core game with complex gameplay and many features.

The game automates many aspects of gameplay, allowing players to watch and progress.

Rewarded ads are heavily integrated into the game, providing players with additional rewards.

The game monetizes through in-app purchases, including battle passes and other items.

The company behind the game, JoyNet Games, has a history of successful games, including Legend of Mushroom.

The game's potential for high revenue may be limited due to its mid-core nature and target audience.

The gacha system is used to obtain powerful equipment and items.

The game's ad placements are extensive, and players may watch multiple rewarded ads per session.

AdMob is the primary ad mediation platform used in the game, providing a better user experience compared to other platforms. The game 'Legend of Mushroom' uses various creative concepts in its ads, including the 'twisted blades' and 'sword' creatives.

Jakub emphasized (again) the importance of social features in driving player engagement and retention.

There is potential for improvement in the game's mediation stack, with the addition of more networks to increase ad revenue.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/stay-ahead-in-ua-for-2024-my-top?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Helldivers 2 Special: Why is it so good? Second Galactic War Begins! New major Order!

16 maj 2024 | 36 min

HELLDIVERS 2 is a 3rd person squad-based shooter that sees the elite forces of the Helldivers battling to win an intergalactic struggle to rid the galaxy of the rising alien threats. From a 3rd person perspective, players use a variety of weapons (pistols, machine guns, flamethrowers) and stratagems (turrets, airstrikes, etc.) to shoot and kill the alien threats.

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers special session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/7HMSuq4v8y4

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ

Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

07:20 Overview of Arrowhead and their games

13:07 Galactic War economy & systems

28:12 Commercial success of Helldivers2

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/stay-ahead-in-ua-for-2024-my-top?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Supermarket Simulator Mobile: Why is it so popular? Start your own Supermarket now! (#109)

13 maj 2024 | 48 min

Supermarket Manager Simulator is a game developed by Digital Melody that has gained popularity and shot up the download charts. It is a hyper-casual game where players manage a #supermarket, stocking shelves, pricing items, and serving customers. The game has a first-person perspective and includes mini-games like checking out customers and managing inventory. The company behind the game, Digital Melody, is a small Polish company known for developing playable mobile games.

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #109. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/lV9ddnhvNwY

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ

Agenda

00:00 Epic Intro

02:59 Supermarket Manager Simulator's Rise in Popularity

07:42 Product Deep Dive: Gameplay and Features

11:28 Optimizing Gameplay in Supermarket Manager Simulator

25:17 Enhancing the Metagame

28:38 Expanding Advertising Reach

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Supermarket Manager Simulator is a hyper-casual game where players manage a supermarket.

The game includes mini-games like checking out customers and managing inventory.

Digital Melody, the company behind the game, is a small Polish company known for developing playable mobile games.

The game monetizes through rewarded videos and interstitial ads, but it is considered under-monetized. Consider adding banner ads and reducing cooldown times for interstitial ads to increase ad revenue.

Focus on improving the depth of the game's metagame to provide players with more long-term goals.

Explore running iOS campaigns and utilizing TikTok for advertising

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/stay-ahead-in-ua-for-2024-my-top?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

CTV Special: Connected TV Ads examples Unpacked with Arthur from Vibe.co. Ideal customer for CTV?

9 maj 2024 | 41 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers special live session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej Lancaric⁠, Arthur Querou

Youtube: https://youtu.be/4qFeVMbbbnc

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ

Agenda

00:00 Introduction and Low Expectations of TV Creatives in the US

06:23 Running CTV Campaigns and Ad Experience

13:19 Data Partners and Audience Targeting

27:20 CPI Difference Between CTV and Facebook Ads

34:09 Examples of Successful Creatives

40:14 Contacting Vibe for CTV Advertising

---------------------------------------

Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

Arthur Querou

https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthurquerou/

---------------------------------------

Takeaways

CTV advertising offers precise targeting, retargeting, and measurement similar to Facebook and Google ads.

The minimum budget to start a CTV campaign is $50 a day, but it can scale up to hundreds of thousands or even millions for larger advertisers.

Simple, direct, and clear creatives tend to perform well in CTV advertising.

Incrementality measurement is important in understanding the full value of CTV advertising.

The ideal customer for CTV advertising is someone who understands that it takes time and investment to see results and is looking for a partner to navigate the evolving landscape.

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

---------------------------------------

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/stay-ahead-in-ua-for-2024-my-top?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article -

https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

From Hypercasual to Hybridcasual - The Supercent story. Iterative nature & Admon w/ UA in grey zone

6 maj 2024 | 59 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #108. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Youtube: https://youtu.be/VyBThe0Ukq4 Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-29stniv6f-oLJzhx2U_mRB_ppXnJ9hvQ Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

01:07 Discussion on Hyper-Casual and Hybrid-Casual Games

06:10 Overview of Supercet Games and Revenue

07:29 Gameplay and Mechanics of Pizza Ready, Outlet's Rush, and Snake Clash

10:34 Comparison to My Perfect Hotel and Other Games

16:09 The Iterative Nature of Supercent Games

23:02 Aggressive Ad Monetization

25:43 Rewarded Video Placements and Interstitial Ads

27:14 Controversial Use of Players' Devices

30:07 Effectiveness of Aggressive Ad Monetization Strategies

38:37 Balancing Monetization and User Experience

41:37 The Aggressive and Creative Use of Branded Ads in Hypercasual Games

42:56 Earning Millions: The Investment in User Acquisition for Games like Outlast Rush and Pizza Ready

43:24 The Gray Area of Using Famous Logos and Brands in-Game Ads

45:06 Exploring the Unique Gameplay of Snake UA --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaways

Supercent games follow an iterative approach, with each new release improving upon the previous one.

The games, such as Pizza Ready, Outlet's Rush, and Snake Clash, share similar mechanics and features.

Supercent has achieved significant success with millions of downloads and substantial revenue.

There is potential for further expansion and innovation in the hyper-casual and hybrid-casual space.

Supercent games Pizza Ready and Outlet Rush heavily rely on ad revenue, with IAP revenue being a low percentage.

The games employ various ad placements, including rewarded video placements, interstitial ads, banner ads, and in-app open ads.

The aggressive ad monetization strategies in these games are effective in generating revenue.

The conversation highlights the need for a balance between monetization and user experience. Branded ads in hypercasual games can be aggressive and creative, using famous logos and brands to attract users.

The legality and effectiveness of using famous logos and brands in-game ads are gray areas, but they can generate attention and drive CPIs.

The Snake UA game is an interesting iteration of the classic Snake game, focusing on level-based gameplay and boss fights. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/stay-ahead-in-ua-for-2024-my-top?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Squad Busters is Pay to Win: True or False? LEAKED Global Launch strategy. Big game review! (#107)

29 april 2024 | 76 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #107. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Youtube: https://youtu.be/UPH0nu1Mm9o Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

07:04 Soft Launch Strategy and Global Launch Announcement

13:56 Plaza, Character Progression, and Fusion

36:19 Monetization System and PvP Win Condition

55:35 Launching Parallel in China

01:04:53 Creative Concepts for Advertising

01:13:26 Influencer Marketing and Soft Launches --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaways

Squadbusters has undergone significant changes between beta builds, including the introduction of a new gacha system and character progression through shards.

The game features mega units that are consumable and have powerful stats, adding a pay-to-win element.

The Battleback feature allows players to open chests and upgrade characters using consumables.

The Beach World introduces new maps, units, and mods, and the Squad Journey provides a progression path for players.

The hosts express excitement about the game but question the impact of certain features on the competitive Supercell community. The hosts enjoy playing Squad Busters but highlight issues with PvP battles, such as lack of readability and incentive.

The game's monetization system, including the gacha system, is praised, but the PvP win condition needs improvement.

The potential impact of Squad Busters' global launch on other Supercell games, particularly Brawl Stars, is discussed.

The game's target audience is likely to be different from that of Brawl Stars, with Squad Busters appealing to a more casual and approachable player base.

Monetization strategies should be tailored to the Asian market, as pay-to-win mechanics are more accepted and successful in that region.

Influencer marketing, particularly on platforms like TikTok, can be a powerful tool for promoting Squad Busters.

Advertising channels such as TikTok, AppLovin, Google, and Facebook should be utilized to reach a wide audience.

Creative concepts for advertising should focus on storytelling, showcasing characters and progression, and incorporating humor.

Soft launches can provide valuable feedback and data, but given Supercell's expertise and the similarities to their other games, a soft launch may not be necessary for Squad Busters.

Supercell's strong retention rates and high day 30 percentages indicate the potential for long-term success with Squad Busters.

The success of Squad Busters will ultimately depend on the execution of marketing strategies and the quality of the game itself. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/how-to-soft-launch-a-mobile-game?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Brawl Stars' UA & Creative Strategies, Game Review Radar, GAM not dead yet? (#106)

23 april 2024 | 56 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #106. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Podcast: https://youtu.be/zdltbj05lvU Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-29stniv6f-oLJzhx2U_mRB_ppXnJ9hvQ

Agenda

00:00 Brawl Stars' Revenue Growth and UA Strategies

15:45 Different Types of Creatives Used in Brawl Stars' Marketing

35:37 Reviewing Game Performance: Block Jam 3D

42:19 Iterating on Successful Game Concepts

52:33 Speculating on the Future of the Last War --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaway

Takeaways

Brawl Stars experienced significant growth and revenue increase after its global launch.

Supercell employed effective user acquisition strategies and creative content to drive the game's success.

Community engagement and storytelling played a crucial role in the game's marketing.

We absolutely admire Supercell's marketing efforts and the effectiveness of their UA and creative strategies. Supercell is expanding its advertising strategy to different channels outside of YouTube

Google has prohibited the practice of refreshing placements and rolled out bidding for all partners

The performance of games like Block Gem 3D, Clash Mini, Tower War, and Pocket Champs is reviewed

We discuss the potential for other companies to iterate on successful game concepts Brawl Stars, Top Heroes, Twisted Tango, and Last War are all performing well in terms of revenue, downloads, and active users.

Lilith Games has its own off-platform payments platform called PlutoMall.

The hosts speculate on the future of Last War and its potential peak revenue.

Listeners are encouraged to join the upcoming AMA and engage with us! --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/stay-ahead-in-ua-for-2024-my-top?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai Felix Latest Article - https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Merge Games Market History & Full Overview: Travel Town no.1 Merge game & Gossip Harbor case studies

17 april 2024 | 100 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #105. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠Special Guest: Laura Taranto Youtube: https://youtu.be/HHUGcHxXDmk Join our Slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ Agenda

00:00 The History of Merge Games

53:48 Balancing the Economy and Resource Management

01:02:46 Implementing a Collectible Album System

01:15:11 Optimizing Ad Placements and End Cards

01:30:46 The Use of Big Boards and UGC

01:39:09 The Impact of Story-Driven Narratives --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar ---------------------------------------

Takeaways

Travel Town and Merge Dragons are successful examples of merge games.

Merge games offer revenue potential and innovative gameplay.

We are excited about the future of merge games. Merge games can be categorized into camp merge and grid merge, each with its own frustrations and player motivations.

Travel Town and Microfun's portfolio are the top performers in the merge game market.

Merge games require strategic thinking and organization, making them engaging for players.

The revenue potential of merge games is significant, with some games generating millions of dollars. Balancing the economy and resource management is crucial in grid merge games.

Limited board space can lead to frustration and difficult decisions for players.

Relief orders can help alleviate frustration by clearing items from the board.

Energy management and generator cooldowns play a significant role in gameplay.

Thoughtful design and balancing are essential for creating an enjoyable player experience. Balancing the economy and avoiding over-reliance on storage space monetization is crucial for successful monetization in games.

Implementing a collectible album system can enhance player engagement and provide opportunities for social interactions.

Ad placements when completing levels can be a valuable opportunity for increasing ad revenue.

Optimizing ad placements and end cards can improve user experience and retention. Merge Mansion and Gossip Harbor use a variety of creative strategies, including big boards, UGC, and story-driven narratives.

The presence of sexist content in some of the creatives is noted.

Travel Town receives high praise for its dedication and iteration, while Gossip Harbor is commended for its strong live ops pipeline.

Further development is needed in the event pipeline and progression balancing for both games.

--------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/how-to-soft-launch-a-mobile-game?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=youtube&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

AFK Journey: A Highly Polished & Innovative RPG Game, captivating storytelling with stunning visuals

8 april 2024 | 64 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #104. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Youtube: https://youtu.be/orl7awTs5zc Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ Agenda

00:00 Introduction and Recap of MAU Conference

02:13 Discussion on AFK Journey and Soft Launch

03:06 Overview of AFK Journey's Success and Revenue

05:49 Comparison with Other Games and Market Traction

07:55 Lilith Games' Portfolio and Revenue

09:03 Impact of Competing Games on Lilith's Revenue

10:10 Discussion on Lilith's Design and Product Quality

11:49 Exploration of Ad Placements and UA Videos

13:20 Overview of AFK Journey's Web Store and Real-World Rewards

15:33 Discussion on WhatsApp Groups and Web Store Trust

16:29 Comparison with Other Web Stores

18:23 Seamless and Streamlined Gameplay

22:20 Simplified Hero Collection and Equipment System

27:10 Difficulty Spikes and Honeymoon Period

28:10 Offers and In-Game Shop

29:49 Recruiting Heroes and Gacha System

34:02 Game Modes and Exploration

35:26 High Production Value and Engaging Storylines

37:50 Well-Developed Social Features

41:53 Improving in the Main Story Mode

43:25 Long Playtime and Endless Possibilities

46:01 Saving the Rating for the End

49:21 Engaging with TikTok and Social Media

52:14 Captivating Storytelling and High Production Value

58:28 Avoiding Cringy Ads and Focusing on Quality

01:01:29 High Innovation and Production Quality

--------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaways

AFK Journey is a continuation of AFK Arena and has seen significant success in terms of revenue and downloads.

The game features in-game mail, a web store, and real-world rewards, which contribute to its overall engagement and monetization.

Chinese companies like Lilith Games invest significant resources and manpower into their games, resulting in high-quality products.

The gameplay is seamless and streamlined, with auto-battle and idle rewards.

The hero collection and equipment system are simplified and easy to manage.

Social features, such as guilds and friend interactions, are well-developed.

The game offers a unique gameplay experience and a wide variety of heroes to collect and upgrade.

The UA strategy for AFK Journey focuses on high-quality creatives that showcase the game's narrative and gameplay, while avoiding fake or cringey ads.

Overall, AFK Journey is a standout game in the RPG genre and has the potential to attract a large player base. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/stay-ahead-in-ua-for-2024-my-top?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Is TikTok UA for teenagers? Soft launch sonar #4, Importance of Bid Floors, top Creatives in March

1 april 2024 | 57 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #103. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Youtube: https://youtu.be/RBoJxFdV5YI Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-29stniv6f-oLJzhx2U_mRB_ppXnJ9hvQ Agenda 00:00 The Shift from Placements to Bidding 04:14 The Importance of Bid Floors 06:33 Bid Floors for Banners 07:47 Bid Floors for Interstitials 09:28 Bid Floors for Rewarded Video 13:53 Using Direct Sold Campaigns 14:17 Exploring Alternative Backfill Options 15:43 The Importance of Bid Floors in Ad Monetization 18:00 Is Tiktok For teenagers only? 24:21 top creatives 34:43 Softlaunch sonar 4 --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/stay-ahead-in-ua-for-2024-my-top?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai Felix Latest Article - https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Legend of Mushroom's Success: 150+Mil IAP revenue in 4 months? Social features, guilds, UA & Admon

25 mars 2024 | 61 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #102. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Special guest: Ken Landen Youtube: https://youtu.be/gVUpvSJtkFw Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-29stniv6f-oLJzhx2U_mRB_ppXnJ9hvQ

Agenda

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:10 Legend of Mushroom's Success in South Korea

05:27 Game Design Similarities

08:08 Different Core Gameplay

10:18 Discussion with Ken Landen

13:29 Monetization and Social Features

21:21 Farm and Theft Mechanics

22:49 Social Features and Guild Mechanics

23:18 Timer Helper Mechanic

24:14 Unlocking Auto-Lamping

25:00 Session Links and Lamp Upgrades

26:13 Asynchronous Delta Event in Clan Wars

27:21 Different Types of Events

28:48 Durian Fruit and Cultural References

29:45 Ad Monetization and Urgency to Watch Ads

30:37 Implementing Banner Ads

33:17 Debate on Implementing Banner Ads

36:29 Discussion on QA and UA

37:43 Final Thoughts on Ads and Game Design

39:55 Twitter Ads in the US

42:11 Revenue in Japan and the US

44:01 Advertising Channels

45:33 Creatives and Localization

48:00 Creative Strategy

51:32 Localization in Asia

52:37 Improvements and Rating --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaways Takeaways

Legend of Mushroom has achieved significant success in South Korea, surpassing expectations and earning high revenue.

