Transitioning to Hybridcasual Games: Secret Sauce 2 Succeed!

Looking for the secret sauce of transitioning into hybridcasual games? Cracking the right hybridcasual games is not an easy task.

There are many companies managed to successfully publish hybridcasual games that delivering significant IAP revenues. We will look onto that later…

Before delving into hypercasual and hybridcasual games, it’s important to grasp the broader context of the mobile gaming market.

The post-COVID global economic downturn and political uncertainties have posed challenges for the mobile gaming industry. In 2023, both the App Store and Google Play experienced significant declines in downloads, with the App Store seeing a 6% decrease and Google Play an 11% decrease. This decline also affected revenues, with Google Play reporting a 6% year-over-year decrease, while the App Store remained relatively stable. The chart below, prepared by Sensor Tower, illustrates these current trends in the mobile gaming market. Additionally, changes to Apple’s IDFA have further complicated the landscape for marketers and publishers.

 

 

Find the report here

What happened to hypercasual games?

Leading mobile game publishers have recently stated that hypercasual games may be declining, but to what extent is this true? What exactly do they mean by “hypercasual is dead,” and how are hypercasual studios adapting to these changes in the mobile game industry?

From 2018 through late 2022, hypercasual games dominated top charts, revolutionizing mobile game publishing, creative landscapes, and ad monetization. A lot of studios joined this adventure and tried to achieve success by experimenting with hypercasual games.

Not to forget that humanity faced one of the biggest pandemic era “Corona” triggered distinctive increase in downloads within the casual genre which also coincided with the emerging hypercasul gaming.  However it is clearly over and the industry is now transitioning into a phase where every signle cent matters due to rising cost per install therefore publishers need games with solid retention and gameplay time metrics.

In 2023, hybrid casual games have generated significant excitement, backed by a substantial 30% increase in revenues. Let’s delve deeper into what’s driving this trend.

 

What is Hybridcasual Game?

 

Hybridcasual games provide richer and more substantial content compared to hypercasual games, encouraging longer play sessions and higher in-app purchase revenues. They feature straightforward mechanics, intuitive controls, and eye-catching graphics, making them easy to grasp within seconds.

Getting Started with Hybridcasual Games: Where to Begin?

Back in the day, when brainstorming ideas for hypercasual games, we used to draw inspiration from social media trends on platforms like Facebook (now META), Instagram, TikTok, Reddit, and various web game platforms to tailor them into hypercasual experiences. Today, while the approach remains similar, the bar has been raised, requiring a more strategic and savvy approach to crack in hybridcasual games. What you can do to start with creating hybridcasual games?
  1. Define target genres of hybridcasual games that are delivering unique playitme and retention metrics.
    • Recently, there is a significant trend of hybridcasual puzzles such as Block Jam by Voodo, Screw Jam by Rollic use inventory mechanic (/ tor 5 tiles storage) and color match-three (match 3) mechanics. Besides match-three, hybridcasual puzzle games feature different sticky and engaging mechanics like automatic sorting (Hexa Sort), unblocking (Bus Jam), chain linking (Collect Em All!) and merging (Watermelon Drop: Fruit Merge) . Thanks to our own experience through testing dozens of games such as we believe the following metrics need to be met in order to succeed in games.
      • A minimum of 40 minutes of unique playtime
      • A minimum 35% of Day 1 retention.
    • Hybridcasual Action games that features first-person-action with realistic art style are also popular and delivers required metrics. There are solid examples that achieved good results namely; Mob Control by Voodoo, Squad Alpha by SayGames, Uboat Attack by Voodoo, Fight For America by Homa
    • Last but not the least, Hybridcasual Arcade/Simulation games such as Race Master 3D by SayGames, We are Warriors by Lessmore UG are also successful ambassadors of this genre
  2. Develop a hybridcasual game by blending the proven mechanics and themes of a popular hypercasual game with fresh, innovative ideas. Analyze the most successful elements such as mechanics and controls, and combine them to create a unique and captivating  experience!
  3. Analyze games download trends in the last few months and blend in your innovation.

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Measure Your Hybridcasual Game Performance!

 

Remember, hybridcasual games are designed to be IAP-driven, with revenue ratios ranging from 15% to 40%, compared to hypercasual games, which typically have up to 5% revenue from IAP. However, reaching this point requires multiple steps and iterations. Initially, aim for at least 40 minutes of playtime and 35% Day 1 retention in your first test. Once you achieve these metrics, incorporate meta-game elements to enhance player engagement and stickiness.

  • Keep it clear, simple and understandable: If your  game mechanics are understandable at the first sight, you will appeal to wide range of players. Make sure that controls and overall game design are simple and intuitive. Biggest focus should be on mechanics, gameplay and feel first.
  • To provide meaningful depth for players, incorporate meta features like building, decorating, and merging. These elements add richer gameplay layers around puzzles, stories, and collectibles. Remember, these features should remain simple, complementing the core mechanics without overcomplicating them.
  • Plan your monetization strategy from the outset while designing your hybridcasual game. With rising cost-per-install, relying solely on advertising revenue is insufficient. Incorporate meaningful monetization layers to offer engaging content and generate income. Aim to achieve at least 30% of your revenue from in-app purchases.