Exploring the Hottest Trends in Mobile Gaming 2021

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Market Expansion
   1. Biggest Gaming Sub-genres
   2. Top Sub-genres by Revenue
   3. Sub-genres by User Engagement
   4. Cross-Usage Genres
3. Optimization Strategies for Marketing
   1. Advertising Strategies of Top Casual Games
   2. Impact of Intellectual Property on Marketing
4. User Engagement
   1. Top Casual Games by Average Time per User
   2. In-game Mechanics that Impact User Engagement
5. Monetization
   1. Top Worldwide Games by Monetization
   2. Monetization Features in Core Games
6. Top European Game Publishers of 2020
   1. Highlight: Stillfront and Playrix
7. Conclusion
8. FAQ

Article

Introduction

Welcome to the APANI presentation! In this article, we will provide You with insights from the world of gaming in the first three months of this year. We will focus on the trends that are here to stay and offer valuable information on market expansion, optimization strategies for marketing, user engagement, monetization, and the top European game publishers of 2020. So, let's dive right in!

Market Expansion

Biggest Gaming Sub-genres

When looking to expand your business in the gaming industry, it is essential to understand the genres with the biggest market sizes. Based on the data from App Annie's latest Game IQ product, we have identified the top 10 casual gaming sub-genres in the first quarter of this year. The two leading sub-genres in terms of downloads are the Puzzle and trivia sub-genre and the runners/racing sub-genre, which have also shown the highest quarter-on-quarter growth. These findings indicate a strong continued Momentum in these sub-genres.

Top Sub-genres by Revenue

While downloads are important, revenue is the ultimate goal for businesses. To optimize your strategies, it is crucial to identify the top sub-genres by revenue. Our data reveals that city battle and action RPG games dominate this category, with significant growth coming from team battle games. However, it is worth noting that casual sub-genres like match 3 and match plus build also contribute to the revenue growth in the gaming industry.

Sub-genres by User Engagement

User engagement is a key indicator of potential success. To understand which sub-genres attract users and keep them engaged, we analyzed the average time per user for different genres. Our findings Show that sub-genres like battle royale, card or board games, and sandbox games have a high average time per user, indicating a great potential for monetization. On the other HAND, sub-genres like puzzle and trivia and runners/racing games attract a lot of users but have lower engagement levels. These insights will help you focus on sub-genres with the highest user engagement for optimal results.

Cross-Usage Genres

Expanding your user base is crucial for business growth. By leveraging cross-usage genres, you can promote your games to your existing user base more effectively. We have identified three selected genres and analyzed the other sub-genres that their players engage with the most. For example, slots players tend to play a lot of puzzle games like match 3, word, and solitaire. By understanding these cross-usage playing trends, you can target specific sub-genres that are popular among your existing user base and boost your business.

Optimization Strategies for Marketing

To make the most of your marketing efforts, it is crucial to learn from the strategies implemented by successful companies. By analyzing the advertising strategies of top casual games like Candy Crush Saga and Roblox, we can identify the creatives with the biggest budgets and highest share of voice. For example, Candy Crush Saga utilizes a candy-themed creative that showcases level progression and simple gameplay, leading to high user engagement. Roblox, on the other hand, focuses on character customization, appealing to the preferences of Gen Z players. By studying these successful advertising approaches, you can optimize your own marketing strategies.

Another important aspect of marketing in the gaming industry is the impact of intellectual property (IP). With recent changes in the IDFA (Identifier for Advertisers), IPs have become an attractive alternative to attract organic downloads. We have identified the top IPs in gaming based on the global downloads of games featuring these IPs. Traditional and mature IPs like Sonic, Mario, FIFA, Call of Duty, and League of Legends have seen a comeback. Leveraging popular IPs can boost your marketing efforts and attract a wider audience to your games.

User Engagement

User engagement plays a vital role in the success of casual games, which typically have a shorter lifetime compared to core games. By analyzing the top casual games by average time per user, we can identify the games that engage users the most. Our data shows that puzzle games and simulation games dominate this category, with titles like Roblox, Township, and Merge Dragons attracting a significant amount of user time. These games offer captivating gameplay mechanics that keep users engaged, providing valuable insights for developers looking to maximize user engagement.