The game shares similarities with Legend of Slime in terms of game design and core mechanics, but also introduces some unique features.

Monetization and social features play a crucial role in the success of mobile games, and Legend of Mushroom has both strengths and areas for improvement in these aspects.

The farm and theft mechanics in Legend of Mushroom add an interesting and interactive element to the gameplay experience. Legend of Mushroom has unique social features and guild mechanics that enhance the gameplay experience.

The timer helper mechanic, taken from other games like Forex, allows players to receive assistance from their guild members on various timers.

The game could improve by unlocking the auto-lamping feature earlier in the gameplay progression.

The implementation of banner ads could provide additional ad revenue without significantly impacting IAP revenue. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/stay-ahead-in-ua-for-2024-my-top?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai Felix Latest Article - https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

4X (R)evolution part2. Last War: The biggest 4X in 2024! Crucial UA integration into core-loop

18 mars 2024 | 62 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #101. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Youtube: https://youtu.be/rlwg4d2Y3as Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-29stniv6f-oLJzhx2U_mRB_ppXnJ9hvQ

Agenda

01:04 Introducing the Topic: 4X Games

03:06 Last War: Revenue and Downloads

04:12 The Conspiracy Behind First Fun

05:13 The Gameplay Mechanics of Last War

06:02 The Challenging Boss Battles

07:10 The Onboarding Process

08:19 Exploring the 4X Gameplay

09:44 Saving Monica from the Bomb

10:53 The Advanced Gameplay Mechanics

14:26 The Raider and Track Mechanics

18:05 Importance of Onboarding and Gacha Mechanics

20:06 Expanding the Addressable Market

21:05 Incorporating Hypercasual Elements

22:32 Connecting and Integrating Games

23:13 Low Ad Revenue in 4X Games

24:13 Building a Community

25:12 Why Last War is More Successful than Top Heroes

26:08 Factors Contributing to Last War's Success

27:38 Expertise in the 4X Genre

28:00 Connections Between Chinese Companies

28:56 The Dominance of Asian Companies in the 4X Genre

29:54 Scaling and Revenue Comparison

30:18 Improved Onboarding and Gameplay in Last War

32:08 Success of Last War's Marketing Campaign

33:37 TV Commercial and Offline Branding

37:06 Creative Marketing Strategies

39:27 Different Visual Styles and Gameplay

40:07 Creative Trends and Hooks

41:07 Heavy Iteration in Creative World

42:12 Different Versions and Upgrades

43:09 Making Fun of Yourself in Creatives

44:08 Hyper-Casual Concepts from Different Angles

45:33 Ball of Zombies and Epic Battles

46:19 Similarities with Age of Origins

47:38 Similar Creatives from Different Companies

48:42 Integration of Onboarding Game into Main Game

50:15 Hidden Portfolios and Future Trends

53:36 Introduction of a New Game

56:50 Proliferation of Onboarding Game Trend

59:06 Integration of Onboarding Game in Top Heroes Category

59:44 Game from China with Onboarding Mechanics

01:00:12 Teaser for Next Week's Game --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- TakeawaysThe 4X genre in mobile gaming utilizes similar creative trends and gameplay mechanics across different companies.

The integration of onboarding games into the main game is becoming a popular trend in the mobile gaming industry.

Creatives in the mobile gaming industry heavily iterate on successful concepts and mechanics. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/stay-ahead-in-ua-for-2024-my-top?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai Felix Latest Article - https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

UA trends, TikTok, building communities for power users: Doubl3Tap x 2.5gamers crossover

16 mars 2024 | 29 min

Hybrid casual Twisted Tangle: 85% purchase revenue driven by iOS growth? Everything is possible!

11 mars 2024 | 47 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #100. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Youtube: https://youtu.be/a7rEif7GXA0 Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-29stniv6f-oLJzhx2U_mRB_ppXnJ9hvQ Agenda 00:00 Introduction and Celebration 03:43 Twisted Tangle: A Unique Puzzle Game 07:31 The Success of Twisted Tangle 09:20 Gameplay and Mechanics 15:46 Changes in the Game 21:09 Monetization and Level Curve 22:07 Changes in Winning Rewards 23:07 Currency and Soft Currency Sink 24:07 Ad Placements 25:11 Ad Revenue Analysis 26:11 Revenue Estimates 27:05 Downloads and Revenue by Country 28:10 Hybrid Casual Games 29:02 Mobile Gaming Industry 30:14 iOS vs Android 30:54 Retention Rates 33:06 User Acquisition Channels 34:33 Target Audience 36:00 Creative Concepts 38:06 Creative Analysis 41:45 UA Campaigns 43:02 Rating and Conclusion --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaways The game has different difficulty levels, with hard levels requiring more lives and very hard levels being even more challenging. The game's monetization strategy focuses on blockers and soft currency sinks, such as boosters and cosmetics. The game's revenue is primarily driven by in-app purchases (IAPs), with ad revenue playing a smaller role. The game's target audience is primarily older females, with the majority of downloads and revenue coming from the United States. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/stay-ahead-in-ua-for-2024-my-top?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai Felix Latest Article - https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

4X (R)evolution part1. Top Heroes: Idle RPG or 4X strategy game? (#99)

4 mars 2024 | 62 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #99. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Youtube: https://youtu.be/9e0blIi1r08 Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-29stniv6f-oLJzhx2U_mRB_ppXnJ9hvQ Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

04:45 Introduction to Top Heroes

05:10 The Unique Gameplay of Top Heroes

06:11 Transition to the World Map

08:06 Exploring the Town and Building Mechanics

09:08 Introduction to World Quests

10:07 Gameplay Mechanics and Objectives

12:40 Introduction to Hospital and Soldier Mechanics

20:02 Introduction to the Game and Revenue Analysis

21:05 Base Building Mechanics and Gameplay

22:23 Guilds and Social Mechanics

27:08 Grinding Bosses and Gear Upgrades

30:12 Engagement with Guilds and Events

34:22 Monetization and White Whales

36:24 Integration of AFK Arena and Rise of Kingdoms Mechanics

41:35 Poor Retention and Onboarding Experience

42:15 Initial Impressions of the Game

43:22 Smooth Onboarding and Gameplay

44:15 Teaser for the Next Episode

45:00 Discussion on the Importance of Ads

45:40 Upcoming Episode and Clues

46:26 Analysis of Ad Channels

48:26 Review of Creatives

53:33 Playable Ad and Revenue Growth

57:31 Experimenting with New Creatives

58:35 Revenue and Country Breakdown --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaways Top Heroes is a game with unique gameplay mechanics, including a transition from an action RPG to a world map.

The game features building mechanics, world quests, and hospital and soldier mechanics.

The conversation also touches on the topic of ad revenue and channel growth.

Rewarded ads are implemented in the game to provide players with additional resources and speed up gameplay. 4X games combine elements of AFK Arena and Rise of Kingdoms to create a unique gameplay experience.

Guilds and social mechanics play a crucial role in the game, with strong social engagement driving the guild's progress.

The connection between heroes and Forex gameplay is a key aspect, with heroes carrying soldiers and their level determining their strength on the 4X map.

Grinding bosses and upgrading gear are important activities in the game, providing resources and bonuses.

Monetization in 4X games primarily comes from the 4X mechanics, with players investing in upgrading resources, soldiers, and peace shields.

The game targets a niche audience, and the total addressable market for 4X games may not be as large as other genres. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/creative-framework-how-to-win-in?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Mobile Gaming OG Eric Futoran: (Scopely) War stories, Algorithm Manipulation, Growth strategies, ANR

29 februari 2024 | 62 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers special OG session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Special guest: Eric Futoran from https://embrace.io/ Youtube: https://youtu.be/nWdvjIP6D2s Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-29stniv6f-oLJzhx2U_mRB_ppXnJ9hvQ

Agenda

00:00 Epic Introduction and Special Guest

03:22 Starting with Max and Scopely

08:26 Scopely's Breakout Success

14:27 Scopely's Winning Formulas

20:37 Launching a Game at Scale

24:04 Different Types of Traffic for Game Launch

28:37 The Importance of Featuring and Channels for Launch

30:32 Strategies for Growth and Algorithm Manipulation

31:30 The Importance of Starting Strong

33:40 Timing and Seasonality in App Launches

34:14 The Impact of Changing App Icons

36:14 Success Stories of Simple App Ideas

37:08 Negotiating IP Deals

38:24 The Process of Signing IP and Deal Structures

40:49 The Challenges of IP Approvals

42:55 Calculating Fees and Revenue Sharing in IP Deals

45:52 The Limitations of Predictive LTV in Soft Launch

49:20 Analyzing ANR Issues and Ad Networks

55:47 The Importance of Collecting Data for Troubleshooting

59:34 Balancing User Experience and Revenue Generation --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaways Starting strong in app rankings is crucial for long-term success.

Changing app icons can help reactivate dormant users and trigger increased engagement.

IP deals require careful negotiation and consideration of upfront fees, revenue sharing, and content approvals.

Predictive LTV is challenging to calculate accurately in soft launch.

Collecting data and using analytics tools can help identify and troubleshoot ANR issues and ad network problems.

Balancing user experience and revenue generation is a constant challenge in the gaming industry. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://lancaric.substack.com/p/creative-framework-how-to-win-in?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=pod&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai Felix Latest Article - https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Voodoo super growth w/ Alvaro Duarte: How to 10x IAP revenue in 2 years? Margin!

26 februari 2024 | 63 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #98. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Special guest: Alvaro Duarte Youtube: https://youtu.be/pKMOGndZ8Eo Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-29stniv6f-oLJzhx2U_mRB_ppXnJ9hvQ Agenda
00:00 Epic Introduction and Setting of the Tone

01:08 Introducing Alvaro and Voodoo Gaming Portfolio

04:04 Hypercasual Games: Dead or Alive?

05:02 Opportunities for Small Gaming Companies

06:14 The Success of Mob Control and Block Jam 3D

07:06 The Evolution of Mob Control

08:12 The Impact of Gacha Mechanics in Mob Control

09:04 The Vision and Long-Term Strategy of Mob Control

11:32 Teasers for Future Updates in Mob Control

15:04 The Positive Impact of Mob Control on Block Jam 3D

22:00 The Role of Ads and In-App Purchases in Voodoo Games

26:30 The Internalization of Gaming Teams at Voodoo

28:00 The Unique Features and Potential of Blockjam

29:08 Voodoo's Ambitions in the Casual Gaming Market

30:38 The Rise of Small Teams in Voodoo

31:19 The Mandatory Shift to CPI-Focused Strategies

32:14 The Success of Paper.io

33:01 The Metagame Features of Paper.io

34:28 The Evolution of Paper.io's Gameplay

36:16 The Monetization Elements in Paper.io

37:07 The Thinking Behind Repurposing Games

38:11 The Journey of Transforming Games

39:16 The Importance of CPI Proficiency

40:02 The Potential of Replicating Success in Other Games

40:40 The Future of Voodoo's Key Titles

41:54 The Skill Set Needed for IAP-Based Games

43:47 The Importance of Prototyping and Volume of Prototypes

45:31 The Challenges and Misconceptions of Hypercasual Games

47:05 The Transition from Hypercasual to Hybrid Casual

48:05 The Shift in UA Strategies for Hybrid Casual Games

49:53 The Transition to In-App Driven Revenue

54:09 The Impact of IAP on UA Strategies

57:49 The Head Count at Voodoo --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaways The rise of small teams in Voodoo is leading to the creation of numerous prototypes and innovative game concepts.

CPI-focused strategies are becoming mandatory for game developers due to the challenges of breaching the CPI wall.

Core games are being positioned as hypercasuals, with a focus on creative and onboarding elements

The success of Paper.io demonstrates the potential for growth and revenue increase through metagame features and visual progression.

The transition from hypercasual to hybrid casual requires a different skill set and a focus on live ops and player retention. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Hybrid casual playbook - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/hybrid-casual-ua-playbook-real-data?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Stash Special: loyalty programs, well-made web shops, frictionless user experience

22 februari 2024 | 42 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠Special guests: Justin Kan, Archie Stonehill Youtube: https://youtu.be/pORGGWDAyUM Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-29stniv6f-oLJzhx2U_mRB_ppXnJ9hvQ Stash blog post: https://dev.stash.gg/blog/mythbusting-app-stores-30-percent-or-more Agenda 00:00 Epic intro

03:02 Introduction of Guests

06:01 Pivot from Fractal to Stash

09:09 Apple's New Payment Guidelines

19:36 Apple's Fee Structure

25:09 Impact on Different Game Genres

27:06 Alternative Payment Processors

29:02 Cost of External Partners

31:24 Direct-to-Consumer Strategies

31:50 Introduction to No Bullshit Gaming Podcast

32:06 Implementing Incentives for Direct Consumer Channels

33:08 Designing Loyalty Programs

35:50 Driving Traffic to Web Shops

38:08 Creating Well-Made Web Shops

42:24 The Role of Stash in the Gaming Ecosystem

43:30 The Future of Stash and Game Developers --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaways Implementing incentives for direct consumer channels can drive engagement, reward loyalty, and increase retention.Designing loyalty programs that offer a variety of discounts, time-based offers, loyalty tiers, and exclusive content can enhance the overall user experience.Driving traffic to web shops can be achieved through effective search engine optimization, on-page SEO, and conversion optimization.Creating well-made web shops involves providing a frictionless user experience, seamless account linking, and a focus on enhancing the game experience.Stash aims to be a white label experience that helps game developers own the customer relationship and avoid platform intermediation.The future of Stash lies in providing excellent experiences and giving game developers the freedom to switch platforms if desired. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://lancaric.me/11-mobile-user-acquisition-tips-q1-version-24 Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai Felix Latest Article - https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

We are Warriors live Review: Ad juggernaut, creative depth, balancing difficulty & progression, UA

20 februari 2024 | 69 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠Special Guest: Samer Al Dafai Youtube: https://youtu.be/B5J3V_F5-HA Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-29stniv6f-oLJzhx2U_mRB_ppXnJ9hvQ

Agenda 00:00 Epic Introduction and Special Guest

04:14 The Idea Behind We Are Warriors

06:07 Game Design and Progression

18:08 Ad Monetization Strategy

21:32 Retention and Revenue

23:44 Ad Placements and Strategy

29:25 Game development and learning

30:13 Estimations and revenue breakdown

33:39 Impact of IAPs on ad revenue

34:44 Scaling and revenue comparison

36:23 User acquisition and session counts

38:08 Downloads and revenue distribution

39:32 Ad networks and mediation

42:06 Payback period and UA predictions

44:33 TikTok Creative Challenge

50:07 Creative team and external partners

55:22 Creative philosophy and consultants

57:26 Organic Downloads and Growth

59:06 Difficulty and User Feedback

01:00:14 Creatives and Art Style

01:01:21 User Ratings and Reviews

01:02:01 Progression and Economy

01:04:08 User Segmentation and Ad Placements

01:06:09 Segmentation and Ad Load

01:08:26 UA Strategy and Creatives --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaways Organic downloads can lead to significant growth, especially when leveraging platforms like TikTok.

User feedback on difficulty should be considered and A/B tests can help optimize the game's difficulty.

Creatives and art style play a crucial role in attracting and engaging users.

User ratings and reviews provide valuable insights and should be monitored and addressed.

Segmentation of users based on their progression and behavior can help optimize ad placements and ad load.

User segmentation can also be used to tailor the game experience and economy.

Regular iteration and updates are important for maintaining user engagement and monetization.

User acquisition strategies should focus on creating new playables and experimenting with different angles.

