4X (R)evolution part1. Top Heroes: Idle RPG or 4X strategy game? (#99)

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #99. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously. Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠ Youtube: https://youtu.be/9e0blIi1r08 Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-29stniv6f-oLJzhx2U_mRB_ppXnJ9hvQ Agenda 00:00 Epic intro 04:45 Introduction to Top Heroes 05:10 The Unique Gameplay of Top Heroes 06:11 Transition to the World Map 08:06 Exploring the Town and Building Mechanics 09:08 Introduction to World Quests 10:07 Gameplay Mechanics and Objectives 12:40 Introduction to Hospital and Soldier Mechanics 20:02 Introduction to the Game and Revenue Analysis 21:05 Base Building Mechanics and Gameplay 22:23 Guilds and Social Mechanics 27:08 Grinding Bosses and Gear Upgrades 30:12 Engagement with Guilds and Events 34:22 Monetization and White Whales 36:24 Integration of AFK Arena and Rise of Kingdoms Mechanics 41:35 Poor Retention and Onboarding Experience 42:15 Initial Impressions of the Game 43:22 Smooth Onboarding and Gameplay 44:15 Teaser for the Next Episode 45:00 Discussion on the Importance of Ads 45:40 Upcoming Episode and Clues 46:26 Analysis of Ad Channels 48:26 Review of Creatives 53:33 Playable Ad and Revenue Growth 57:31 Experimenting with New Creatives 58:35 Revenue and Country Breakdown --------------------------------------- Matej Lancaric User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant ⁠https://lancaric.me Felix Braberg Ad monetization consultant ⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com Jakub Remiar Game design consultant ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar --------------------------------------- Takeaways Top Heroes is a game with unique gameplay mechanics, including a transition from an action RPG to a world map. The game features building mechanics, world quests, and hospital and soldier mechanics. The conversation also touches on the topic of ad revenue and channel growth. Rewarded ads are implemented in the game to provide players with additional resources and speed up gameplay. 4X games combine elements of AFK Arena and Rise of Kingdoms to create a unique gameplay experience. Guilds and social mechanics play a crucial role in the game, with strong social engagement driving the guild's progress. The connection between heroes and Forex gameplay is a key aspect, with heroes carrying soldiers and their level determining their strength on the 4X map. Grinding bosses and upgrading gear are important activities in the game, providing resources and bonuses. Monetization in 4X games primarily comes from the 4X mechanics, with players investing in upgrading resources, soldiers, and peace shields. The game targets a niche audience, and the total addressable market for 4X games may not be as large as other genres. --------------------------------------- Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it! Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple! Please share feedback and comments - [email protected] --------------------------------------- If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lancaric.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej Lancaric Latest article - https://open.substack.com/pub/lancaric/p/creative-framework-how-to-win-in?r=7qqaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web Do you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matej AI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai