two & a half gamers (Lancaric.me)
Explorez tous les épisodes de two & a half gamers
| Date | Titre | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Apr 2024 | Merge Games Market History & Full Overview: Travel Town no.1 Merge game & Gossip Harbor case studies | 01:40:10 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 22 Jan 2023 | two & a half gamers session #48 - Could Frozen City earn 80% more revenue? Full UA, Admon, GD review | 00:43:00 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me 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 | |||
| 27 Oct 2022 | two & a half gamers session #37 - Marvel Snap global launch case study UA, GD, Admon view | 00:50:02 | |
This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #37. 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/LnA10ZZ3Nc4 Agenda: 00:00 Intro 03:20 Second Dinner company intro 05:40 Jakub being rude! 06:50 Channel mix (Facebook is the biggest spender) 07:30 How to stop pouring UA money down the drain 08:55 GEO revenue mix 09:40 GEO mix both Android and iOS in terms of spend 10:45 Shotgun UA approach 11:30 how to run CCG UA on ad networks? 15:05 Tiktok UA strategy 16:50 Creative strategy 21:42 Admon intro 22:55 Ads vs Marvel license? 24:50 Highest AdARPDAUs 25:00 Ad realm of speculations 26:40 Missing out on $500k of Ads? 28:10 Game design & Second dinner team intro 28:45 Good old mulligan 31:00 Gwent vs Marvel Snap comparison 33:45 what can you buy for hard cold cash? 34:00 pre-scripted pools of cards 37:30 Rock-paper-scissors 39:20 You can't speed up the game with money! 40:50 calculating the spending depth 45:57 Win rate increases retention Hit the Subscribe button on Youtube, Spotify and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me / lancaric.me | |||
| 04 Nov 2022 | two & a half gamers session #38 - Q4 Admon pro tips, Survivor.io clone Heroes vs. Hordes, TikTok SPC | 00:42:25 | |
This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #38. 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/KwYPBbIrRUE Agenda: 00:00 Intro 02:30 Podcast agenda 04:18 How to maximise Ad revenue for a holiday season? 05:33 Mariah Carey made over 50mil! Devs, please look at her.. 06:50 Q4 Admon tip 1 08:52 Q4 Admon tip 2 10:20 Q4 Admon tip 3 (how to make $26k extra/year) 13:38 Mr.Robot Remiar gives a compliment to Felix 14:40 Admob people please leave here! 14:42 Q4 Admon super pro tip 4 16:37 Admob people please come back here! 16:43 UA Q4 intro 17:43 Seasonal creatives in UA 20:40 New TikTok SPC campaign 23:00 SPC campaign perfomance 23:52 Noob question from non-UA Jakub 24:50 How could you get the best performance on SPC campaign? 25:52 Facebook UA vs TikTok UA? 27:57 War of Clones - Heroes vs. Hordes intro 28:42 Brief UA check 30:11 Jakub's excitement about Heroes vs. Hordes is immense 32:10 Timelines 33:40 Heroes vs. Hordes numbers 34:40 Vectors & systems 39:00 Is survivor.io or Heroes vs. Hordes niche? 41:14 Marvel Snap patchnotes Hit the Subscribe button on Youtube, Spotify and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me / lancaric.me Learn more from our sponsor: https://www.adikteev.com/blog/implement-cross-promotion-for-apps | |||
| 23 May 2024 | Screw Jam success story: How to reach $250k/day revenue? Innovative & satisfying hybrid casual game | 00:52:23 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 08 Apr 2024 | AFK Journey: A Highly Polished & Innovative RPG Game, captivating storytelling with stunning visuals | 01:04:13 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 20 Nov 2023 | From Hypercasual to Hybridcasual - The Estoty Portfolio story (#86) | 00:43:28 | |
This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #86. 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/i4ZPwMKiQ-Y 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 01:56 South Korea & G-star chit-chat 04:37 Estoty intro 06:05 No systems & vectors 08:30 2.5 Detectives 09:11 Join our Slack channel 10:22 My Little Universe 15:10 Squad Alpha 22:40 Fish Idle vs. Alien invasion CPI discussion 23:29 Estoty portfolio 32:47 Softlaunch strategy --------------------------------------- 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 - matej@lancaric.me 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 | |||
| 22 Feb 2024 | Stash Special: loyalty programs, well-made web shops, frictionless user experience | 00:41:32 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 20 Jun 2024 | Bytro Live: The Home of Grand Strategy Games & innovative TikTok UA approach | 00:54:02 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 04 Nov 2024 | Capybara GO! Defining a new genre: Social Casino RPG! Another Mobile Sensation by Habby | 01:09:57 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 08 May 2022 | two & a half gamers honest interviews #2 - Elena Egorova (Can you even M&A bro?) | 00:59:40 | |
Welcome dear listener! This is a 2.5 gamers podcast with an honest interviews segment #2. Asking tough questions, having fun and dropping some knowledge with gaming industry peeps. Youtube: https://youtu.be/BFfe9djd7g0 Agenda 1:30 Elena intro 5:40 About Flexion mobile 9:00 M&A process (How do you find companies? How do you approach them?) 14:00 Initial due diligence = evaluation 20:00 How long does this process take? From scouting to popping the champagne? 22:30 Eye popping valuations - how are companies priced? 27:30 Multiples in gaming 31:20 acquiring a company (cash vs. stock deals) 36:00 What is earn-out? How is it structured? 39:30 golden handcuffs - how is it decided? 44:00 Failure rate in gaming M&A 50:45 M&A predictions (or not) 55:00 Model situation Model Situation I run a mobile gaming company and I want to be bought. How do you go about it and what are some common pitfalls to avoid as the entity being acquired? Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me / lancaric.me | |||
