
two & a half gamers
This is a no BS gaming podcast. We share insights, knowledge and fun gossip relating to the topics of User Acquisition, Game Design and Ad monetisation. You will find here actionable insights in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. A safe space where we mimic the honesty of a 4am conference discussion. Enjoy & let us know your feedback!
Latest episodes

Nov 11, 2024 • 57min
Age of Empires Mobile: Nostalgia Meets Modern Gaming (ehm, modern 4X strategy 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/qP1EYgI95E4
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
01:23 Introduction to Age of Empires and Nostalgia
02:59 The Impact of Tencent on Age of Empires
05:54 Gameplay Mechanics and Mini-Games
09:05 The Evolution of Strategy Elements
11:59 Integration of Vampire Survivors Mechanics
14:55 Balancing and Game Design Insights
17:50 The Absence of Zombies in Forex Games
17:58 Clan Dynamics and Player Retention
18:56 Understanding Forex Server Ecosystems
20:02 Monetization Strategies in Forex Games
21:07 Game Features and User Engagement
22:00 Hero Mechanics and Progression Systems
23:06 Streamlined User Interface in Forex Games
23:57 Revenue Insights and Market Performance
25:01 Nostalgia and Player Engagement in Game Design
40:11 The Future of Gaming IPs
44:00 Nostalgia in Game Design
49:02 The Impact of Marketing on Game Success
54:04 Evaluating Game Mechanics and User Acquisition
---------------------------------------
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
Age of Empires has a strong nostalgic value for many players.
Tencent's involvement raises concerns about the game's direction.
The mobile adaptation features polished graphics and gameplay
Mini-games are a significant part of the new Age of Empires experience
The game incorporates elements from popular titles like Vampire Survivors.
Balancing gameplay is crucial for player engagement.
The integration of different game mechanics can enhance player experience.
Clan dynamics significantly influence player retention.
4X operates on multiple server shards, creating unique ecosystems.
Hero mechanics add depth to gameplay and progression.
Revenue insights reveal the financial success of Forex games.
Nostalgia plays a crucial role in player engagement.
The 4X genre is growing, attracting diverse players. Nostalgia plays a significant role in game design.
The success of a game often hinges on its marketing strategy.
IP deals can limit creative freedom in game development.
Players are looking for innovation, not just remakes.
The gaming market is highly competitive, with few players at the top.
Understanding player preferences is key to game success.
High production value does not guarantee player engagement.
---------------------------------------
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

Nov 7, 2024 • 40min
My Supermarket Simulator 3D: The ultimate shop simulator game that makes serious money!
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/Q9rLc86vRF4
Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ
Agenda
00:00 Epic Intro
02:55 Exploring Supermarket Simulator 3D
05:54 Game Mechanics and User Experience
08:54 Monetization Strategies and Revenue Insights
12:04 Comparative Analysis of Game Success
14:59 Final Thoughts and Future Prospects
17:11 Monetization Strategies in Gaming
19:50 Ad Revenue Insights and Mistakes
22:22 Improving Ad Formats for Higher Revenue
23:14 Game Aesthetics and User Experience
25:17 Creative Challenges in Game Growth
30:05 Ad Networks and Creative Concepts
31:04 Scoring the Game and Future Potential
36:46 Merch and Community Engagement
---------------------------------------
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 game has scaled significantly since its launch.
User engagement is crucial for long-term success.
Ad revenue strategies need to be optimized for better returns.
The game mechanics are polished and user-friendly.
Creative marketing strategies can enhance user acquisition.
Retention strategies must be implemented to keep players engaged.
The game has a lot of potential for future growth.
Feedback from players is essential for game development.
The atmosphere of the game contributes to user satisfaction.
We emphasize the importance of continuous improvement in game design.
---------------------------------------
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