The overall rating for the game is positive, with praise for the team's performance and revenue generation. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/stay-ahead-in-ua-for-2024-my-top?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Xsolla special: Apple's updated EU payments, DMA regime, new fees & requirements, web shops

15 februari 2024 | 41 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers special DMA session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Special Guest: Sam Gagliani Youtube: https://youtu.be/rqw1nsadqGA Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-29stniv6f-oLJzhx2U_mRB_ppXnJ9hvQ MORE FREEDOM FOR THE MOBILE GAMING MARKET: DMA AND BEYOND: http://xsolla.pro/DMA Agenda 00:00 Introduction

02:06 Apple's new payment rules

03:21 Apple's fees and requirements

05:21 Challenges for developers

07:57 Strategies for shifting users to web stores

12:46 Apple's resistance and future predictions

16:32 EU's perspective and potential pushback

18:16 Success metrics and risk tolerance

20:31 Redirecting users to web stores

22:20 Gray zone tactics and education

24:04 Shift in spending habits

27:31 Merchant of record and additional services

33:33 Summary and TLDR

35:24 Incentivizing Users to Visit Retail Stores

36:22 Adopting a Retail Mindset

37:47 The Potential Issues with Side Loading

38:14 Apple and Google as Expensive Payment Processors

38:43 Creating a Store and Keeping Users Engaged

39:30 Supporting Mid-Tier Businesses --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaways Apple's updated EU payments DMA regime imposes new fees and requirements on developers, including reduced commission and payment processing fees.Developers face challenges in navigating these new rules and must find strategies to shift users to web stores.Apple is resistant to change and is likely to continue imposing fees and restrictions on third-party payment transactions.The EU may push back against Apple's rules, as they may be seen as anti-competitive.Developers should consider building web stores and treating them as retail stores, with a focus on education, communication, and providing value to users. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/stay-ahead-in-ua-for-2024-my-top?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai Felix Latest Article - https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Gamesforum Live Special w/ Adam & Gus: Rewarded play, AI in game development. Are UA managers lazy?

12 februari 2024 | 49 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠Special Guests: Adam Jaffe, Gus Viegas Youtube: https://youtu.be/Jr2HLMZXjnw Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-29stniv6f-oLJzhx2U_mRB_ppXnJ9hvQ --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/stay-ahead-in-ua-for-2024-my-top?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai Felix Latest Article - https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Brawl Stars to the Moon? A monetization deepdive! GameMakers x 2.5 gamers crossover

5 februari 2024 | 70 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers x Gamemakers crossover session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej Lancaric⁠, Joseph Kim, Ken Landen Youtube: https://youtu.be/NIPb2gKeFiw⁠ Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-29stniv6f-oLJzhx2U_mRB_ppXnJ9hvQ Agenda 00:00 Epic intro
03:00 Performance of Brawl Stars
06:00 Product Overview and Gameplay
12:00 Monetization and Economy Management
19:00 Brawl Pass and Revenue Verticals
25:00 Hypercharges and Progression
31:53 Monetization and Economy
37:11 Social Features and Game Modes
41:26 Ad Tech and Rewarded Videos
45:17 Optimizing Offers and Personalization
50:09 Event Structure and Season Quest Cadence
52:32 Additional Power Layers and Hypercharges
55:30 User Acquisition and Marketing Channels
01:03:25 Recent Spike and Structural Changes
01:05:04 Live Ops Changes and Team Expansion
01:06:40 Long-Term Outlook and Baseline Expectations --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaways Some games on the radar are experiencing steady growth and stable revenue, while others are declining or struggling to gain traction.

The success of a game often depends on factors such as gameplay mechanics, updates, and the target audience.

Developers should consider diversifying their portfolio and exploring new genres to avoid cannibalizing their own games.

The performance of games can vary greatly, even within the same company or genre. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/ai-winning-creatives-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

PGC Live Special w/ John Wright: Hybrid casual is a stepping stone! Quality over quantity

29 januari 2024 | 49 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers live session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠Special guest: John Wright Youtube: https://youtu.be/mBXiCxNyNX8 Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-29stniv6f-oLJzhx2U_mRB_ppXnJ9hvQ Agenda:

00:00 Epic intro

02:00 Mr. Vice President

13:00 Pre-bid & post-bid

15:01 Pay your bills with retention

15:15 Hybrid-casual games

21:25 Milestones & KPIs

26:43 The shape of the curve

31:20 costs

37:10 Nobody cares about D1 anymore

39:52 You spend money and you learn

43:20 3 tips on how to find Jesus --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/stay-ahead-in-ua-for-2024-my-top?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai Felix Latest Article - https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

3 life changing UA tips from 2023, how to revert ad apocalypse? Review Radar vol 3 (#95)

22 januari 2024 | 69 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #95. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Youtube: https://youtu.be/PQKNCqm9Vdk Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-29stniv6f-oLJzhx2U_mRB_ppXnJ9hvQ Agenda 00:00 Epic intro

02:35 Finding Creative Inspiration

12:02 Incorporating Mini Games in Ads

13:59 Iterating on Creative Winners

19:34 Challenges in Ad Monetization

25:21 Optimizing Ad Revenue

30:33 Event-Driven Ad Placements

33:23 Review Radar

34:17 Introduction and Background

35:10 Reviewing Games on the Radar

01:05:04 Announcement of After Party

01:06:09 Meetup at PGC in London

--------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaways Some games on the radar are experiencing steady growth and stable revenue, while others are declining or struggling to gain traction.

The success of a game often depends on factors such as gameplay mechanics, updates, and the target audience.

Developers should consider diversifying their portfolio and exploring new genres to avoid cannibalizing their own games.

The performance of games can vary greatly, even within the same company or genre. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/ai-winning-creatives-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai Felix Latest Article - https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Special: Investing in Mobile Games w/ Ignacio Monereo. When to approach VC?

19 januari 2024 | 57 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers special session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ignacio Monereo,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Youtube: https://youtu.be/ZdPgvU0v_Sk Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-29stniv6f-oLJzhx2U_mRB_ppXnJ9hvQ --------------------------------------- Summary In this conversation, Nacho Monereo, a partner at Boost Capital, shares his career journey from working at Google and Facebook to becoming a venture capitalist. He discusses the requirements and skills needed for a VC role, including the importance of relationships and sales skills. Nacho also explains the due diligence process and how to filter and analyze pitch decks. Additionally, Nacho discusses deal flow strategies and the challenges of closing deals and deploying capital. He also shares his preference for investing in mobile games and explains how gaming principles can be applied to other industries. The conversation then delves into the process of pitching a game to a VC, considering bootstrapping as an alternative, and the factors VCs consider when funding a game or company. Nacho provides advice on when to approach VCs, the importance of diligence on VCs, and the benefits of executing quickly and diversifying funding. --------------------------------------- Agenda 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:05 Career Journey 03:26 Transition to Venture Capital 05:49 Challenges at Google Play 12:55 Due Diligence Process 17:33 Filtering and Analyzing Pitch Decks 20:06 Ideal Time to Reach Out to VCs 23:23 Ticket Sizes and Pro Rata 38:18 Closing Deals and Deployment 39:28 Preference in Gaming and Investments 39:55 The Difficulty of Free-to-Play Mobile Games 41:27 Investing in Mobile Games 42:25 Applying Gaming Principles to Other Industries 43:39 Pitching a Game to a VC 44:42 Considering Bootstrapping 45:41 Factors to Consider in VC Funding 47:00 Building a Successful Game or Company 49:21 When to Approach VCs 52:07 Executing Quickly and Diversifying Funding --------------------------------------- Takeaways Building relationships and having strong sales skills are crucial for a venture capitalist. The due diligence process involves analyzing the team, product, market, and round details. The team's experience, vision, and ability to work well together are key factors in investment decisions. Deal flow can be generated through networking, referrals, and proactive outreach. Closing deals requires careful consideration of legal clauses and other provisions. Investment preferences can vary, but a focus on mobile gaming and other emerging trends is common. The mobile gaming market is highly competitive, but there are still opportunities for success and exits. Investors in the gaming industry prefer mobile games due to their familiarity and comfort in making investment decisions. Gaming principles, such as user acquisition, engagement, retention, and monetization, can be applied to other industries like FinTech, HealthTech, EdTech, and PropTech. When pitching a game to a VC, it is important to have a clear vision, a strong team, and a focus on building a successful game or company. Consider bootstrapping and validating your game concept before seeking VC funding. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

Apple vs Epic Special: 27% fee, new guidelines & creative solutions with workarounds

18 januari 2024 | 22 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers special session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remiar,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Youtube: https://youtu.be/w_BnrBMFSOQ Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-29stniv6f-oLJzhx2U_mRB_ppXnJ9hvQ

Check: https://mobilegamer.biz/apple-moves-to-quash-us-web-shop-uprising-with-scare-screens-and-a-27-cut-of-all-iaps/ --------------------------------------- Summary In this emergency episode, Matej, Felix, and Jakub discuss the recent Apple versus Epic legal battle and the implications for app developers. They explore Apple's new guidelines allowing in-app purchases to include links to external websites but with a 27% commission fee. The hosts delve into the challenges and potential workarounds for developers, including the scare screen and user experience issues. They also discuss the impact of the DMA regulation and the possibility of alternative app stores. The episode concludes with a call for creativity and innovative solutions in navigating Apple's policies. --------------------------------------- Agenda 00:00Introduction and Background

00:38Apple's New Guidelines

02:31The Twist: 27% Commission

03:14Exploring Different Perspectives

05:11The Impact of the DMA Regulation

06:10Creative Solutions and Workarounds

07:21The Scare Screen and User Experience

08:26Additional Requirements and Challenges

09:36The Potential for Discounts and Savings

10:47The Financial Motivation for Apple

12:58The App Store's Revenue Impact

16:18The Future of App Store Policies

18:51Final Thoughts and Call for Creativity --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaways Apple's new guidelines allow in-app purchases to include links to external websites, but with a 27% commission fee.

Developers are exploring creative solutions and workarounds to minimize the impact of the commission fee.

The scare screen and user experience issues pose challenges for developers in implementing external links.

The future of app store policies remains uncertain, with the potential for alternative app stores and regulatory changes. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/stay-ahead-in-ua-for-2024-my-top?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Pocket Champs live review: Exceptional growth, Clever game design, Ads playbook w/Arthur Michel (94)

15 januari 2024 | 70 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #94. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠, Arthur Michel Youtube: https://youtu.be/4yhTGKmL3Ds Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-29stniv6f-oLJzhx2U_mRB_ppXnJ9hvQ

Madbox is recruiting in Live Games, New Games, Data and Automation: madbox.io/jobs Agenda 00:00 Epic Intro

02:04 Discovery and Initial Impressions of Pocket Champs

04:09 Game Design and Core Gameplay Mechanics

09:52 Progression Systems and Collection Building

16:47 Matchmaking and Player Experience

23:49 Evolution of the Game and Key Features

28:20 Improvements and Challenges in Progression Systems

32:52 Interstitial Ads and Ad Monetization

33:52 Rewarded Placements and Clever Design Features

35:20 No Banner Ads and Focus on In-App Purchases

37:25 Controlling Interstitial Ad Frequency and Bid Floors

39:19 Estimated Ad Revenue and ECPMs

40:57 Experimenting with Interstitial Ads

47:05 Indirect Integration of Ad-Related Missions

49:03 Positive Feedback on Creatives and Innovations

50:28 Gates Creatives and Unique Icons

53:28 Exploring Deeper Progression System

56:06 Ad Networks and Spend Estimates

57:41 Long-Term Retention and Future Plans

01:02:59 Overall Assessment and Room for Improvement

01:06:51 Game Production Philosophy and Purposeful Feature Integration

01:07:27 Finding Features that Enhance Player Experience

01:08:14 Passion and Creativity in Game Design --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaways Pocket Champs features strategic decision-making in gear selection and offers a balance between player input and automated gameplay.

The game's progression systems, such as the trophy road and events, provide short and midterm objectives for players.

Matchmaking in Pocket Champs is challenging due to the low skill involvement, but efforts are made to create a meaningful player experience.

The game's monetization strategies, including offers and battle passes, are designed to provide value and maintain a robust economy.

Continuous iteration and risk-taking are essential for game updates to keep the player base engaged and the game fun for the long term. Game development teams should have ownership and control over their games.

When adding new features, it is crucial to consider their purpose and how they connect with the existing game.

Finding features that make sense and enhance the player experience requires time, iteration, and creative work.

Passion is essential in game design and development. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/stay-ahead-in-ua-for-2024-my-top?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Is Monopoly GO profitable? GameMakers x 2.5 gamers crossover

12 januari 2024 | 55 min

Another GameMakers x 2.5 gamers crossover episode! Tune in now. In this podcast episode, Joseph Kim, Matej Lancaric, and Summer Liu discuss the profitability of the game Monopoly Go. They explore the controversy surrounding the game and the lack of a widely accepted definition of profitability in the industry. The conversation covers data analysis, marketing strategies, and the use of different creatives. The hosts also discuss the importance of understanding CPIs and the impact of scaling up advertising spend. The conversation delves into the topic of profitability in the mobile games business, exploring the nuances and challenges of defining and achieving profitability. Discussing the importance of maintaining scale and KPIs in order to sustain profitability. The conversation also highlights the differences between operational profitability and UA modeled payback profitability. Additionally, they touch on the LTV curves and payback periods in different game genres. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the profitability of Monopoly Go and the need for a clear definition of profitability. Takeaways The games industry lacks a widely accepted definition of profitability, leading to confusion and conflation of different issues. Monopoly Go has achieved significant success, with high revenue and a large number of downloads. The game utilizes various marketing strategies, including video and playable ads, to attract and engage players. Understanding CPIs and the impact of scaling up advertising spend is crucial for evaluating the profitability of a game. Maintaining scale and KPIs is crucial for sustaining profitability in the mobile games business. Profitability in the mobile games industry can be defined differently, including operational profitability and UA modeled payback profitability. LTV curves and payback periods vary across different game genres and can impact profitability. There are nuances and tricks in-game profitability, including accounting practices and adjusting costs. Agenda 00:00 Introduction and Background03:00 Defining Profitability in the Games Industry09:00 Data Analysis and Revenue23:00 Marketing Analysis32:00 Creative Strategies and CPIs43:04 Maintaining Scale and KPIs44:03 Defining Profitability in the Mobile Games Business45:57 Operational Profitability vs. UA Modeled Payback Profitability49:46 LTV Curves and Payback Periods53:56 Nuances and Tricks in Game Profitability59:46 Is Monopoly Go Profitable?

Hybrid casual Tower War: The evolution of core gameplay, growth & creatives, admon excellense (#93)

8 januari 2024 | 66 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #93. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Youtube: https://youtu.be/Gn49tbtPvYU Join our slack channel here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-235cralar-rzJNo5gNa~yrYrrun7PDjQ

PGC Party signup - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pgc-london-after-party-kwalee-x-bambassadors-x-two-a-half-gamers-tickets-788126897767?aff=oddtdtcreator

Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

01:25 Introduction and Game Overview

04:02 Tower War's Rapid Growth

05:29 Similarities with Other Games in the Genre

14:56 The Evolution of Tower War's Core Gameplay

19:48 Monetization and Hidden Features

25:13 Improvements and Missed Opportunities

26:51 Interstitial Ads and Gameplay

32:13 Different Approaches to Ad Placements

35:20 Ad Revenue Breakdown

38:31 Overall Evaluation and Rating

42:45 Creatives

46:13 Experimentation with Visual Styles

50:38 PvP and Hyper-Casual Headlines

53:48 Confusing Creatives and Inconsistent Visuals

54:24 Evolution of Games and Revenue

55:07 Game Revenue and Downloads

56:02 Top Games and Revenue

58:20 User Acquisition Channels

59:50 Advertising Spend on Facebook

01:01:25 UA Summary and Recommendations

01:02:45 Game Design and Progression

01:03:29 Retention and Long-Term Potential

--------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me/⁠ Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com/⁠ Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar/⁠ --------------------------------------- Takeaways

Saygames has seen significant revenue growth, with the top month reaching over $5 million in IAP revenue.
My Perfect Hotel and Tower of War are the top games in terms of revenue and downloads.
User acquisition is primarily driven by Applovin, Google, and Facebook, with Mintegral and TikTok also playing a role.
Advertising spend on Facebook is relatively low in the US, indicating a focus on the EU markets.
The game's core gameplay and progression mechanics are strong, but there is room for improvement in adding more mechanics and progression layers.
Retention rates are relatively good, with around 40% on day one and 3% on day 60/90.

