The anime mobile games market is growing rapidly. It is huge in various countries, with Japan taking the lead. Since 2018, the United States has dived deeper into anime-style games, significantly increasing its spending on them by 80%. In 2021, the playtime of anime games by US players was about 1.74 billion hours, and the total money recorded was over 2 billion.
The huge boost in the attention given to anime-themed mobile games, which also impacts revenue generated, didn’t happen by chance. The games are fun; they appeal to anime enthusiasts and beyond. However, live events, communities, and various monetization strategies, some of which are also utilized in the casino gaming industry, have played a significant role in the rising revenue generated by these games.
Today’s casino news explores how anime mobile games captivate players worldwide and employ monetization strategies similar to those in casino gaming.
Anime Mobile Games for an Immersive Experience
The top anime mobile games in the US tend to differ from those in Japan. This may be due to US players going for popular games with good reviews. On the other hand, Japanese players often test out various games since they have the biggest market.
The games below, however, cut across both markets, and they are available for Android and IOS.
Dragon Ball Legends
Dragon Ball Legends is one of the top games in the Dragon Ball anime collection. The game follows a storyline but mostly thrives due to its 3D player-versus-player battle. The simplicity of its combat mechanics makes it easy to play. Dragon Ball Legends’ first-quarter revenue was impressive. According to Sensor Tower Enterprise, which acquired Data.ai, the game’s revenue on Android in the first week of January was about $1.4 million.
Fate Grand Order
Fate Grand Order is an anime mobile game that has captured the attention of many plates thrice with its turn-based game machines and impressive visuals. Its gameplay involves players assuming the role of being a master who has servants who can battle. During each battle, you give commands using cards.
Honkai Impact 3rd
Honkai Impact 3rd is a role-playing mobile anime game. Here, a player has to lead a group of warrior girls called Valkyries in a battle against the fierce Honkai force. Each Valkyrie has its abilities. So, players have to assemble a team capable enough to defeat Honkai.
The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross
The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross is a flexible story-based anime-themed mobile game that can be played in a PvP or two-player co-op mode. Like its counterparts, it is also a combat game. Players have three major skills to use against the enemy: heal, attack, and debuff. Players can strategize, devising various play styles to conquer their opponents. The peak revenue of this game in the first quarter of 2024 was about $426,000.
These four games have been outstanding in various markets for various reasons. Let’s discuss them.
Anime Mobile Games: Reasons for Increased Players Engagements
Various innovations have caused an increase in players’ engagement with Anime mobile games. They include:
Freemium Model
You can play most anime mobile games for free, just like you can access various casino games for free at Vegas Aces Casino. This freemium model is one reason for the increase in anime game downloads.
Anime Mobile Games Have Dynamic Storytelling
Many anime games are based on stories—this is not new. Many casino games, like the Saiyan Warriors slot game, are also story-based. However, players’ choices can influence an anime game’s narrative, leading to varying outcomes.
For example, The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross has “branching” storylines. As a result, players can achieve different results based on their decisions. This interactive storytelling strategy makes these games replayable, contributing to increased user engagement.
Live Events and Periodic Content
Live events are commonly integrated into anime mobile games to make them dynamic, and this has worked well. For example, players of Fate Grand Order often get limited-time events with unique storylines and exclusive characters, often in sync with different seasons. In online casino gaming, there are also various events, especially for skill games like poker, where players can win tangible sums.
Social Features
Another strategy that has helped increase the popularity of anime mobile games is allowing cooperative gameplay. Players can come together as a team and then face another set of players who have also teamed up, taking their gaming experience to new heights.
Also, there are various online communities where players share their experiences and strategies to win combat battles. This has long been a practice among casino game players.
Customized Content Recommendations in Anime Mobile Games
Anime game developers collect relevant data from players using machine learning to provide personalized content based on their interests. Many gamers love to try games that tickle their fancy.
Anime Mobile Games Visuals and Sounds
Visuals and sounds have long contributed to the appeal of casino games, and anime-themed games have also picked up on this trend. Their aesthetics are often top-notch, and the sounds are also impressive. Both help make them engaging and immersive.
Anime Mobile Games Monetization Strategies
Below are the monetization strategies in anime mobile games. Many of the techniques are also in casino gaming.
Gacha System
The Gacha system is an exchange reward mechanic in anime games, including Dragon Ball Legends. Players can spend their game in-game currency, which can also be purchased to get game items through pulls or spins.
There are two types of Gacha: Standard, a basic draw providing common rewards, and Event Gacha, which involves special draws with exclusive rewards.
The Gacha reward system is also available in mobile casino gaming, though not exactly. Free spins are a common reward in slots. Some games also have “spin the wheel” bonus rounds, which allow players to get rare items.
Additionally, there are games called Gacha games, which have been linked to casino gambling. In these games, players have to use in-game currency to get rewards controlled by Random number generators (RNGs). So, they are luck-based, just like slots.
Battle passes
Battle passes are a tiered reward system. Players get rewards associated with every challenge they complete. There are two types: free and premium. Free is accessible to all players, while the latter is available to players who buy a pass to unlock rewards.
Tiered rewards are also common in casino gaming, particularly in slots. Many progressive slot games have tiered jackpots, and payouts can be up to $5000 or more when a maximum bet is placed.
Limited Time Events
Limited events are time-bound offers presented to players seasonally. Some are released during special holidays or when brands partner. The limited time associated with the exclusive offers motivates players to spend some of their currency to get them.
Likewise, casinos offer limited-time promotions to players, often at no cost. An example is getting a bonus for playing a chosen game of the week. Also, there are often limited-time rewards for loyal players, which keeps players motivated to return at all times. Anime games also use this strategy.
Final Thoughts
Anime mobile games have become a significant part of the global gaming market. Strategies to increase engagement, including having strong communities, which is also peculiar to casino gaming, have helped promote them. Also, monetization strategies similar to those used by casinos have contributed to the revenue growth of anime games. In the entertainment industry, both anime and casino games offer players the best gaming experience, though casinos take it further by offering real-money winning chances.
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