gaming
The future of the gaming industry: brand loyalty and retention, Exclusive Q&A w/ Achille Traore, CEO of White Label Loyalty
The gaming industry is highly competitive. Game developers only have one chance at making a user’s experience memorable. If a gaming company fails to capture user attention, customers will likely move on to another game or platform. Achille Traore, CEO of White Label Loyalty, discusses the opportunities awaiting gaming brands to create more loyal customers.
What are the main goals and objectives of brands in the gaming industry?
Most brands in the gaming industry are striving for the same thing: customer retention. The industry is well known for high engagement rates, but it’s also well known for low retention rates.
Player retention is important for gaming brands because existing customers are very valuable in the long run. It’s much easier to upsell and cross-sell to loyal users. Plus, the cost of acquiring new customers is becoming more and more expensive.
The gaming industry faces a number of challenges. What are they?
The first challenge is about engaging casual players and persuading them to play more frequently. And while there are many factors that contribute to this, including the quality of a game and the ability to market it effectively, gaming brands ultimately need to have a deep understanding of their customers.
The second challenge is knowing how to add value to a customer’s gaming experience. Not all users will find value in the same things. For one user, the value of a game may lie in the ability to customize characters with exclusive skins. For others, the value may lie in joining a community to meet other gamers.
Finally, gaming brands need to know how to break the barriers for people who haven’t gamed in a long time, or have never tried gaming before.
When it comes to gaming, how would you define loyalty and engagement?
A user that is truly engaged will spend a significant amount on in-game purchases.
Another way gamers show their loyalty is by engaging with communities via social media or forums like Reddit.
Loyal players can also become ambassadors for gaming brands. These players are more likely to engage with a brand outside of the game – they’ll spend money on equipment (such as a new console or PC), merchandise, and event tickets.
How does a gamer become loyal?
Loyalty often forms as a result of rewards. Players want to be rewarded. Whether it’s for completing a time-bound challenge, or unlocking different levels in a game, rewards add to a feeling of competition and accomplishment.
Gaming companies that reward customers for engagement can build real, long-term loyalty.
In order for gaming companies to better understand and engage their customers, what can they do?
Gaming companies must collect detailed data about their users to understand what drives them. Brands can use this data to build specific audience segments, which allows them to personalise and tailor marketing strategies to each customer profile.
Loyalty programs are an effective way to gather detailed information about user behaviour, needs, and preferences. When a gaming brand understands its customers, they can create customised rewards for each player segment, resulting in higher engagement and retention rates.
What are the best ways to reward players in the gaming industry?
With the right software, gaming brands can reward any kind of activity. For example, rewards could be given to streamers who refer games to others. Rewards could incentivise new customers to pick up their controllers again. Or, rewards can simply be used to show appreciation for those who dedicate their time and attention to a game.
Playstation Stars, a new loyalty program in the industry, rewards players for engaging with specific campaigns. Campaigns range from simply playing a game, to earning specific trophies or getting first place in a league table in your local area. Sony announced that the program uses a new type of reward – digital collectibles: “digital representations of things that Playstation fans enjoy, including figurines of beloved and iconic characters from games”.
What other opportunities await gaming brands?
With rewards, gaming companies can drive whatever specific behaviours they would like to see more of. For example, if a gaming brand wants to focus on new customer acquisition, they can build referrals into a rewards program. A fully-rounded loyalty program boosts acquisition as well as retention. While customers can do this on their own via social media or word of mouth, loyalty technology makes it as easy as possible for them to refer a game to family and friends.
There are so many different ways rewards can be used. From early access to a game, to free in-game currency, rewards help make a user’s experience more memorable and keep them engaged long-term. But rewards won’t be effective if gaming companies don’t understand what their customers actually want. That’s why it’s vital to start with data. Then, build a loyalty program that is based on what gamers find truly valuable.
Xsolla, a leading global video game commerce company, is deepening its commitment to mobile game developers through a strategic partnership with Pocket Gamer Connects (PGC) in 2025. As the industry leader in Web Shop development and management, with over 500+ Web Shops generating revenue, Xsolla is also leading the way in direct-to-consumer monetization in the video game industry. Xsolla will showcase its latest innovations in mobile game monetization, user acquisition, and cross-platform analytics throughout key global PGC events.
