Casual puzzle games are gaining traction in the domestic and overseas markets, with two games in particular, “Wood Nuts” and “Twisted Tangle,” experiencing rapid growth. These games, featuring “stick and rope” gameplay, are proving to be quite popular with players, and their success has raised eyebrows in the gaming industry.
“Wood Nuts” has seen monthly downloads exceed 16 million, with its in-app purchase revenue reaching tens of millions. The game’s simple yet engaging core gameplay, along with its addition of physical effects and balanced level difficulty, has contributed to its success. Players are required to untie wooden boards fixed with screws in a specific number of steps, offering a unique challenge.
On the other hand, “Twisted Tangle” has experienced over 5 million downloads in the past 30 days, with its monthly in-app purchase revenue exceeding 12 million yuan. The game features a traditional knotting method, with players needing to untie tangled ropes within a set number of steps.
Both games have simple in-app purchase systems and monetization methods, reminiscent of the early days of the 3D elimination track. These successes have led to speculation about whether planks and knots could become the new template for casual games. While these games have been successful, there is still room for exploration and improvement in their core levels and monetization systems.
For overseas game developers looking to capitalize on this trend, there is an opportunity to explore new tracks and integrate medium-to-heavy gameplay elements. This could involve incorporating longer-term meta progress or integrating popular mechanisms into purchase ideas to reduce costs.
It remains to be seen how the success of “Wood Nuts” and “Twisted Tangle” will shape the future of casual puzzle games, but their impact is certainly noteworthy within the gaming industry.
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