Additionally, understanding the in-game mechanics that impact user engagement is crucial for game development. Features like social assist, battle pass, guilds/clans, and chat contribute to high usage stickiness in casual games. On the other hand, features like auto-battle, AR, premium cosmetics, and lucky spins do not significantly impact user engagement. By focusing on the right in-game mechanics, developers can enhance user engagement and Create more captivating gaming experiences.

Monetization

Monetization is a key aspect of the gaming industry. By identifying the top games by monetization, we can understand the strategies that lead to optimal revenue. The top games in terms of revenue and active users include Roblox, PUBG, Candy Crush Saga, Free Fire, and more. These games have successfully monetized their user base, generating impressive revenue figures.

Furthermore, understanding the features that drive monetization in core games is essential. Features like consumables, events, multiplayer, leaderboards, and gacha/loot boxes contribute significantly to monetization in core games. On the other hand, features like power-ups, augmented reality, lucky spins, and scratch cards do not contribute as much to monetization. By incorporating monetization-driven features in your games, you can optimize revenue generation.

Top European Game Publishers of 2020

The European gaming market is thriving, and it is essential to recognize the top companies that have made a mark in the industry. Stillfront, a company that focuses on growth through extensive marketing and acquisitions, climbed up the ranks to become the fifth-largest European company by game revenue. Playrix, on the other hand, stands out as the only company that features on both the top downloads and top revenue charts. Playrix has successfully combined casual and mid-core elements in their games, attracting a broad audience and driving revenue growth. These companies serve as examples of successful game publishers and offer valuable insights for industry professionals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the global gaming industry presents significant opportunities for growth. By understanding the Current trends and leveraging market insights, businesses can expand their operations and optimize their strategies for marketing, user engagement, and monetization. Additionally, recognizing the top European game publishers of 2020 provides valuable benchmarks for success in the industry. With the right approach and utilization of industry knowledge, game developers, app developers, and publishers can make informed decisions and achieve prosperity in the ever-evolving world of gaming.

Highlights

• The top sub-genres in terms of downloads are puzzle and trivia, and runners/racing, which show strong quarter-on-quarter growth.
• City battle and action RPG games dominate the revenue category, with significant growth from team battle games.
• User engagement is high in sub-genres like battle royale, card or board games, and sandbox games.
• Leveraging cross-usage genres allows for effective cross-promotion to existing user bases.
• Successful advertising strategies focus on captivating creatives and intellectual property.
• The top casual games by average time per user are often puzzle and simulation games.
• Features like social assist, battle pass, guilds/clans, and chat contribute to high usage stickiness in casual games.
• The top monetized games include Roblox, PUBG, and Candy Crush Saga.
• Features like consumables, events, multiplayer, leaderboards, and gacha/loot boxes contribute significantly to monetization in core games.
• Stillfront and Playrix stand out as top European game publishers, with unique growth strategies and successful game titles.

FAQ

Q: Are there still opportunities for new Hyper-casual game developers in the market? A: Absolutely! While the hyper-casual market is competitive, there is still room for innovative game ideas and unique gameplay mechanics. Developers should focus on creating games that stand out from the crowd while paying attention to user acquisition and monetization strategies.

Q: Why is AR considered a poor contributor to monetization? A: AR (augmented reality) technology is still relatively new and has not yet reached its full potential in terms of monetization. While some games, like Pokémon Go, have successfully integrated AR, the overall market adoption and revenue generation from AR features in games are still limited. However, future advancements and creative implementations may change this landscape.

Q: Are 2D hyper-casual games still Relevant in a market dominated by 3D games? A: Yes, there is still a place for 2D hyper-casual games in the market. While 3D games may dominate in terms of visuals and immersive experiences, 2D games offer simplicity and accessibility. Many successful hyper-casual games, such as Flappy Bird, have been 2D. The key is to focus on addictive gameplay and offer unique features that set your game apart.

Q: How can game developers enhance user engagement in their games? A: Game developers can enhance user engagement by incorporating features like social assist, battle pass, guilds/clans, and chat. These features promote interaction and create a sense of community among players. Additionally, regularly updating the game with new content, events, and multiplayer functionality can keep users engaged for longer periods.

Q: What are some top monetization-driven features in core games? A: Some top monetization-driven features in core games include consumables, multiplayer functionality, leaderboards, and gacha/loot boxes. These features offer players the opportunity to enhance their gameplay experience through in-game purchases or by earning exclusive rewards. By integrating these features strategically, game developers can increase monetization potential and overall revenue.