“Navigating the Game Industry: 6 Marketing Trends Shaping Success”

Luckmon
Luckmon
Published in
4 min readDec 19, 2023

For years, South Korea has been recognized as a nation with innovation and influence in the mobile gaming industry, standing at the forefront of this sector. With a high market receptivity (over 70% of the population are gamers), rapid adaptability to technology, and a population with high purchasing power for online products, the Korean market is an attractive one for foreign developers. However, success in the fiercely competitive Korean market remains limited to a few companies.

  • The importance of diverse approaches to User Acquisition (UA)
  • Maximizing re-engagement strategies
  • Significance of diversified media mix
  • The importance of penetrating through the numbers
  • Methods to adapt to enhanced privacy on Android

This post delves into the mobile gaming industry in South Korea, analyzing exemplary cases of Korean game publishers and complex statistics to provide valuable and diverse insights into marketing trends.

South Korea’s Mobile Gaming Industry Environment:

According to the Google report, the global pandemic (COVID-19) has led to a significant increase in the use of mobile devices during the pandemic, as people spend more time at home. While this unprecedented growth trend continues compared to the period before the pandemic, recent observations suggest a somewhat stabilized situation.

Comparison of Game Usage in 2021 (COVID season) vs Now:

Among the nations that generate the highest revenue from mobile gaming, South Korea ranks fourth globally. Key characteristics of Korean gamers include high retention rates, a concentration on specific genres such as strategy and RPG, and a willingness to spend on mobile games.

From these two perspectives, the gaming industry in South Korea has long been recognized as a global powerhouse, boasting innovation, high player engagement, and a fervent gaming culture. To navigate this dynamic market successfully, businesses need to stay abreast of the latest marketing trends shaping the landscape. Here are SIX KEY trends that are currently influencing the gaming industry in South Korea.

  1. Comprehensive User Acquisition Strategies

South Korea’s gaming market is intensely competitive, and user acquisition remains a top priority for game developers and publishers. A notable trend is the shift towards comprehensive strategies that go beyond traditional approaches. Successful companies are combining app store optimization (ASO), user acquisition (UA), and re-engagement efforts to create a holistic approach. This ensures a more unified marketing strategy, better measurement of each department’s impact, and improved fraud detection.

2. Offline Events: Amplifying the Online Experience

In South Korea, where gaming is deeply embedded in the culture, offline events are playing an increasingly significant role in marketing. These events not only boost overall app engagement but also serve as powerful tools for attracting new audiences and increasing in-app revenue. Businesses can capitalize on the country’s passion for gaming by organizing immersive offline experiences, creating a strong connection between the online and offline worlds.

3. Strategic Retargeting for Cost-Effective Results

As the cost of acquiring new users continues to rise, Korean game developers are strategically investing more in retargeting efforts. Retaining and re-engaging existing users has proven to be a cost-effective method for revenue growth. By allocating budgets to retargeting campaigns, businesses can bring back users who have already shown interest, thereby maximizing the potential value of their user base.

4. Adapting to Local Trends and Preferences

The South Korean gaming audience is diverse, with distinct preferences for certain genres and gaming experiences. Successful marketers are adapting their strategies to align with local trends and cultural nuances. By understanding and incorporating these preferences into marketing materials, businesses can create more relevant and appealing content, fostering a stronger connection with their target audience.

5. Global Expansion of Korean Gaming Brands

Korean gaming brands are increasingly looking beyond domestic borders for growth opportunities. The global demand for Korean gaming content indicates a positive perception of these brands internationally. Businesses in the industry are exploring ways to expand their reach to a global audience, leveraging the popularity of Korean games and adapting their marketing strategies to resonate with diverse international players.

6. Diversification of Traffic Sources through Programmatic Buying

While self-attributing networks (SANs) have traditionally been significant in South Korea, there is a growing trend toward diversifying traffic sources through programmatic media buying. By exploring new user acquisition channels beyond SANs, businesses can reduce dependency on specific platforms and gain a more varied portfolio of traffic. This diversification is essential for adapting to changing market dynamics and reaching a broader audience.

To thrive in South Korea’s dynamic gaming industry, businesses must align their marketing strategies with the current trends shaping the market. By adopting comprehensive user acquisition strategies, organizing offline events, strategically retargeting users, adapting to local preferences, exploring global markets, and diversifying traffic sources, companies can position themselves for success in one of the world’s most vibrant gaming ecosystems. The game is on — are you ready to play?

To learn more about Luckmon, please visit www.luckmon.com or follow @luckmonofficial through Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

<Install Luckmon and Redeem Rewards> https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.luckmon.luckmongames&hl=en&gl=US

For business inquiries, please contact david@luckmon.com

“Bring your luck with Luckmon 🍀”

#mobileappdevelopment #mobilegame #multirewards #luckmon #googleplay #gameads #marketingtrend

--

--

Luckmon
Luckmon

The best loyalty gaming platform curated just for you. Get to know who we are, up close and personal.