From Super Bowl Ads to Player Engagement: The Strategy Behind Top Games

In the world of gaming, strategically leveraging advertisements during major events like the Super Bowl can effectively spark player interest. Top Games, Inc. believed that Super Bowl ads would not only generate widespread discussion but also attract a new audience, bringing unprecedented attention to the new game. Involving the community in the game’s development process and establishing partnership relationships were key strategies for enhancing player loyalty and sustaining interest. Through these comprehensive strategies, developers created a dynamic gaming environment that not only attracted players long-term but also deeply resonated with them.

A woman is sitting on the floor engrossed in playing a game

Benjamin Gifford, Vice President of Top Games, Inc., a global indie game development company, agrees that a good game should strive to be the best in the development stage and then improve the user experience through constant updates and iterations. A solid strategy will enable a high-quality game to overcome obstacles and reach its target customers faster. TGI’s flagship game, Evony: The King’s Return, invested heavily to become the highlight of the Super Bowl ads in 2017, the second year after its release. This investment gained the game significant attention and downloads in a very short period, leading to high rankings.

To capture player interest, developers should focus on creating immersive narratives and fostering community involvement while continuously updating and innovating gameplay. Embracing cross-platform accessibility ensures broader coverage, and personalizing the player experience, along with applying cutting-edge technology, further deepens engagement.

The Rational Role of Data Science

Player Behavior Analysis:

Tracking and Analyzing Gameplay: Understand how players interact with the game, identify popular features, and spot frustrating areas.
Personalized Gaming Experience: Tailor game content and difficulty levels to individual player preferences and behaviors.

Game Performance Optimization:

Real-time Monitoring: Use data analytics to monitor game performance and server health in real-time, ensuring smooth gameplay.
Predictive Maintenance: Predict and fix potential issues before they affect players, improving game stability.

Monetization Strategies:

In-Game Purchases Analysis: Analyze spending patterns to optimize in-game store offerings and pricing.
Ad Placement Optimization: Find the best ad placements and formats to maximize revenue without annoying players.

User Retention and Engagement:

Churn Prediction: Identify players at risk of leaving the game and implement targeted strategies to keep them.
Engagement Metrics: Use data insights to enhance player engagement through game features and events.

Game Design and Development:

Data-Driven Design: Use player feedback and data to guide the design of new features and updates.
A/B Testing: Test different game versions and features to find the most effective ones for player enjoyment and retention.

Community Management:

Sentiment Analysis: Monitor player feedback on social media and forums to gauge sentiment and address concerns quickly.
Targeted Communication: Use data to personalize communication with players, enhancing community relations and loyalty.

Creating a great game is tough, and keeping it successful long-term is even tougher. Under the guidance of leaders like Benjamin Gifford, Top Games Inc. developed the hit game, Evony: The King’s Return. It has surpassed 200 million downloads and generated over $355 million in revenue in 2023. This success showcases the power of data-driven decision-making in the gaming industry.

Gifford emphasizes the importance of multi-directional, cross-discipline marketing cooperation through openness, creativity, and technology. By working together and reaching diverse target customer groups, the future of mobile gaming looks promising.