--------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

--------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/stay-ahead-in-ua-for-2024-my-top?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article - https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

The Hunt for hybrid casual, Captain Hook of Creatives, Google Apocalypse (#92)

1 januari 2024 | 55 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #92. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Youtube: https://youtu.be/wgTV8NEkyrQ Join our slack channel here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-235cralar-rzJNo5gNa~yrYrrun7PDjQ

Agenda

00:00 Epic Intro and Subscriber Growth

03:44 Technical shenanigans

04:36 The Hunt for Hybrid Casual Games

13:20 Tower defense game from SayGames

19:02 The Google Ad Monetization Revolution

28:15 Announcement of Captain Hook Awards

30:40 Review of Monopoly Go Creative

31:28 Review of Hero Wars Creative

35:16 Review of Age of Apes Creative

36:30 Good hook can dramatically decrease your CPIs

37:18 My Perfect Hotel No wifi hook

38:29 Review of Candy Crush Creative

39:59 Review of Kingdom Guard Creative

42:32 Review of Whiteout Survival Creative

48:12 Discussion of the Best Hooks

50:51 Discussion of Weird and Sexist Creatives

52:58 PGC London Talks

53:15 PGC Takeover and Party

53:42 Partnership with Games Forum

54:00 New Year Greetings --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me/⁠ Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com/⁠ Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar/⁠ --------------------------------------- Takeaways

We have experienced significant growth in their subscriber base.

The hunt for hybrid casual games is a major trend in the industry, with companies like Habby, Voodoo, and Crazy Labs leading the way.

Google's recent changes in ad monetization have had a significant impact on publishers, particularly the end of a popular ad monetization hack.

The revenue profiles of different game studios vary, with some experiencing growth and others facing challenges. Hooks play a crucial role in driving user acquisition and can significantly reduce CPIs.

The best hooks are those that are unique, attention-grabbing, and seamlessly connected to the gameplay.

Creatives that use real-life footage or well-known celebrities can be highly effective in capturing users' attention.

Weird and sexist creatives should be avoided as they can negatively impact the brand image and user perception.

Matej will be speaking at PGC London and invite listeners to attend their talks.

There will be a party organized by 2.5gamers during PGC London.

The podcast has partnered with Games Forum and will have a live session at the conference.

We wish you a happy New Year.

--------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

--------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/stay-ahead-in-ua-for-2024-my-top?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Felix Latest Article - https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes

Unfolding Doodle Magic Wizard vs Slime: CPIs, missed admon opportunities, systems & vectors (#91)

27 december 2023 | 45 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #91. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Youtube: https://youtu.be/koEhSqvLUwI Join our slack channel here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-235cralar-rzJNo5gNa~yrYrrun7PDjQ

Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

02:52 Why are we talking about this game?

04:28 Doodle Magic: Wizard vs Slime game design review

17:15 Random dice vs Rush Royale

18:42 Ad monetisation review

26:40 Game numbers and geo split

31:20 Network analysis

32:34 PGC london Tiktok Strategies for launches!

35:05 Creative showcase

42:20 Elon Musk from Wish

--------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me/⁠ Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com/⁠ Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar/⁠ --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

--------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - ⁠https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/hybrid-casual-ua-playbook-real-data?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Supercell's Clash Mini Softlaunch: Game design, UA & Creative review (#90)

18 december 2023 | 64 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #90. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej Lancaric⁠ Youtube: https://youtu.be/MRywNsY7GeE Join our slack channel here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-235cralar-rzJNo5gNa~yrYrrun7PDjQ

Agenda:

00:00 Epic intro

04:23 Auto chess history lesson

08:27 Different podcast - no mice-nuts here

11:23 UA review & data

15:07 Retention numbers

20:38 Call Matej if you need UA

31:23 Game design review

40:04 Class system

45:12 Gachapooooools

--------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me/⁠ Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com/⁠ Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar/⁠ --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - ⁠https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/hybrid-casual-ua-playbook-real-data?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Voodoo Block Jam 3D Hybrid casual story: Is Voodoo a Rising Phoenix? (#89)

11 december 2023 | 63 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #89. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Felix Braberg⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej Lancaric⁠ Youtube: https://youtu.be/8b7-_l_dq5w Join our slack channel here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-235cralar-rzJNo5gNa~yrYrrun7PDjQ Agenda: 00:00 Epic intro 01:34 ZZZ Nobody cares... 03:35 Block Jam 3D intro 03:51 What is Party UP studio? 06:06 Happy 10th Birthday Voodoo! 08:25 Only 25% of Voodoo revenue is hypercasual 09:31 Rising phoenix 11:12 Block Jam 3D game design review 15:20 DDA in Match3 games 19:32 Welcome to the UA world, Jakub! 20:43 Voodoo hybrid casual theme 25:22 Jakub going back in time 26:07 Builds comparisons 27:53 Market testing? 29:29 Bus Jam vs Block Jam 31:15 New survivor games in Voodoo portfolio 33:20 Ad monetisation review 36:04 Immunity for a while 40:00 Ad revenue calculation 41:42 Fake leaderboard 42:38 Block Jam 3D numbers 44:30 Market testing 45:18 Have a good day, bye! 45:47 Everything is connected 49:00 UA in market testing & UA channel mix 51:54 Only Applovin only on UA! 52:10 Creative showcase 59:14 Jakub is positively surprised 1:00:29 Doom & gloom --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me/⁠ Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com/⁠ Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar/⁠ --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - ⁠https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/hybrid-casual-ua-playbook-real-data?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web⁠ Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Zenless Zone Zero: First look! Everything we know from Closed Beta (#88)

4 december 2023 | 48 min

Creative trends Q3, Merge mansion Japan, Admon tips, Habby: Souls review (#87)

27 november 2023 | 55 min

From Hypercasual to Hybridcasual - The Estoty Portfolio story (#86)

20 november 2023 | 43 min

5 tips for killer UA, Soft launch Sonar vol3, Black Friday secret admon tips (#85)

20 november 2023 | 63 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #85. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Felix Braberg⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej Lančarič⁠⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/lrllOFo3dLg ⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join our slack channel here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-235cralar-rzJNo5gNa~yrYrrun7PDjQ

Agenda:

00:00 Epic intro

01:00 HIT conference chit-chat

03:04 real agenda

04:20 Black Friday Admon absolute tip

13:00 5 UA killer tips

20:22 Go-to websites for memes

22:21 Leo from Wish

26:20 Localize or Pedro Pascal?

33:50 Super effective creative research

34:10 Look at Nexters, and you are good?

35:29 Soft launch sonar volume 3

37:54 Very lazy start of Softlaunch sonar

47:42 A new generation of mobile games

57:08 Best as last! ZZZ from Hoyoverse

---------------------------------------

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article - https://lancaric.me/11-tips-for-killer-user-acquisition-ops-q4/

Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai

Creative brief example:

Quick brief idea - STRATEGY DECISION:

The champion is the main character on each side's team. Since we have to make a strategic decision, this will be the main topic of this creative. We have to decide - going back and attacking from defense? Or jump with our champion on an enemy field with a heroic win (or lose)

Scenario:

We are zoomed in on our champion.
The camera zooms out so we see the whole map
The scene goes dark, only our hero is visible.
The headline will show up as “CRUCIAL STRATEGIC DECISION”
Option 1: Attack from defense
Option 2: Attack with all power
We click on Option 2
We see gameplay and our hero jumps on the enemy's field and dies after a battle :(
The screen goes dark again with the headline “WRONG X”
Endscreen with the headline: “Can you do better?” Button: Try no/End screen if win “The best defense is a good offense” Button: Play now/

Progression concepts:

Quick brief idea Day 1 vs. Day 30
This creative is showing progress in a game.

The screen is divided into 2 parts.
On the left side, we see literally first-day gameplay:
heroes & troops are on a basic level
there is a headline DAY 1 in a creative
On the right side is exactly the opposite with the headline DAY 30

There is so much more to try!

Warcraft Rumble: Deep dive into game's complexity, spend depth, systems, vectors, UA & creatives (#84)

6 november 2023 | 71 min

Supercell's Mo.co: First look! New game in closed beta - not even in soft launch yet

30 oktober 2023 | 48 min

Top Troops Global launch case study: Game design, Ad monetisation & UA review (#82)

23 oktober 2023 | 68 min

China Special West to East: market situation, cultural adaptation, publishing, UA & creatives

16 oktober 2023 | 53 min

Alien Invasion hybrid casual story: Full Game design, Ad monetization, UA and creatives review (#81)

9 oktober 2023 | 53 min

How to pick Admon partners, Ads library bonanza & research, Game review radar vol2 (#80)

2 oktober 2023 | 59 min

Mr.Autofire live review w/ Miikka Ahonen: User Acquisition, Creatives, Game design, Admon (#79)

25 september 2023 | 73 min

Unity Special no.3: The reckoning. They are sorry, but the trust is gone!

24 september 2023 | 29 min

The mystery case of My Perfect Hotel - A New hybrid casual framework for Idle Arcade (#78)

18 september 2023 | 66 min

Unity Special no.2: Boycott - Developers Fight Back in the mediation war

15 september 2023 | 34 min

Unity Special: From $200/month fee to $187k. Death kiss to (small & hypercasual) developers

12 september 2023 | 36 min

Empire Takeover - 4X Hybridcasual review: UA, Creatives, Ad monetization, Game design (#77)

4 september 2023 | 41 min

Gamescom Live Special: Creative trends, iOS measurement, Hollywood inspired games, UA channel mix

28 augusti 2023 | 45 min

From hypercasual to hybridcasual - The Homa Games story (#76)

21 augusti 2023 | 65 min

Creative trends Q2 2023, Soft launch sonar Q2, Moloco for ad monetization (#75)

14 augusti 2023 | 60 min

Monopoly GO review: CPI estimations, Revenue growth, Genre comparison, Monetization & design (#74)

7 augusti 2023 | 52 min

Meta Aggregated Event Measurement, Harry Potter flop in the West, Admon apocalypse tests (#73)

31 juli 2023 | 50 min

South Korea Live Special: Market Review, Marketing strategies, UA channels, Creatives & Top games

24 juli 2023 | 41 min

From hypercasual to hybridcasual - The SayGames story (#72)

17 juli 2023 | 58 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #72. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 am conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠ Felix Braberg⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej Lančarič⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,

Youtube: https://youtu.be/9tmNnEkeZgQ

Today’s episode is brought to you by Mistplay, the #1 loyalty app for mobile gamers. Mistplay is a media source that leverages continuous rewarded engagement to drive retention and LTV for advertisers. If you’re looking to reach high-value users and achieve your performance goals, check out Mistplay and get in touch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mistplay.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Agenda:

00:00 Epic intro

03:03 SayGames intro (to hybrid casual)

06:00 Why are we talking about Pirate Raid?

06:35 1.5 gamers love pirates

07:40 DreamDale intro

09:19 DreamDale Ad monetisation review

11:28 Skipits, the new admon feature

12:44 How much money does DreamDale make a day on ads?

15:03 Jakub tortures himself with ads

16:30 DreamDale UA review intro

17:32 Watch a rewarded video or buy a skipit to hear the UA secrets

18:33 DreamDale playable

23:54 You have Lilith from Wish

30:16 DreamDale game design review

34:00 UA built DreamDale

36:14 UA can build your game profitably

37:55 Pirate Raid Admonetisation intro

39:33 New format of the end card

43:13 Eastern European Nelly says the Pirate Raid is dead!

43:15 UA Pirate Raid

45:07 Felix with Dragonball Z Ads power

47:11 Pirate Raid Game design review

53:15 Who does hybrid casual better?

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on Youtube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article: ⁠⁠⁠https://lancaric.me/supercell-floodrush-user-acquistion-game-design

Google CMP update, Google Ad transparency, Tiktok AI script generator, Game review radar (#71)

10 juli 2023 | 52 min

Diablo IV special: Gameplay & game design review, Pay for comfort, Path Of Exile comparison

3 juli 2023 | 51 min

From hypercasual to hybridcasual - The Voodoo story (#70)

26 juni 2023 | 64 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #70. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 am conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠ Felix Braberg⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej Lančarič⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,

Youtube: https://youtu.be/BXqKnS-qfZU

Today’s episode is brought to you by Mistplay, the #1 loyalty app for mobile gamers. Mistplay is a media source that leverages continuous rewarded engagement to drive retention and LTV for advertisers. If you’re looking to reach high-value users and achieve your performance goals, check out Mistplay and get in touch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mistplay.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Agenda:

00:00 Epic intro

02:40 Our South Korea visit

03:17 Felix is busy on a day we record a Diablo episode

03:45 Voodoo going hybrid casual

05:56 Hypercasual is dead ... to Voodoo!

07:03 Voodoo rumors

10:46 Habby is a new Voodoo

11:20 Get on a hype train, bro!

14:00 Mob control intro

18:23 Jakub still plays on his computer

20:00 Why close the ad? It's the best part!

21:30 No unfolding gameplay

26:20 Skipit's

26:40 Mob control ad monetization review

28:33 Admon estimates

30:10 UA introduction

31:30 UA channel mix

33:44 Mob control creatives

39:45 Collect em all creatives

43:25 Fake creatives in the game every 10 levels

44:25 Collect em all - UA channel mix

46:46 Collect em all, intro

50:25 Retention numbers

53:53 ASMR slicing!

54:10 Ads monetization

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on Youtube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article: ⁠⁠https://lancaric.me/supercell-floodrush-user-acquistion-game-design

Creatives end cards arms-race, why is soft launching in US a terrible idea? Night crows review (#69)

19 juni 2023 | 50 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #69. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 am conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠ Felix Braberg⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej Lančarič⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,

For the actual gameplay, check out Youtube: https://youtu.be/dHrAS5uq7y0

Today’s episode is brought to you by Mistplay, the #1 loyalty app for mobile gamers. Mistplay is a media source that leverages continuous rewarded engagement to drive retention and LTV for advertisers. If you’re looking to reach high-value users and achieve your performance goals, check out Mistplay and get in touch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠mistplay.com⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Agenda:

00:00 Epic intro

02:30 Felix is giving us shit for the Squad Busters episode

03:35 Rewarded ads end cards arms race

04:41 Interactive end cards history lesson

06:49 Felix is showing why he is a 0.5 gamer on the show

10:43 Jakub brainfarts about the end cards

12:46 Why you should not soft launch your game in the US!

22:43 Matej is getting smashed for bringing up a terrible example

25:20 Philippines for a soft launch?

26:22 Night Crows intro

28:43 Jakub is flying over Slovakia in a Korean mobile game

34:21 Streamer supporter system

36:00 Jakub disappoints us a bit

36:52 Streamer prize pool increased by 2 mil while we talk

37:32 Marketing 101 - Branded Grocery store

37:52 Wagyu burger with Night Crows coupons?

38:25 Somebody said branded car wash?

39:19 Jakub claims the 2nd best UA manager spot by FAR

39:40 Why is this game making so much money?

45:40 Jakub has its own game design catchphrase!

47:05 Matej speculates about the Night Crows mechanic

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on Youtube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest article: ⁠https://lancaric.me/supercell-floodrush-user-acquistion-game-design

Top5 mobile gaming launches special: GameMakers x 2.5 gamers live crossover

15 juni 2023 | 54 min

Supercell's Floodrush: First look! UA, Admon & game design review & Squad Busters comparison (#68)

9 juni 2023 | 47 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #68. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 am conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r, Felix Braberg⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej Lančarič⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,

For the actual gameplay, check out Youtube: https://youtu.be/v_n2Keqk_vI

Today’s episode is brought to you by Mistplay, the #1 loyalty app for mobile gamers. Mistplay is a media source that leverages continuous rewarded engagement to drive retention and LTV for advertisers. If you’re looking to reach high-value users and achieve your performance goals, check out Mistplay and get in touch at ⁠⁠mistplay.com⁠⁠!

Agenda:

00:00 Epic intro

01:30 Cheap guys complaining about stuff

04:32 Dear listeners, this is Jakub

04:50 Felix has to start talking about the game (oh wait!)

05:02 Google ads for Floodrush!

07:44 New genre unlocked: Army something

12:44 Jakub enjoys killing other players

17:05 The biggest issue of Floodrush

19:11 Matej is the best player on the island

21:50 Random starting deck

27:50 Not usual random gachapoool

29:30 Ship level is tied to everything

34:24 Squad Busters vs. Floodrush comparison

37:48 Islands/water works on the marketability level

39:00 Rating time!