| 14 Oct 2024 | Cup Heroes: Voodoo's new hybridcasual hit making $160k/day! Steady growth w/ adplacement excellence | 00:57:37 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 29 Dec 2022 | two & a half gamers session #45 - (ironic) predictions 2023, is next year the end of sexists ads? | 00:47:10 | |
This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #45. 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/JCc5LA0Auxw Agenda: 00:00 Intro 04:00 Ad monetisation predictions 2023 06:55 Meta rebranding to Feta by Felix 10:08 Nothing is for fee, dude! 12:54 Jakub & Godfather Apple ransom 13:25 Amazon will take top3 spot in Admon 16:57 Jakub CN predictions?! wtf? 18:11 Jakub is on fire! Amazon buys Unity in 2023. 19:30 Next year is the year of VR 20:55 Apple dad joke 24:20 Nothing is going to happen to VR 24:25 Sun is going to come out tomorrow 25:00 Hypercasual genre as a new onboarding for more gaming genres 29:50 Marvel Snap clones? Wen? 32:47 The rise of the retention games (Netflix mobile) 33:45 A game designer's wet dream 35:25 UA "predictions" 45:30 No sexist ads at the end of 2023! 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 - matej@lancaric.me 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-stop-sexist-ads/ | |||
| 09 Dec 2024 | Ad placements & Ad monetization trends in Mobile Games - November 2024 | 00:49:24 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 13 Feb 2025 | Key aspects for Mobile Game Growth in 2025: UA, speed, monetization & globalization with Airbridge | 01:02:36 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me | |||
| 31 Oct 2024 | All in Hole: A Stolen Voodoo's lunch. A new (hybrid) casual game on the horizon | 00:42:04 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 09 Jan 2025 | Dark and Darker Review: Unique blend of survival & extraction | 00:41:52 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 27 Aug 2024 | Lucky Defense Success: Will it conquer the West? A New Tower Defense hitting the charts | 01:05:38 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 06 Nov 2023 | Warcraft Rumble: Deep dive into game's complexity, spend depth, systems, vectors, UA & creatives (#84) | 01:11:12 | |
This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #84. 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/FoDkTMmxsJ4 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 04:00 Warcraft Rumble intro 09:49 no UA push? 10:45 Clash royale 15:00 Leaders / Hero characters 17:08 Is this a mass-market mobile game? 23:23 You can make very bad decisions early on 23:22 No more Charmander, Bulbasaur or Pikachu 25:27 The GRID 32:38 Super customization of heroes & Troops 34:49 Custom army slots? 36:25 PvE COOP for old people 39:46 The Guild system 46:10 Spend depth 49:22 Technical issues 50:45 Playing on the emulator is illegal 56:00 High standards for rating 57:22 Soft launch of Warcraft Rumble 59:10 Social media 59:55 CPIs for Warcrafr Rumble 1:02:20 Are they spending at least something? 1:04:42 Are they running for a captain hook of the year? 1:08:24 Sell the minis! --------------------------------------- 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 - matej@lancaric.me 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/top-troops-global-launch-ua-case-study Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask Matej AI - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai Also, check out Blizzard’s soft launch playbook for Warcraft Rumble here! | |||
| 05 Sep 2024 | Impulse Brain Training games: A hyper scaling app masquerading as a brain training | 00:44:01 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 19 Mar 2025 | A Human-Centric Approach to Mobile gaming industry by Ömer Yakabagi | 00:25:40 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 04 Jul 2024 | June's Journey: A party to die for - The power of community-driven content in gaming! | 00:43:19 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 15 Jan 2025 | Product trends for Mobile Games in 2025 by Jakub Remiar | 00:43:07 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 Sep 2024 | WeChat Mini-Games: Exploring the World of Mini-Games with Lemon! | 00:43:58 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 29 Jan 2024 | PGC Live Special w/ John Wright: Hybrid casual is a stepping stone! Quality over quantity | 00:48:52 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 02 Sep 2022 | two & a half gamers session #30 - survivor.io global launch case study UA, GD, Admon view | 00:43:50 | |
This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #30. 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/erMhpmdw5dA Agenda: 00:00 Intro 05:00 Survivor.io intro 8:10 Daily revenue of the game 8:55 User acquisition 14:00 Who is the mediation partner? 15:30 Do you need to create tiktoks instead of creatives? 16:40 How long was survivor.io in the soft launch? 20:20 Do they use companies for UA funding? 22:30 Admonetisation numbers and calculations 27:00 Admon SDKs implemented 30:05 Ads placement suggestions & discussion 33:00 UA channel mix 36:30 Survivor.io Creatives 37:50 global launching in 2020 vs 2022 39:40 How much money they could earn in peak? https://lancaric.me/survivor-io-global-launch-ua-case-study/ Hit the Subscribe button on Youtube, Spotify and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me / lancaric.me | |||
