Focus on User Experience (UX)
User experience (UX) is a crucial aspect of game development, as it determines whether players will continue to play or move on to another game. According to a survey by Localytics, 86% of mobile gamers say they would stop playing a game after just one session if the UX was poor.
Top game developers understand this and prioritize creating an enjoyable and intuitive user interface that keeps players engaged. To create a great user experience, top game developers focus on creating a clear and concise user interface that is easy to navigate. They also use feedback mechanisms like surveys or in-app feedback forms to gather feedback from players and make improvements based on their feedback.
Additionally, they prioritize creating a seamless and responsive user experience across different devices and platforms to ensure that players can enjoy the game regardless of their device or network connection.
Leverage Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool for promoting games and building a loyal following. Many top game developers use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to share updates about their games, engage with players, and build hype around new releases. They also use influencer marketing, where they partner with popular social media users to promote their games to their followers.
Social media can be an effective way to drive traffic to your game and increase its visibility. However, it’s essential to approach social media in a strategic way to maximize its impact. This means creating engaging content that resonates with your target audience, leveraging paid advertising to reach new audiences, and collaborating with influencers who have a large following and are relevant to your game.
Keep Players Engaged with Regular Updates
Keeping players engaged is critical for maintaining virality. Top game developers release regular updates that add new content, fix bugs, and improve the overall gaming experience. These updates can include new levels, characters, or features that keep players coming back for more. A study by Sensor Tower found that games that received monthly updates had a 25% higher retention rate than those that did not.
Regular updates can help to keep your game fresh and exciting for players. However, it’s essential to balance regular updates with the need to maintain the stability and performance of your game. This means testing updates thoroughly before releasing them, monitoring player feedback, and addressing any issues promptly.
Use In-App Purchases Wisely
In-app purchases (IAPs) can be a powerful way to monetize your game and drive engagement. However, it’s essential to use IAPs wisely.
Top game developers offer in-game currency or virtual goods that enhance the gaming experience but don’t make it pay-to-win. They also use IAPs as a way to incentivize players to complete certain tasks or challenges within the game.
Foster a Sense of Community
Building a sense of community among players is essential for creating viral games. Top game developers create social features like leaderboards, chat rooms, and guilds that encourage players to interact with each other and share their experiences. They also host events and contests that bring players together and reward them for their participation.
A sense of community can help to make your game more engaging and enjoyable for players. However, it’s essential to create a safe and welcoming environment that encourages positive interactions among players. This means monitoring player behavior, addressing any conflicts or issues promptly, and promoting respectful and inclusive behavior among players.
Use Analytics to Optimize Your Game
Analytics is a powerful tool that can help you optimize your game and improve its performance. Top game developers use analytics tools like Google Analytics or Mixpanel to track player behavior, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions about game design and development. By using analytics, they can identify areas for improvement and make changes that increase engagement and retention.