40:24 Felix got a little bit confused in the rating game

43:09 Monetisation potential of the game

43:50 Cry me an admon river

45:50 teaser for the next episode

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on Youtube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Foodrush article: https://lancaric.me/supercell-floodrush-user-acquistion-game-design

Boost your UA with channel diversification & high performing creative frameworks w/ Mistplay (#67)

5 juni 2023 | 56 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #67. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 am conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: Tiffanie Chau, Gregory Pang, Felix Braberg, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej Lančarič⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/f78KxSbVnTY

Today’s episode is brought to you by Mistplay, the #1 loyalty app for mobile gamers. Mistplay is a media source that leverages continuous rewarded engagement to drive retention and LTV for advertisers. If you’re looking to reach high-value users and achieve your performance goals, check out Mistplay and get in touch at https://bit.ly/3N7UcmP

Agenda:

00:00 Epic Intro

04:45 How does Mistplay work, and why does it work?

07:00 How to measure ROI?

08:38 What is the difference between Mistplay vs other rewarded apps?

12:21 How does onboarding a new game influence UA for Mistplay?

16:04 How do you approach cross-department cooperation?

18:00 How many UA channels?

20:00 Do you even CTV?

23:52 Creatives in the CTV

27:30 How to test & add new UA channels to the mix?

29:40 UA DIVERSIFICATIOOOON

30:42 2.5 gamers podcast is starting a new affiliate cowboy network

32:25 How do you define a test budget for a UA channel test?

38:30 How many creatives should you test with a multi-million monthly UA budget?

39:30 Which UA channels to use for creative testing?

42:35 It can take 7-14 days for winners to overtake spending

43:40 How to approach the creative process?

46:30 How to define a creative winner?

48:08 Leveraging AI in the Creatives

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on Youtube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

New article: https://lancaric.me/squad-busters-supercell-softlaunch

Squad Busters: First look! MOBA or hybrid casual? New Supercell game in Soft launch. (#66)

29 maj 2023 | 61 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #66. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 am conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej Lančarič⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For the actual gameplay, check out Youtube: https://youtu.be/4hlmgMVdm-g ⁠

Today’s episode is brought to you by Mistplay, the #1 loyalty app for mobile gamers. Mistplay is a media source that leverages continuous rewarded engagement to drive retention and LTV for advertisers. If you’re looking to reach high-value users and achieve your performance goals, check out Mistplay and get in touch at ⁠mistplay.com⁠!

Agenda:

00:00 Epic intro

00:45 Squad Busters intro + gameplay tutorial

03:15 Every time you say, "Ads are beautiful," the Supercell game gets killed in Softlaunch!

06:15 Maven Matej starts playing Squad Busters while Remo talks Game design

11:45 Streamers usually win always

12:18 Plaza upgrades

13:50 Marvel Snap locations vs. battle mods

14:32 The Cannon is really OP

14:52 You buy a battle pass for each world

17:52 Combat mechanics

21:32 You can only re-roll once per battle

24:40 Fusion mechanic explanation

26:20 What is the incentive to kill other players?

29:40 What's new? What is the biggest difference between builds?

33:50 No gachapoooools!

35:00 Supercell games number comparison

38:00 Killing games in soft launch

38:26 Remo conspiracy - Clash heroes = Squad busters!

40:00 How to download Squad Busters?

41:53 #supercellpartner

42:26 Soft launch strategy

44:00 EL PRIMOOOOOO!

45:45 How would you classify Squad Busters?

50:00 What would you monetize?

50:30 Supercell is fair!

53:25 Listening to the feedback & trying to improve the game

54:13 Player rating, game design rating & global launch prediction

55:25 Random chest timer scales!!! I was right!

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on Youtube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

New article: https://lancaric.me/11-tips-for-killer-user-acquisition-ops-q2-version

Triple Tile vs. Triple Match 3D showdown! In-depth UA, creatives, Admon, Game design review (#65)

22 maj 2023 | 56 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #65. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 am conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej Lančarič⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/s-BCrDt88Rk

Today’s episode is brought to you by Mistplay, the #1 loyalty app for mobile gamers. Mistplay is a media source that leverages continuous rewarded engagement to drive retention and LTV for advertisers. If you’re looking to reach high-value users and achieve your performance goals, check out Mistplay and get in touch at mistplay.com!

Agenda:

00:00 Epic Intro

03:25 Ad monetization review

05:55 Pesky IAP revenue

06:22 Small Waifus in tile games are coming

09:57 Exact Admon monthly revenue assumption A'la Felix

12:15 Felix cracks an admon jokes

12:17 "Haha" moment

15:12 BS meter is blinking

17:08 UA review

17:51 Revenue by country breakdown

19:48 Very accurate, amazing budget calculations, A'la Felix

21:12 Definitely Woo rather than a Boo

22:41 UA channel mix investigation

24:41 Felix is not brave enough to speak up

25:27 Altered gameplay with enhanced interaction

28:05 Old Lady kicking ass on the UA front

29:50 Feels a little bit ASMR, no? Shut up!

31:15 Why would you use a slot machine in your creatives?

33:19 Triple match 3D!

34:43 UA channel mix of Triple Match 3D

35:57 Live Creatives comparison

39:19 Game design review

40:30 History lesson

41:27 Austin is trying to escape the evil shark

44:30 Jakub is being attacked by three interstitials in a row!

49:35 Clash of Clans UA people, please get your banner sizes in order

50:36 Ad SDK investigation

52:13 Automatic UGC?

53:50 MAU 2.5gamers Party - signup now!

We are co-organizing a fun night at the Encore beach club. Please register on this link⁠ https://info.youappi.com/mau-2023-club-guest-list-general⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ping me. ⁠⁠⁠⁠

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on Youtube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

New article: ⁠⁠https://lancaric.me/legend-of-slime-post-idfa-global-launch-ua-strategy

Creative trends Q1 2023, Mobile games Soft launch Sonar, Meta enhanced interaction in admon (#64)

15 maj 2023 | 58 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #64. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 am conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej Lančarič⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Youtube: ⁠https://youtu.be/6VHp7py_FzY

Today’s episode is brought to you by Mistplay, the #1 loyalty app for mobile gamers. Mistplay is a media source that leverages continuous rewarded engagement to drive retention and LTV for advertisers. If you’re looking to reach high-value users and achieve your performance goals, check out Mistplay and get in touch at mistplay.com!

Agenda:

00:00 Intro

00:51 it's 4 am somewhere

01:10 no chit-chat! Let's talk about most Eastern European LinkedIn post!

03:45 no margaritas in the house; please don't make your segment too long, Jakub.

04:20 Two friends & one hostile asshole

04:45 This is who Jakub is!

05:13 Ad monetization update: Meta email

06:27 How do we know ad networks are fingerprinting?

06:44 Where were you when ATT happened?

08:20 Facebook adds "enhanced interaction" to the rewarded video

09:47 Enhanced interaction, my ass

11:15 NPCs an ad in VR

11:50 Felix answering questions from the audience

12:13 How to prepare your admon stack to prep for Google change?

13:19 Ping Felix for help

14:55 Few words about Mistplay

16:20 UA challenges by Gamesforum

17:12 Finding flamingo slippers is the biggest challenge

19:07 Creative trends Q1 2023

19:58 Royal Match

22:45 Jakub & Felix having fun while seeing 0 ads

23:25 Topwar

26:32 Township

28:35 Cooking Madness

30:25 Merge mansion

30:40 No one hates Pedro Pascal

31:50 Couldn't find the screenshots, sorry!

32:56 Evony & Stormshot

33:20 Herowars

34:41 What are the trends?

34:54 The real gameplay is going to win! At some point!

37:00 Jakub is starting a new segment!

37:05 Soft launch sonar

37:50 My periscope is out, my friend!

44:02 No Gachapools!

52:00 Ubisoft really needs a mobile hit game!

We are co-organizing a fun night at the Encore beach club. Please register on this link https://info.youappi.com/mau-2023-club-guest-list-general⁠⁠⁠ or ping me. ⁠⁠

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on Youtube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

New article: ⁠⁠https://lancaric.substack.com/p/10-tips-for-killer-user-acquisition

East side games case study:

https://www.mistplay.com/resources/loyalty-drives-scale-and-retention-for-east-side-games

Admon smoky backroom, Midcore UA step up with Viva La Dirt League, Honkai: Star Rail Review (#63)

8 maj 2023 | 52 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #63. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 am conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej Lančarič⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Youtube: ⁠https://youtu.be/nhTzSeenLJ8

Today’s episode is brought to you by Mistplay, the #1 loyalty app for mobile gamers. Mistplay is a media source that leverages continuous rewarded engagement to drive retention and LTV for advertisers. If you’re looking to reach high-value users and achieve your performance goals, check out Mistplay and get in touch at mistplay.com!

Agenda

00:00 Intro

01:23 Stuff that nobody cares about

02:56 Important announcement & Mistplay intro

04:35 Does Mistplay actually work? Yes!

05:30 Agenda of today's session

06:14 Two waifus & half male character

07:48 People come for ads

08:30 Smoky Admon backrooms

16:37 Viva la dirt league

19:36 Jakub making enemies

24:48 Why are we even talking about Viva La Dirt League?

26:35 How do you even measure campaigns like these?

27:25 Viva La Dirt league is a step up from influencer marketing

29:54 Pedro Pascal & Merge mansion audience mismatch?

31:30 How much money do they charge for a video? Benchmarks from other influencers

33:05 Human ads on Linkedin

34:05 Remo skips the intro because he assumes everybody knows Honkai: Star Rail

36:20 Matej goes full ASMR

38:25 Is Honkai: Star Rail basically a Raid Shadow legend?

40:16 Where are the horse girls?

42:30 No Ads, goodbye Felix

46:59 No social features yet

48:30 Is this game going to cannibalize Genshin?

We are co-organizing a fun night at the Encore beach club with YouAppi, Sensortower and MetricsWorks. Register on the link in the show notes, or ping me.

⁠https://info.youappi.com/mau-2023-club-guest-list-general⁠

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on Youtube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

New article: ⁠https://lancaric.me/ua-manager-life-post-idfa-reality

Call of Dragons review - 4X strategy games deep dive, User acquisition & Game design breakdown (#62)

1 maj 2023 | 59 min

Legend of Slime review - User Acquisition, Creatives, Ad monetisation, Game design deep dive (#61)

23 april 2023 | 63 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #61. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 am conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej Lančarič⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/1qY6jZVSOeQ

Agenda

00:00 intro

00:57 Thank you very much for your support!

01:27 Imitation is the best form of flattery

01:40 You can't copy fun

01:52 Agenda of this session

02:26 Matej's ego is not out of the control

03:17 Legend of Slime revenue split

03:30 Jakub challenges Felix for leadership of the ads movement

03:54 Matej makes assumptions about the revenue split

04:30 Million-dollar questions: Why push players to watch 500 ads? Not answered!

05:09 Jack, the legend of Slime, talks about the game

06:35 Ad monetisation intro

07:35 Why is this game doing so well in Asia?

07:59 Waifu game design Puritans denying ads

10:19 The heart of the ads

11:17 30+ ad placements

12:20 Million-dollar questions: Why push players to watch 500 ads? Answered!

13:55 Jakub cheats all the time

14:08 11 ad partners!

15:06 How much money are they earning on ads?

17:40 600-900k a day on ads? :-O

18:42 User Acquisition Intro

19:20 Thank you, Game Refinery, for providing insights!

20:00 Felix's job is done

21:07 Top geos

21:38 Competitors?

22:37 Matej is not a friend with Mariana Trench

25:30 UA channel mix

26:40 Let's look at the Applovin Legend of Slime playable

28:04 TOP 3 UA channels

28:50 Deep Creative review

34:23 No AI UGC

36:36 Interesting User Acquisition tidbits

38:15 Maven Matej UA rating

40:40 Kudos to Luna

41:35 Expressing a disappointment in the UA

43:00 UA could be so much better

43:32 One gamer and two noobs

45:00 Tell me the edge, it's no bullshit

45:16 My name is Felix, and I disapprove of this message

45:51 The evolution of Idle games

47:22 GACHAPOOOOOL

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on Youtube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

New article: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://lancaric.me/8-must-have-before-post-idfa-soft-launch

How to reduce ANR's & crashes, organics improvements, ASO, SDK utopia & Manuel Prueter (#60)

17 april 2023 | 54 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #60. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 am conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej Lančarič⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Special guest: ⁠Manuel Prueter⁠

Youtube: ⁠https://youtu.be/79dnIjfWbRA⁠

Agenda

00:00 Intro

01:10 Manuel intro

02:18 Jakub is cheap

03:48 Is mobile really dead?

05:37 King of Organic Downloads

06:52 How to think about ASO?

08:28 How to get into Auto Collection similar games?

09:08 Stop with keyword stuffing

09:38 Google loves revenue (as quickly as possible)

10:05 App health intro

10:49 What are ANRs?

12:02 Magic number for ANRs is 0.47%

12:20 Why 0.47%?

12:48 mmmmmm

12:53 Put on your tinfoil hat pls!

14:23 How does the app loading process look like?

17:50 When do most ANRs occur?

18:32 You don't know when mommy is calling

19:28 Why is this app on pause consuming so many resources

19:38 Ways to mitigate ANR's

21:05 Manuel spilled already all the meat about ANR's :(

22:31 but shares more actionable tips about ANRs

23:40 Removing firebase help decrease ANRs by 25%

25:35 Tinfoil hat part 2

27:15 When to update the SDKs?

28:04 How ANRs influence the organic downloads

29:45 Lost organics, buy more users with UA

30:22 Slowcode, what is it?

31:07 Look at home first!

32:06 Million-dollar question: How hard is it to implement SDKs?

33:43 It's a business decision!

36:10 How to project ad revenue?

36:22 Remo gets excited and eventually asks a question!

38:11 Am I working for the paper bin now?

39:18 Do you exclude devices for showing ads?

41:03 Shout-out to Xiaomi devices

41:24 What are web view and ad loading?

43:30 No Ads for you, sir!

44:10 Manuel loves all SDKs

46:27 How do you structure the team around updating SDKs?

47:46 If you had to choose, what would you implement: SKD or a new feature?

GitHub resource mentioned in the podcast - ⁠https://github.com/AppLovin/AppLovin-MAX-Unity-Plugin/issues/165#issuecomment-1504341154⁠

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on Youtube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

New article: ⁠https://lancaric.me/ua-manager-life-post-idfa-reality⁠

11 UA & Creative tips, 🦩 unleash your inner UA flamboyance (#59)

10 april 2023 | 53 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #59. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 am conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠r, ⁠⁠⁠Matej Lančarič⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg⁠⁠⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/Ct-h1YmYEiY

Agenda

00:00 Intro

01:08 Ad mon beef

02:02 Phil Collins in Korean games

03:12 UA flamboyant session intro

03:38 UA flamboyant checklist

05:20 Epic UA flamboyant session intro

07:31 How to do a proper UA & creative review?

12:15 CPI benchmarks

14:50 Goal setting for the UA team

18:25 Well, it depends...

20:34 Growing UA budgets

22:22 Maven Matej doesn't only acquire payers? Pche!

24:01 Campaign structure consolidation

26:17 You should always have a margarita

26:25 UA diversification

28:40 Creatives are made for players, not Art directors

31:08 Political ads THE OG's of fake ads

31:23 Generative AI in UA workflow

34:29 Where to get inspiration for creatives?

35:38 Confused Travoltas

37:08 Fake ads = lower retention, BUT!

39:30 Matej is saying some controversial shit

39:45 Meme & AI creatives

42:37 Anatomy of the well-performing creative

46:08 You keep the charade!

46:40 Videos leveraging Youtubers with channels and their audience

51:05 2nd best UA manager on the podcast has spoken!

52:39 Article for you guys: ⁠https://lancaric.me/hybrid-casual-sssnaker-habby-post-idfa-ua⁠

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on Youtube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

⁠https://lancaric.me/ua-the-new-frontier-of-game-dev

SSSnaker global launch & Habby metagame framework full UA, Creatives, GD & Admon review (#58)

3 april 2023 | 54 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #58. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 am conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠r, ⁠⁠Matej Lančarič⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Felix Braberg⁠⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/ojqMHg0d03c

Agenda

00:00 Intro

00:50 Special guest Philips

02:47 Jakub goes full systems & vectors on Diablo 4

04:50 SSSnaker introduction

05:00 SSSSSSSSSnakeeeeer

06:14 SSSSnake jazzzzz

07:40 SSSSnaker Ad mon analysis time

08:29 7 Jakub's sons = 1 Katarina

08:39 two noobs & one gamer

10:06 Jakub is having some technical issues

10:25 Showing the actual gameplay with ad placements

11:38 six rewarded videos placements

12:58 SSSnaker makes around $17-20k ad revenue per day

14:25 Could SSSnaker be making 30-40% ad revenue?