| 16 Dec 2022 | two & a half gamers session #43 - How to approach new game development & see new trends in gaming | 00:49:36 | |
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! Hit the Subscribe button on Youtube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me 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/ | |||
| 13 May 2022 | two & a half gamers session #15 - Can UA save your game? Does your game need UA? UA for beginners | 00:50:53 | |
This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #15. 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 it. Panelists: Jakub Remiar, Felix Braberg, Matej Lančarič Youtube: https://youtu.be/BKyjxR8t_qg Agenda 1:30 Correction of Admon stuff from session #14 6:20 Applovin buys Wordle! (Modern cinderella story) 10:00 Mobile game revenue decreased for first time ever in Q1 2022 13:00 Despite record Q1 2022 for declared M&A, value of closed deals decreased Sell in May and then be away… 20:00 Ads in the metaverse Basics of UA 22:30 when to start working on UA? 23:20 How UA can help before game is built? What are the KPIs to look at? 24:20 video #10 marketability tests 25:00 technical stage & KPIs 26:15 Retention KPIs (game + UA) 27:45 What kind of budget to use? 30:50 Never kill a game based on only one channel 32:30 Proxy events dont work in reality 34:15 Scaling the game and profitable UA 34:45 Top 3 creative tricks 36:00 Golden cohorts 38:30 Use Soft launch data for global launch assumptions 40:20 Different optimisation methods (Purchase vs AdROAS) UA Myths 42:20 - UA can save your game 45:00 UA is the problem why your game is not working 46:00 how to see the UA is shit? 49:10 game will work without UA Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me / lancaric.me | |||
| 13 Jan 2025 | Magic Sort Review: The Next big thing in gaming. Or is it? | 00:45:35 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 29 Jul 2024 | ChinaJoy 2024 POV: WeChat mini-games, the speed of game development & Impressive market growth | 00:45:31 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 27 May 2024 | How to grow IAP revenue by 375%? SayGames Special with Anton Volnykh | 01:05:11 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 03 Mar 2025 | Vita Mahjong Game Review: Ads in Gaming? Yes! | 00:50:13 | |
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. | |||
| 27 Mar 2025 | Top Girl meets Last War! Last Z: Survival Shooter review | 00:47:44 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 04 Sep 2023 | Empire Takeover - 4X Hybridcasual review: UA, Creatives, Ad monetization, Game design (#77) | 00:41:03 | |
This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #77. 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/5H6iCu4rSQk Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-20oqnc9hf-kF8_OSJUb6MxD6n2eS448w Agenda: 00:00 Epic intro 04:22 Why is Jakub excited about Empire Takeover? 05:00 Numbers 05:54 Sadness multiplier 07:00 Game design intro 17:54 What are the learnings for game design? 19:17 Ad monetization review 20:54 Eye-watering numbers 23:48 Why do ads not work in 4X? 24:15 UA review 26:39 UA channel mix 31:08 Altered gameplay 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 - matej@lancaric.me 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 | |||
| 26 Aug 2022 | two & a half gamers session #29 - how to scale your mobile game, CPI vs LTV, Amazon gamescom rumours | 00:46:35 | |
This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #29. 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/6AYhhP6VYkk Agenda: 00:00 Intro 03:11 gamescom rumours 09:00 Mintegral issue 10:35 Google Play Games on PC 14:50 Google iOS tROAS update 17:30 Google Admob bidder update 22:00 How to scale a game? 26:50 CPI vs LTV & payback period 32:30 UA diversification 36:20 Seamless flow for UA 41:20 Ad monetisation improvements unlock scale Hit the Subscribe button on Youtube, Spotify and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me / lancaric.me | |||
| 20 Nov 2023 | 5 tips for killer UA, Soft launch Sonar vol3, Black Friday secret admon tips (#85) | 01:02:52 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me 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:
Progression concepts: Quick brief idea Day 1 vs. Day 30
There is so much more to try! | |||
| 08 Aug 2024 | Inside Stormgate with Tim Morten: In-Depth Live Review & Gameplay with Insights | 01:06:47 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 20 Mar 2025 | Softlaunch Sonar #8 - Exploring the Latest Game Releases & Innovations | 00:50:36 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 17 Apr 2023 | How to reduce ANR's & crashes, organics improvements, ASO, SDK utopia & Manuel Prueter (#60) | 00:53:54 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me 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 | |||
| 17 Jun 2022 | two & a half gamers session #20 - The Ants creative analysis. Which visual theme has the lowest CPI? | 00:42:30 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me / lancaric.me | |||
