How to Build a Global Gaming Business - Holly Liu + Michael Gasiorek

TL;DR

A co-founder of a gaming company shares insights on the challenges of building a successful gaming company, acquiring users, and the importance of engaging with the community.

Transcript

so the quick question for you is uh what game has eaten up most of your free time that you can remember sadly it's been Candy Crush Candy Crush wow actually had a chance to play I feel like I've got an addictive personality so as soon as I get you haven't had a chance to play Candy Crush no I mean are you serious it only takes 2 minutes it's it's a... Read More

Key Insights

• 🎮 Mobile gaming has become highly accessible, allowing more people to find time to play games.
• 👤 User acquisition in a mature gaming market requires innovative strategies, such as partnerships and influencer marketing.
• 🛩️ A small percentage of gamers generate the majority of revenue, emphasizing the importance of VIPs.
• ❓ Cultural differences impact the gaming market, requiring tailored approaches to acquisition and engagement strategies.
• 👾 Social features within games and excellent customer service contribute to higher engagement and loyalty.
• 🤨 Start-up gaming companies should consider bootstrapping rather than raising venture capital.
• ❓ Pivoting and adapting to market conditions is crucial for the success of a gaming company.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the gaming company acquire users in a mature gaming market?

In a mature gaming market, traditional paid acquisition methods become less effective. The company focuses on partnerships with brands and influencers, as well as utilizing PR, organic growth, and guerrilla marketing strategies.

Q: What percentage of gamers actually generate revenue for the gaming company?

Only a small percentage of gamers, around 6%, generate a significant portion of the revenue. These users are often referred to as VIPs and are highly valued by the company.

Q: How do cultural differences impact the gaming market?

Cultural differences, particularly in markets like China, have a significant impact on gaming. Different acquisition strategies, such as partnering with local platforms and leveraging influencer marketing, are necessary to succeed in different cultural markets.

Q: How do gaming companies maintain engagement and move users up the value chain?

Social features within games are crucial for maintaining user engagement. By fostering a supportive community, gamers are more likely to continue playing and potentially become VIPs. Additionally, providing excellent customer service to VIPs and regular users helps to enhance their experience and loyalty.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The co-founder discusses how the rise of mobile phones and the accessibility of gaming on smartphones has allowed people to find time to play games like Candy Crush.

• The gaming company started as a social corporate networking company but pivoted to mobile gaming after realizing the challenges of user acquisition and growth.

• The co-founder highlights the importance of focusing on the regular users and VIPs in order to create a successful gaming service.