In the world of mobile game development, few terms are as misunderstood as "whales" - high-paying players who drive revenue in free-to-play (F2P) games. But what makes these gamers tick? Contrary to popular stereotypes, a recent study by EEDAR reveals that F2P whales are actually young males who also play console games.
The Surprising Truth About Mobile Game Players
EEDAR's survey of 3,000 active mobile and tablet gamers found that men accounted for two-thirds of the top 5% of paying mobile gamers. In fact, women were less likely to pay money for mobile games, making up 65% of the non-paying segment. This challenges the notion that bored soccer moms are the primary source of revenue for F2P games.
The Convergence of Gaming Habits
EEDAR's findings suggest that core gamers have conditioned themselves to spend money on traditional games and carry this habit over into other gaming verticals, including mobile. For these gamers, spending $50 on a F2P game is viewed as an investment, just like it would be for a console game.
The Future of Mobile Game Development
As the mobile gaming landscape continues to evolve, understanding the habits and preferences of F2P whales is crucial for developers looking to drive revenue. By recognizing that these gamers are not just casual players but rather enthusiastic fans of gaming in general, developers can tailor their games to appeal to this demographic.
Target Audience Insights
EEDAR's study highlights the importance of targeting the right audience with the right game. By understanding who is driving F2P revenue and what motivates them, developers can create games that resonate with these gamers and drive engagement.
(Note: The infographic provided by EEDAR has been omitted for brevity purposes.)