| 25 Mar 2024 | Legend of Mushroom's Success: 150+Mil IAP revenue in 4 months? Social features, guilds, UA & Admon | 01:00:33 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 19 Dec 2024 | Match3 Games Market Overview: Mechanics, Monetization, Trends, UA & Creative Strategies for Success | 02:41:59 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me | |||
| 06 Mar 2025 | Love & Deep Space: The success of Otome Games. A very heavy RPG with dating mechanics & ASMR systems | 00:46:25 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 04 Mar 2024 | 4X (R)evolution part1. Top Heroes: Idle RPG or 4X strategy game? (#99) | 01:02:05 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 03 Feb 2025 | Game Review Radar #7: All-time highs! Random pundits think Balatro is dead. Think twice! | 00:50:16 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 09 Oct 2023 | Alien Invasion hybrid casual story: Full Game design, Ad monetization, UA and creatives review (#81) | 00:52:40 | |
This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #81. 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/NzIJ2QLOEbA 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 02:51 Jakub is complaining he is running of hybrids 05:41 Alien Invasion Game design review 15:53 Secret of leveling up! 20:08 Where are the ads? 23:15 Admon review 28:50 SKUs top ranks 30:24 Ad revenue estimation 31:44 Retention numbers with happiness multiplier 33:50 Jakub's shit phone vs remove ads on Android 35:07 UA review 36:05 How to do creative research on Facebook Ads Library? 36:54 UA channel mix 40:01 60-second ads all over again? 40:40 Creative review intro 41:46 Creative showdown 42:57 Hats off to SayGames team again 44:00 2nd best UA manager shows himself 47:10 Maven Matej (rating) UA comments 48:07 Facebook mastery 48:45 Matej AI score 49:40 This game could be a rocket ship 50:29 It's clear what to do to improve 51:00 Matej from Wish takes us home ---------------------------------------- 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 - matej@lancaric.me 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 | |||
| 22 May 2023 | Triple Tile vs. Triple Match 3D showdown! In-depth UA, creatives, Admon, Game design review (#65) | 00:56:13 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me 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 | |||
| 07 Oct 2024 | Reelshort Review: Redefining genre & . Next step for Netflix Games? | 00:59:08 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 25 Dec 2024 | How to conquer the farming games market? Minigames FTW. Implement or die by Matej Lancaric! | 00:27:37 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 24 Jun 2024 | Solo Leveling: Arise - Depth of Content & Progression Layers Exploring the Predatory Monetization | 01:03:36 | |
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 --------------------------------------- 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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 18 Jul 2022 | two & a half gamers session #24 - 1 year after IDFA Apocalypse. State of the UA, Admon & retargeting | 00:45:43 | |
This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #24. 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: Kate Lovejoy, Niels Beenen, Felix Braberg, Matej Lančarič, Youtube: https://youtu.be/2NE3ls6nVu4 We will be discussing one year after the IDFA "apocalypse" & tectonic shifts happened. Everything UA, Ad monetisation, retargeting and Skan 4.0 related. Whoop whoop! Agenda: 2:34 How did our day to day job changed after IDFA bullshit happened? 8:05 Felix, you had some (secret) tips and tricks on how to increase it. Could you share? Why should companies test out pre-prompt windows? 12:10 How do gaming companies look at retargeting in general? Or, how was it before IDFA and how is it now? Is it a significant % of their spend? 13:20 How to incorporate retargeting spend into UA costs / CPIs? 16:44 How do MMP approach retargeting? 19:47 Retargeting & control groups! 20:16 How to approach retargeting on iOS? 22:52 UA & Retargeting is dead 24:06 Were companies pulling back spend on iOS? 26:27 Apple recently announced SKAN 4.0. Without going too geeky, what can we expect? How are these changes going to affect measurement? 31:00 Tip for SKAN 4.0 32:00 No SKAN no problem for retargeting 32:30 Creative testing on retargeting 33:30 Which game genres have the highest opt-in rates from what you can see? And why? 35:00 Singular Product innovations for iOS 36:50 IDFA dinosaurs vs Google privacy sandbox 41:00 iOS LTV prediction 42:00 last comments, tips & tricks, recommendations Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me / lancaric.me | |||
| 09 Apr 2025 | How to Unlock Hidden Ad Revenue in Google AdMob. Step-by-Step Walkthrough by Felix Braberg | 00:25:18 | |
Struggling to squeeze more $$$ from your ads? You might be losing thousands just by misusing AdMob. Today, Felix Braberg reveals the exact setup, tips, and optimization tactics he uses to scale ad revenue for games earning $350M+ in lifetime revenue. 👉 Whether you're earning $20/day or $3K/day, this episode is your AdMob playbook. 💡 What you’ll learn: How to properly set up AdMob mediation step by step The most common mistakes (like leaving $$ in "AdMob Default" purgatory) The best ad networks for banners, interstitials, and rewarded videos When and how to run A/B tests inside AdMob Felix’s personal Excel formulas for fill rate & share-of-revenue analysis Why AdMob is powerful… but painfully clunky A checklist for daily/weekly/monthly optimization based on your revenue level 📈 If you're not checking your waterfall every week, you’re probably burning money. 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/3xQgzk9gqTk 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 Revenue and AdMob Mediation 03:16 Understanding AdMob Mediation: Pros and Cons 07:25 Setting Up Your AdMob Account and Ad Units 11:17 Creating Mediation Groups and Mapping Impressions 14:12 Monitoring and Analyzing Ad Revenue Data 18:09 Optimizing Ad Revenue with A/B Testing --------------------------------------- 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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 💬 COMMENT if you want a full walk-through of LevelPlay or MAX. 📣 SHARE this with your monetization or UA lead. 👍 LIKE + SUBSCRIBE for deep, actionable insights from real industry operators. | |||
