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The Number One Educational Resource for the Game Industry

Session Name: Pocket Gems and the Evolution of Mobile Gamers: Hardcore Mechanics in Casual Games
Speaker(s): Ben Liu
Company Name(s): Pocket Gems
Track / Format: Business, Marketing & Management

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Overview: As the mobile market has grown in the last few years, games have also gone through an evolution. Gamers today expect more complex features and game mechanics than ever before. At the same time, the opportunities from running a successful mobile franchise are greater than ever. In this GDC session, Ben Liu will give key insights into how Pocket Gems has taken inspiration from classic core games and introduced hardcore game mechanics to players who were initially drawn to casual games. Ben will explain the strategic rationale for decisions that led to the development of player versus player battles and crafting in Tap Paradise Cove, resulting in a two-year run on the top grossing charts. These mechanics evolved over time, as players became more and more excited by the new features. Ben will walk through how the new features were introduced, how they have improved, and also offer key takeaways for developers looking to run a successful, long-term mobile game.

GDC 2014

Ben Liu

Pocket Gems

free content

Business, Marketing & Management

Business & Marketing