Here's how you can make strategic decisions in the gaming industry.

A practical understanding of the gaming market is based on three key aspects: - Data and Trends Analysis: It includes identifying growing and declining genres, distribution of downloads and revenue across genres, concentration data etc. - User Expectations, Sentiment: This aspect focuses on understanding what users expect, feel about different games. It involves identifying the "must-have" mechanics for specific genres, understanding which mechanics can be experimented with. - Capabilities: This involves understanding your company's strengths and weaknesses compared to other companies in the market. Once you have a firm grasp of these three elements, you can confidently say that you truly understand the market you're in.

I'd always start by understanding the target audience and their preferences—whether they favor short, frequent sessions or longer, immersive experiences. I recommend analyzing competitor monetization strategies and data on CPIs and retention rates. (MMP reports are a great source of the above). This data-driven approach will help you tailor your game design and marketing strategies to meet audience demands and optimize revenue streams.

I like to start by analyzing my competitors. I identify both direct competitors, whose games closely resemble mine, and indirect competitors within similar genres like puzzles, platformers, board games, or RPGs. I play their games to understand what I like and dislike. I incorporate the positive aspects into my own game and innovate on the negative ones. By understanding their in-game economy and core game loops, I ensure my game stands out and meets player expectations. This rough analysis is key to creating a competitive and engaging game.

There are two main approaches to building a game in relation to the competition: - Following the Trends: This involves closely analyzing the competition, understanding the types of games topping the charts, and attempting to create similar yet improved versions. The goal is to offer a familiar experience with a unique twist. - Breaking New Ground: This entails a lighter focus on the competition and prioritizes creating a completely new experience within a specific genre. The aim is to offer something truly innovative that hasn't been seen before. The first strategy is generally easier to execute and less risky, while the second is riskier but can lead to greater success if executed well.

Leverage technology to make strategic decisions in the gaming industry by utilizing AI and machine learning. AI can help create creative mockups, while machine learning can analyze competitors' performance to identify what works. Determine if players are drawn to specific aesthetics or if they prefer action over puzzles. Assess the effectiveness of playable ads versus standard interstitials. In this manner, you can refine your game design and marketing strategies to better align with player preferences and industry trends.

Financial planning in the gaming industry requires a detailed user acquisition and business model. Start by mapping out your user acquisition strategy and monetization methods, including the split between ads and in-app purchases. Scale is crucial; understand how increasing user base can optimize your returns. Use decay models to forecast spending thresholds and ensure economic viability. Recognize seasonal trends in user acquisition and spending. Documenting this in a basic spreadsheet helps model potential outcomes and can help with effective scenario planning and strategic decision-making.

Player feedback is essential for strategic decision-making in the gaming industry. Read store reviews to gauge player sentiment and identify common pain points. Use in-game tracking to pinpoint churn locations and understand why players leave. Balance the in-game economy carefully and be mindful of how often you push offers to players. Striking the right balance between monetization and player satisfaction ensures a more engaging and sustainable gaming experience. This feedback-driven approach helps refine game design and improve player retention.

In the dynamic gaming industry, the ability to adapt and evolve is key to making strategic decisions. With new trends and technologies constantly emerging, being prepared to pivot your strategies in response to feedback and industry shifts is crucial. Embrace continuous learning and stay flexible to overcome challenges and seize new opportunities.

The most critical decision in this market is selecting your SSOT (Single Source of Truth). In such a highly competitive environment, choosing the right data source is paramount. A robust, real-time data source provides the agility needed to make informed decisions quickly, adapting to market changes and emerging trends. This capability not only helps in making accurate decisions but also creates a significant competitive advantage. By relying on a reliable SSOT, you ensure consistency, reduce discrepancies, and empower your team to act swiftly and strategically. This edge can be the difference between leading the market and falling behind.

I believe there's a crucial aspect of game development that isn't often discussed: the inherent risk. Regardless of the game you're creating, you need to prepare for the possibility of it not succeeding or taking longer to develop than expected. In this industry, having a plan B is vital. This can be challenging from a cash flow perspective, but it's a critical consideration nonetheless. Studios that forget about this go out of business sooner or later...

Don't forget about your gut. If you're in a position where you have to make strategic decisions on behalf of investors, team members, or a community, there is a reason. Those people trust your judgment and rely on you to make decisions on their behalf. In addition to all of the data gathering, tools, and frameworks you can use, your gut can be a powerful thing, don't forget to use it.