March 04, 2024

4X (R)evolution part1. Top Heroes: Idle RPG or 4X strategy game? (#99)

1 hour 2 minutes

This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session #99. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.

Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠

Youtube: https://youtu.be/9e0blIi1r08

Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-29stniv6f-oLJzhx2U_mRB_ppXnJ9hvQ

Agenda

00:00 Epic intro

04:45 Introduction to Top Heroes

05:10 The Unique Gameplay of Top Heroes

06:11 Transition to the World Map

08:06 Exploring the Town and Building Mechanics

09:08 Introduction to World Quests

10:07 Gameplay Mechanics and Objectives

12:40 Introduction to Hospital and Soldier Mechanics

20:02 Introduction to the Game and Revenue Analysis

21:05 Base Building Mechanics and Gameplay

22:23 Guilds and Social Mechanics

27:08 Grinding Bosses and Gear Upgrades

30:12 Engagement with Guilds and Events

34:22 Monetization and White Whales

36:24 Integration of AFK Arena and Rise of Kingdoms Mechanics

41:35 Poor Retention and Onboarding Experience

42:15 Initial Impressions of the Game

43:22 Smooth Onboarding and Gameplay

44:15 Teaser for the Next Episode

45:00 Discussion on the Importance of Ads

45:40 Upcoming Episode and Clues

46:26 Analysis of Ad Channels

48:26 Review of Creatives

53:33 Playable Ad and Revenue Growth

57:31 Experimenting with New Creatives

58:35 Revenue and Country Breakdown

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Matej Lancaric

User Acquisition & Creatives Consultant

⁠https://lancaric.me

Felix Braberg

Ad monetization consultant

⁠https://www.felixbraberg.com

Jakub Remiar

Game design consultant

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar

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Takeaways

Top Heroes is a game with unique gameplay mechanics, including a transition from an action RPG to a world map.

The game features building mechanics, world quests, and hospital and soldier mechanics.

The conversation also touches on the topic of ad revenue and channel growth.

Rewarded ads are implemented in the game to provide players with additional resources and speed up gameplay. 4X games combine elements of AFK Arena and Rise of Kingdoms to create a unique gameplay experience.

Guilds and social mechanics play a crucial role in the game, with strong social engagement driving the guild's progress.

The connection between heroes and Forex gameplay is a key aspect, with heroes carrying soldiers and their level determining their strength on the 4X map.

Grinding bosses and upgrading gear are important activities in the game, providing resources and bonuses.

Monetization in 4X games primarily comes from the 4X mechanics, with players investing in upgrading resources, soldiers, and peace shields.

The game targets a niche audience, and the total addressable market for 4X games may not be as large as other genres.

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