Mobile game developers try to carefully craft their product and look forward to the day for a successful launch. However, the post-release problems of mobile games bitterly force teams to make tons of edits to their projects, preventing them from reaping the rewards of their labor in peace. A report from Denuvo details the main post-release problems of mobile games, as well as ways to combat them.

A side note: Challenges for mobile game development in 2022

User retention rate

User retention rates are crucial for any app and mobile games are no exception. Even though it is much cheaper to attract existing customers than to acquire new ones, it is still a big challenge for developers.

It can be solved in a number of ways:

  • Start by creating a beautifully designed, intuitive and engaging game that makes a great first impression.
  • Character personification always brings a more engaging gameplay experience
  • The in-game currency based motivation system works just fine
  • Push notifications will keep your players from forgetting about the project
problems of mobile games
Major post-release problems for mobile games according to Denuvo survey

Post-release problems of mobile games: in-game purchases

Microtransactions are one of the most common monetisation models in Free-to-Play (F2P) games. However, convincing players to spend money on games can be even more difficult than retaining them for an extended period of time. It is extremely difficult and costly for developers to convince users to make purchases.

There is a solution:

  • Above all, engage users in the gameplay. The more interesting it is, the more likely the player will buy something.
  • A correct description of the item to buy is one of the most important components
  • Choose the most popular time to play. Usually it’s in the evening when there is little load on the users.
  • Keep track of stats, study your players and then suggest what they will need most.

Rising cost of user engagement

The high cost of user acquisition is another challenge facing today’s mobile game development studios

The average cost per user acquisition in 2020 was $1.47, down 66% from 2022, which was just fine. However, the introduction of new privacy policies has led to an obvious change in the mobile games sector, which has driven up the cost of user engagement through advertising.

Solution:

  • Encourage existing players to spread the word in exchange for in-game bonuses
  • Get to know your target audience better for better communication
  • Increase the average purchase price by offering players a slightly better set of products

Cybersecurity threats to the game

Piracy and cheating are probably the most popular ways for players to get into trouble with game developers. And despite the fact that the latter like to punish players for such behaviour in a variety of ways embedded in the game, no universal method of protection or combat has yet been devised. Piracy simply destroys game rankings and player retention, resulting in low monetisation and losses for developers.

Ways to fight back:

  • Implement optimum security software on both the server and user sides
  • Use modern security certificates and encryption keys
  • The use of anti-cheats embedded in the game will help prevent some players from taking advantage of others in online games.

The development of the game industry brings with it a myriad of threats for developers. Develop responsibly, strategise, anticipate different scenarios, and you won’t be left defenceless in the face of a host of post-release mobile game problems.

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