Taking Snake.io to the next level and building multimedia brands with Kooapps CEO CK Wang
Aug 13, 2024
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CK Wang, CEO of Kooapps and former Microsoft employee, shares his journey from tech to gaming. He discusses the milestones that propelled Snake.io and Kooapps, emphasizing community engagement and evolving player experiences. The conversation highlights the shift from hypercasual to unified casual gaming and innovative monetization strategies like in-app purchases. CK also explores the role of influencer marketing and user-generated content in shaping future games, creating a strong connection with players.
CK Wang highlights the evolution from hyper-casual to unified casual games, enhancing player engagement through deeper design elements and feedback.
Kooapps focuses on brand development and community engagement, which significantly contributes to organic downloads and long-term player retention.
Deep dives
The Journey of KU Apps and Game Design Philosophy
KU Apps has made significant strides in the gaming industry, particularly through titles like Snake.io. The company initially focused on hyper-casual games but evolved to embrace a hybrid casual model, which CK Wang describes as 'unified casual.' This change necessitated a more in-depth approach to game design, incorporating elements like daily quests, live events, and detailed character progression. The shift showcases how drawing from personal gaming experiences can create a more engaging and complete product for players.
Leveraging AI and Data for Game Development
CK Wang's background in AI and data analysis has greatly influenced KU Apps' approach to game development. Early experiences at Microsoft allowed him to explore machine learning techniques, which he now applies to enhance player connection and gameplay experience. The integration of analytics tools helps assess player engagement and game performance, allowing the team to respond quickly to user feedback. This data-driven approach ultimately aims to create more enjoyable and sustainable gaming experiences.
Building a Strong Brand and Community Engagement
KU Apps emphasizes the importance of brand development in connecting with its user base, evidenced by initiatives such as the Snake.io comic and community-driven content. CK explained that a significant portion of downloads is organic, indicating a growing brand recognition. Active engagement with the community through feedback loops, social media interactions, and Discord discussions helps improve product offerings. By fostering a sense of community, the brand not only attracts new users but retains long-term players.
KU Apps is navigating the complexities of monetization in the gaming industry by blending ad-driven revenue with in-app purchases. With a focus on providing a seamless player experience, CK discusses integrating rewarded video ads that align with in-game interactions. The soft launch of their coin economy illustrates the company’s efforts to diversify revenue streams while appealing to different player preferences. This strategic approach ensures that KU Apps remains resilient even amidst market shifts and challenges to traditional revenue models.
Kooapps is no stranger to building big brands and successful games. Its portfolio, which includes Snake.io, Piano Tiles, Pictoword and Stacky Bird, has garnered more than 450 million downloads to date.
On this week’s episode of the PocketGamer.biz Podcast, Kooapps CEO CK Wang joins host Peggy Anne Salz to discuss his journey from Microsoft to co-founding his own company, evolving out of the hypercasual space and building strong brands.
CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Intro
02:43 - Microsoft Research lessons
05:38 - Snake.io anniversary
07:34 - Hypercasual to unified casual
14:05 - Snake.io monetisation strategies
17:49 - Rewarded video ads
19:49 - Building a brand
25:40 - Listening to players
28:29 - Tools for the job
32:11 - Survival tactics
36:51 - ROAS modeling
39:24 - Kooapps’ future
43:25 - Favourite games Q&A
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