Supporting Mobile Developers at PGC Events Worldwide
Xsolla will sponsor Pocket Gamer Connects events in 2025, bringing its expertise in direct-to-consumer monetization and engagement strategies to the following locations:
- PGC San Francisco (March 17-18)
- PGC Dubai (May 7-8)
- PGC Barcelona (June 3-4)
- PG Summit Shanghai (July 30)
- Mobile Games Awards at Gamescom (August)
- PGC Helsinki (October 7-8)
Xsolla will engage with developers at each event through thought leadership sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. It will offer data-driven insights and solutions to help mobile developers maximize revenue beyond traditional app stores.
Advancing Web Shop Monetization with AppsFlyer Integration
A key component of Xsolla’s presence at PGC will be its partnership with AppsFlyer, the global leader in mobile measurement and data analytics. Together, they have developed a first-in-the-industry integration that solves cross-platform attribution challenges, giving mobile game developers the tools to:
- Measure Web Shop purchases as in-app events for accurate LTV and ROAS tracking.
- Seamlessly attribute Web Shop revenue to mobile user acquisition, re-engagement, and retention campaigns.
- Optimize ad spending across mobile and Web Shops with real-time analytics, all without requiring coding from developers.
Xsolla’s Web Shop solution has already transformed mobile game monetization, enabling 500+ developers to generate direct-to-consumer sales online while pushing players to pay on their mobile devices. By integrating AppsFlyer’s measurement tools, Xsolla ensures that mobile developers gain a complete, end-to-end understanding of the user journey across platforms, allowing them to make smarter business decisions and improve ROI.
“Xsolla’s Web Shop has revolutionized how mobile game developers monetize online, and our integration with AppsFlyer takes it to the next level,” said Berkley Egenes, Chief Marketing & Growth Officer at Xsolla. “By bridging the data gap between Web Shops and mobile applications, we empower developers with the insights they need to optimize performance, increase revenue, and engage players more effectively. We look forward to engaging directly with the community and hearing from the Pocket Gamer community throughout the year at each event around the world.”
Strengthening the Global Mobile Gaming Ecosystem
Xsolla’s continued investment in mobile game commerce solutions aligns with Pocket Gamer Connects’ mission to support and connect game developers worldwide. With the combined power of Web Shop, AppsFlyer integration, and a direct presence at major industry events, Xsolla is committed to helping mobile game creators navigate monetization challenges and drive sustainable growth.
“Pocket Gamer Connects is the world’s leading event series for mobile game developers (and others) and we’re thrilled to have Xsolla as a key partner in 2025,” said Chris James, CEO at Steel Media, Pocket Gamer’s parent company. “Xsolla’s expertise in mobile commerce, cross-platform engagement, and Web Shop monetization makes them an invaluable resource for developers looking to scale their businesses.”
By partnering with Pocket Gamer Connects, Xsolla ensures mobile developers worldwide can access the latest technology, insights, and business models to thrive in today’s competitive gaming market.
For more information on Xsolla Web Shop and its integration with AppsFlyer, visit: xsolla.blog/xsolla-appsflyer
Join us at Pocket Gamer Connects 2025 to connect, learn, and explore new opportunities in the gaming industry.
The post XSOLLA PARTNERS WITH POCKET GAMER CONNECTS TO EMPOWER MOBILE GAME DEVELOPERS IN 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
gaming
Portside Game Assembly: Studios behind Dead Cells, Dungeon Clawler, Dorfromantik, Blasphemous on board and ticket sales for brunch and party launched
With Portside Game Assembly, Gamecity Hamburg is welcoming studio heads and directors from successful indie game studios on a conference ship and other extraordinary locations in Hamburg on June 27. Benjamin Laulan, Co-Founder of Evil Empire, (Dead Cells, The Rogue Prince of Persia) will give a keynote on the Triple-i Initiative started by the French studio. At the Triple-i Showcase 2024, over 30 “iii games” were announced in 45 minutes, and 150,000 views were achieved on YouTube alone. Further speaker on board is Philomena Schwab, Founder of Stray Fawn Studio (Dungeon Clawler, The Wandering Village).
Portside Game Assembly celebrates its premiere as B2B-conference for international indie game leaders on June 27. There will be no direct ticket sales for the conference; instead, a curated list of participants will ensure that only studio heads and decision makers attend the conference on board a ship sailing through the port of Hamburg.
At the same time, the Networking Brunch and the Games Industry Party are open as networking events for interested contacts from the games industry to bring platform holders, publishers, and game companies into contact with the international conference participants. Studio leads from Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, France, Spain, Canada, the USA, and Germany are already on board for the conference.
Portside Game Assembly is set to be a platform for decision makers and studio leads to exchange ideas, learn from each other, and face the challenges of the games industry through collaboration.
