two & a half gamers - Match3 Games Market Overview: Mechanics, Monetization, Trends, UA & Creative Strategies for Success – Matej Lancaric: User Acquisition Expert to Grow Mobile Games Globally

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers – Match3 Games Market Overview: Mechanics, Monetization, Trends, UA & Creative Strategies for Success

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

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Summary

In this episode of Two and a Half Gamers, the hosts delve into the intricacies of match-three games, emphasizing the importance of core design and the evolution of game mechanics. They explore the historical context of the genre, current market leaders, and the challenges faced by new entrants. The conversation highlights the balance between luck and skill in gameplay, and the necessity for innovative design to capture player interest and revenue. In this conversation, Matej Lancaric discusses the intricacies of designing match-three games, emphasizing the importance of game mechanics, visual clarity, and player engagement. He highlights the need for a balance between difficulty and player satisfaction, the evolution of game mechanics over time, and the significance of narrative in enhancing player experience. The discussion also covers the restoration meta in casual games and innovations in game progression mechanics, showcasing how these elements contribute to the overall success of mobile games. In this conversation, Matej Lancaric discusses the evolution of game mechanics in casual games, particularly focusing on the progression systems like wind streaks and their impact on player engagement. He also delves into user acquisition strategies for match-3 games, highlighting the high cost of acquiring players and the importance of ad monetization techniques. The discussion emphasizes the need for innovation in game design to keep players engaged and the complexities of ad strategies in mobile gaming. In this conversation, Matej Lancaric discusses the evolution of game mechanics, user engagement strategies, and the impact of creative advertising in the match-3 game genre. He highlights how borrowing elements from other industries, such as e-commerce and hyper-casual games, has become essential for retention and user acquisition. The discussion also covers the role of playables in advertising, the shift in creative strategies, and emerging trends in game advertising, emphasizing the need for innovation in a saturated market.

Takeaways

Match-three games require a solid puzzle design to attract players.
The history of match-three games is rich and influential in the gaming industry.
Monetization strategies have evolved significantly in the match-three genre.
Current market leaders like Royal Match and Candy Crush dominate revenue streams.
New entrants face significant challenges in competing with established games.
The illusion of control is a key factor in player engagement.
Game mechanics must be innovative to retain player interest.
Copying existing games does not guarantee success in the match-three market.
Understanding player motivations is crucial for game design.
The match-three genre continues to evolve with new mechanics and strategies. Game mechanics must actively support player goals.
Visual clarity is crucial for player engagement.
Speed of gameplay affects player satisfaction.
Animations should match the importance of game elements.
Differentiation of game pieces is essential for clarity.
Balancing difficulty is key to player retention.
New obstacles must integrate well with existing ones.
Player engagement can be enhanced through narrative.
Collectible mechanics can drive player interest.
Regular updates are necessary to maintain player interest. The wind streak mechanic has evolved significantly since its introduction.
Royal Kingdom offers a more immersive experience compared to its predecessors.
The production quality of mobile games has reached new heights.
User acquisition costs in the match-3 genre are exceptionally high.
Ad monetization strategies are crucial for sustaining revenue in mobile games.
The segmentation of users for ad placements is complex and varies by geography.
Candy Crush remains a leader in ad monetization within the match-3 genre.
Players often prefer games without ads, impacting monetization strategies.
Innovative gameplay mechanics can attract users who typically avoid match-3 games.
The balance between user acquisition costs and retention rates is critical for success. The evolution of game mechanics is crucial for user engagement.
Creative strategies significantly impact player retention.
Borrowing elements from other industries enhances game appeal.
User acquisition strategies are evolving with new advertising trends.
Playables are becoming essential in user acquisition campaigns.
Match-3 games are shifting towards more complex narratives.
The use of AI in game advertising is on the rise.
High production value in ads is now a necessity.
Understanding player emotions can drive game success.
The future of match-3 games relies on innovation and creativity.

Keywords

match-three games, game design, monetization, user acquisition, gaming industry, puzzle games, revenue, game mechanics, market leaders, gaming strategies, match-three games, game design, player engagement, difficulty balancing, visual clarity, restoration meta, game mechanics, casual games, player experience, game evolution, game mechanics, user acquisition, match-3 games, ad monetization, mobile gaming, game mechanics, user engagement, creative strategies, retention, user acquisition, advertising trends, match-3 games, playables, innovations

Agenda:

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
22:27 The Illusion of Control in Match-3 Games
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
57:12 Evolution of Match-Three Games and Their Mechanics
01:03:15 The Restoration Meta in Casual Games
01:10:16 Narrative and Player Engagement in Game Design
01:22:08 Evolution of Game Mechanics
01:30:35 User Acquisition Strategies in Match-3 Games
01:48:39 Ad Monetization Techniques in Mobile Games
02:02:27 Evolution of Game Mechanics and User Engagement
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 in Game Advertising
02:34:53 Final Thoughts on the Future of Match-3 Games

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