Disciplines
Insights From Multiple Disciplines
How To Increase Prices Without Angering Players (Too Much)
When implementing price increases, developers should release content updates to create the impression of a content-driven event rather than a straight price increase. Price increases are less likely to anger players when presented in the context of...
The Economics of Last War: Survival’s Transition From Casual to Core
Last War: Survival’s early game economy has four interconnected components: runner battles, world map activities, building, and heroes. Players complete runner battles and world map activities to earn hero XP and resources. Hero XP is used to...
Designing Streamlined FTUEs To Maximize Early Retention
An effective FTUE hooks players fast, teaches through play, and blends early retention with monetization to maximize long-term engagement A successful first-time user experience (FTUE) gets players engaged within their first minute, balances...
How Reddit Grew DAU by 39% and ARPU by 23% YoY
Since Q1 2024, Reddit has leaned into gamification—adding streaks, achievements, leaderboards, and collectible IAP-driven systems—which has significantly boosted engagement (DAU up 39%) and monetization (ARPU up 23% YoY) by reinforcing its core...
How To Build Strong Communities In- and Off-App
Thriving, well-managed communities fuel player retention, acquisition, and spend. Player communities are a powerful growth lever, with performance varying by platform and content type; successful developers tailor community strategy by genre,...
6 Best Practices for Successful Soft Launches
Effective soft launches begin 4–6 weeks before full release with a complete core loop and nearly finished features, focus on adjacent T1 markets for accurate performance data, avoid early event distractions, and use localized marketing that scales...
Duolingo’s Retention Is the Secret to Its Explosive Growth
Duolingo’s explosive user growth over the past six years stems from a strategy built around retention rather than user acquisition. Its simple but powerful daily streak feature serves as the backbone of engagement, while supporting mechanics like...
How Apps Can Benefit From Web Stores
Web stores give developers a way to bypass Apple and Google’s 30% IAP commission, and while direct links from apps are restricted, many use creative workarounds to guide players off-platform. To offset the extra friction, developers often rely on...
Economy Secrets of Gaming’s Biggest Success Story
Monopoly GO! has emerged as the most successful mobile game of the past two years, fueled by mechanics that blend risk, reward, and social interaction. The option to bet more rolls per turn incentivizes higher in-app purchases, while social...