The Growth of Hyper-Casual Games: A Closer Look at Azur Games

The Rise of Hyper-Casual Games

Hyper-casual games have taken the mobile gaming world by storm, with billions of downloads being reported by companies like Azur Games. But how is it possible for these games to reach such astronomical numbers, surpassing the 8 billion mark even though there are only 7.89 billion people on the planet? It turns out that there are actually 16.8 billion mobile phones in the world, with many individuals owning more than one. With more than 100 games available, Azur Games has established itself as a dominant player in the hyper-casual market.

The Driving Factors Behind Azur Games’ Growth

In a recent interview with Dmitry Yaminsky, co-founder of Azur Games, he explained that a mix of foresight, adaptability, and diversification was the key to their remarkable growth. Yaminsky emphasized the importance of tapping into the hyper-casual segment at the right time, as well as constantly seeking fresh growth opportunities and experimenting with new ideas. The global pandemic also played a role, with the gaming industry experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity. Despite the challenges and heightened competition in the market, Azur Games managed to thrive by strategically acquiring talented teams and promising projects.

The Current State of the Gaming Market

Yaminsky also shared insights into the current state of the gaming market. While the hyper-casual genre has reached a plateau in terms of installs, genres like casual and midcore are continuing to grow. However, the market is facing challenges such as the increasing number of game releases, which spreads the number of installs across a greater number of titles and makes it more difficult to launch a hit game. Advertising effectiveness has also declined in the hyper-casual segment, requiring developers to find innovative ways to capture audience attention.

The Evolving Approach to Game Development

The approach to game development has changed significantly in recent years. Yaminsky highlighted the importance of creating fully-fledged projects from the start, with a focus on high-quality visuals and engaging gameplay elements. In addition, the look and feel of a project now extend beyond the core loop, with visual components demanding a substantial share of the team’s resources. Performance optimization and unique assets are also crucial for a game’s success in today’s market.

The Future of Mobile Gaming

Looking ahead to 2024, Yaminsky predicts a continuation of the momentum seen in the mobile gaming market, with in-app purchase revenues on the rise and ad revenues potentially dipping. The market will likely see fewer new releases, but there may be an increase in Chinese games making their global debut. Genre innovation and an emphasis on progression systems and enriched content will be necessary to stand out in the evolving market.

Source: How Azur Games has topped 8B installs for its hypercasual and casual games