As the first announced talk of the conference, Benjamin Laulan (Co-Founder of Evil Empire) will present a keynote on the Triple-i Initiative and how to create your own announcement space and talk directly to your audience when you can’t really relate to other existing showcases. In addition, Philomena Schwab (Founder of Stray Fawn Studio & Publishing) will give a short talk about ways for game idea validation.
The program of the Portside Game Assembly will consist of keynotes, short talks, and roundtables.
Selection of already confirmed participants:
- Evil Empire (Dead Cells, The Rogue Prince of Persia) / France
- Stray Fawn Studio (Dungeon Clawler, The Wandering Village) / Switzerland
- The Game Kitchen (Blasphemous I & II) / Spain
- Toukana Interactive (Dorfromantik)/ Germany
- Ghostship Publishing (Deep Rock Galactic) / Denmark
- Landfall Games (Content Warning, Totally Accurate Battle Simulator) / Sweden
- Chasing Carrots (Halls of Torment) / Germany
- Foulball Hangover (Hydroneer) / UK
- Siege Camp (Foxhole) / Canada
The post Portside Game Assembly: Studios behind Dead Cells, Dungeon Clawler, Dorfromantik, Blasphemous on board and ticket sales for brunch and party launched appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Fourth Star, the cutting-edge virtual reality immersive media streaming platform, is officially available to the public. This innovative platform transforms traditional entertainment by enabling users to seamlessly watch standard 2D, 180 and 360 immersive media content and movies. Fourth Star redefines how audiences engage with immersive storytelling, offering an unparalleled first-person centric perspective on entertainment.
“Fourth Star is more than just a platform – it’s a revolution in entertainment,” said Greg Simon, Co-Founder & CEO of Fourth Star. “We’ve created an immersive experience where users can not only consume content but also actively participate in it. Our vision is to transform how people experience media content and movies in a way that has never been done before.”
A New Era of Interactive Entertainment
The largest immersive media streaming platform available on Sidequest, users can explore nearly forty unique environments, interact with AI-driven crew, and experience entertainment in an entirely new way. Fourth Star offers a groundbreaking approach to digital engagement, whether socializing in the Cafe, customizing avatars in private Apartments or Ships, or stepping directly into a movie’s storyline.
“The combination of VR, AI, and blockchain in Fourth Star sets a new standard for immersive entertainment,” said Craig Wiltshire, CTO of Fourth Star. “Our vision is to seamlessly integrate all three technologies into the user experience. We are redefining the entertainment experience from passive observation to active creation.”
Built for Content Partners
Fourth Star is a self-serve platform designed for content partners of all sizes, from individual creators to blockbuster studios. Content partners can set up an account, create content channels, and begin monetizing their work immediately. No integration is required, allowing for seamless onboarding and instant access to a global audience. The Creator Portal empowers partners to distribute and profit from their immersive media with ease, making Fourth Star a truly open and accessible metaverse for digital entertainment.
Key Features of Fourth Star
- VR Streaming Platform – Users can access nearly forty environments and own their own luxury apartments and ships all equipped with an immersive media streaming entertainment hub.
- Social & Customization – Connect with others in dynamic social hubs, personalize your avatar, and invite your friends to your own luxury apartment and ship.
- Player Portal – Users can access the web-based marketplace to explore content, invite friends,
- Creator Portal – Set up an account, create content channels, and begin monetizing your work immediately. No integration is required, allowing for seamless onboarding and instant access to a global audience.
- Blockchain Integration – The FSTR token, built on the Polygon blockchain, powers the ecosystem, providing secure transactions and exclusive rewards.
- AI-Powered Companions – Coming soon
FSTR: The Utility Token Powering Fourth Star
FSTR serves as the primary ecosystem currency within the Fourth Star platform, enabling users to purchase Apartments, Ships, AI Companions, and exclusive content. Token holders benefit from:
- VIP Access – Exclusive events, early screenings, and red carpet experiences.
- Discounts – 25% savings on in-app purchases (IAPs) and entertainment content.
A New Paradigm in Entertainment
Fourth Star is designed to deliver the future of entertainment through merging cinematic storytelling with interactive gaming, offering:
- A seamless transition from passive to interactive experiences.
- A thriving community for players, creators, and investors.
- Advanced AI integration for interactive AI characters.
- Don’t just watch the star in the movie, become the star.
Availability and Access
Fourth Star is now live and available for users worldwide on Sidequest. Whether you’re an explorer, content creator large to small, storyteller, or entertainment enthusiast, Fourth Star provides an immersive space to experience digital entertainment like never before.
The post Fourth Star Launches Immersive Media Streaming Platform appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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