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two & a half gamers

Latest episodes

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Oct 14, 2024 • 58min

Cup Heroes: Voodoo's new hybridcasual hit making $160k/day! Steady growth w/ adplacement excellence

In this episode, we dive into a detailed review of the game Cup Heroes by Voodoo, discussing its hybrid casual gameplay, performance metrics, monetization strategies, and user experience. We explore the game's growth trajectory, retention rates, and how it compares to other titles in the market. Discussing the effectiveness of decoys and rewards in gameplay, the impact of skill randomizers on player experience, and the creative approaches used in game advertising. Our conversation also touches on the importance of testing different ad creatives! This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Youtube: https://youtu.be/lIaP8MJ5Dms Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q Agenda 00:00 Epic intro 01:20 Game Performance Metrics 06:01 Gameplay Mechanics and Features 12:01 Monetization Strategies 17:56 Comparative Analysis with Other Games 22:17 Game Design Insights and Comparisons 24:01 Monetization Strategies and Revenue Estimations 26:50 User Engagement and Ad Revenue Dynamics 29:57 Skill Randomization and Gameplay Mechanics 33:54 User Acquisition and Marketing Tactics 42:18 Exploring Game Mechanics and User Engagement 48:30 Advertising Strategies in Mobile Gaming 55:00 Creatives 59:50 Evaluating Game Features and Monetization Strategies --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaways Cub Heroes is a hybrid casual game that combines various gameplay elements. The game has shown gradual growth since its soft launch in February 2024. Retention rates are crucial for monetization, with day 30 and day 90 metrics being particularly important. Monetization strategies include a mix of in-app purchases and ad revenue. The game employs a unique skill randomizer mechanic that affects gameplay. User experience is impacted by the frequency and timing of ads during gameplay. Comparative analysis with other games reveals strengths and weaknesses in retention and monetization. The hosts predict future trends in the gaming market based on current performance metrics. Engagement mechanics are essential for retaining players in hybrid casual games. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding user behavior in mobile gaming. Decoys can significantly enhance player motivation and engagement. Ad monetization strategies are evolving with more rewarded ads per session. Skill randomizers play a crucial role in gameplay and ad exposure. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai
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Oct 7, 2024 • 59min

Reelshort Review: Redefining genre & . Next step for Netflix Games?

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Youtube: https://youtu.be/kanIGV0p0eY Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q Agenda just watch the episode! --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaways The app is generating significant revenue, making millions monthly. User engagement is high, with nearly 2 million active users. The app combines elements of gaming and storytelling effectively. Competitors in the market are also performing well, indicating a growing trend. Monetization strategies include in-app purchases and ad placements. The interactive storytelling genre is evolving with new formats and mechanics. User experience is enhanced through clever UI design and rewards systems. The app's success may influence future mobile gaming trends. Understanding user demographics is crucial for targeted marketing. The conversation reflects on the broader implications of app monetization in the gaming industry. LiveOps is becoming increasingly essential in gaming. Ad monetization strategies need to evolve with market changes. Interactive story games are gaining popularity and revenue. Content creation poses significant challenges for developers. User acquisition strategies must adapt to new trends. Innovative advertising techniques can enhance user engagement. The gaming industry is shifting towards more interactive experiences. Understanding audience qualification is crucial for monetization. The potential for high revenue in the gaming sector is significant. Collaboration and sharing insights can drive industry growth. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai Felix Latest Article - https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes
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Oct 3, 2024 • 47min

Game Review Radar #6: The sea of Unfortunate Sharkfins! Exploring Game Updates and Trends

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Podcast: https://youtu.be/11CcJvEwBM0 Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q Agenda 00:00 Epic Intro 02:57 Game Performance and Updates 05:53 User Acquisition vs. Product Quality 08:50 Star Wars Hunters Analysis 11:53 Casual Game Trends 14:58 Mobile Game Monetization Strategies 17:55 Game Comparisons and Market Dynamics 20:57 Innovations in Game Features 23:54 Community Engagement and Feedback 26:49 Future Predictions for Games 30:00 Closing Thoughts and Future Episodes --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaways Engagement strategies are crucial for game retention. User acquisition plays a significant role in game success. Regular updates can revitalize player interest in games. The gaming market is highly competitive and dynamic. Understanding player behavior is key to game development. Revenue trends can indicate the health of a game. Community feedback is essential for game improvement. Innovative game mechanics can enhance player experience. Data analysis tools are vital for tracking game performance. The gaming industry is constantly evolving with new trends. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai Felix Latest Article - https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes
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Sep 30, 2024 • 40min