| 21 Jan 2022 | two & a half gamers session #2 - UA & Creative trends 2022, Microsoft <3 ATVI, TOP10 gaming M&A | 00:58:44 | |
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
Hypercasual-led creatives
Audio ads for games
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| 22 Apr 2022 | two & a half gamers session #13 - Rovio making $2.6M/year more from ads & more efficient UA? Full analysis! | 01:00:03 | |
This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #13. This week we’re starting a brand new segment! The Mobile Gaming Company Happy Hour where we do a deep dive on a mobile gaming company from the perspective of Game Design, UA and Ad Mon. Don't forget, this is a 4am conference discussion vibe so let's not take it too seriously! Let’s dive in and enjoy it. Panelists: Jakub Remiar, Felix Braberg, Matej Lančarič Youtube: https://youtu.be/p-9ls_UOFPM Agenda 2:00 Intro 3:10 Topline information about Rovio 8:20 Game Design 16:00 Same game different IP 28:30 User Acquisition 31:00 Diversifying UA channels 43:00 AdROAS UA campaigns 44:25 Ad monetisation 45:00 LAT traffic 52:20 Brand lift studies 52:50 Best practices for pre-prompt ATT window 56:00 Takeaways & Summary Topline information about Rovio:
Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me / lancaric.me | |||
| 07 Apr 2025 | From VR Meme to Mobile Empire 👑 How I Am Cat & I am Security Took Over TikTok AND App Stores | 00:53:14 | |
What happens when a cat simulator, born as a VR meme on Meta Quest, lands on mobile with aggressive monetization and viral magic? You get a $300,000/day monster hits. I am Cat with I am Security = 300k/day ad revenue! Today, we break down the bizarre and brilliant rise of I Am Cat and I Am Security — the mobile games that took over app stores in March 2025 with: Over 2.6M DAU $170K/day from I Am Cat $120K/day from I Am Security 60s interstitial loops and mandatory rewarded ads Origin story: a team call about cats turned into a Goat Simulator-style sandbox hit From VR on MetaQuest to top-ranked free games on Android & iOS Almost no IAP – ads are the economy Insane virality via YouTube Shorts & TikTok (34M+ views!) 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/zVjfrpqeKSw 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 Game Overview 04:24 The Rise of Astotti and Their Games 06:50 Exploring the Success of 'I'm Cat' and 'I'm Security' 10:24 The Transition from VR to Mobile Gaming 13:10 Ad Monetization Strategies in Mobile Games 16:30 User Engagement and Game Mechanics 19:31 Revenue Insights and Market Performance 20:19 The Rise of Simulation Games 23:37 Analyzing Game Revenue and User Engagement 24:51 Exploring IAM Security Game Mechanics 29:23 Revenue Insights and Market Sustainability 32:35 Future of Game Development and Marketing Strategies 36:28 Viral Marketing Strategies in Gaming 39:56 The Impact of Social Media on Game Popularity 43:40 Analyzing Game Monetization and Profitability 46:50 The Evolution of Game Concepts and Trends 52:06 Conclusion and Future of 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 VR to mobile = untapped goldmine, especially for meme-ready content Aggressive ad placement can work if player retention is fueled by curiosity + chaos Low CPI + high engagement = ideal organic UA funnel "I Am Cat" and "I Am Security" are a masterclass in viral design, zero-to-monetization speed, and how to turn meme energy into millions.. --------------------------------------- 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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 26 Dec 2024 | Blossom Sort Game Review: Exploring the Future of casual games | 00:44:15 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 01 Aug 2022 | two & a half gamers session #26 - Unpacking Google ads "disaster", ASA Today's new ad, Google <3 MAX | 00:56:00 | |
This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #26. 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/95lLVn4Q3q8 Agenda: 3:00 Better Ads Experiences by Google https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/12253906 11:50 New App store ads in Today tab https://www.macrumors.com/2022/07/29/new-app-store-ads-today-tab/ 19:10 Google joins bidder on Max https://www.applovin.com/blog/google-joins-sdk-bidders-on-max/ 26:20 What would you ask surprise segment about fake ads, scaling games, VR, intrusive ads and more .. Hit the Subscribe button on youtube, Spotify and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me / lancaric.me | |||