Nov 6, 2024 • 29min
Supercell's Project R.I.S.E Update: Gameplay Review with new features & improvements
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, Matej Lancaric
Youtube: https://youtu.be/_CEkh3WNXq4
Join our slack channel here: hhttps://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ
Agenda
00:00 Epic intro
01:24 Introduction to Project Rise
02:58 Gameplay Mechanics and Changes
05:54 Hero Progression and Meta Features
08:53 Team Dynamics and Individual Progression
11:59 Consumables and Floor Mechanics
14:52 Cumulative Rewards and Risk-Reward Mechanics
18:03 Final Thoughts and Future Updates
---------------------------------------
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 game has undergone significant changes since the last update.
Players can now join or create teams to play together.
Hero progression includes new tiers and abilities.
The game is shifting towards individual player progression.
Consumables like Phoenix feathers are now persistent and consumable per player.
Floor skips have been introduced to ease gameplay.
Cumulative rewards are based on performance and strategy.
The game is more polished and engaging than before.
The community is actively involved in the game's development.
Future updates are expected to refine the game's meta features.
---------------------------------------
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

Nov 4, 2024 • 1h 10min
Capybara GO! Defining a new genre: Social Casino RPG! Another Mobile Sensation by Habby
In this conversation, we delve into the latest mobile game sensation, Capybara Go!
We explore the passive gameplay experience, the importance of user engagement, and the innovative features that set Capybara Go apart from its competitors. The discussion also touches on the game's community aspects and event systems, concluding with thoughts on the future of mobile gaming and the evolving landscape of game design.
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:
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
01:24 Introduction to Capybara Go
02:30 Gameplay Mechanics and Features
08:01 Core Game Loop and Player Interaction
12:10 The Future of Mobile Gaming
17:10 Hobby's Impact on Mobile Gaming
21:01 Monetization Strategies and Player Engagement
26:33 Template Building and Game Development
27:56 Adapting Successful Systems from Other Games
31:54 Dungeon Dive and Alternative Game Modes
34:02 Reward Systems and Player Frustration
36:08 Monetization Strategies and Revenue Potential
39:06 Market Performance and Future Predictions
46:01 Capybara Go Launch Insights
49:50 Ad Monetization Strategies
51:15 US Launch Timing and Strategy
53:25 Creative Marketing Approaches
56:22 Trends in Game Development
01:01:25 Comparative Analysis of Game Revenues
---------------------------------------
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
Community features and social interactions enhance the player experience.
Passive gameplay mechanics may represent the future of mobile gaming.
Capybara Go's success may influence future trends in mobile game development. The game features a unique power progression system that enhances player engagement.
Revenue insights indicate strong performance in Asian markets, particularly South Korea.
The game is positioned as a social casino RPG, blending elements of both genres.
Marketing strategies focus on leveraging trends and user acquisition tactics.
Creative advertising approaches are crucial for capturing player interest and engagement.
The game's design is considered a masterpiece, effectively utilizing successful mechanics from other games.
The potential for high revenue growth is evident, especially with the upcoming US launch.
The game's mechanics and events create a competitive environment for players.
---------------------------------------
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

Nov 1, 2024 • 34min
New ways of monetization with Bright SDK
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: Felix Braberg
Special Guest: Ofir Meir | Director of Bright SDK group,
Bright Data | Skype: live:.cid.d170945c61f0d08d | Slack: ofirm@bright-sdk.com
Podcast:
Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q
Bright SDK homepage: https://bright-sdk.com
Partner Program information: https://bright-sdk.com/partners
Bright SDK YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BrightSDK
Partners’ success stories: https://bright-sdk.com/blog/success-and-studies/wizard-games-ad-free-monetization-success
Agenda
00:00 Epic Intro
02:30 Understanding Bright SDK and Its Unique Offerings
08:15 The Business Model Behind Bright Data
10:05 Integration Process for Publishers
12:43 Partner Program Benefits and Growth Opportunities
16:06 User Experience and Implementation Examples
20:53 Publisher Earnings and Revenue Potential
24:15 Privacy Considerations in Data Collection
30:31 Comparing Bright SDK with Traditional Monetization Methods
---------------------------------------
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
Bright SDK empowers game developers to monetize without sacrificing user experience.
The business model is based on public web data collection, not user data.
Publishers can earn revenue by sharing a small portion of their bandwidth.
Integration of Bright SDK is self-service with support available.
The partner program offers loyalty benefits and dedicated account management.
Publishers can choose how and when to present offers to users.
User consent is mandatory before sharing bandwidth.
Privacy is prioritized; only IP addresses are collected.
Publishers can optimize their revenue through A-B testing.
Bright SDK provides a fixed revenue model with no ad interruptions.
---------------------------------------
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

