Player Retention
Ongoing coverage on Player Retention.
Latest coverage
CD Projekt Red fans stay loyal: About 58% of The Blood of Dawnwalker's Steam player base also played The Witcher 3
An analysis reveals that approximately 58% of players who started The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam had previously played The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. This significant crossover highlights the loyalty of CD Projekt Red fans to developers like Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, even after they have moved to new studios like Rebel Wolves.
Why Casual Gamers Are Ditching Browser Games for Squads - Walkthrough, Tips, Review
Casual players are reportedly moving away from browser games due to repetitive gameplay loops and declining retention rates, despite low friction entry. They are migrating towards squad-builder football games, which offer persistent progression and a sense of ownership over their roster. This shift is driven by a desire for deeper engagement beyond the short-term distractions typically found in browser titles.
The next big Arc Raiders update is an experiment in figuring out "what drives players to come back"
Embark Studios is working to revive Arc Raiders with its upcoming 'Frozen Trail' update, aiming to address declining player counts. Executive Producer Alex Grondal discussed the shift to bi-yearly updates and the focus on creating engaging endgame loops and new explorable content to bring players back to the shooter.
Modern Warfare 4 reopens the skill-based matchmaking can of worms: "Matchmaking isn't just data, it's a feeling"
Infinity Ward is addressing player concerns about skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, clarifying that it's not a return to tighter matchmaking from previous titles and that connection remains a top priority. The developer shared data indicating reduced quit rates and improved search times with the new system, which is inspired by older Call of Duty titles and aims to balance various factors for a better player experience.
MapleStory Universe Kicks Off Vibe Camp Season 2 With $15,000 NXPC Prize Pool
MapleStory Universe has launched Season 2 of its worldwide game jam, MapleStory Vibe Camp, running from August 18 to September 15, 2026. Developers are challenged to create short arcade titles using MapleStory IP, with a $15,000 prize pool in NXPC tokens. This season introduces an AI brainstorming tool to aid in concept development and focuses on player retention and replayability.
Roblox shares plummet by 70% after the company reports persistent decline in player numbers, and of course the solution…
Roblox's share price has fallen by 70% following a second-quarter earnings report that revealed declining player numbers and lower-than-expected monetization. CFO Naveen Chopra attributed the shortfall to a lack of "vintage viral games" and changes in the recommendation algorithm that prioritize long-term retention over near-term revenue. The company forecasts continued monetization weakness and is integrating AI, despite acknowledging its role in the current financial performance.
Roblox stonks plummeted as its shift toward ‘long-term retention’ sees kids spending less money
Roblox's stock has seen a significant decline, reportedly falling over 70% in the past year, following investor concerns about decreased spending by younger players. The company's CFO, Naveen Chopra, attributed this to a strategic shift prioritizing long-term player retention over short-term monetization, which has impacted bookings per hour, particularly among users under 13.
Pokemon TCG Pocket sees sharp player drop in latest quarter
The Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket app has experienced a significant decline in active players on iOS and Android devices during the latest financial quarter. This drop in player engagement contributed to a decrease in both revenue and profit for the company DeNA.
Eterspire releases roadmap for the rest of 2026 with overhauls of social and combat systems
Stonehollow Workshop has released Eterspire's roadmap for the remainder of 2026, detailing plans for overhauls to social and combat systems, alongside other features like woodcutting and a daily quest system. The studio is prioritizing core gameplay experience and performance to improve player retention, acknowledging that growth cannot solely rely on new player influx.
Gamesight: Creators are best predictor for a game's success, not viewership
Marketing platform Gamesight's analysis indicates that the number of active creators producing content by day three of a game's launch is a more reliable predictor of long-term success than total viewership. This metric is particularly crucial for player-versus-player first-person shooter games, where factors like replayability and competitive progression contribute to sustained creator interest and community formation.