| 22 Aug 2024 | 2.5 gamers x Live AM(F)A #5 - Ask Me Anything with Filippo De Rose | 00:59:30 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 12 Aug 2024 | Creative trends in mobile games - July 2024 | 00:46:30 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 06 Mar 2023 | two & a half gamers session #54 & Eric Kress - Everything is dead & new frontier of game development | 00:51:29 | |
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! Hit the Subscribe button on Youtube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me 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 11 tips for killer User Acquisition ops (Q1 version) - https://lancaric.me/11-tips-for-killer-user-acquisition-ops-q1-2023/ | |||
| 27 Feb 2025 | Rise of Vietnam: Mobile Gaming Boom—Key Players, Winning Strategies & What’s Next | 00:45:18 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 08 Jan 2024 | Hybrid casual Tower War: The evolution of core gameplay, growth & creatives, admon excellense (#93) | 01:06:22 | |
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
--------------------------------------- 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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 01 Aug 2024 | Softlaunch Sonar #5: More Whiteout survival-like games coming! | 00:39:08 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 24 Oct 2024 | Creative Trends in Mobile Games - September 2024 | 00:45:58 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 02 Dec 2024 | Archero 2 Review: The Evolution of gaming & Habby template perfection | 01:04:38 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit lancaric.substack.com & sign up | |||
| 15 Jul 2024 | Project RISE review: Supercells *NEW* Rogue-lite Game is in pre-alpha! | 01:01:10 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 20 May 2024 | Zombie.io global launch case study: A Midcore game with complex gameplay & wide range of features | 00:57:26 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 16 May 2024 | Helldivers 2 Special: Why is it so good? Second Galactic War Begins! New major Order! | 00:36:08 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 30 Jan 2025 | High Seas Hero Game Review: Navigating through Scaling Challenges | 00:50:29 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 13 Mar 2023 | Deep & actionable SKAN 4.0 breakdown with Eran from Singular. What to expect from SKAN 4.0? (#55) | 00:52:18 | |
This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #55. 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. Host: Matej Lančarič Special guest: Eran Friedman Youtube: https://youtu.be/edfxCUnVOnI Agenda 00:00 Intro 04:18 State of the iOS 07:11 Current adoption rate of SKAN 4.0 (iOS 16.1 and above) 09:17 Why update MMP SDK now? 10:35 What's the advantage of being an early adopter? 12:19 Is it possible to have SKAN 3 in place and start testing SKAN 4.0? 14:22 What's the most significant difference between SKAN 3 and SKAN 4? 15:47 What are the different postbacks? How do the conversion windows look for these postbacks? 22:17 How to think about the three postbacks? Is it actionable? 26:27 What is the locking window feature about? 28:37 How can I track the evolution of LTV in SKAN 4.0? 32:20 Could you set up different conversion schemas for each postback? 39:58 Is there a SKAN 4.0 checklist? 46:05 How to get creative-level data? 49:30 Crowd anonymity 51:30 Eran's contact details (eran@singular.net)
Hit the Subscribe button on Youtube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me 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 11 tips for killer User Acquisition ops (Q1 version) - https://lancaric.me/11-tips-for-killer-user-acquisition-ops-q1-2023/ | |||
| 08 Jul 2024 | Creative Trends in mobile gaming - June 2024 | 00:50:08 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 19 Jun 2023 | Creatives end cards arms-race, why is soft launching in US a terrible idea? Night crows review (#69) | 00:49:48 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me 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 | |||
| 23 Sep 2024 | Elder Scrolls Castles: Flop with the most successful iteration of this core gameplay | 00:46:46 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 07 Aug 2023 | Monopoly GO review: CPI estimations, Revenue growth, Genre comparison, Monetization & design (#74) | 00:51:39 | |
This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #74. 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/O1qlhlU2TIY Gamescom event! https://www.singular.net/lp/gamescom2023-event Agenda 00:00 Epic intro 02:31 Felix sharing great numbers on Linkedin 04:00 Monopoly GO UA intro 06:49 Monopoly GO revenue growth 08:30 Retention numbers 10:15 UA channel mix 12:50 Facebook Connect 14:30 Creative mix 16:10 Initial CPI chit-chat 18:06 Jakub gets demoted to 3rd best UA manager on the show 20:25 Mr.Monpoly, AKA Milburn Pennybag 21:34 When Celebs? 22:23 Monopoly GO needs Robert De Niro 23:11 CPI estimation! 24:52 Admon review 28:00 IP cut 28:34 Game Design part 33:18 Please send us your address - EliteDolphin 35:30 Monetisation 36:30 Facebook groups 42:58 Monopoly IP limitations 45:08 What is the purpose of the game? 45:20 Why does Monopoly GO grow like hell? 48:57 Game Rating 49:56 Jakub takes us home! 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 - matej@lancaric.me 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/will-ai-finally-kill-ua | |||
| 27 Jun 2024 | Top Creatives & Advertisers with Game Review Radar! | 00:55:11 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 04 Dec 2023 | Zenless Zone Zero: First look! Everything we know from Closed Beta (#88) | 00:47:57 | |