Oct 31, 2024 • 42min
All in Hole: A Stolen Voodoo's lunch. A new (hybrid) casual game on the horizon
Dive into the world of Homa Games' upcoming title, All in Hole! Discover the intriguing game mechanics and monetization strategies that keep players hooked. The hosts humorously dissect the evolution of hybrid casual games and their impressive revenue generation despite challenges. Explore the dynamics of ad integration, user acquisition, and gameplay performance. With insights on enhancing player engagement and the shifting landscape of mobile gaming, this podcast serves up both knowledge and entertainment in a lively, conference-style discussion.

Oct 28, 2024 • 60min
Hexasort: Unpacking the $500k/day revenue success. A new era of casual & puzzle games!
In this session, we delve into the success of Lion Studios' mobile game, Hexasort, discussing its gameplay mechanics, user engagement, and innovative ad monetization strategies. We explore how the game has evolved since its launch, its addictive nature, and its impact on the gaming market. The discussion also includes comparisons with other games and predictions for Hexasort's future in the competitive landscape of mobile gaming.
Discussing innovative gameplay mechanics and ad integration strategies of the game Hexasort. We discuss how user experience is enhanced through clever segmentation and the impact of these strategies on revenue generation.
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/LPMT0DvKxd4
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 The Rise of Hexasort
03:00 Gameplay Mechanics and User Experience
07:00 Monetization Strategies and Engagement
12:01 Innovations in Gameplay and Ad Integration
16:42 Unlocking Game Mechanics
19:40 Level Design and Difficulty
21:01 Game Performance and Optimization
22:52 Ad Monetization Strategies
30:51 Innovative Ad Units and Revenue Generation
37:03 Estimating Ad Revenue and User Engagement
40:14 Analyzing Retention Strategies and Ad Lengths
43:54 Exploring User Acquisition Strategies
50:14 Evaluating Profitability and User Metrics
54:01 Scoring the Game's Performance and Innovations
---------------------------------------
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
Hexasort has become a significant player in mobile gaming.
The game is highly addictive.
Gameplay mechanics are designed for long sessions and strategic thinking.
Ad monetization strategies are innovative and effective.
The game has seen substantial growth in user engagement and revenue.
Hexasort has set a new standard for hybrid-casual games.
The game has inspired numerous clones and competitors in the market.
Future trends indicate continued success for Hexasort and similar games. The integration of ads into gameplay can enhance user experience.
User segmentation based on acquisition source is a game-changer.
Hexasort generates significant daily revenue through innovative ad strategies.
The design of levels supports seamless ad breaks without penalties.
The game has a strong organic traffic presence due to effective ASO.
Ad performance can significantly impact overall game revenue.
---------------------------------------
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

Oct 24, 2024 • 46min
Creative 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/9hXqXwBbv1A
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 to Creative Trends in Gaming
01:00 The Rise of Dream Games
03:59 Creative Strategies in Game Marketing
08:00 Innovations in Gameplay Mechanics
12:00 High Production Value in Game Creatives
16:01 The Evolution of Game Genres
19:57 Trends in User Acquisition and Retention
24:59 Creative Innovations in Gaming
28:01 Game Performance and Revenue Insights
29:59 The Evolution of Game Creatives
32:59 Celebrity Influence in Game Marketing
35:59 Trends in Mobile Game Development
38:55 The Future of Game Genres and Mashups
---------------------------------------
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
Dream Games has become a leader in the match-3 genre.
Creative marketing strategies are crucial for game success.
High production values are becoming standard in-game creatives.
Celebrity endorsements can significantly boost a game's visibility.
Merging gameplay mechanics can enhance player engagement.
The gaming industry is rapidly evolving with new trends.
Tomato overload is a unique marketing trend to watch.
Understanding player psychology is key to effective marketing.
In the future, gaming will see more genre mashups.
Community engagement is essential for ongoing success.
---------------------------------------
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