Indie MMO Eterspire is coming to Apple TV, reworks roadmap to focus on retention
Indie MMORPG Eterspire is launching on Apple TV on August 3rd with crossplay and cross-progression. The game also received a patch overhauling controller support and adding a surprise soccer event. Developer Stonehollow Workshop is reworking its roadmap to focus on player retention, delaying some engineering features while prioritizing core issues and the Daily Quest system.
Erenshor’s solo dev discusses retention issues, the use of LLMs, and the MMO sim’s path to 1.0
Brian Burgee, the sole developer of the single-player MMORPG sim Erenshor, discussed significant player retention issues, with many players leaving within the first few hours or even seconds of gameplay. He also shared his reservations about using Large Language Models for in-game AI due to ethical concerns and unreliability, and expressed optimism for the game's 1.0 launch in Q2 2027.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 needs its own version of Black Ops 7's Classic mode or it risks sidelining its oldest and most loyal fans
The author argues that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 should include a "Classic" mode, similar to the one introduced in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, to cater to its long-time player base. This mode, which simplifies movement and loadouts to resemble older titles like Black Ops 2, proved highly popular and was made permanent. The article suggests that the fast-paced, advanced movement in Modern Warfare 4 risks alienating older fans who prefer a more strategic, positioning-focused multiplayer experience.
Destiny 2 Return or Retire Guide 2026 | TAG
This guide helps lapsed Destiny 2 players decide whether to return or retire permanently in 2026, considering the game's changes since late 2024. It advises that retirement is often the best choice for adults with limited time, unless they still love the gunplay, have a dedicated crew, and can commit 8+ hours per week. The article details changes like the episode model, player base decline, and content sunsetting, offering a structured plan for those who choose to return and alternatives for those who don't.
5 Live Service Games to Quit in 2026 | TAG
This article provides a framework for players to quit live service games they no longer enjoy, arguing that obligation and FOMO should not dictate continued play. It identifies five specific games—Destiny 2, Diablo 4 seasonal, Warframe, Lost Ark, and older MMOs—as candidates for quitting in 2026, and offers a step-by-step guide to breaking free from the cycle of retention-engineered gameplay.
Apex Legends Returning Player Guide: What Changed (2026)
This guide helps returning players re-acclimate to Apex Legends by detailing significant changes since their departure, focusing on the drastically reduced Time To Kill (TTK) due to armor and weapon adjustments. It covers new modes like Wildcard, changes to hop-ups and Amps, map updates, and the current meta for Season 29, offering advice on warm-up routines, fundamentals, and loadout choices to ease the transition back into the game.
Perfect Ten: 10 reasons why it’s time to go back to your old MMO stomping grounds
This article explores ten reasons why players often return to MMORPGs they previously left, ranging from nostalgia and comfort to developer incentives like new content, fresh start servers, and addressing pain points. It also touches on social factors and the appeal of a game's resurgence or impending shutdown.
As Roblox pushes for more 'adult' games, it's focusing on those that keep you coming back
Roblox is implementing a new algorithm to recommend games that encourage long-term player retention, particularly targeting an adult audience. This shift aims to prioritize games with deeper substance over those with quick appeal and is complemented by incentives for developers creating content for players aged 18 and over.
Games Industry Fatigue: 80% of Mobile Developers say engagement strategies lack innovation for growth
A new study of 195 mobile game industry leaders reveals that 80% believe current engagement and retention strategies lack innovation, leading to player fatigue. Developers are struggling to balance monetization with user experience and are hesitant to innovate due to fear of impacting key performance indicators. The study suggests a shift towards personalized experiences and real-money rewards to drive future growth.
Off The Grid Sets Full Release for October 2026 with Updated Roadmap
Off The Grid has announced a detailed five-phase development roadmap targeting a full 1.0 release by October 2026. The plan includes performance upgrades, new content systems, and the integration of AI and Easy Anti-Cheat. The game has seen significant growth in player retention and community engagement since its launch, earning consecutive Game of the Year awards.
