Sezer Degirmenbasi, TikTok's Head of EMEA for mobile gaming, and John Wright from Kwalee share their expertise in LiveOps. They discuss the importance of Q5 for maximizing user engagement during the holiday season. Learn how TikTok's innovative LiveOps tools can extend game lifecycles and boost revenue. The conversation dives into creative marketing strategies, revitalizing older games, and the significance of culturalization in gaming. Key metrics for measuring success in LiveOps are also revealed, providing invaluable insights for developers.
Q5, the period post-Christmas, presents a unique opportunity for mobile game marketers to capitalize on increased user engagement at lower costs.
TikTok's LiveOps program aids developers in enhancing user retention and monetization through tailored strategies and real-time support, ultimately promoting longer game lifecycles.
Deep dives
Understanding Q5 as a Growth Window
Q5 refers to the period after Christmas until mid-January, recognized as a key growth opportunity for mobile gaming. During this time, many users are on holiday, resulting in increased mobile phone usage and engagement with gaming content. Advertisers often pull back during this period, leading to reduced costs per mille (CPMs), making it an advantageous time for game publishers to attract users at lower costs. This period is further characterized by a rise in disposable income as people may have received monetary gifts, allowing for greater expenditure in mobile games.
The Importance of LiveOps in Game Longevity
LiveOps strategies play a crucial role in extending the lifecycle of video games by keeping players engaged through continuous content updates and events. The decrease in new game releases since 2016 has heightened the significance of maximizing revenue potential from existing titles. Effective LiveOps can lead to significant success stories, such as older games generating a substantial portion of in-app purchase revenue while actively engaging users. The ability to prolong a game's successful run raises its competitive edge in an increasingly crowded market.
TikTok's Role in Enhancing LiveOps
TikTok has developed a robust LiveOps program aimed at assisting game developers in optimizing post-launch activities to boost user engagement, retention, and monetization, leading to a longer game lifecycle. This program utilizes a dedicated team that focuses on planning, implementation, and measurement of campaigns, including creative ideation tailored to specific marketing goals. By leveraging creators for unique ad campaigns, publishers can tap into local trends and emotions, enhancing the overall marketing strategy. TikTok's emphasis on real-time support empowers developers to maximize their game’s potential effectively.
Metrics for Evaluating LiveOps Success
Measuring the success of LiveOps campaigns involves both short-term and long-term metrics that focus on user engagement, acquisition costs, and overall revenue growth. Key indicators include daily active users, average revenue per user, and brand favorability, which reflect the campaign's impact on the game's performance. Continuous monitoring of these metrics before and after implementing LiveOps strategies is essential to understand their effectiveness. A successful campaign should ultimately shift base metrics to a higher level, ensuring sustained engagement and profitability for the game.
Join us on the Deconstructor of Fun Podcast as we delve into LiveOps strategies for Q5 with esteemed guests Sezer Degirmenbasi, head of EMEA for mobile gaming at TikTok, and John Wright, head of publishing at Kwalee.
In this episode, you’ll discover what Q5 is and why it's crucial for game marketers and learn detailed strategies for leveraging TikTok's LiveOps tools to extend your game's lifecycle, increase user engagement, and maximize revenue
00:00 Introduction
00:56 Understanding Q5: The Invisible Quarter
06:10 LiveOps Strategies and Definitions
11:27 TikTok's Role in LiveOps Success
16:24 TikTok's LiveOps Program Explained
21:56 Creative Strategies for LiveOps
27:55 The Need for Differentiation
29:34 Reviving Older Games with TikTok
36:56 Success Metrics for LiveOps Campaigns
46:54 Final Thoughts and Advice for Developers
51:02 Culturalization in LiveOps
54:35 Conclusion and Community Engagement
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