The social gaming trend is revolutionizing mobile games, driving the need for innovative social elements. Even single-player casual genres are shifting towards communal gaming in 2021, aiming to solve the revenue challenge.
Enter the Friend Referral system, a feature with the potential to indirectly support user acquisition and retention through word-of-mouth. In this article, we’ll explore how this system has been implemented in casual and midcore games, providing examples that inspire game developers to enhance social elements in their games. Whether it’s about friends with benefits or friends who bring benefits, the choice is yours.
Bringing players together and rewarding them The Friend Referral system goes beyond simple friend requests and occasional energy gifting. In its simplest form, it encourages and incentivizes gamers to invite new players to download the game using referral codes, in exchange for rewards.
Casual mobile games have implemented the Friend Invitation system in the most straightforward way. Games like Match Masters and Dragon Mania Legends offer progressive friend referral rewards, while Family Island provides separate rewards for inviting mates.
Leveraging the power of player promotion By incorporating the incentivizing Friend Invitation system, game studios can tap into their player base’s ability to acquire new players through low-key user acquisition efforts.
Consider players’ motivations when designing the Friend Invitation system. For instance, if your game features a decorative layer, it’s wise to reward gamers who refer more players with enticing cosmetics and similar items.
Unlock exclusive rewards through friend retention Some mobile games introduce unique prizes as part of the referred friend’s progression. When a friend reaches a certain level or becomes a newly converted gamer, the player who referred them receives a special treat. It’s crucial to ensure that the referred buddy engages with the game for more than just a short period.
RAID: Shadow Legends is an excellent example of an extensive Friend Referral system. It rewards players with Referral Points based on the progress of their referred friends’ level milestones, unlocking exclusive heroes and other rewards. The recent update introduced additional rewards, including Legendary Hero Crohnam and a unique skin for Crohnam when all six referred buddies reach level 50.
Revive old friendships for re-engagement Why not rekindle the flame with players who have stopped playing? Incorporating a Recall Event into your game can create a sense of urgency and incentivize inviting old players back with in-game rewards.
Games in the Chinese and Japanese markets, such as QQ Dancer and Yo-kai Watch Punipuni, have successfully implemented Recall Events. These events offer rewards for inviting and engaging with old players, with different tiers of rewards based on the players’ status.
Generate more retention through friend referral programs According to a 2022 study by FinanceOnline, word-of-mouth marketing and referral leads have shown a remarkably high 30% conversion rate. Friend Referral programs in games leverage this effective marketing tactic, especially in MMO and PVP games.
With the rise of the social gaming trend, driven by the need for connection during the pandemic, Friend Referral systems provide a valuable incentive for players to connect with their friends. While still relatively uncommon, this feature has the potential to make a significant impact in the post-IDFA world, where creativity in user acquisition practices is crucial.
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