15:10 Philips is an SSSnaker noob

18:11 SSSSnake jazzzzz

19:32 Flamboyant UA intro & country breakdown

21:54 Survivor.io & SSSnaker global launch numbers comparison

22:11 Soft launch review

25:00 Creatives

26:37 UGC creative deep dive

27:18 14862.23 USD for a creative?

28:11 How do AI creatives perform against real people?

32:00 UA channel mix

33:00 Behind the curtains deal?

35:11 Retention comparison Habby games vs. action category

39:14 Habby monetization framework

41:00 Hypercasual is dead

41:50 No more ASMR background noise :(

42:36 Snake master vs. SSSnaker - gameplay comparison

43:21 Life lesson no.1 - play with the keyboard

44:03 We hope you get killed!

45:32 Unfolding gameplay

45:54 It would take generations of Felixes to get to world 11

47:21 Is Habby the new Voodoo?

48:20 It's all about the efficiency

49:00 Is Habby publishing two more games in 2023?

50:00 This episode is brought to you by stuck Felix

53:16 Jesper is amazing!

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on Youtube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

https://lancaric.me/ua-the-new-frontier-of-game-dev

Deep-dive into Google Privacy Sandbox. Same disaster as Apple ATT? When is it happening? (#57)

27 mars 2023 | 42 min

Frozen City vs Whiteout Survival, ad monetisation potential, UA, creatives & GD review (#56)

20 mars 2023 | 52 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #56. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 am conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠Jakub Remia⁠r, ⁠Matej Lančarič⁠, ⁠Felix Braberg⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/ON3hmNokPfQhttps://youtu.be/ON3hmNokPfQ

Agenda

00:00 Intro

00:15 Chit-chat (nothing important, you can skip this)

05:20 Century games intro

09:15 Frozen City ad monetization update

11:21 Felix is heartbroken

13:41 Frozen City making about $1mil ad revenue/month

14:20 Felix gives ad placements suggestions

15:08 How much more could they be earning?

16:20 Double placements during weekends

17:00 Negative nancy dresses up as a detective

21:08 Felix's wet ad revenue dream in 4x games starts

25:00 Whiteout Survival UA epic intro

25:43 Soft launch dates of Frozen City & Whiteout survival

28:31 Unity Square videos beta? Pls, pls, pls. Can I get in?

29:30 Top 10 Geos revenue wise

30:31 Retention KPIs

32:43 UA is dead? How come they get so many users on iOS?

34:50 Whiteout survival creative strategy

38:50 Game design intro

42:00 Wait, wait, wait, wait?! Is this a 4X game?

44:11 Smooth transition from idle game to 4X

45:25 Where are the ads?

47:34 Chef's Kiss

50:07 Baloon mechanic, pure genius

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on Youtube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Frozen City post-IDFA global launch UA case study

https://lancaric.me/post-idfa-ua-frozen-city-global-launch-case-study/https://lancaric.me/post-idfa-ua-frozen-city-global-launch-case-study/

Deep & actionable SKAN 4.0 breakdown with Eran from Singular. What to expect from SKAN 4.0? (#55)

13 mars 2023 | 52 min

two & a half gamers session #54 & Eric Kress - Everything is dead & new frontier of game development

6 mars 2023 | 51 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #54. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 am conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: Jakub Remiar, Matej Lančarič, Felix Braberg

Special guest: Eric Kress

Youtube: https://youtu.be/mzxxL_UtzoI

00:00 Intro

01:00 Jakub makes himself visible by introducing

02:53 Eric, is this glass half full or half empty?

03:36 What does Eric actually do?

06:42 Is mobile dead?

08:49 six people on the top destroying the lives of mobile developers

10:00 UA is shifting

11:50 Kumbaya Matej strikes again on iOS

12:38 What is the adoption rate of SKAN 4?

13:15 Everybody does fingerprinting (Unity, Applovin, Ironsource)

14:02 What story are Unity, Applovin, and Ironsource trying to spin?

16:00 Jakub wakes up & shoots vectors immediately

18:31 Eric disagrees with us! No shit sherlock!

20:20 New frontier of game development

21:15 Felix sharing UA secrets from his smokey darkrooms

22:25 Old companies gonna die

24:10 Gaming trends are coming from East to West

24:52 Jakub goes into the rabbit hole with Eric

27:55 Applovin increases revenue guidance

30:38 Why Eric got so negative?

32:48 Which companies does Eric like the most?

33:40 VR is dead again (blockchain dead too)

34:42 What is the endpoint for mobile?

35:50 30% fee is a joke!

38:00 Hypercasual shit is on!

40:08 Ads are beautiful

41:18 The new frontier of game development

44:20 You can always lie in your ads

46:55 Mr. Gachapool returns

48:35 Matej is Matthew from now on

48:51 How bad will things be for Unity, Applovin, and Ironsource?

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

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11 tips for killer User Acquisition ops (Q1 version) - https://lancaric.me/11-tips-for-killer-user-acquisition-ops-q1-2023/

two & a half gamers session #53 - Eversoul, a trending waifu game with full GD, UA, Admon review

27 februari 2023 | 49 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #53. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 am conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: Jakub Remiar, Matej Lančarič, Felix Braberg

Youtube: https://youtu.be/GwoG7SIfkUY

00:00 Intro

01:05 Numbers Chit chat

03:22 No official multiple Admob statement (ask your admob rep)

05:00 Matej = Felix's secretary

05:28 Kimono session

06:11 Eversoul intro

07:02 Why are we even reviewing this (boring) game?

09:05 Full admon part in 2 seconds

09:39 Why games from the east don't have ads?

10:41 Camera zooms in on Jakub's premium BS

12:55 UA intro

14:12 Mr. Gachapool got introduced to the podcast

15:08 Comparing Eversoul to the Goddess of Nikke

16:54 UA dark secrets spilled by Mr.Gachapool

17:17 UA channel mix

18:22 Actual gameplay in the creatives

19:06 Creative strategy

21:35 Flamboyant UA strategy for Eversoul

24:52 Collabs in anime games

27:16 Starting to share gameplay of Eversoul

27:37 Game design Eversoul intro

33:51 Jakub talking about two different progressions

34:53 Please keep the story

35:23 Big +1 feature - engagement prolonging tactic

36:30 Felix looks really confused

37:04 Why is the game making so much money? GACHAPOOOOOL!

37:24 Can you buy a ticket to the waifu concert?

38:10 Infinite starter banner

43:27 Waifu games are saving mobile!

46:15 Get back to the podcast Jakub!

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

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11 tips for killer User Acquisition ops (Q1 version) - https://lancaric.me/11-tips-for-killer-user-acquisition-ops-q1-2023/

two & a half gamers session #52 - Admon gossip corner, Unity expensive bug, APS, Google 3 placements

20 februari 2023 | 44 min

two & a half gamers session #51 - Live Special @ Gamesforum Barcelona

13 februari 2023 | 36 min

two & a half gamers session #50 - Deep analysis of the current web3 market, implications & future

6 februari 2023 | 59 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #50. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget, this is a 4 am conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: Jakub Remiar, Matej Lančarič, Felix Braberg

Special Guest: Nicolas Vereecke

Check out - FOGDAO (https://www.futureofgaming.wtf/)

Youtube: https://youtu.be/h1DBUR4x6To

Agenda:

00:00 Intro

01:20 Nico intro

01:42 FOGDAO https://www.futureofgaming.wtf/

02:40 Special honorable mention - Zaair!

04:00 Recap of our session #7 with Nico! Listen here https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/qj186h2V7wb

05:15 Terra & FTX collapses

09:24 Grants in Web3

10:00 What is not a risk in Web3?

10:22 How to choose a blockchain to build on properly?

15:50 FTX follow-ups?

18:00 Lot of web3 companies are getting into trouble!

19:05 What happened to Axie infinity?

21:10 Borrowing term mice nuts from TWIG! Thanks <3

23:20 State of Axie infinity at the end of 2023

25:25 UA in web3 is extremely challenging for non-UA gaming people

27:34 iOS guidelines for web3

29:55 Superbowl & web3 ads

31:20 Digidaigaku thesis

36:00 Apex legends mobile is dead, blockchain would help!

37:10 You have nothing even on the blockchain!

37:45 On-chain games live forever

38:30 Voodoo moves into crypto space

41:39 Bullshit articles from agencies

42:34 Square Enix in web3

44:30 What kind of company will release a big web3 hit?

47:00 Game as a whitelist for NFT sale

48:22 Where would the raised money go?

50:00 Lot of people got super rich early!

52:00 Jakub goes on and on and on with his suuuper long question

56:25 We will see AI being used in very weird places

57:14 Is there any web3 game launch in 2023 to look forward to?

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

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Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit https://lancaric.me/user-acquisition-brutally-honest-newsletter-signup & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Web2 vs web3 UA blog: https://lancaric.me/user-acquisition-fundamentals-web2-vs-web3-comparison/

two & a half gamers session #49 - How to leverage User Churn Prediction? Why is it important?

30 januari 2023 | 45 min

two & a half gamers session #48 - Could Frozen City earn 80% more revenue? Full UA, Admon, GD review

22 januari 2023 | 43 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #48. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget, this is a 4 am conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: Jakub Remiar, Felix Braberg, Matej Lančarič

Youtube: https://youtu.be/_agD-bPS--k

Agenda:

00:00 Intro

01:45 User Acquisition

02:25 Frozen City fun stuff

03:22 Top 10 countries in terms of revenues

04:08 UA channel mix

04:45 120 creatives running on Facebook

05:17 UA channel mix on Android

06:00 Are Idle games scaling especially on Applovin?

06:25 Publisher analysis

07:10 Low poly

07:31 Is high art style quality bringing more IAPs?

08:35 Mr.UA Felix has a strong opinion

09:34 Adikteev cross-promo!

10:06 Frozen City Creatives

12:28 Jakub is complaining because of creatives!

14:05 Would you spend in Frozen city?

14:28 6.5 Maven Matejs out of 10

15:10 Ad monetisation intro about Frozen City

16:35 Felix pulls off an epic intro

17:05 Ad placements

17:58 IAP whales vs Ad whales

18:32 Secret Ad placement guess

18:48 New Ad Placement ideas & recommendations

20:38 7 DAU per user gives $1 in D14 LTV

20:57 Mad Ad mon MATH happening

21:20 Please put an ad to skip night!

22:46 Mediation info

23:01 Pls update app-ads.txt to get 10% ad revenue

23:43 Felix pulls off an epic intro about potential revenue (decimals)

25:50 Jakub pulls off an epic intro about Game design of Frozen City

26:11 A History lesson

34:10 Everything is easy for Jakub

35:15 Frozen City event setup

35:37 Non-prominent Ad placements

36:15 Internal fights against ads?

36:40 People begging to get ads (and Felix too!)

37:25 Modes of Frozen city

38:10 $1.5Mil revenue in the first month

39:00 Why not put more ads in the game?

40:35 Catch your breath for an ad in Call of Duty!

41:38 Frozen city could earn 80% more revenue

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on Youtube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit https://lancaric.me/user-acquisition-brutally-honest-newsletter-signup & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest blog: https://lancaric.me/how-to-choose-an-mmp-in-a-privacy-centric-mobile-ecosystem/

Adikteev's latest blog: https://www.adikteev.com/blog/how-to-face-the-80-d1-churn-rate

two & a half gamers session #47 - Creative trends 2023, 1 year anniversary - kudos to you

13 januari 2023 | 51 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #47. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget, this is a 4 am conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: Jakub Remiar, Felix Braberg, Matej Lančarič

Youtube: https://youtu.be/Pi_JEHK32mE

Agenda:

00:00 Intro

03:00 Kudos to us! 1 year anniversary

03:54 Admon is easy, ehm hard, ehm checking creatives is easy

04:38 How to check competitor creatives for free?

07:24 Royal Match tested 15 different creatives in last 14 days

07:51 Top1 Royal Match creative connecting all the dots

09:00 Nobody: Nothing. Jakub starts drinking: CAMERA ZOOMS IN

10:08 Top3 Royal Match

12:21 Top1 Township creative

12:56 Top2 Township creative

13:24 Which of the Township creatives is more fake?

14:10 Top1 Merge Mansion creative

14:42 Top2 Merge Mansion creative

15:18 Top3 Merge Mansion creative

17:00 Who is the winner publisher on Android?

17:40 Top1 Hero Wars creative

18:15 Top2 Hero Wars creative

19:05 Top War game running 20 creatives in the last 14 days

19:16 Top1 Top War creative

20:30 Top War creative strategy masters - https://lancaric.me/ua-creative-strategy-user-acquisition/

21:38 Mistplay intro

23:05 Top Mistplay creative(s)

25:14 UA view on Creative trends for 2023

25:50 Maven Matej pats himself on the back (again)

26:00 Adapting hypercasual mechanics & games into your creative

26:54 Camera zoomed in on Jakub's surprised face

29:00 Save the dog phenomenon

30:20 Altered gameplay trend

32:18 (no) ASMR trend

32:33 UGC trend

33:10 UGC can suck for some games

34:23 Pornstars in the creatives

35:10 Royal Match B actors from Cameo

36:43 Coinmaster leveraging local influencers

37:10 Generative AI trend

39:10 Fake ads with generative AI

39:45 Tiktok creative research

40:23 Shots fired!

40:40 Ducktape example

45:00 Multiple core gameplays

48:46 Royal Match implemented drilling creative into the game!

49:15 UA DESIGNS YOUR GAME IN 2023

50:30 Anniversary "gift"

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

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Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit https://lancaric.me/user-acquisition-brutally-honest-newsletter-signup & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest blog: https://lancaric.me/user-acquisition-stop-sexist-ads/

two & a half gamers session #46 - Deconstruction of App businesses from UA, GD & Admon perspective

9 januari 2023 | 50 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #46. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. Also discussing the latest industry news from time to time while having so much fun! Let’s not forget, this is a 4 am conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: Jakub Remiar, Felix Braberg, Matej Lančarič

Youtube: https://youtu.be/pvrV1_9rciA

Agenda:

00:00 Intro

00:40 - Remo shows off his new annoying camera

01:52 - In today’s episode / Not about Gaming

02:27 - Two and a Half Gamers Top 10 Podcast in Mobile

02:41 - Message from our Sponsor Adikteev

03:24 - Application Design vs Game Design

04:41 - Redecor

08:22 - Duolingo

10:59 - It’s an App Remo, not a game

14:10 - Duolingo’s $224m subscription revenue

16:28 - Duolingo makes $50k/day from ads

18:12 - Kahoot!

22:11 - Ad Monetization in Apps

24:02 - Google Ad Manager in Apps

24:45 - How to get Gaming demand in GAM

26:34 - Are SDKs Hassle-free?

28:26 - eCPM floor for Interstitial adds

30:33 - Rewarded ads in Apps

33:18 - Facebook Rewarded ad policy rant

35:53 - UA channel mix for apps

37:21 - Best campaign structure for Apple Search Ads start

38:42 - If ASA comes out with something new always wait

41:42 - UA creatives for Apps

44:47 - Maven Matej pats himself on the back

47:15 - UA on Web

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on Youtube, Spotify, and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit https://lancaric.me/user-acquisition-brutally-honest-newsletter-signup/ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest blog: https://lancaric.me/user-acquisition-stop-sexist-ads/

Adikteev blog: https://www.adikteev.com/case-studies/how-sdv-increased-in-app-transactions-by-over-30

two & a half gamers session #45 - (ironic) predictions 2023, is next year the end of sexists ads?

29 december 2022 | 47 min

two & a half gamers session #44 - New creative strategy from CN, UA winner of 2022, games update

23 december 2022 | 49 min

two & a half gamers session #43 - How to approach new game development & see new trends in gaming

16 december 2022 | 50 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #43. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game design, and Ad monetization jobs. Also discussing the latest industry news from time to time while having so much fun! Let’s not forget, this is a 4 am conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: Jakub Remiar, Felix Braberg, Matej Lančarič

Special Guest: Joseph Kim

Youtube: https://youtu.be/YELacUx-_E8

Agenda:

00:00 Intro

02:00 JK intro

03:14 Why India?

07:24 WE ARE BRUTALLY HONEST (as is my newsletter! Sign up)

07:55 Incredible talent in India

09:06 Ping JK for the PM role at LILA Games

10:30 Why build a shooter game?

