There are many metrics to track to measure a game’s success. One of the most important metrics in the gaming industry is game feature usage. This refers to how often and in what way players are using specific features within a game.
Game feature usage can provide valuable insights into player behavior, as well as help inform decision-making for developers and marketers. In this guide, we will explore the concept of game feature usage, why it’s important, and how analytics can be used to track it.
New Features = Better Retention Rate
From bug fixes to new features, developers are constantly working to improve their games and keep players engaged. However, not every new feature will have the desired impact on player retention. Some features may even have a negative effect on the overall game experience.
This is where tracking game feature usage becomes crucial. By analyzing how players are interacting with new features, developers can determine which ones are resonating with the player base and contributing to better retention rates.
Monthly active users (MAUs) and average revenue per user (ARPU) are common metrics used to measure the success of new features. By comparing these metrics before and after the release of a new feature, developers can determine if it has had a positive impact on player engagement and monetization.
Additionally, new features such as game modes, challenges, or in-game events can also attract new players and increase the overall player base. Tracking feature usage can help developers identify which features are most effective at attracting and retaining new players. With this information, they can focus on developing and promoting similar features in the future.
Examples of Game Features
As alluded to earlier, there are many new features that a game developer can introduce. In the context of Web3, one such example of a game feature is the ability for players to truly own their in-game assets through non-fungible tokens (NFTs). This provides players with a sense of ownership and investment in the game, which can lead to increased engagement and monetization. These assets open the door to innovative features, such as a unique game concept where land ownership is linked to in-game rewards and bonuses.
User experience improvements, such as a smoother and more intuitive interface or faster loading times, can also greatly impact player engagement. These types of features may not be as easily quantifiable as others, but they can make a big difference in retaining players and keeping them engaged with the game.
The gaming experience overall is already quite dynamic and it can often feel overwhelming for game developers as they try to keep up with constantly evolving technologies and player preferences. This is where data analytics can play a crucial role.
By tracking important information such as player demographics, in-game behavior, and feature usage, developers can gain valuable insights on what is working and what needs improvement. This data-driven approach can lead to more informed decision-making and ultimately result in a better game experience for players.
Analyze Player Behaviour In Specific Game Features
There are many technical issues that game developers experience when analyzing their new game features. Player behavior can be difficult to predict, but with an analytics partner to help them along the development process, product teams can focus on making great games. The best way game designers can ensure a successful feature is to understand player behavior and anticipate potential issues before they arise.
Once the game has been launched, it’s important to continue tracking player behavior in specific features. This can help identify any pain points or areas for improvement. The first step is to determine the metrics that are most relevant for each feature. For example, if a new character or weapon was introduced, tracking usage and success rates would be important metrics to look at. If a new level or challenge was added, completion rates and time spent on that specific feature can provide valuable insights.
Once the metrics have been identified, game developers can use data analytics tools to track and analyze this information. This allows for a more accurate understanding of how players are interacting with the feature and where improvements can be made. Perhaps certain levels or challenges are too difficult, causing players to lose interest, or certain weapons are overpowered and need to be balanced.
Analyzing player behavior in specific game features not only helps improve the overall gaming experience, but it also allows for a more targeted approach to updates and enhancements. By understanding what their target audience enjoys and where they may be struggling, game developers can make informed decisions on how to improve the game and keep players engaged.
Final Thoughts
Having a high amount of daily active users plays a vital role in your game’s success. With so much data to track, it’s important to have the right tools and processes in place to effectively monitor and analyze player behavior. By constantly monitoring and improving specific game features, developers can ensure a more engaging and enjoyable experience for players, leading to higher retention rates and ultimately, a successful game.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve and technological advancements enable unique game features, this performance metric should not be neglected. Game content can be properly tracked, analyzed and interpreted by Helika, the leading Web3 analytics company, allowing developers to make data-driven decisions and stay ahead of the competition.
If you’re searching for a way to improve your game mechanics and have a better understanding of the features that are working and the ones that aren’t, consider contacting us here at Helika to learn more about our analytics and how we can help your game thrive.
