user acquisition Archives

AppWizard

March 14, 2025

Google introduces new developer tools and titles for games on mobile and PC

Google has introduced new features for PC and mobile gaming, coinciding with the Game Developers Conference (GDC). Key updates include the transition of Google Play Games for PC from beta to general availability, a dedicated SDK for native PC games, enhanced Play Console for managing game builds, and default availability of mobile games on PC via the Play Store. Optimized games will feature specific icons, and support for AMD-based devices is forthcoming. A new Graphics API named Vilkan will improve frame rates and visual fidelity, and the Android Dynamic Performance Framework (ADPF) will be enhanced. Developers can launch user acquisition campaigns for mobile emulated and native PC titles, and port their games to Google Play for PC, potentially earning additional revenue. New PC-optimized titles announced include “Game of Thrones: Kingsroad,” “Sonic Rumble,” and “ODIN: VALHALLA RISING.” Google will also bring PC titles like “DREDGE” and “TABS Mobile” to mobile, with “Disco Elysium” to follow. Customizable controls for PC games will be introduced, along with a game sidebar for quick adjustments and multi-account support. Play Points tracking on PC will be simplified, with up to 10x points boosters for purchases.

BetaBeacon

November 28, 2024

“Google’s statement is deceitful. Shame on them.” Epic CEO Tim Sweeney lays the smackdown on Google after its new statement that Microsoft was “always able” to offer an Xbox store on Android

Android-based gaming devices have struggled to take off due to Google's steep cut on app sales, forcing manufacturers to price themselves out of the market to make a profit.

BetaBeacon

November 25, 2024

Samsung Revolutionizes Mobile Gaming with Commercialization of Cloud Gaming Platform

- 80% of Android game downloads are a result of targeted paid advertising - Conversion rates from ad clicks to successful game installs and first play sessions are less than 5% - Samsung's mobile cloud gaming platform has a 50% conversion rate from ad click to game start - Samsung's platform eliminates the need for players to download and install games, increasing user acquisition performance - Samsung's platform supports Android native APKs, provides a cloud-based attribution solution, and supports existing in-game monetization models

AppWizard

November 5, 2024

How AI will shape the games industry: Exclusive insights from the AI Gamechangers newsletter

OpenAI recently achieved record investments in AI, with ongoing funding announcements for AI in gaming. The Pocket Gamer Connects and Big Screen Gaming conferences featured over 10 hours of AI-related content, indicating strong industry interest. The AI Gamechangers newsletter was launched to inform readers about AI's impact on gaming, covering various platforms and aspects of game development. It offers weekly interviews with industry innovators and curated news on AI in gaming. Notable contributors to the newsletter include professionals from Charisma.ai, Quicksave, Kinetix, and others, discussing topics like interactive narratives, AI in game studios, and legal implications for intellectual property. The consensus among industry leaders is that AI will significantly impact gaming, but its implementation should enhance human creativity. Additionally, AI technologies may transform legal processes in mergers and acquisitions by streamlining document analysis. An upcoming AI-powered cozy game, AuraVale, is also mentioned, along with future interview topics related to AI in game development.

AppWizard

October 21, 2024

Showcase your expertise in PC and Console games submit your talk for Pocket Gamer Connects London 2025

Pocket Gamer Connects London 2025 will take place on January 20-21, 2025, featuring insights from industry experts and discussions on innovations in the gaming sector. The event invites proposals for talks on topics such as PC & Console, Web3, AI, XR, UGC, mobile trends, technical development, direct-to-consumer strategies, IP, monetization, user acquisition, live service, and publishing. Speakers will receive a complimentary VIP ticket valued at £1,249, networking opportunities, increased visibility, and the chance to enhance their personal and business brand. Interested individuals can submit their proposals and contact Charlie Scowen for inquiries.

BetaBeacon

October 3, 2024

Epic is bringing its free games program to mobile this year

Epic Games Store is bringing its "free games" program to mobile in Q4 of this year, starting with third-party apps and games like Ark: Ultimate Mobile Edition.

AppWizard

September 3, 2024

Auddia Expands Reach with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Integration for faidr App – citybuzz

Auddia Inc. has integrated its faidr mobile application with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing users to access its AI-driven audio platform through their vehicle's infotainment system. Over 90% of new vehicles as of mid-2023 are equipped with these technologies. A study indicates that 25% of electric vehicle buyers and 38% of traditional car buyers consider smartphone mirroring essential for their purchase. When Apple CarPlay or Android Auto are available, AM/FM radio listening accounts for 46% of listening time in vehicles. Auddia plans to pursue direct integrations into vehicle infotainment systems and expand its presence on other platforms like smart speakers and desktop computers. The company is also set to announce an AI-assisted music-only AM/FM offering in the fourth quarter.

AppWizard

September 2, 2024

Report: Concord has sold just 10k copies on Steam

In its debut week, the hero shooter Concord sold approximately 25,000 units, with around 10,000 on Steam and 15,000 on PlayStation. Currently, only 53 players are active on Steam, with a peak of 697 simultaneous users since its release on August 23rd. The game's lukewarm reception is attributed to intense competition in the market, particularly from free-to-play titles like Overwatch 2. Rhys Elliott from Midia Research notes that launching Concord as a premium game has limited its audience and user acquisition. He suggests that a free-to-play model or inclusion in PlayStation Plus could have improved its chances of success.

AppWizard

August 20, 2024

Epic’s Sweeney says game giveaways “magical” for user acquisition

Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, stated that the company is investing about 25% of its typical advertising budget to incentivize developers to offer their games for free, which has effectively attracted new users to the Epic Games Store. This strategy involves compensating developers for distributing their titles at no cost, resulting in increased visibility and sales for their other games. Sweeney noted that developers often seek to launch free games to promote upcoming titles. However, he acknowledged that investments in exclusive titles have had mixed results, with some being successful and others not.

AppWizard

August 18, 2024

Epic Games’ free games have been working out great, but a lot of the store’s exclusives “were not good investments” says CEO Tim Sweeney

Epic Games has been offering free games weekly since 2018 as a strategy for user acquisition, which has proven to be cost-effective compared to traditional advertising methods. CEO Tim Sweeney stated that the costs of acquiring users through free games are significantly lower than through platforms like Facebook or Google Ads. This initiative not only attracts new players but also increases sales for developers' other titles. Despite the success of the free games program, Epic has faced challenges with exclusive titles, where some investments in exclusivity did not yield the expected results.