13:00 Subgenre expansion

14:40 Look at how Felix is amazed by JK

15:35 Shooter Crazy shit articulation

15:52 Successful 4X characteristics

20:20 The amount of stress is enormous!

20:37 Who is this ghost talking?

21:40 Systems and vectors

22:25 Ads in shooter games

24:33 How to implement Ads into the game?

25:48 How to validate product controversy

27:02 Validation models

29:52 Throw me under the bus, BOYZ!

30:20 Marketability tests & market research

32:00 You need to be cool as JK to see trends in gaming

33:00 Is mobile F2P dead?

37:52 What if Ads monetization disappears?

38:48 What if Appstore won't exist?

39:23 Apple is working on allowing sideloading in the EU

41:30 New business models in F2P?

42:32 Is really hard to get your company funded?

44:29 New buzzword Generative AI

46:41 Best advice on how to approach building new games or companies?

48:23 Remo is actually generated by AI

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

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If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit lancaric.me and sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest blog: https://lancaric.me/user-acquisition-predictions-2023/

two & a half gamers session #42 - Sexist ads admon side, Gold & Goblins full UA, Admon, GD review

9 december 2022 | 51 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #42. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day to day User Acquisition, Game design and Ad monetisation jobs. Also discussing the latest industry news from time to time while having so much fun! Let’s not forget, this is a 4am conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: Jakub Remiar, Felix Braberg, Matej Lančarič

Youtube: https://youtu.be/dlBSemAPfmE

Agenda:

00:00 Intro

03:32 Matej with T-Shirt on (fans want, fans get)

04:05 Good Job Singular Webinar

04:49 Modern Arnold Schwarzenegger

05:12 Battle against the sexist ads begins

05:48 Sexist ads admon perspective

06:47 Decimals - the Signature admon move

10:38 Jakub thinks FTC blocks the M&A of Activision

12:46 Golds & Goblins intro

14:02 Felix & Jakub take a guess about certain monetisation strategy

15:19 UA channel mix of Gold & Goblins

16:49 How much money are they spending?

17:27 Cats come here for decimals!

17:40 EHM!

18:25 Creative strategy

19:43 Matej makes a surprise prediction

21:21 Ad monetisation deep dive

21:59 Give me your lunch decimals!

25:17 Scandinavians love Goblins!

26:42 Admon is working super well, dont touch it!

27:11 Jakub and Felix invite you to sign up to Matej's newsletter at lancaric.me

27:45 Idle genre history lesson

34:49 Gold & Goblins core gameplay

39:19 Pacing is important for exponential growth

40:00 Design space for system and vectors

40:15 Felix wants to hear about the ads, Felix wants to hear about the ads

44:36 Little bit of the game design improvements

45:10 JAKUB HAS SEEN IT ALL

47:20 People should talk about the game more, its excellent!

48:28 Retention numbers

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on Youtube, Spotify and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit lancaric.me and sign up to Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest blog: https://lancaric.me/11-tips-for-killer-user-acquisition-ops-q4-version/

Adikteev resources: https://www.adikteev.com/whitepaper/smart-cross-promotion-is-the-future-of-app-marketing

two & a half gamers session #41 - Stop with sexist ads, Q4 Admn round up, Goddess of Victory review

5 december 2022 | 59 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #41. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day to day User Acquisition, Game design and Ad monetisation jobs. Also discussing the latest industry news from time to time while having so much fun! Let’s not forget, this is a 4am conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: Jakub Remiar, Felix Braberg, Matej Lančarič

Youtube: https://youtu.be/-qlfBKC9jBY

Agenda:

00:00 Intro

04:12 Felix and his Q4 admon fun stuff

05:06 Jakub yawning because Felix is boring audience with economics and BS

07:35 no wishy-washy predictions - decimals makes a difference for fucks sake

08:34 No BS Felix pls

09:35 Biggest eCPM gains (go big or go home)

11:48 Top Admon tips for Xmas

12:23 Jakub brainfarted on admon networks

14:00 Felix shills his own admon blogpost. Dont read it pls!

14:44 UA intro of Goddess of Victory: Nikke

17:00 Why is the game earning so much money?

19:06 UA mix review

19:41 no fake creatives, but sexist AF

21:48 new wave of sexist ads emerging for match3 and merge games

22:40 tactile games started this new trend unfortunately

24:45 STOP WITH THE SEXIST ADS NOW!

27:25 UA Rant over

28:12 Matej shut up, your surface level review is not enough

29:08 Super boring Jakub intro about Goddess of Victory: Nikke

33:00 5 million downloads and 83 million revenue

33:40 Nerds vs Otakus (gimme your lunch money OTAKU!)

38:45 The secret sauce of Waifu games

40:15 That pool vs deadpool making money

46:11 Azur lane liveops

47:30 Nikke revenue by country

48:30 Remoson was born

53:30 Waifu differentiators

Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!

Hit the Subscribe button on Youtube, Spotify and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit lancaric.me and sign up to Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric

Latest blog: https://lancaric.me/11-tips-for-killer-user-acquisition-ops-q4-version/

two & a half gamers honest interviews #5 - Rafael Vivas (How to monetise digital items?)

25 november 2022 | 26 min

two & a half gamers session #40 - Q4 Live ops tips, Q4 UA Budget optimisations, Admon bidder updates

18 november 2022 | 47 min

two & a half gamers session #39 - How to do a game review? Rush Royale full UA, GD, Admon analysis

11 november 2022 | 64 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #39. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day to day User Acquisition, Game design and Ad monetisation jobs. Also discussing the latest industry news from time to time while having so much fun! Let’s not forget, this is a 4am conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: Jakub Remiar, Felix Braberg, Matej Lančarič

Special guest: Maria Gillies

Youtube: https://youtu.be/jqa5V05U1eM

Agenda:

00:00 Intro

04:04 My.games was removed from App store & GP

05:00 Why did it happen? Oligarchs much?

08:11 How do you do a game review properly?

08:40 UA review in general. What to look for?

10:20 Unfortunate news. Diversify the diversification t-shirts stuck in China.

Pre-order now at [email protected]

13:27 Reviewing individual UA channels

14:40 UA benchmarks

15:50 Rush Royale creatives strategy

19:40 How to approach the game review from the product side?

20:50 Wild Detective Pikachu appears

25:40 Product trick how to do a fast review

29:00 You need to know the archetypes

29:50 Jakub & his balloons

31:00 Habby examples

31:23 What is the difference between the core gameplay and game meta with examples?

33:27 Explaining excel sheets to random industry peeps

34:15 Pacing is a delicate balancing act

36:33 My.games portfolio

36:35 Jakub is geeking out on the Rush Royale product review

42:50 Jakub is happy Maria is on the pod

43:35 The BEST part of the product review - Ad monetisation

45:30 6 ads placements

46:52 Hypothetical question: Should you add ad monetisation to the game or bank on the premium feel?

48:30 Marvel Snap AdWINK

48:50 Felix magical Daily Ad revenue estimate calculation

51:15 How critical is it to hire an expert in Admon?

54:00 Ad network mix review

56:00 What to add into the mix to get ARPDAU higher by 5%

58:50 How to select the games for review?

1:00:00 How do you know what to look for?

1:01:00 How do you define interesting live ops?

1:03:00 Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it

Hit the Subscribe button on Youtube, Spotify and Apple!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] / lancaric.me

two & a half gamers session #38 - Q4 Admon pro tips, Survivor.io clone Heroes vs. Hordes, TikTok SPC

4 november 2022 | 42 min

two & a half gamers session #37 - Marvel Snap global launch case study UA, GD, Admon view

27 oktober 2022 | 50 min

two & a half gamers honest interviews #4 - Erik Gloersen (Why is the company vision important?)

21 oktober 2022 | 46 min

two & a half gamers session #36 - Google AdROAS campaigns, Admon Exchanges, Survivor.io update

14 oktober 2022 | 41 min

two & a half gamers session #35 - Charge Champions in SL, Facebook UA tech checklist, Amplify update

9 oktober 2022 | 46 min

two & a half gamers session #34 - Low budget UA, Sheep a Sheep game in China, APS Update, Amazon UA

3 oktober 2022 | 45 min

two & a half gamers session #33 - The UA (r)evolution, from fake ads to fake core gameplay in games

23 september 2022 | 48 min

two & a half gamers session #32 - Global launch games like a pro, Playrix GL rumour, Google updates

16 september 2022 | 55 min

two & a half gamers session #31 - survivor.io redemption story, You scaled your game, now what?

9 september 2022 | 49 min

two & a half gamers session #30 - survivor.io global launch case study UA, GD, Admon view

2 september 2022 | 44 min

two & a half gamers session #29 - how to scale your mobile game, CPI vs LTV, Amazon gamescom rumours

26 augusti 2022 | 47 min

two & a half gamers session #28 - Admob bidder uplift update, how do hypercasual games make money?

19 augusti 2022 | 42 min

two & a half gamers session #27 - Unity - Applovin bomb, Zynga gambling, worst career mistakes

11 augusti 2022 | 46 min

two & a half gamers honest interviews #3 - Sophie Vo (How to motivate your team?)

5 augusti 2022 | 51 min

two & a half gamers session #26 - Unpacking Google ads "disaster", ASA Today's new ad, Google <3 MAX

1 augusti 2022 | 56 min

two & a half gamers session #25 - Does Ubisoft give a F! about mobile games? GD, UA & Admon analysis

24 juli 2022 | 53 min

two & a half gamers session #24 - 1 year after IDFA Apocalypse. State of the UA, Admon & retargeting

18 juli 2022 | 46 min

two & a half gamers session #23 - How to do a proper game performance audit? UA, Admon & GD

11 juli 2022 | 48 min

two & a half gamers session #22 - How to predict game performance? What is Tilting Point's secret?

1 juli 2022 | 62 min

two & a half gamers session #21 - How to run efficient UA on TikTok? TikTok's explosive growth

24 juni 2022 | 47 min

two & a half gamers session #20 - The Ants creative analysis. Which visual theme has the lowest CPI?

17 juni 2022 | 43 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #20. Discussing the latest news, fun stuff and dropping knowledge. Don't forget, this is a 4am conference discussion vibe so let's not take it too seriously! Let’s dive in and enjoy.

Panelists: Jakub Remiar, Felix Braberg, Matej Lančarič

Youtube: https://youtu.be/dQLmWPIHPgk

The Ants: Underground Kingdom base-building strategy game and moves the player's perspective to the underground ant kingdom, and the 3D realistic modeling of the game screen mixed with the real image of ants, so that players can recognize a variety of ant species while playing the game, this fresh and unconventional theme is really attractive.

The game offers a Rich Multilayered strategic gameplay and graphics experience. Unlike most modern games, it is lightweight in size, making it accessible for lots of players.

In this game, the Player is the Ultimate Ant Ruler who leads the Queen, Builds the Anthill, grows the colony, and defends against the enemies.

According to Sensor Tower, the fastest growing theme in terms of revenue was animal/insect, which generated $26.5 million in U.S., representing an increase of 904% year-over-year. Sensor Tower attributed the majority of this growth to The Ants: Underground Kingdom from StarUnion, which accounted for 89.6% of consumer spending.

Agenda:

1:50 Gamesforum Berlin (kudos)

3:40 Intro about StarUnion Interactive

6:30 Are Ants a 4X game or not?

10:10 What stands behind the success of the game?

13:20 realistic life of ants creatives

17:00 levelup creative concepts

21:30 What kind of % is UA or GD behind the success?

27:00 Ant breeding concept

29:10 Hypercasual & competitors inspiration

31:00 No one complains about the Ant creatives

36:00 Female vs male oriented creatives

38:30 Which creative concept to start with?

39:45 What kind of theme has the lowest CPI?

Article with creatives - https://lancaric.me/deconstruction-of-the-ants-underground-kingdom-creatives/

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] / lancaric.me

two & a half gamers session #19 - The King info Leak, 5 Game design tips to level up your game

13 juni 2022 | 51 min

two & a half gamers session #18 - How could King make 30% more revenue? Full UA, GD & Ads analysis!

3 juni 2022 | 69 min

two & a half gamers session #17 - the creative framework, tips for inspiration, recession & games

30 maj 2022 | 52 min

two & a half gamers session #16 - 7 Ad monetisation secrets how to make more revenue

24 maj 2022 | 43 min

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #16. Discussing the latest news, fun stuff and dropping knowledge. Don't forget, this is a 4am conference discussion vibe so let's not take it too seriously! Let’s dive in and enjoy.

Panelists: Jakub Remiar, Felix Braberg

Youtube: https://youtu.be/Ys7A3F7MFt4

Agenda

00.40 Matej missing in action after beach party

02.00 Introduction

03.36 Possible EA Acquisition

06.50 Marvel Snap

11.40 Ubisoft want Eur 60 per share

14.11 Tencent revenue growth slows

18.53 TikTok wants to release in-app games this year

23.00 Ad Monetization Secrets

24.00 All is a negotiation

26.00End cards from ads

29.00 X close button

32.00 Audio turning on

33.00 High placement price points

35.00 Vungle Bidder

36.30 Unity Latency

38.24 Admob Placements

40.51 Rewarded Video icons during holidays

7 Secrets of making more money with Ad monetisation

As an Admon person it’s your job to know as much as possible about as many networks as possible. This gives you the edge to make more ad revenue. So I learned all these things in a variety of ways. Ranging from being angry, making mistakes, and at 4 am at a conference bar. I’ll start with some general ones then network specific ones.

Everything when it comes to ad networks is a negotiation and you can negotiate anything!

The real first make or break moment comes when you’re able to get an AM in all the networks that you work with. Having this connection allows you to ask for all things

Bigger networks obviously listen less

End cards from ads

X’s to close ads

Audio Turning on when phone is muted

Placement Price Points are too high

Moving on to Network specific tips

Vungle - If you’re using Vungle on bidder and your average eCPM in the waterfall is higher than $26 you should move to Vungle Placements

Unity - Everyone talks about latency on the mediation side. On Unity you can also get latency if you have too many placements created on Unity that you’re not using.

Admob - This is a deadly tip but a bit of a double edged sword. The admob algo works by ramping up data in the first 3 days to feed its algo on price points.

Game Design for ads? Change ad buttons every time there is a holiday (Christmas, Halloween etc).

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] / lancaric.me

two & a half gamers session #15 - Can UA save your game? Does your game need UA? UA for beginners

13 maj 2022 | 51 min

two & a half gamers honest interviews #2 - Elena Egorova (Can you even M&A bro?)

8 maj 2022 | 60 min

two & a half gamers session #14 - How to read Ad mon data for beginners? ATT & player segmentation

2 maj 2022 | 57 min

two & a half gamers session #13 - Rovio making $2.6M/year more from ads & more efficient UA? Full analysis!

22 april 2022 | 60 min

two & a half gamers session #12 - Metacore 65M loss, Niantic 1 hit wonder, Industry conference guide

15 april 2022 | 52 min

two & a half gamers session #11 - How to increase game revenue by 35% with Narrative design

10 april 2022 | 55 min

two & a half gamers honest interviews #1 - Joakim Achren

31 mars 2022 | 62 min

Welcome dear listener! This is a 2.5 gamers podcast with an honest interviews segment #1. Asking tough questions, having fun and dropping some knowledge with gaming industry peeps.

Youtube: https://youtu.be/wkEcGZ1-3So

Matej Lančarič & Joakim Achren

Questions:

Why did you start elite game developers and not a new gaming studio?

How can someone become a partner at Play Ventures? What are the requirements/skills you need to do your job?

What is your due dilligence process? How do you do your homework?

-How do you apply that diligence process to crypto games? Is that done more by feel than data as there is no data yet?

-When investing in crypto games is token/coin allocation pre drop more important than stock? (Justified that owning stock can take 10 years + to get payback and multiple and having token/coins you can sell as soon as the drop takes place)

-If token is important / does that not create the incentive to finance hype pump and dumps?

Could you explain what pre-seed, seed or Series A mean? How do you define those stages?

What are you looking for when investing in companies in different stages? Pre-seed, seed, series A?

How do you really decide where to invest? What is THE KPI?

Why are you as an investor so keen for companies to have internal UA manager?

Could you tell me a bit more about the syndicate?

Why having only one line on the cap table is better than 20 names.

Why do you think a lot of gaming companies with mediocre/decent results pivoted super quickly to web3? Free money?

Why There's Never been a better time to start a games company?