Oct 21, 2024 • 39min
Soft launch Sonar #6: Is Capybara GO the next big hit from Habby?
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:
Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2o1689ww5-6xo82AVLQQI~IwHKvtps8Q
Agenda00:00 Epic Intro03:39 Game Mechanics and Innovations05:40 Monetization Strategies in Gaming09:12 The Solitaire Trend in Mobile Games11:51 VUGA's New Direction with Solitaire15:39 Happy Bada Go: A New Hit Game18:07 Comparing Game Mechanics and Player Engagement20:05 Innovative Game Concepts and Mechanics23:31 Marketing Strategies in Gaming25:40 Trends in Game Development28:05 Creative Iterations in Game Design31:25 High Production Values in Mobile Gaming34:24 The Importance of User Feedback
---------------------------------------
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
---------------------------------------
TakeawaysThe hosts introduce themselves and set the stage for discussing new games.They explore the mechanics and gameplay of various soft-launched games.Monetization strategies are a key focus in the conversation.The rise of solitaire games is noted as a significant trend.Wooga's new solitaire game is discussed in terms of its market potential.Archero 2 is highlighted as a highly anticipated sequel.Capybara Go is presented as a very promising new title.The hosts compare different game mechanics and their impact on player engagement.The conversation emphasizes the importance of innovation in game design.They conclude with plans to review games post-global launch. Capybara is the new iteration of the Harvey pipeline.Superhero League features clever puzzle-based minigames.Simulation games are evolving with new concepts.Idle games are on the rise in mobile gaming.Creative iterations are essential for game design.4x games are becoming increasingly popular.High production values enhance user experience.
---------------------------------------
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

Oct 17, 2024 • 42min
Saying NO to Millions revenues?! Balatro: Power combo of Poker & Solitaire.
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/bINdgyGjc_w
Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2ftcc85es-CesThaafn9k0BIFSVAV8FQ
Agenda
00:00 Epic intro
01:20 The Excitement of Gaming in Turkey
03:01 Introduction to Balatro: The Card Game
06:00 Gameplay Mechanics of Balatro
08:46 Deck Building and Strategy in Balatro
12:02 The Meta and Replayability of Balatro
14:59 Market Performance and User Engagement
18:01 The Future of Premium Games in Mobile Gaming
23:58 Monetization Strategies in Gaming
26:57 User Acquisition and Daily Active Users
29:57 Game Design and User Experience
32:00 Market Trends and Future Predictions
36:59 Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement
---------------------------------------
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
Turkey's gaming industry is booming with opportunities.
Balatro combines elements of poker and solitaire for unique gameplay.
The game features a deck-building mechanic that enhances strategy.
Replayability in Balatro is virtually infinite due to its design.
Market performance shows Balatro is gaining traction among users.
Premium games face challenges in the mobile market.
User engagement metrics indicate strong interest in Balatro.
The design of Balatro exemplifies clever game mechanics without high budgets.
The hosts emphasize the importance of great game design over graphics.
Balatro's success could influence future mobile game strategies. Minecraft's daily revenue is significant compared to other games.
Free-to-play models with ad removal options can be more profitable.
User acquisition strategies are crucial for scaling games.
Game design must cater to casual players for broader appeal.
Market trends indicate a shift towards mobile gaming.
Community feedback is essential for game development.
Retention strategies alone are not sufficient for profitability.
The gaming industry is evolving rapidly post-COVID.
Understanding user behavior is key to monetization success.
Future iterations of games must consider user experience.
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