Week in Mobile Games E14 - Supercell's Squad Busters goes global and why Steam does discoverability better than Apple and Google
Jun 2, 2024
auto_awesome
Industry experts Brian Baglow, Craig Chapple, Daniel Griffiths, and Paige Cook discuss the global launch of Supercell's Squad Busters, compare Steam's discoverability with Apple and Google, and debate the potential success of YouTube Playables in the mobile games industry.
Supercell's Squad Busters achieved global success with top downloads and revenue rankings in numerous countries, exceeding expectations.
Star-studded live-action trailer for Squad Busters featuring celebrities like Chris Hemsworth enhanced game visibility and anticipation.
Importance of Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) in protecting intellectual property rights and assets, combating unauthorized content use.
YouTube's introduction of playables for over 75 games aims to boost engagement without downloads, reflecting a shift in user interaction.
Deep dives
Success of Squared Busters in Global Launch
Squared Busters achieved remarkable success in its global launch, becoming the most downloaded app in 160 countries within one day. Additionally, it ranked in the top 10 for revenue in 17 countries. Despite falling short of 40 million pre-registrations for an exclusive decoration, the game's early performance exceeded expectations.
Star-Studded Live Action Trailer for Squared Busters
Squared Busters revealed a star-studded live-action trailer featuring notable celebrities like Chris Hemsworth and Christina Ricci, generating excitement before the game's launch. The unexpected trailer aimed to bridge the virtual game world with real-world stars, enhancing the game's visibility and potential success.
Discussion on DMCA and Copyright Protection
The podcast delved into the significance of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) in safeguarding intellectual property rights and assets in the digital age. Exploring the evolution of copyright protection from the inception of the internet, the feature highlighted how the DMCA continues to play a crucial role in combating unauthorized use of content.
YouTube's Introduction of Playables
YouTube has introduced playables, offering over 75 games for users to access and play directly on the platform. While the rationale behind this addition remains unclear, it presents an opportunity for engagement and entertainment without the need for downloads. Playables on YouTube aim to enhance user interaction and potentially keep users on the platform longer.
Epic Game Stores Launch on iOS in the UK in 2025
Epic Game Stores are set to launch on iOS in the UK in 2025, following the success and impact of the Digital Markets Competition Act. This move signifies a significant development in the gaming industry, creating competition for established platforms and potentially reshaping the digital gaming marketplace.
Insights on Mobile Game Monetization Strategies
The discussion around mobile game monetization strategies highlighted contrasting approaches by platforms like Steam, Apple App Store, and Google Play. While Steam focuses on personalized recommendations and user engagement without ads, Apple and Google prioritize ads revenue and featured placements, potentially impacting user experience and developer revenue.
Analysis of Mobile Game Discoverability on App Stores
Exploring the challenges of mobile game discoverability on app stores, the podcast examined the impact of paid placements and search ads on user engagement. The comparison between Steam's personalized approach and app stores' ad-driven models underscored the significance of effective game discovery mechanisms for user retention and revenue generation.
Expansion of Games on Social Platforms
The growing trend of incorporating games into social platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok reflects a broader shift towards multi-dimensional entertainment experiences. The introduction of playables on YouTube and potential expansions to other platforms emphasize the evolving landscape of gaming and content consumption across social media channels.
Brian Baglow, Craig Chapple, Daniel Griffiths and Paige Cook from the PocketGamer.biz team discuss the latest mobile games industry news from the past week.
We cover Supercell's big Squad Busters launch, compare Steam's user-first approach to discoverability that's at odds with Apple and Google's strategies, and discuss whether YouTube Playables will ever work.
** Let's Connect **
👉🏻 Twitter - https://twitter.com/pgbiz
👉🏻 LinkedIn Group - https://www.linkedin.com/company/pocketgamer-biz/