Let’s discuss your anti portfolio - what’s the biggest regret so far of a company that you passed on?

Model situation:

I want to start a gaming studio. I have around 500k from my previous jobs. Should I use this money and bootstrap or should I try to get an investor (just in case)? Why boostrap? Why investor?

What is Joakim's favourite book?

https://www.amazon.com/Stillness-Key-Ryan-Holiday/dp/0525538585

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] / lancaric.me

two & a half gamers session #10 - How to save millions with marketability tests? Fake ads going nowhere rant!

25 mars 2022 | 54 min

two & a half gamers session #9 - How to increase AdARPDAU? How Adnetworks make money? Admonetisation fundamentals Q&A

16 mars 2022 | 58 min

two & a half gamers session #8 - Game design fundamentals & AMA. When to kill a game?

10 mars 2022 | 55 min

two & a half gamers session #7 - Is Axie infinity dead? LTV in crypto gaming & web3 UA/marketing

25 februari 2022 | 64 min

Hello & welcome everyone. This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #7. Let’s dive in.

Youtube: https://youtu.be/cpR3YZBB5Us

Panelists: Jakub Remiar, Felix Braberg, Matej Lančarič

Special Guest: Nicolas Vereecke

As NFTs, Crypto and blockchain gaming are filling up the headlines we are doing a special episode on the current state of crypto gaming - not the peak of November 2021 but the fresh look at the end of Feb 2022.

Play to Earn - Play & Earn - Play to Own

I would start that discussion with the point that the current consolidation in the big crypto games is more and more pointing to the fact that play to earn is unsustainable as there is “no free lunch”
Therefore the buzzword is changing to Play & Earn or even Play to Own as the “earn” part is becoming harder and harder to realize - this is mostly seen in the depreciation of the Axie economy.
One other milestone can be considered the recent blog post from Philip La Phil's Views: Axie Infinity Economy and Reasons to Play where admits this and refocuses the view on the original model of any game - to create fun and engaging experience as the primary reward for the player - not an investment vehicle.

“we will not be optimizing our game or experiences to drive short-term returns as it’s simply not sustainable”

“we will focus on is creating a balanced game economy with proper sources and sinks, just like non-blockchain games have done for years.”

Does this imply that Skymavis wants to compete with companies like Supercell, Playrix or King?
The biggest innovation of the free to play model is removing the initial friction of a payment before the player plays the game - the first wave of crypto games have even bigger friction funnels on top of reversing this problem.

What is the current state of the friction funnel for a block-chain based game?

Friction to play a crypto game: current models:

Buy crypto assets first to even play - Browser/PC only
- (Axie infinity, Crypto Raiders)
Download the game for free (find out about the secret crypto layer somehow from the game website - sell NFTs there)
- (Thetan Arena)
Have the game on the store and streamline the funnel to crypto wallet
- Skyweaver
Have a functional F2P game with F2P economy and implement the crypto layer into a later stage of the player progression - Future in hybrid?
- (Chromatic Souls: Afk Raid, Axie Origin?)

Burning questions about block chain games:

UA

Open economy

NFT design

Gass Fees

Business model - the most burning of them all!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] / lancaric.me

two & a half gamers session #6 - Supercell rant, why do fake ads work? UA fundamentals Q&A

19 februari 2022 | 60 min

Hello & welcome everyone. This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #6. Let’s dive in.

Youtube: https://youtu.be/d_BDO5jnRTk

Panelists: Jakub Remiar, Felix Braberg, Matej Lančarič

Google to limit ad tracking across apps on Android

Google has announced new measures that will limit tracking across its Android operating system, following a similar move by Apple to introduce restraints in the way the online advertising industry can target users. The changes, which will not be implemented for at least two years, are intended to curb the sharing of user data with third parties, restricting advertising tracking for users who move between different apps on billions of devices running Android. Google said it planned to eventually phase out advertising IDs, a code that allows marketers to track individual user behaviour, in favour of alternatives that protected user data while still supporting advertising efforts.

Supercell revenue increases 45% to $2.24bn in 2021

Supercell published its financial results for 2021, with revenue reaching $2.24 billion (€1.89 billion) compared to $1.48 billion (€1.30 billion) in 2020 -- a 45.3% increase year-on-year.

The studio generated profits before taxes of $852 million (€734 million), an impressive 80.3% growth compared to 2020's $463 million (€407 million).

But it's still not quite back to the level of its 2015 heydays, when the company made over $2 billion in revenue and $965 million (€848 million) in EBITDA.

The post also said that Clash of Clans and Clash Royale have now made over $10 billion in combined revenue since their respective launches.

Spotify is acquiring two major podcast tech platforms

Spotify is making more podcast acquisitions. The company announced today it’s acquiring both Chartable and Podsights — two of the most prominent podcast marketing and ad attribution companies. The deal price hasn’t been disclosed, but this marks the first major acquisition the company has made this year in a long line of audio purchases.

This deal is particularly critical for the company as it tries to make its ad platform the best and most powerful in audio. If it wants everyone to purchase ads through its marketplace, then it needs technology to better figure out who’s listening to those ads and what they’re doing after hearing them.

AudioMob and Odeeo up next?

UA fundamentals discussion - Matej asking questions - Felix, Jakub answer & Matej gives his opinion at the end!

How or why to start with UA?

My game has amazing organics. I don't need UA! Is that true? Why not?

Are all UA channels equal?

-Break down the benefits and drawbacks of top 4 UA channels?

How to structure an UA budget?

What is the payback period we should look at?

What is hard and challenging about UA? Can everybody do it?

Listen in to learn more!

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] / lancaric.me

two & a half gamers session #5 - Surprise crypto comments & How to tackle soft launch stages?

12 februari 2022 | 68 min

two & a half gamers session #4 - How to soft launch a mobile game Ad monetisation Perspective

6 februari 2022 | 52 min

two & a half gamers session #3 - Is Roblox evil mega corp or money making machine?

30 januari 2022 | 56 min

Hello & welcome everyone. This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #3. Let’s dive in.

Panelists: Jakub Remiar, Felix Braberg, Matej Lančarič

Roblox

Steam hosts 55K Games vs Roblox 20 Mil “experiences”
47,3 Mil DAU
Half of the users are aged 12 and under
Current Market cap 38 Bil $
Roblox Cut 75,5%
Roblox takes a 30% cut of every transaction on their platform
Discoverability
Robux
- Minimum Withdrawal to real life money 100K (1000 $)
  - Second life comparison (10$)
- Withdrawal only possible with Roblox monthly 5$ subscription
- On every 1$ revenue of roblox only 17% make it out
- Historic example of “Company money Scrib”
  - Workers spend their money at the company
  - Workers become afraid to break company rules as company rules over their “money”
  - This dependency increase friction on quitting the system
    - Illegal in US 1938
- Platform Capitalism - business model based on unsustainable expansion in order to monopolize a platform
Experience based payouts
Roblox “editor knowledge untransferable
“Make serious cash” claim removed from the website after video
Roblox moderation - shut down official forums in 2017 because they couldn’t moderate them
Roblox Collectible Market
- Tie ins with Brands
- Collectibles that are sold for limited time skyrocket in value from 10 to 15K $ dollars
- Roblox still takes a 30% form all of the transactions
Roblox Black market

Rewarded Interstitial ads - 6 months in

Around 6 months ago Google and Facebook announced the roll out of Rewarded interstitial ads.
An interstitial ad that pops up and users can opt out of and thus forgo the reward
Admob are pushing very hard on this format which is still in Beta
Facebook were pushing it but not so much anymore
Don’t monetize with this format! You’re opening yourself up to unnecessary stress and risk
Only FB and Admob support it - thus you’ll get lower prices
FB on iOS is pretty much non-existent so you have no competition
Calling it now that in 12 months they won’t exist.

Please share feedback and comments - [email protected]

two & a half gamers session #2 - UA & Creative trends 2022, Microsoft <3 ATVI, TOP10 gaming M&A

21 januari 2022 | 59 min

Hello & welcome everyone. This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #2. Let’s dive in.

Panelists: Jakub Remiar, Felix Braberg, Matej Lančarič

UA & Creative trends / learnings from 2021

Main trend 2022 UA diversification

Having Facebook as one and only UA channel is dangerous and the times when you could use FB up until the 1M monthly spend are gone. UA channel mix needs to be diversified even more. My UA go to channel was and still is Facebook, even though the quality decreased heavily in 2021, but I am running google UAC and Unity

Hypercasual-led creatives

The persona-led creatives is/was a trend everybody is talking about now thanks to the iOS14. The thing is, personas and motivations were here a long time ago. I guess it wasn't so popular to talk about back then. Let's focus on something else. Adapting hypercasual game concepts to your game creatives is going to explode next year.
I’m pretty sure that you saw these ASMR videos on Youtube which let into the game development of the ASMR Slicing hypercasual game by Tricky Tribe – my friends from Slovenia – This ASMR game was a big hit in the United states and I think number one for a couple of weeks. I am also pretty sure you saw different games like Coin Master started slicing their coins. Why not use it for other games as well. Slicing a tomato? Hell yeah! We are not talking only about ASMR slicing here. There are other concepts you could use. Tangle Master 3D, Crowd City, etc. Great thing is, new ones are popping up every day!
Look at hypercasual game called Countmaster, I am pretty sure there are some clones of it, but this game concept is now used by Warpath and some other strategy games. Topwar, merge strategy game is also leveraging hypercasual game concepts for creatives and I’ve also seen Playrix go into this direction. Gaming companies will do everything to decrease those CPIs!

Audio ads for games

Podcasts are really popular these days. Looks like almost every person on the Earth listens to a podcast. I even started one to educate and help build the game dev knowledge in Slovakia called Gamecast or 2.5gamers. But where am I going with this? Have you heard any game related ads in these podcasts or in games in general?
This is relevant not only in terms of User Acquisition, but also a golden opportunity for game developers seeking to monetise their games without damaging retention. Audio ads can be played while you play the game and don't interrupt your gaming experience. Player retention doesn’t get hurt and therefore game devs can increase their profit and LTV. We already see a rise of companies focusing exactly on this topic. Everything looks on the paper, but I really feel we will see 2022 as a year of Audio ads. There is Audiomob and Oodeo in this space, let's watch it closely!

two & a half gamers session #1 - Casual intro, love/hate relationship towards predictions 2022

14 januari 2022 | 55 min

two & a half gamers

This is a no BS gaming podcast.

Om podden

Avsnitt

🎮 Kingshot's Insane Genre Mix Explained! How Century Games’ New 4X Hooks Players & Payers

Your Ads Are Boring! 5 Inspiration Tricks to Ignite Your Creative Strategy by Matej Lancaric

Screwdom 3D Is PRINTING MONEY! 💸 Vietnam’s Game Devs Just Raised the Bar

Top Girl meets Last War! Last Z: Survival Shooter review

Mastering Effective Spend Depth in Gaming by Jakub Remiar

Supercell's Mo.co: Exciting new global launch. Is this the next billion-dollar game?

Softlaunch Sonar #8 - Exploring the Latest Game Releases & Innovations

A Human-Centric Approach to Mobile gaming industry by Ömer Yakabagi

Exploring Match Villains: A New Contender for THE Casual Throne

The Art of Scaling Games: When to scale your game?

A Beginners Guide to Ad monetization: The Fundamentals by Felix Braberg

Who is Tripledot & what do they do? The History, games portfolio & estimated profits

Love & Deep Space: The success of Otome Games. A very heavy RPG with dating mechanics & ASMR systems

Revolutionizing Video Production & AI UGC with Poolday.AI

Vita Mahjong Game Review: Ads in Gaming? Yes!

Rise of Vietnam: Mobile Gaming Boom—Key Players, Winning Strategies & What’s Next

Publishing 101: What Game to Build, Why, and Which Publisher is Right for You by John Wright

Goods Puzzle Sort Challenge Review: Innovative Puzzle Game

Candy Crush Solitaire: The Solitaire Showdown on a Gaming Battlefield

2.5 gamers x Live AM(F)A #8 - Ask Me Anything

Creative Trends in Mobile gaming - January 2025

Key aspects for Mobile Game Growth in 2025: UA, speed, monetization & globalization with Airbridge

A Beginners Guide to UA: The Fundamentals by Matej Lancaric

Cracking the 4X Code: Billion Dollar Strategy (2.5gamers x GameMakers crossover)

Ad placements & Admon trends in Mobile Games: January 2025

Exploring Pokemon TCG Pocket's Revenue Trends by Jakub Remiar

Game Review Radar #7: All-time highs! Random pundits think Balatro is dead. Think twice!

High Seas Hero Game Review: Navigating through Scaling Challenges

How Ads increase IAP & Subscription revenue by Felix Braberg

Unlocking the Secrets of Color Block Jam: The New Puzzle Sensation

Project R.I.S.E Alpha Test First Look: Gameplay & impressions! What's next for @supercell ?

What payback should I aim for? Mastering CPI & LTV in Mobile Gaming by Matej Lancaric

Block Blast Review: What is behind 40 million DAU & 1 million/day revenue?

*Emergency Episode* TikTok is Banned in the US! Now what?

Creative Trends in Mobile Games - December 2024

Product trends for Mobile Games in 2025 by Jakub Remiar

Magic Sort Review: The Next big thing in gaming. Or is it?

Dark and Darker Review: Unique blend of survival & extraction

The Evolution of Mobile Advertising Explained: How to make Ad revenue by Felix Braberg

Inspector Budget: UA Trends, Top Advertisers & Gaming Market December 2024

Exploring Path of Exile2: Pay for Convenience & Comfort

Top 10 Gaming Predictions for 2025: What to Expect by John Wright

Softlaunch Sonar #7: The Evolution of CPI Testing in Gaming

Blossom Sort Game Review: Exploring the Future of casual games

How to conquer the farming games market? Minigames FTW. Implement or die by Matej Lancaric!

Creative Trends in Mobile Gaming - November 2024

Match3 Games Market Overview: Mechanics, Monetization, Trends, UA & Creative Strategies for Success

How to increase your profitability with Cross-promotion? A step-by-step guide with Gonçalo @ Boombit

Royal Kingdom Game Review: The Art of Level Design in Puzzle Games Genre

Ad placements & Ad monetization trends in Mobile Games - November 2024

Top Girl game review: Idle Game made with AI meets 4X genre!

Archero 2 Review: The Evolution of gaming & Habby template perfection

Dark War Survival Review: If Whiteout Survival & Last War had a baby. This is it! And it's a Zombie

Triple Match City: New Evolution of casual (Match 3D) games

Revolutionizing UA & Product Reporting in Gaming! Feat. Kohort & Deconstructor of Fun

Playdoku Block Puzzle & Colorwood Sort: Burny Games Live Review with Anatolii Henis

Creative trends in Mobile Games - October 2024

Pokémon TCG Pocket: Exploring a Billion Dollar Nostalgic Journey

Age of Empires Mobile: Nostalgia Meets Modern Gaming (ehm, modern 4X strategy games)

My Supermarket Simulator 3D: The ultimate shop simulator game that makes serious money!

Supercell's Project R.I.S.E Update: Gameplay Review with new features & improvements

Capybara GO! Defining a new genre: Social Casino RPG! Another Mobile Sensation by Habby

New ways of monetization with Bright SDK

All in Hole: A Stolen Voodoo's lunch. A new (hybrid) casual game on the horizon

Hexasort: Unpacking the $500k/day revenue success. A new era of casual & puzzle games!

Creative Trends in Mobile Games - September 2024

Soft launch Sonar #6: Is Capybara GO the next big hit from Habby?

Saying NO to Millions revenues?! Balatro: Power combo of Poker & Solitaire.

Cup Heroes: Voodoo's new hybridcasual hit making $160k/day! Steady growth w/ adplacement excellence

Reelshort Review: Redefining genre & . Next step for Netflix Games?

Game Review Radar #6: The sea of Unfortunate Sharkfins! Exploring Game Updates and Trends

Ad placements & Ad monetization trends in Mobile Games - September 2024

Diversifying your Mobile Game UA with Influencer Marketing (real data included)

Elder Scrolls Castles: Flop with the most successful iteration of this core gameplay

Creative trends in mobile games - August 2024

Deadlock Valve's new game revealed: It's a shooter, NOT just MOBA.

Emergency Episode TikTok is Banned in the US! Now what?

Squad Busters BIG NEW update: No more Pay to Win. No gacha, no money!

Project RISE review: Supercells NEW Rogue-lite Game is in pre-alpha!