This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #88. 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/dDDAM-32hmQ 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 02:14 HoYoverse info 09:25 ZZZ intro --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives consultant Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant Jakub Remiar Game design consultant --------------------------------------- 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 - matej@lancaric.me 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 | |||
| 21 Oct 2022 | two & a half gamers honest interviews #4 - Erik Gloersen (Why is the company vision important?) | 00:46:17 | |
Welcome dear listener! This is a 2.5 gamers podcast with an honest interviews segment #4. Asking tough questions, having fun and dropping some knowledge with gaming industry peeps. Erik Gloersen & Matej Lancaric Youtube: https://youtu.be/U9VvPzLk3Pk Agenda 00:00 Podcast intro 01:28 Erik Gloersen introduction 08:00 Erik & Sisu ventures 08:50 Pre-powerpoint investment 09:35 Which skills do you require to be a general manager in a fund? 11:20 Investing in repeat-founders 13:44 How to do the due diligence? 17:00 UA is hard, mobile is dead 21:00 Is blockchain a new way of gaming? 28:00 Who do you need in your founding team 29:20 Is UA important in the first stage? 32:00 How many home runs per failure do you need? How does the VC model work? 34:30 When bootstrap and when to take VC money? 40:19 Biggest regret in investment 42:00 Favourite books https://www.amazon.com/Creativity-Inc-Overcoming-Unseen-Inspiration/dp/0812993012 https://www.amazon.com/Built-to-Last-Jim-Collins-audiobook/dp/B0813QCVN9/ref=sr_1_1 https://www.amazon.com/Zero-to-One-audiobook/dp/B00M284NY2/ref=sr_1_1 44:35 Rapid quiz Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me / lancaric.me | |||
| 03 Oct 2022 | two & a half gamers session #34 - Low budget UA, Sheep a Sheep game in China, APS Update, Amazon UA | 00:44:43 | |
This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #34. 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/ELLmCtF5iVs Agenda: 00:00 Intro 01:50 PGC vibe & news 04:20 Amazon Publisher Services update 11:40 UA on Amazon 18:02 Global launch newsletter tip humiliation 22:30 Low budget UA tips 26:30 When to increase budgets? 28:40 Sheep a Sheep game exploding in China 37:20 Is this game making 7 Million revenue a day? Hit the Subscribe button on Youtube, Spotify and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me / lancaric.me | |||
| 02 Sep 2024 | Office cat Idle Tycoon Live Review: $125k/day revenue with 80k/day spend = nice profit w/ Seok Kang | 01:12:05 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 16 Apr 2025 | Web Shops make up 30% of game revenue in 2025. Here’s how to build yours! | 00:41:33 | |
30% of your revenue could be coming from a web shop, and you wouldn’t even see it in your external IAP dashboards. In this exclusive episode of 2.5 Gamers, we sit down with David Stelzer, President of Xsolla (formerly Epic Games, SEGA, CAA), to discuss how top-grossing games are ditching App Store dependency and scaling through direct-to-consumer (D2C) models. This isn’t theoretical. 📈 The top mobile publishers using Xsolla’s stack are pulling 25–30% of their total revenue through off-store web shops — with 50% less in fees than Apple or Google. Get our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop 💥 What You’ll Learn: Why web shops are the future of mobile monetization The battle pass + subscription combo every midcore game should explore How AI is reshaping LiveOps, A/B testing & offer personalization Why casual games are struggling and how offerwalls may be the solution How to launch a localized, conversion-optimized web shop in minutes The right UA mindset for 2025 (hint: it’s not CPI chasing anymore) --------------------------------------- 🔗 Want more revenue, more retention, and more control? Xsolla’s Instant Web Shop might be your best-kept growth secret. www.xsolla.com --------------------------------------- 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: David Stelzer https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidstelzer/ Youtube: https://youtu.be/Ab6muq76UGo 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 Exola and David Stelzer 03:16 Evolution of the Gaming Industry 06:30 Monetization Strategies for Game Developers 10:27 Direct-to-Consumer Sales and Web Shops 12:51 Trends in Mobile Gaming and IAPs 15:01 Challenges for Casual Games in Monetization 17:24 The Role of Subscriptions and Battle Passes 20:00 Expanding into APAC and LATAM Markets 22:53 Localization and Compliance in Global Sales 25:04 The Impact of 5G and Cloud Gaming 26:27 The Rise of AI in Gaming 27:56 AI's Role in Game Development and Monetization 28:27 Data-Driven Decision Making in Game Studios 30:22 Building Effective Web Shops for Games 32:37 Optimizing Web Shops for Better Revenue 34:26 Leveraging AI for Enhanced User Experience 36:37 Understanding Player Behavior for Monetization 38:06 Actionable Strategies for 2025 --------------------------------------- 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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 06 May 2024 | From Hypercasual to Hybridcasual - The Supercent story. Iterative nature & Admon w/ UA in grey zone | 00:59:10 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 08 Jan 2025 | The Evolution of Mobile Advertising Explained: How to make Ad revenue by Felix Braberg | 00:27:39 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 13 May 2024 | Supermarket Simulator Mobile: Why is it so popular? Start your own Supermarket now! (#109) | 00:47:59 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 10 Apr 2022 | two & a half gamers session #11 - How to increase game revenue by 35% with Narrative design | 00:54:46 | |
