A recent survey by Mistplay during Q3 2023 gives insights into North American mobile gaming trends that have emerged, offering a detailed analysis of player behavior regarding loyalty, genre preferences, and engagement patterns. The Montreal-based loyalty app for gaming, Mistplay, conducted a comprehensive analysis of millions of players across more than 500 mobile games.

Drawing data from the first half of 2023 and utilizing the Sensor Tower Taxonomy to categorize games by genre, Mistplay delved into the factors influencing loyalty among mobile gamers. In this article, we unpick the latest trends and give valuable insights as to why these findings are significant for web3 gaming.

The Mistplay Loyalty Index, based on indicators like average spending and 30-day retention, reveals RPG, strategy, and simulation games as top contenders for the most loyal audience. The report said that RPGs ranked the highest in the Mistplay Loyalty Index with a 75 out of 100 loyalty rating. Interestingly, RPGs lead in spending and session duration, while lifestyle projects boast the highest-paying user base within 30 days. These insights can guide developers in tailoring games to specific preferences and maximizing audience engagement.

Understanding how users discover and engage with new games is crucial. Mistplay's findings show that nearly half of users discover games through advertising, with Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok being key platforms. The report also highlighted that more than a third of players — 36.7% — ignore mobile ads while 25.7% actively pay attention no matter what type of game is advertised. Developers can optimize their advertising strategies based on these insights, ensuring maximum visibility and player engagement.

AdInMo recently announced a strategic partnership with ZEBEDEE, to introduce the concept of Bitcoin rewards to web3 games through InGamePlay ads, reshaping player engagement and revenue sharing. Traditionally, non-disruptive in-game ads have been a primary source of revenue for game developers. However, this partnership adds a unique layer to the equation by sharing a portion of this revenue with players. ZEBEDEE's cutting-edge technology, which facilitates Lightning Network transactions, has already demonstrated remarkable results. Web3 games like Ludo Zenith observed a remarkable 82% increase in ARPDAU, while Bitcoin Miner, a leading play-and-earn game, experienced a tenfold surge in its day 30 user retention rate. 

Player motivations are diverse and impact overall engagement. Mistplay's survey highlights that progression, fear of losing accumulated progress, and excitement for new updates are key motivators for players. Conversely, issues such as games becoming "pay to win," bugs, or a perceived lack of progress lead users to discontinue playing. Meanwhile, the motivations and behaviors of high-value spenders, those spending over $100 on mobile games, offer unique insights into gameplay patterns and spending habits. Developers can use these insights to craft games that align with player motivations, enhancing overall player satisfaction and retention.

Understanding the paying audience is crucial for developers looking to optimize in-game purchases. Mistplay's findings indicate that 92.8% of paying users make purchases in 1-4 projects simultaneously, with 53% spending on only one game per week. Motivations for spending range from achieving new progress to playing without ads. The survey reveals players enjoy multiple games at once but only spend money on a few. It said 77.3% of spenders rotate between two to seven games at any given time throughout the week, but again only 53% spend money on a single game. Developers can use this information to create targeted and appealing in-game purchase options, catering to the preferences of their player base.

As the gaming landscape evolves, Mistplay's insights become even more pertinent to the emerging web3 gaming space. Loyalty, preferences, and motivations will be critical elements for developers in this decentralized gaming era. By incorporating these findings, both traditional and decentralized game developers can create engaging and user-centric gaming experiences, ensuring success in the dynamic and evolving mobile gaming industry. Mistplay's 2023 report serves as a valuable guide for developers navigating the complexities of the current gaming landscape and the potential of web3 gaming.

Player loyalty is the cornerstone of long-term success for gaming publishers. It’s a multifaceted aspect that goes beyond a single metric, and our Loyalty Index aims to provide a holistic view of what drives player allegiance.

Jason Heller, CEO of Mistplay.