Last month, as FXFX Studios, we were invited to Pocket Gamer Connects London and we had an amazing and productive time there. I attended some sessions as I could find time from the meetings. But one of those sessions that I remember, started very straightforwardly: the session of Alexander Shea from Voodoo: he started like; “Hi everybody! Sorry to say but Hyper-casual is dead.”
He is right and we all should tell this honestly. I can see some heart massages in the market (like hybrid casual etc), nice trying but with the highly-saturated market and the changed market policies, in the long-term game-like-apps-to-make-watch-more-ads won’t work anymore. Now the market needs new ideas, and hyper-casual studios have a lot of experience to transfer to make “games”.
I really thought about this a lot and listed how and what we can transfer from our Hyper-Casual experiences to the games. In this article I want to talk about them:
Embrace Simplicity
One of the key features of hyper-casual games is their simplicity. HC games often feature straightforward gameplay mechanics and minimalist design, which allows players to quickly and easily understand the game mechanics. Game developers can learn from this approach and apply it to their casual games. While casual games may have more complex gameplay mechanics, it’s important to keep the design and user interface simple and intuitive, so players can focus on the game itself.
Rapid Prototyping and Iteration
To be honest, what I will miss the most with Hyper-casual games is rapid decisions. Hyper-casual games are known for their rapid prototyping and iteration process, which involves creating quick prototypes of game ideas and testing them with players to identify what works and what doesn’t. This process allowed us game developers/studios to create games quickly and efficiently, which is crucial in a market where trends and player preferences can change rapidly. Game developers can transfer this approach to their casual games by creating small prototypes and testing them with players to see what resonates.
Focus on User Retention
Hyper-casual games rely heavily on player retention, as they often generate revenue through ads. Longer retention means more ads and more income. Game developers can learn from this approach and transfer it to their casual games by focusing on player retention strategies. This may include offering rewards, creating a sense of progression, or providing regular updates to keep players engaged.
Embrace Data-Driven Design
Always trust the data! Hyper-casual game development is known for its data-driven approach, which involves analyzing player data to identify trends and preferences. Game developers can transfer this approach to their casual games by using analytics tools to track player behaviour, identify pain points, and make data-driven decisions about game design and updates.
Consider Monetization Strategies
Hyper-casual games often generate revenue through ads, while casual games may rely on other monetization strategies such as in-app purchases, premium versions or subscription models. Game developers can transfer from hyper-casual game development knowledge by considering different monetization strategies and finding the one that works best for their game and target audience.
Using or Building a Trend
Hyper-casual games often rely on trends and create a loyal fan base. Game developers can transfer this approach to their casual games by focusing on creating a brand and identity for their game, and building a community of loyal fans through social media and other channels. Never underestimate social media, it is the key point, use it!
Hyper-casual games often rely on trends and create a loyal fan base.
Hyper-casual games are designed to be fun and addictive, but they also need to provide a challenge to keep players engaged. Game developers can learn from this approach and apply it to their casual games by finding the right balance between fun and challenge. This may involve tweaking game mechanics or difficulty levels to ensure players are challenged, but not frustrated.
Balance Fun and Challenge
Hyper-casual games are designed to be fun and addictive, but they also need to provide a challenge to keep players engaged. Game developers can learn from this approach and apply it to their casual games by finding the right balance between fun and challenge. This may involve tweaking game mechanics or difficulty levels to ensure players are challenged, but not frustrated.
I tried to sum up what game developers can learn from hyper-casual game development and transfer those skills into their casual games. By embracing simplicity, rapid prototyping, data-driven design, player retention strategies, and monetization strategies, game developers can create engaging and successful casual games that stand out in a crowded market.