Ad placements & Ad monetization trends in Mobile Games - September 2024

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Youtube: https://youtu.be/f8Zdk64GVT8 Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q Agenda 00:00 Epic Introduction 02:48 Experiences at Tokyo Game Show 05:52 Ad Placements in Mobile Gaming 06:47 Introduction to Game Trends 12:31 Exploring Game Monetization Strategies 18:19 The Rise of Ultra Casual Games 25:58 Innovative Gameplay Mechanics 33:14 Future Insights --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaways Ad placements are crucial for monetization in mobile games. User acquisition is increasingly influencing game design. Rewarded ads are becoming a standard feature in gameplay. Ultra casual games are gaining popularity due to their accessibility. Innovative monetization techniques are emerging in the gaming industry. Hiding content behind ads is a growing trend. The gaming industry is seeing a shift towards subscription models. User engagement strategies are evolving with new technologies. Mobile gaming is becoming more competitive with innovative designs. The future of mobile gaming looks promising with new trends. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/match-3d-ua-playbook-real-data-inside?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai Felix Latest Article - https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes
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Sep 26, 2024 • 59min

Diversifying your Mobile Game UA with Influencer Marketing (real data included)

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ed Fuller, Matej Lancaric⁠ Youtube: https://youtu.be/CM3Kygj3mcw Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q Agenda 00:00 Epic intro 01:34 Introduction to Influencer Marketing in Mobile Gaming 05:47 The Importance of Diversifying UA Channels 12:14 When to Introduce Influencer Marketing 15:04 Understanding Game Types and Influencer Marketing 20:12 Measuring ROI in Influencer Campaigns 24:20 Creative Strategies for Influencer Marketing 30:48 Best Platforms for Influencer Marketing 36:13 Traditional UA vs Influencer Marketing 41:03 Budgeting for Influencer Marketing 44:37 Post-Campaign Analysis and Insights --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar Edward Fuller https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardjfuller/ https://mediabodies.com/ --------------------------------------- Takeaways Influencer marketing is crucial for diversifying mobile game UA. Alternative UA channels are necessary due to changes in the market. The right time to introduce influencer marketing varies by game. Not all games benefit equally from influencer marketing. Measuring ROI is essential for evaluating campaign success. Creative strategies significantly impact the effectiveness of campaigns. YouTube and podcasts are effective platforms for influencer marketing. Traditional UA and influencer marketing have distinct differences. Budgeting for influencer marketing should be strategic and flexible. The post-campaign analysis provides valuable insights for future campaigns. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://lancaric.substack.com/p/creative-trends-in-mobile-games-august Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai Felix Latest Article - https://www.felixbraberg.com/post/the-end-of-gam-and-admob-placement-refreshes
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Sep 23, 2024 • 47min

Elder Scrolls Castles: Flop with the most successful iteration of this core gameplay

Jakub Remia, a user acquisition, game design, and ad monetization expert, joins the discussion about 'Elder Scrolls Castles.' The conversation highlights the game’s impressive launch and subsequent sharp decline in popularity. They analyze its gameplay mechanics, including character aging and resource management, while criticizing its repetitive content and monetization strategies. The trio shares innovative marketing approaches and explores challenges in the gaming industry, blending light-hearted banter with actionable insights.
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Sep 19, 2024 • 53min

Creative trends in mobile games - August 2024

Jakub Remiar, a game design consultant, dives into the evolving landscape of mobile gaming. The discussion highlights innovative game concepts, the impact of celebrity endorsements, and the role of AI in development. They explore user-generated content's influence on player engagement and dissect trends in app marketing. The panelists bring humor to serious topics, sharing insights on maintaining authenticity while keeping gameplay fun. Prepare for an engaging conversation that combines creativity and industry savvy!
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Sep 16, 2024 • 1h 1min

Deadlock Valve's new game revealed: It's a shooter, NOT just MOBA.

The hosts dive into the thrilling blend of MOBA and shooter genres, discussing unique gameplay mechanics and character roles. They share intense gameplay experiences, from ziplines to healing strategies, with plenty of humor and banter. The conversation turns to the importance of team coordination and resource management, highlighting both the fun and frustration of navigating the game's challenges. With insights into player engagement and game dynamics, it's a lively exploration of what makes this hybrid title exciting!
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Sep 12, 2024 • 39min

Offline games - No WIFI games: The most profitable game in the world

Jakub Remiar, a seasoned expert in user acquisition and game design, joins the conversation to unravel the surprising success of offline games. The discussion delves into revenue strategies that fuel these games and explores how a solo developer conquered the market, especially in India and the US. They highlight the power of rewarded ads, organic growth, and the untapped potential of SEO in driving traffic. With humor and insight, they dissect monetization tactics that yield impressive results while keeping player satisfaction in focus.
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Sep 10, 2024 • 44min

WeChat Mini-Games: Exploring the World of Mini-Games with Lemon!

Jakub Remiar, a game design consultant skilled in user acquisition and monetization, joins Vincent Lemon to dive into the vibrant world of WeChat mini-games. They explore the unique mechanics driving their success in China and the challenges of introducing them to Western audiences. The discussion includes the power of genre combination, the rise of tower defense roguelikes, and innovative monetization strategies. With a casual vibe reminiscent of a late-night conference, listeners gain fresh insights into the competitive mini-game landscape.

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