Episode 43: Unlocking Mobile Gaming: Lessons from Ditching Lootboxes for Developers

Mobile GameDev Playbook podcast by GameRefinery

Why have some of the biggest names in the industry pivoted away from gacha-based monetization systems? Join us as we explore the response from players to these changes in popular games like Brawl Stars, Mario Kart, Diablo Immortal, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Overwatch, Marvel Snap, and Arena Breakout.

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Join us as we explore the response from players to these changes in popular games like Brawl Stars, Mario Kart, Diablo Immortal, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Overwatch, Marvel Snap, and Arena Breakout. 

We’ll examine how these changes have affected players’ progression and gameplay experience and take a closer look at the impact these changes have had on the mobile gaming industry. 

Learn about the challenges facing mobile game developers when it comes to removing gachas and changing progression systems, as well as the future of monetization in mobile gaming. We talk to the Chief Game Analysts at GameRefinery, a Liftoff Company, Wilhelm Voutilainen, Teemu Palomäki, and Kalle Heikkinen.

Topics we will cover in this episode:

  1. Introduction
  2. Brawl Star has moved away from gachas
  3. How has the removal of gachas affected Brawl Star’s revenue
  4. Diablo Immortal has moved away from very heavy gacha monetization
  5. Player feedback
  6. Arena Breakout and its interesting monetization strategy
  7. Games that have replaced gachas with Battle Passes
  8. Mario Kart has received mixed feedback from players regarding the removal of gachas
  9. How legislation will affect game monetization in the future

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