Research on mobile games and monetization
In this section I discuss some behavior patterns common to most mobiles, and elaborate on some KPIs I’ve found useful to observe and analyze game performance. All graphs and numbers displayed here are for illustration purposes only, and are not actual numbers of any specific title.
The “Red Light by Default Handbook” advocates a disciplined approach to mobile game development, emphasizing data-driven decision-making. It suggests assuming failure until proven otherwise, understanding player motivations, and focusing on high-value users. By setting ambitious targets and prioritizing speed in decisions, teams can optimize resources and minimize costly mistakes.
In 2025, soft launching a game requires a strategic approach rather than relying on traditional KPI assessments. Growth is gradual, and KPIs reflect user interaction rather than game quality. Focus on binary metrics like retention, conversion, and redeposit. Fast, aggressive user acquisition is essential for timely, confident decision-making.
As I keep on playing with Gemini (my personal favorite) and my posts on soft launch I wanted to put together a quick cohort size
There is a widespread assumption in the business that when you are launching a new game, retention is the first and most important metric to
Making a new game is hard. Most of the time you’ll fail, and a large part of success is out of your control. So you
Notes: Aug 16, 2025: The code works, I can preview it in wordpress, but it doesn’t work when I publish the post. It appears the
Alexandre Macmillan 