LiveOps

LiveOps refers to the ongoing management and updates of a game without requiring a new version release, with 95% of studios either developing or planning to launch a live service game. The top downloaded mobile games and Steam's most played titles showcase the success of LiveOps, as only three titles on each list were released within the past year. In 2024, Palworld peaked at 2.1 million concurrent players on Steam, with player engagement surging nearly fivefold after the ‘Sakurajima’ update. Helldivers 2, designed as a live service product, faced challenges that led to a shift in focus from business operations to content development. Insights for PC games from mobile LiveOps include understanding player transitions, the importance of single-player experiences, personalized audience engagement, appropriate update frequencies, player feedback integration, early LiveOps strategy implementation, and the use of scalable technology. The mobile free-to-play model is gaining traction, capturing 50% of global video game revenues.