This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #11. 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 it. Panelists: Jakub Remiar, Felix Braberg, Matej Lančarič & Steven-Elliot Altman Youtube: https://youtu.be/BjKFpDtcYzA Agenda 18:30 How to increase game revenue by 35% as a Loremaster? 22:00 What genres are more suitable for narrative design? 24:00 How story influences game KPIs? 26:40 Story as a retention driver 27:00 Wooga tracking if players are reading the story 28:10 What kind of data influence the story? 30:00 Different modes of writting 33:00 How do you prepare for writing a story for a mobile game? 47:00 How can movies inspire a storyteller? 51:00 Live ops & story telling and much more ... Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me / lancaric.me | |||
| 23 Apr 2024 | Brawl Stars' UA & Creative Strategies, Game Review Radar, GAM not dead yet? (#106) | 00:55:32 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 10 Jun 2024 | Total Battle War Strategy: $600k/day revenue 4X genre success with innovative onboarding | 00:52:02 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 29 May 2023 | Squad Busters: First look! MOBA or hybrid casual? New Supercell game in Soft launch. (#66) | 01:00:57 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me 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 | |||
| 28 Oct 2024 | Hexasort: Unpacking the $500k/day revenue success. A new era of casual & puzzle games! | 00:59:53 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 26 Mar 2025 | Mastering Effective Spend Depth in Gaming by Jakub Remiar | 00:22:01 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 10 Mar 2025 | Who is Tripledot & what do they do? The History, games portfolio & estimated profits | 00:47:30 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 11 Nov 2024 | Age of Empires Mobile: Nostalgia Meets Modern Gaming (ehm, modern 4X strategy games) | 00:57:02 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 12 Feb 2024 | Gamesforum Live Special w/ Adam & Gus: Rewarded play, AI in game development. Are UA managers lazy? | 00:49:15 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 27 Mar 2023 | Deep-dive into Google Privacy Sandbox. Same disaster as Apple ATT? When is it happening? (#57) | 00:41:38 | |
This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #57. 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: Matej Lančarič, Kate Lovejoy, Loic Anton Youtube: https://youtu.be/z6QTF7oHu-I Agenda 00:00 Intro 02:36 What the hell is Privacy Sandbox? 05:44 How does the Privacy Sandbox work? 07:34 Why should we pay attention to the privacy sandbox? 10:37 What can you beta test? 15:58 Do you need to implement SDK for every client? 17:44 How does the cooperation with Google look like? 22:31 Audience definition before and after Privacy Sandbox 29:41 When is the Privacy Sandbox happening? 36:32 When do you need to deep-dive into Privacy Sanbox? 40:00 Closing remarks
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 - matej@lancaric.me 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 User Acquisition as the New Frontier of game development | |||
| 15 May 2023 | Creative trends Q1 2023, Mobile games Soft launch Sonar, Meta enhanced interaction in admon (#64) | 00:58:09 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me 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 | |||
| 13 Feb 2023 | two & a half gamers session #51 - Live Special @ Gamesforum Barcelona | 00:36:02 | |
This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #51. 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 live episode! The sound quality is a little bit worse. DUH! It's live. Youtube: https://youtu.be/uuP2NjMxSiM Agenda: 00:00 Intro 03:20 Ad monetization tips & numbers 13:12 UA outlook for 2023 20:38 Game design & creatives part
Hit the Subscribe button on Youtube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me 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 Dumb ways to die hit the #1 download rank in the US. Here is how: https://lancaric.me/ua-how-to-be-top1-downloaded-game-us/ | |||
| 23 Apr 2023 | Legend of Slime review - User Acquisition, Creatives, Ad monetisation, Game design deep dive (#61) | 01:03:24 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me 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 | |||
| 12 Feb 2025 | A Beginners Guide to UA: The Fundamentals by Matej Lancaric | 00:27:13 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 15 Aug 2024 | Idle Outpost Zombie Apocalypse Review: (down)scaling? | 00:47:59 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 21 Oct 2024 | Soft launch Sonar #6: Is Capybara GO the next big hit from Habby? | 00:38:54 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||
| 20 Feb 2024 | We are Warriors live Review: Ad juggernaut, creative depth, balancing difficulty & progression, UA | 01:08:43 | |
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 - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- 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 | |||