Cheat codes to master the hybridcasual genre

Cheat code #1: Enhance accessibility through a simple game mechanic

When creating a Hybridcasual game, the essential idea is to remove the initial complexity for the player and get them hooked right from the start.

From the economy to the controls, it's all down to the game's design especially the onboarding and first few levels..

Always remember: the mainstream appeal of these games means players should understand the gameplay within a few seconds of playing.

You could try the following options to help you do so:

Keep instructions to a minimum and use icons to help the player where possible.
Remove any unnecessary buttons until the player needs them.
Slowly introduce new elements to allow the player to understand them.
Ensure upgrades are essential to the players' progress.

Cheat code #2: Magnify retention by deepening game systems

The players should know that they will enjoy the game for hours within a few minutes of playing. So, it is not a typical hypercasual mobile game focused on short-term engagement. Instead, there are various options of meta content, which could layer in user retention.

Add a narrative or a distinctive theme to your game for users to be involved in the character's storyline.
Incorporate collectable systems (coins, gems, skins) to appeal to the sense of completion.
Include the decoration/restoration meta, where players could disclose their artistic individuality through the environment design. Another option is the construction meta, in which building something could be one of the game's main objectives.
Integrate upgrading mechanics, allowing to level up characters, gear, skins, and buildings to address the feeling of power (RPG element).

Note: Even when including the deeper meta layers from other genres, don’t overcomplicate players' decision-making. Instead, automate actions when possible to bring the user back to the core gameplay (e.g., click on one button to upgrade a character).

Cheat code #3: Think about an IAP monetisation model early

Since Hybridcasual implies higher IAP revenue (at least 30 percent), consider when and where IAP opportunities are.

Test different game economies to see what type and amount of currencies to incorporate into the game.
For Aquarium Land, Homa's team tested over 7 economies, and the winning one led to a 15% LTV uplift.
Balance the supply-demand curve of the in-game resources for players to appreciate them. Do the gems, coins, or skins bring value and help to achieve the game goals?
Motivate IAP through the game progression based on the sub-genre and game systems. For instance, do players want to stop seeing ads, or do they want to upgrade their character's skill to collect & sell more fish?
Remember the attractiveness of the packages. Polish the merchandising, store layout, and UI popup look and feel.
- And no worries, Homa has built various IAP templates that could easily be integrated into your game if you need more inspiration.

Cheat code #4: Think long-term & post-launch to boost the LTV

The hybridcasual approach requires a longer-term growth strategy. It means more extended product iteration (around 3 months), including the high-user volume, constant ad testing, new campaign types (blended ROAS & event-based), and new acquisition channels.

Moreover, think about the post-launch - continuously optimise features, meta-layers, level designs, and art capabilities to keep increasing retention, and never forget to A/B test everything to boost the LTV.

In Aquarium Land, continuous feature optimization increased RRD1 by 4pts, RRD3 by 3pts, and IAP LTV by 56 percent on IOS within two months.

Cheat code #5: Identify your most engaged users and provide them with the content they enjoy

When building your games, put your audience's preferences first. Test different characters, meta, features, and assets and follow the reaction of players.

For example, we identified that the audience liked idle mechanics and collection in Aquarium Land, so we added more fishes to collect and ships to send on expeditions to find treasures while players slept
Consider using IPs. It's no secret that IPs unlock a bigger audience of fans, but did you know they also attract high spenders to the games? Only some games need to have franchise. characters, yet, it is an excellent opportunity to market games, increase their reach & improve the LTV.
Explore the option of providing users with interoperable assets they can own and use in different games, creating more engaging experiences for players.

Rounding Up

Developing a Hybridcasual game boils down to thinking beyond the core loop of a hypercasual and transitioning your mindset to think deeper about where the expansion of your game could go.

To put your best foot forward is to carefully think in your ideation phase to include additional features alongside deeply integrating them as a profound part of your main game.

Remember that the key audiences are the same as hypercasual, so players can have a valuable and meaningful experience even on short session times. While the market is shifting more into the Hybridcasual model, some essential rules making hypercasual successful remain valid. Innovation is key.