Level Up: LiveOps, AI, and Monetization Secrets ⚡️
Unlock the secrets behind Call of Duty’s liveops, TikTok’s gaming tools, AI companions, and the power of minigames for ultimate player engagement.
Welcome to the 24th edition of The Kraken Weekly! 🎉 This week, we’re diving deep into the juiciest mobile gaming trends that are setting the industry on fire. From Call of Duty Mobile’s liveops playbook (50 events in a month?!) to the AI companions redefining in-game relationships, we’ve got all the buzz you need to stay ahead. Plus, TikTok is shaking up LiveOps, hybrid monetization is making bank, Pokémon nostalgia is hitting hard, and minigames are proving they’re not just a fad. Whether you’re here for billion-dollar insights or just some good ol’ gaming nostalgia, get ready to level up your game knowledge! 🎮✨
1) All You Need to Know about Call of Duty Mobile Liveops Events
CODM’s liveops game is on fire! Well it actually has been for quite a few years now. With over 50 events in August alone, they’re smashing it in engagement and monetization. They’ve got core events like Battle Passes and unique game modes to keep you hooked, meta events like mini-games and comics for a break, and monetization events (hello, gacha and progression rewards) to make you want to spend. The calendar is stacked, blending strategy and creativity to maximize revenue while keeping gameplay fresh. If you’re wondering how a mobile game earns $1.7B+, this is the blueprint.
2) Meta x Kwalee: Leveling Up Mobile Gaming with Hybrid Monetization and AI
Mobile gaming is leveling up with hybrid monetization and AI, and it's all about adapting smarter. Hybrid monetization—mixing ads with in-app purchases—lets studios start earning early and build up to bigger bucks while keeping players happy. But it’s not just a slap-it-on solution; you’ve got to rework your game flow to make it seamless. Meanwhile, AI is taking over marketing and creative tasks, from user acquisition to pumping out slick, localized ads with tools like MidJourney and Runway. Companies like Meta and Kwalee are leading the charge with data-driven strategies that focus on quality players, not just quantity. TL;DR: the future of gaming is smart, hybrid, and powered by AI—time to get on board!
3) Pokémon TCG Pocket: Exploring a Billion Dollar Nostalgic Journey
This episode from 2 and Half Gamers was a trip down Pokémon nostalgia lane! John and Jakub dive into the magic behind booster packs, collection mechanics, and that dopamine-packed Wonder Pick feature—plus, trading and events are on the way. The UA strategy? Solid, but there's room to go wild with channels, creatives, and even a Pokémon theme song remix (The Pokémon Company, are you listening?). And let’s not sleep on pack openings—they’re YouTube gold. Why? Because they hit all the sweet spots: suspense, rarity, and emotional rollercoasters. It's not just cards; it’s drama, surprise, and pure joy. Gotta catch ’em all, right? Oh, and don’t miss the easter egg at the end of the episode!
4) The Rise of the AI Companion
AI companions in games are getting a massive glow-up, and you’re about to be besties with them. From Pac-Man's quirky ghosts to Halo’s tactical soldiers, we’ve come a long way, but generative AI is set to redefine the game. Imagine characters like Cygnus Enterprises’ snarky robot PEA, who chats about game lore and warns you about incoming danger. Or Suck Up!, where you can trick LLM-powered townsfolk into letting a vampire (you!) into their homes—cue hilarious, improv chaos. And it’s not just about games; AI-trained agents are even stepping into the real world, proving that gaming is a playground for next-gen robotics and storytelling. Basically, the future of AI in games is feeling more alive, emotional, and wildly entertaining
Here’s a fun video of Mike Tyson trying to beat AI Mike. Didn’t quite make it 8 rounds this time around 😅
5) TikTok’s LiveOps program is elevating mobile game engagement
TikTok is leveling up mobile gaming with its LiveOps program, and if you’re not on board, you’re missing out. This program helps publishers keep players hooked long after launch with tailored in-game events, seasonal updates, and fresh content. With 102+ campaigns already powered (9x growth since 2023!), TikTok’s got the tools to boost retention and build loyalty. Plus, their creative solutions like TikTok One and Creative Exchange make it easy to craft content players actually vibe with. Whether you’re planning epic seasonal events or just tweaking updates, TikTok’s support ensures your game stays fresh, fun, and thriving.
Bonus: Minigames Revisited: How Developers Are Continuing to Tap into Trends and Drive Engagement
Minigames are having their moment, and if you’re a mobile game dev, it’s time to take notes! From Royal Match’s Wordle-style potion puzzles to Goddess of Victory: NIKKE’s full-blown homage to Dave the Diver, these bite-sized experiences are boosting engagement and retention like never before. Minigames let players explore fresh gameplay, broaden motivational appeal, and even unlock new monetization avenues (hello, premium passes and currencies!). Whether it’s digging for gems in State of Survival or solving puzzles in Island Hoppers, these creative add-ons keep players coming back while making your game stand out. Plus, with players loving the variety, minigames aren’t just a trend—they’re here to stay.
One fun thing from this week!
Sam Dyer preserves video game history in hardback! Check it out, Bitmap Books' founder on the power of tangible media and how his books help preserve the joy of gaming's history after ten years in the business
