Javascript is required

How push notifications can help in gaming retention

  • October 3, 2023
  • ~4 min read

Increase Game Retention | Learn How Push Notifications Can Help

The gaming industry faces the fastest rejection and churn rates for its apps. Sometimes, games are abandoned within just one day. There can be various reasons for this, such as having a complicated interface or being hard to learn. To solve most of these problems, notifications are a good solution. By sending helpful and interesting notifications, game developers can assist users with the gaming interface, features, tricks, and tips. This can prevent players from leaving the game while keeping them engaged. In this blog, you will learn the hacks to retain players using notifications. Let's get started!

a girl holding an brown umbrella in flying position has a yellow wall bhehind her

Why Should Mobile Apps Focus on Retaining Players?

Mobile games have a fierce market where competition is always high. As a result, game developers are supposed to promote their games and do marketing to reach their target audience. This requires additional cost, and the best way to reduce this is through user retention. Retained players are a gem for the gaming business. Not only do they generate consistent revenue through in-app purchases, but they also act as brand advocates; thereby promoting the app through word-of-mouth referrals. The major benefits of user retention in mobile apps are as follows:

  • Increases app revenue and profitability.
  • Builds a loyal user base and brand advocates.
  • Reduces marketing costs by relying on word-of-mouth referrals.
  • Boosts user engagement and app usage.
  • Helps gather valuable feedback for app improvement.
  • Enhances app store rankings and visibility.
  • Increases the chances of successful cross-selling or upselling within the app.

Book a demo today with Notifly

Ways to Improve Mobile Game Retention

Improving mobile game retention is crucial for the long-term success of any mobile game. Here are some effective ways to achieve higher player retention, backed by facts:

  1. Enhanced Onboarding Experience: A well-designed onboarding process can significantly impact player retention. According to Localytics, apps that implement a strong onboarding experience see up to 90% higher user retention after the first 30 days.

  2. Regular Content Updates: Keeping the game fresh with regular content updates and new features encourages players to come back. Games that update content frequently experience increased retention rates. For instance, a study found that updating in-game events weekly can lead to a 20% increase in player retention.

  3. Personalisation and Segmentation: Tailoring the game experience to individual players' preferences through personalization and segmentation can boost engagement and retention. According to a report by Accenture, 91% of consumers are more likely to purchase a brand that recognises them by name, recommending the importance of personalization in retaining players.

  4. Social and Community Features: Integrating social and community elements, such as leaderboards, multiplayer options, and in-game chat, fosters a sense of belonging and competition among players. Players who engage in social interactions within the game are more likely to stay loyal and continue playing.

  5. Incentives and Rewards: Offering in-game incentives and rewards for regular play and achievements can encourage players to return. According to a study by Tapjoy, 79% of mobile gamers say they are more likely to return to a game if they receive rewarded ads.

  6. Optimised Push Notifications: Thoughtful and relevant push notifications can re-engage players and remind them to return to the game. A study by Accenture showed that 83% of consumers are willing to share data for personalised push notifications.

  7. Balanced Difficulty and Progression: Striking the right balance between challenging gameplay and achievable goals is crucial. If a game becomes too difficult or too easy, players may lose interest. A well-balanced progression system keeps players engaged and motivated to continue playing.

  8. Data-Driven Decisions: Notifly API service can help the gaming industry make data-driven decisions by providing valuable insights into user engagement and behaviour. Developers can use this data to identify areas for improvement, optimise the game experience, and address issues that may affect player retention effectively.

Bonus tip:

Initially, players may have varying preferences regarding push notifications. However, they might choose to enable them later. Therefore, it is essential to always offer users the option to enable or disable notifications in their settings, allowing them to opt for this feature whenever they desire.

Conclusion

Using these strategies, game developers can make their games more exciting and keep players coming back for more. By personalising the experience, sending timely notifications, and understanding player behaviour, games can retain more players and achieve greater success. With the right in-app messaging approach, players will feel more connected and valued, leading to a better gaming experience overall.

Sign up for free