Explore the dominant trends in the mobile gaming industry in 2023, including the rise of hybrid casual games and the trend of merge games. Discover the impact of AI-generated content in games and the dominance of IP-based games in the mobile space.

Explore the constantly evolving dynamics of advertising and revenue in the mobile gaming industry, including the rise of influencer marketing, connected TV, contextual advertising, and AI. Discover the role of AI in creative production and the importance of human input in influencer marketing. Understand the challenges in driving revenue through targeted ads and the impact of industry consolidation. Learn about the changes and challenges in advertising and revenue in the mobile games industry, including the rise of hypercasual games and the struggle to balance user conversion with ads.

Welcome to the 50th episode of the Mobile Games Playbook podcast!We're thrilled to have reached this milestone; thank you to all the listeners who’ve been a part of this amazing journey. In this special edition, we’re taking a deep dive into the dynamic world of mobile gaming in China.We’ll discover what makes China an unrivalled hub for mobile gaming as we delve into the fascinating phenomenon of popular mobile games. We’ll also uncover the profound impact of government regulations on the industry, spanning from game approvals and content restrictions to censorship.We’ll also predict how China’s gaming landscape will evolve over the next five years—considering the game-changing role of technology, shifting player preferences, and ever-evolving industry trends. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and check out our websites, https://liftoff.io/ and https://gamerefinery.com/, for more information on game development topics.Thank you for listening,Mobile Games Playbook

Join us as we explore the exciting world of Final Fantasy. In this episode, we'll uncover the legacy of this iconic franchise within the JRPG genre and its transformative impact on the world of mobile games. From its inception to its latest mobile adaptations, we'll discuss Final Fantasy's remarkable evolution and ability to captivate a new generation of gamers.We’ll look into how Final Fantasy's success in mobile gaming is tied to its monetization strategies and what truly sets Final Fantasy games apart, from their captivating stories and immersive gameplay to their stunning visuals. Beyond the technical aspects, we'll examine the immense impact of the Final Fantasy brand on both the gaming world and popular culture. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and check out our websites, https://liftoff.io/ and https://gamerefinery.com/, for more information on game development topics.Thank you for listening,Mobile Games Playbook

Join us as we unravel the exciting details of the latest addition to the Pokémon universe: Pokémon Sleep. This innovative app has taken the concept of gamification to a whole new level by transforming how we approach sleep.Are there benefits to merging gaming with sleep? Find out how Pokémon Sleep stacks up against other sleep-related apps. We'll delve into the unique features that make Pokémon Sleep a standout experience and explore how it integrates into the broader Pokémon ecosystem. But that's not all; we’ll discuss if there could be plans to extend its reach beyond sleep and venture into the realm of promoting other healthy habits. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and check out our websites, https://liftoff.io/ and https://gamerefinery.com/, for more information on game development topics.Thank you for listening,Mobile Games Playbook

This episode delves into the dynamic and diverse world of women in gaming. Karen Chen, Account Executive at Liftoff, and Paula Neves, Senior Product Manager at Zynga, join us to spotlight women's challenges and discuss their unique perspectives on the industry.Despite the proliferation of mobile games aimed at women, there remains a concern for more representation of women in various job roles within the gaming world. We will explore the reasons behind this disparity and examine how women gamers often find themselves confined to certain gaming genres, perpetuating limiting stereotypes. We will also tackle the pervasive issue of online harassment and its impact on the gaming experiences of women.We also celebrate the strides made by the gaming industry to address these issues and promote inclusivity. Discover the emerging initiatives, programs, and opportunities to bridge the gender gap and create a more diverse and welcoming gaming landscape for everyone.Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and check out our websites, https://liftoff.io/ and https://gamerefinery.com/, for more information on game development topics.Thank you for listening,Mobile Games Playbook

In this episode, we will be delving into the latest trends in LiveOps and how game studios are utilizing live events to increase player engagement and revenue. Expert analysts from GameRefinery, a Liftoff Company, will discuss their new Live Events Tracker tool, which enables game developers to stay ahead of the competition by comparing and analyzing live events across various games and genres. In the wake of Apple's groundbreaking App Tracking Transparency framework, it has become more important than ever for game developers to retain their players and find new ways to generate income. Join us as we unravel the remarkable advantages of leveraging live events to captivate players, designing successful events and how to use analytics to enhance your LiveOps strategy effectively.Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and check out our websites, https://liftoff.io/ and https://gamerefinery.com/, for more information on LiveOps and other game development topics.Thank you for listening,Mobile Games Playbook

Say farewell to The Mobile GameDev Playbook, as we introduce the new and improved Mobile Games Playbook, brought to you by Liftoff. Investing in young talent is crucial for the growth and development of the game development industry because it brings fresh perspectives, new ideas, and diverse backgrounds to the industry, which is vital to safeguard the future of game development. Join us as we delve deeper into why nurturing and investing in young people is essential and how it can benefit the industry in the long run.In this episode, we talk to Yahsir Qureshi, the VP and Head of Studio at Sandsoft Games and Chief Game Analyst at GameRefinery, a Liftoff Company, Teemu Palomäki. We look at Sandsoft’s "Press Start" program, a six-month initiative that addresses the skills gap in the game development industry. We examine the selection process for young developers and the resources they receive during the program and explore the expectations and outcomes of the program.Remember to subscribe, leave a review, and check out our websites https://liftoff.io/ and www.gamerefinery.com!Thank you for listening,Mobile Games Playbook

Explore the current state of the mobile shooter market and the top games dominating it, including CoD: Warzone Mobile and Valorant. Learn about recent game cancellations from EA and the challenges faced by mobile game developers. Delve into the potential of different types of shooters to succeed in the market and the importance of cross-progression and cross-play in new mobile games.

Why have some of the biggest names in the industry pivoted away from gacha-based monetization systems?Join us as we explore the response from players to these changes in popular games like Brawl Stars, Mario Kart, Diablo Immortal, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Overwatch, Marvel Snap, and Arena Breakout. We'll examine how these changes have affected players' progression and gameplay experience and take a closer look at the impact these changes have had on the mobile gaming industry. Learn about the challenges facing mobile game developers when it comes to removing gachas and changing progression systems, as well as the future of monetization in mobile gaming. We talk to the Chief Game Analysts at GameRefinery, a Liftoff company, Wilhelm Voutilainen, Teemu Palomäki, and Kalle Heikkinen. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and visit us at www.gamerefinery.com! Thanks for listening, The Mobile GameDev Playbook