Match 3 is a type of game or matching tile puzzle in which the player needs to manipulate to make the tiles disappear. The standard of Match-3 games is to put a certain number of tiles of the same type together so that they can pin. Match 3 games have the core challenge of finding patterns on a seemingly chaotic board. Match 3 is a game where there are three adjacent tiles.
Origins of Match 3 Games
The late 1980s are the era of match 3 games. Games like Chain Shot!, Tetris and Chain Shot! were some of the first to use them. (SameGame), and Puzznic. “Shariki” in 1994 was the first match-3 game that was made available for DOS. This led to bubble shooters. Also falls under match 3. Zuma, the iconic Zuma game for PC, is considered a pioneering video game. In 2003, the concept of matching elements and gunshots was first introduced.
This idea was quickly taken up by the game development community. This led to a real bubble-shooter boom (Luxor & Frozen Bubble). Match 3 games were very popular during the 2000s. This was mainly in the form of casual games distributed on the Internet. Bejeweled, for example, is a series of casual games. They are still very popular. Candy Crush Saga became one of most played casual games around the globe.
Match 3 games have many design elements, mechanics, as well as gameplay experiences. These games can be either turn-based or include arcade-style action elements. Sometimes the tile-matching mechanism is used in “mini-games” that are larger and more complex. Each player will find a different challenge or gameplay mechanic.
Match 3 Features
Match 3 games are often set in a fictional backdrop. They are usually based upon “bright” and positive fiction. Contrary to the warlike backgrounds of strategy games, or the fantasy backgrounds of massively multiplayer games (MMOs), these match 3 games are set in a fictional background.
Match 3 mechanics are combined with other mechanics for a wide range of puzzle game experiences.
Timing
Many match 3 games have a time limit. The tiles are continually added. Therefore, players are under pressure to complete matches before the board gets full.
Untimed (turn-based) games were the exception. These are games that add new tiles only after a player makes a move. Chain “Shot!” from 1985 already had an untimed option. An untimed mode was added to “Bejeweled!” to enhance the game’s popularity. And it was a key influencer on other games. Because it made playing the game more accessible for players with less skill.
Scoring
Match 3 games award points to players for every match. Higher scores are given to matches with more challenging tiles.
Victory and defeat
Match-3 games are characterized by the addition of random tiles to the board. This may be done turn-by-turn or in real-time. This may be indefinite or for a specific time.
By matching, the player must remove all new tiles. The board may become full and the game ends. There may be no more matches. If a player clears the board or gets a score, it could end in victory.
Acquiring Match 3 Players
The platform distribution will be a major factor in acquiring players in the gaming industry. Distribution of mobile games usually takes place in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Other app stores like Amazon may also be available for distribution. Publishers may distribute their games on Steam, or other publishing platforms found on the Web. This means that marketing is targeted at driving potential buyers towards the sites or stores where they can purchase games.
Mobile match-3 games require marketers to focus on acquiring mobile players through Facebook Advertising and Google App Campaigns. Both are highly effective channels for acquiring installs of apps.
The Facebook mobile app install campaign is a popular source of ad traffic. This is because it offers advertisers the best volume and quality. The capabilities of the Facebook platform require creative testing. This, too, requires constant adaptation to new Facebook ad strategies and algorithms. Facebook has increased the frequency of its ad product updates over the past few decades. Leading mobile app marketers have also increased the frequency of strategy changes.
Historical data shows that the strategy we are using today is different from what we had six months ago. This statement would be true regardless of how far back you look over the past five-years. Simply put, we are constantly changing our strategy to follow Facebook’s best practices in Mobile App Installation Campaigns.
Google App Campaigns is another option to Facebook’s advertising solutions. It allows advertisers to create ads that let people download apps directly from their ads. App Campaign ads have been designed to increase app installs. This document includes all settings that are available for Google App Campaigns.
App campaigns can also be promoted using other campaign types like text ads or display ads. The conversion rates for these campaigns are not as high as App Campaigns. It is more likely that people will install an application if they are required to click a few times.
Takeaways from Match 3 Game Marketers
Facebook Mobile App Campaigns and Google App Campaigns offer the best ways to get players for match-3 games. It is time to improve your game.