two & a half gamers - Age of Empires Mobile: Nostalgia Meets Modern Gaming (ehm, modern 4X strategy games) – Matej Lancaric: User Acquisition Expert to Grow Mobile Games Globally

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers – Age of Empires Mobile: Nostalgia Meets Modern Gaming (ehm, modern 4X strategy games)

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.

The Team:

⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r- Game design consultant⁠

Felix Braberg⁠ – Ad monetization consultant

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej Lančarič – User Acquisition & Creatives consultant

Join our slack channel here: SLACK CHANNEL

Summary

In this episode, the hosts delve into the nostalgic world of Age of Empires, discussing its recent mobile adaptation and the implications of Tencent’s involvement. They explore the gameplay mechanics, including various mini-games and the integration of elements from Vampire Survivors, while also reflecting on the challenges of maintaining the essence of a classic strategy game in a modern mobile format. The conversation highlights the balance between nostalgia and innovation in game design. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of Forex games, discussing player retention influenced by clan dynamics, the unique server ecosystems, and monetization strategies. They explore game features, user engagement, and the importance of a streamlined user interface. The discussion also touches on hero mechanics, revenue insights, and the impact of nostalgia in game design, highlighting how these elements contribute to the overall success of Forex games. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the future of gaming IPs, particularly focusing on the potential of vampire-themed games and their place in the market. They explore the role of nostalgia in game design, the impact of marketing strategies on game success, and evaluate the mechanics of a new game while considering user acquisition strategies. The discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities within the gaming industry, emphasizing the importance of innovation and understanding player preferences.

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 hosts emphasize the importance of historical accuracy in games.
The integration of different game mechanics can enhance player experience.
The conversation reflects on the evolution of strategy games in mobile formats.
The hosts share their personal experiences and insights on game design. Zombies are a missing element in Forex games.
Clan dynamics significantly influence player retention.
Forex operates on multiple server shards, creating unique ecosystems.
Monetization strategies in Forex games can be highly effective.
User engagement is driven by game features and offers.
Hero mechanics add depth to gameplay and progression.
A streamlined user interface enhances player experience.
Revenue insights reveal the financial success of Forex games.
Nostalgia plays a crucial role in player engagement.
The Forex 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.
User acquisition is crucial for the longevity of a game.
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.
The balance between nostalgia and new content is delicate.
Community engagement can enhance the gaming experience.

Keywords

Age of Empires, Tencent, gameplay, mini-games, strategy, nostalgia, Vampire Survivors, game design, mobile gaming, real-time strategy, Forex games, player retention, monetization strategies, game features, user interface, revenue insights, nostalgia in gaming, hero mechanics, clan dynamics, gaming ecosystems, gaming, IP, nostalgia, game design, user acquisition, marketing, Age of Empires, vampires, mobile games

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

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