Player Retention
Ongoing coverage on Player Retention.
Latest coverage
Games like Call of Duty and EA Sports FC most at risk of losing players during GTA 6 launch, according to new data
New data from gaming consultancy Open World suggests that titles like Call of Duty, Apex Legends, and EA Sports FC are most at risk of losing players during the launch of Grand Theft Auto 6. The analysis indicates that competitive shooters and sports games, along with driving and high-stakes session games, are most likely to see player migration. Developers are advised to avoid major content updates or marketing pushes during GTA 6's launch window to mitigate player loss.
Pokemon TCGP Announces New Changes to Gameplay
Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket has announced significant gameplay changes, including a shift in booster pack release structure from every four weeks to every six weeks, starting with the C series. The game will also introduce a new weekly feature with starter Pokémon from all nine regions, and 'immersive cards' will be obtainable through mission rewards instead of standard packs. Additionally, players can now directly copy community-shared deck builds and use rental decks in PvP battles, aiming to improve player retention and accessibility.
League of Legends Classic is effectively calling it quits after just three months of operation
Riot Games is shutting down League of Legends Classic after only three months due to low player engagement, with the mode remaining playable until January 2027. The studio plans to revisit the concept in the future, potentially as an adjusted event mode, and is issuing refunds for Classic-specific content.
'There is no secret sauce' to a successful live service game according to Overwatch's associate game director, but knowing your audience is a good start
Overwatch's associate game director Alec Dawson and game director Aaron Keller discuss the challenges and strategies behind maintaining a successful live service game. They emphasize that there is no single 'secret sauce,' but rather a consistent focus on making good decisions daily, understanding player needs for novelty and variety within a competitive framework, and ensuring players feel in control of their actions.
WoW: Forever, by casting off modern convenience, has horseshoed back around to being casual friendly again
This article argues that World of Warcraft: Forever, despite its initial appearance as an antidote to modern MMO convenience, is actually very casual-friendly. It contrasts the game's slower, more deliberate pace with the overwhelming nature of seasonal structures in retail World of Warcraft, suggesting that the older design offers a more relaxing experience for players with limited time.
WoW: Forever dev says 'there's a real longing for that slower, more deliberate pace' in MMOs: 'A…
World of Warcraft: Forever's associate production director Clay Stone discusses the appeal of a slower, more deliberate pace in MMORPGs, citing the success of Classic, Season of Discovery, and Hardcore modes. He suggests that the modern world's constant information overload creates a longing for less rushed gameplay experiences, and that "WoW Forever" aims to answer the question of whether it's too late to start playing with an emphatic 'no'.
The Evolution of Chance-Based Minigames in Modern Xbox Titles: From RDR2 to GTA V
This article analyzes the evolution of chance-based minigames in modern Xbox titles, contrasting the in-game gambling mechanics of Red Dead Redemption 2 with those in Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online. It explores how these minigames serve as tools for atmosphere, satire, player retention, and potential controversy, highlighting the shift from narrative integration to systems designed to encourage repeated engagement and spending.
How WoW Guilds Recruit and Retain Players in Midnight
This analysis explores how guilds in World of Warcraft recruit and retain players, particularly in the context of the Midnight Season 2 and its challenging content structure. It highlights how recruitment requirements have become more demanding due to the season's design, leading players to seek boosts and emphasizing the importance of fixed schedules and non-seasonal projects like player housing for retention. The article also discusses how alternate characters are now a valuable tool for keeping players engaged and maintaining roster stability.
RuneScape devs apologize for plan to reset and divide the MMO: "We have made you, as existing players, feel like…
Jagex has apologized and is reconsidering its "RuneScape Reignited" plan, which proposed splitting the MMO into new worlds with fresh economies, after significant player backlash. Existing players felt neglected, fearing their progress and accomplishments would be devalued. The developer is now exploring revisions to better integrate veteran players and address concerns about community fragmentation and monetization.
In another unprecedented move, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is changing double XP tokens so they count down in match and not real-time
Activision has announced that double XP tokens in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will now only count down while actively in a match, a change long requested by the community. This move, along with other recent adjustments like a skin toggle in Warzone and matchmaking updates, aims to re-engage lapsed players. The new system will also apply to existing tokens from previous Call of Duty titles.
Here’s Why Fortnite Sucks This Season
This season of Fortnite's core Battle Royale mode is criticized for an overabundance of random gimmicks like Sprites and Overrides, leading to a disorienting and inconsistent player experience. The article argues that this excessive randomness, particularly with mechanics like the Speed Shooter Override, negatively impacts player numbers and makes the game less engaging and more frustrating, contrasting it unfavorably with the more consistent Reload mode.
Arc Raiders Is Finally Testing A PvE Mode
Embark Studios announced that Arc Raiders will test a PvE mode from October 13-20, offering players a cooperative-focused experience. While not guaranteed to become permanent, the test aims to gauge player interest, with a significant portion of the player base expressing a desire for PvE options. This initiative comes as the game faces dwindling player numbers and a shift to bi-yearly updates.
'You're Going to Take a Hit': Rainbow Six Siege Director Bracing for GTA 6 Launch Impact, Promises Players Who Stick Around Will Be Served 'Like Kings and Queens'
Ubisoft is preparing for the launch of Grand Theft Auto 6 and its potential impact on Rainbow Six Siege player numbers. The company plans to reward players who remain loyal to Rainbow Six Siege with special treatment.
Bungie admits Marathon "did not reach as many players as we hoped" as it plans major changes
Bungie has acknowledged that its extraction shooter Marathon has not met player expectations, citing a significant drop in concurrent players. The developer plans major changes, including the introduction of a permanent PvE mode and a Team Deathmatch mode in the upcoming Symbiosis update, to address player concerns and evolve the game.
Bungie reaches for a Destiny 2 lifeline as Marathon struggles
Bungie announced plans to return vaulted content to Destiny 2 following disappointing performance and player counts for its new game, Marathon. This decision comes after significant layoffs at the studio, which impacted both Destiny and Marathon teams. Despite Marathon's struggles, Bungie is still planning updates for it, while emphasizing Destiny 2's foundational role in its future.
Activision cites data claiming cheating in games is an $8.5bn industry; 69% of online multiplayer studios consider cheating "a significant or very significant problem"
Activision reports that cheating in video games has become an $8.5 billion industry, with cheat developers earning billions annually. A survey indicates 69% of online multiplayer studios consider cheating a significant problem, leading to decreased player retention and revenue loss. Companies like Anybrain are developing multi-faceted security solutions to combat this evolving threat.
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.
