two & a half gamers session #98 – Voodoo super growth w/ Alvaro Duarte: How to 10x IAP revenue in 2 years? Healthy margin!
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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 am conference discussion vibe, so let’s not take it too seriously. Special Guest: Alvaro Duarte
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 podcast episode, Alvaro from Voodoo discusses the evolution of hypercasual games and the success of Mob Control and Blokgem 3D. He shares insights into the vision and long-term strategy of Mob Control, including upcoming updates and features. The use of skippets in Voodoo games and the balance between ads and in-app purchases are also explored. Additionally, the internalization of gaming teams at Voodoo and the potential of Blockjam are discussed. Voodoo aims to become a top-tier casual gaming company in the medium term. In this conversation, Alvaro from Voodoo discusses the rise of small teams in the company and the shift towards CPI-focused strategies. They also explore the positioning of core games as hypercasual and the success of Paper.io. The evolution of Paper.io’s gameplay and the monetization elements in the game are also discussed. The conversation touches on the challenges of transforming games and the skill set required for IAP-based games. The importance of prototyping, the transition to hybrid casual, and the shift in UA strategies are explored. The possibility of web shop strategies and the future of Voodoo’s revenue model are also mentioned.
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.
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
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Helping you stay 2.5 steps ahead of the games industry. Don't be too serious, except about UA.
Subscribe to my Brutally Honest newsletter!
