La communication et l’interaction en temps réel peuvent améliorer le gameplay et contribuer à la rétention des utilisateurs.
Kuk is the cofounder of ZEGOCLOUD, a global cloud communication service provider of real-time audio and video communication APIs and SDKs.
The popularity of in-app social mini-games has skyrocketed in recent years, carving out a niche that combines entertainment, social interaction and accessibility. These games, playable within messaging apps, social networks or other platforms, engage millions of users worldwide. One catalyst in this gaming revolution has been real-time communication (RTC) technology, bringing real-time interactivity into the mix and enhancing the gaming experience, taking social gaming engagement to the next level.
The Rise Of In-App Social Mini-Games
The idea of integrating games into messaging or social media apps is what « in-app games » means today and started gaining popularity around the mid-2010s. An early example is Facebook, which introduced playable games in its Messenger app in 2016. Other messaging and social media apps have since followed suit, like WeChat‘s mini-games. The mini-games were launched in 2017 in China and became available worldwide in 2019 and have over 400 million monthly active users.
According to Statista, in 2023, the mobile games market is projected to generate a revenue of US$89.25 billion worldwide. It is expected to reach US$125.40 billion by 2028. As mini-games gain prominence within the mobile gaming market, their evolution is significantly influenced by technological innovations, particularly with RTC technology taking a leading role.
RTC: Enhancing The Gaming Experience
RTC technology is pivotal in enhancing the experience of in-app social mini-games. By enabling real-time interaction between players, regardless of their geographical location, RTC has taken social gaming to the next level. It fosters social engagement, allowing players to communicate, collaborate and compete in real time, creating a more immersive gaming experience. Real-time communication and interaction can improve the gameplay and contribute to user retention.
The Impact Of RTC On In-App Social Mini-Games
The influence of RTC on in-app social mini-games can’t be overstated. Its integration has led to several improvements:
• Driving Real-Time Interaction: Games powered by RTC allow players to interact with each other in real time, making the gaming experience more dynamic, competitive and engaging. This real-time interaction can range from live multiplayer gameplay to instant in-game chats.
• Boosting Social Engagement: With RTC, in-app mini-games have transformed from casual diversions into vibrant social platforms. Players can compete with friends, participate in global leaderboards and even form communities around their favorite games, fostering a sense of camaraderie and competition. The ability to connect with friends or make new ones while gaming has given a new dimension to the gaming experience.
Case Studies: RTC In Action
Several successful in-app social mini-games have leveraged RTC to significant effect.
1. YoYo: YoYo uses RTC to offer a blend of social interaction and gaming, effectively driving user engagement. Its offerings range from classic games like Ludo and Dominoes to unique ones like Jumping Ball and Sheep Fight. YoYo also provides a selection of unique gifts and entrance effects for users. With these features, YoYo demonstrates the potential of RTC in enhancing user engagement in the social gaming sphere, which has resulted in over 10 million downloads and high user retention.
2. Hago: Hago harnesses RTC technology to offer an immersive social gaming platform with over 100 million downloads on the Google Play Store. This app allows users to party online with friends, join themed voice chat rooms, watch live streams and enjoy over 200 mini-games. It includes options to send virtual gifts and customize chat rooms based on interests, which creates an engaging, interactive environment.
Considerations for Developers and App Owners
Nowadays, apps and platforms have made it easier for mini-game developers to publish their work online. For instance, Meta recently introduced a new model allowing developers to directly release their Instant Games to Facebook users to help gamers easily find and engage with top-quality games. This provides increased opportunities for developers as gaming on Facebook expands.
However, there are still several aspects to consider for both developers and business owners, including:
Technical Considerations
• Performance: The addition of a mini-game should not negatively impact the performance of the rest of the app. This includes factors such as loading times, responsiveness and battery usage.
• User Interface (UI): The UI should be simple and intuitive, as mini-games are often designed to be picked up and played quickly. However, it should also be engaging to keep players interested.
• Game Design: The game mechanics should be simple and engaging, with a good balance of challenge and reward to keep players returning.
Business Considerations
• Monetization: In-app purchases, ads and partnerships are ways to monetize in-app mini-games. Developers and business owners should consider the best approach for their game and audience.
• User Retention: In-app mini-games can be a powerful tool in increasing user retention and engagement. Developers and business owners should prioritize creating positive experiences to keep players returning.
Conclusion
In-app social mini-games have cemented their position as a popular form of entertainment for millions of users worldwide. Incorporating RTC technology has enhanced the gaming experience, fostering real-time interaction and boosting social engagement. As the demand for in-app mini-games continues to rise, developers and app owners must consider technical and business aspects to create successful and engaging games.
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