Understanding the Key Factors in Measuring the Success of a Mobile Game, by Andrea Zampedri, Game producer at Nordcurrent

Measuring the success of a mobile game is a multifaceted task that involves a variety of metrics. According to our recent poll on LinkedIn, the top answer on how to measure the success of a mobile game was player retention, followed by feedback from players, downloads, and the happiness of the game development team.

It's not surprising that player retention was the top answer, as it provides insights into the current health and performance of the game. High retention rates indicate that users are engaged with the game and may be more likely to spend money on in-app purchases.?

However, I would have expected downloads to be a more popular option. It's very common to see in the ads "already downloaded 5 million times" or "join 10 million players" and many may consider it as a success key. Feedback from players, as the second most voted option, is also important, as it helps developers understand what parts of the game people enjoy and what might need improvement. Nonetheless, it's important to note that positive or negative feedback doesn't necessarily reflect the game's overall performance. For instance, a game with a very aggressive balance aims to monetize on a few heavy spenders, but most users will complain that they can't progress without purchasing helpers.?

There are many other metrics that can be used to measure the success of a mobile game, including installs, conversion rates, revenue, average revenue per user (ARPU), and average revenue per paying user (ARPPU). These metrics can help determine the game's return on investment (ROI) and whether it is sustainable in the long term.

Success is a complex and multifaceted concept, and different people may have different definitions of what it means for a mobile game to be successful. For some, success may be determined by positive ROI, while for others it may be about creating a fun and engaging experience for players. Ultimately, a combination of hard work and a bit of luck can be the special ingredient for success in the world of mobile gaming.