The WN Conference Cyprus’24, held in Limassol, was a two-day deep dive into the dynamic and ever-evolving gaming industry. With industry leaders, developers, publishers, and innovators coming together, the event offered unparalleled insights into the future of gaming.
Having attended the majority of the sessions, we witnessed first-hand the depth of knowledge shared, particularly around the critical topics of monetisation, mobile gaming, and the strategic relationships between publishers and developers.
A Glimpse into the Future of Gaming
What struck us the most during the event was the sheer enthusiasm of the attendees, reflected in both the talks and the discussions on the expo floor. The gaming industry, as emphasised throughout the conference, is growing at an unprecedented rate, with mobile gaming taking centre stage. The speakers, a mix of experienced veterans and rising stars, focused heavily on the evolving landscape of game development, especially concerning how developers are now equipped with new and innovative ways to publish and promote their games.
Trends in Game Development and Publishing
The first day kicked off with a powerful session by Google’s Arseniy Alikhanov, who provided a thorough overview of the gaming industry trends for H1 2024. Alikhanov’s presentation set the tone for the rest of the event, highlighting the accelerating shift towards mobile gaming and its potential to dominate the industry in the years to come.
His insights were underscored by Marios Tannousis, CEO of Invest Cyprus, who emphasised the strategic role of Cyprus as an attractive FDI destination within the European Union, particularly for the gaming and tech sectors.
One of the standout moments for me came from the panel on securing deals with global gaming giants. This session, led by a diverse group of gaming professionals, provided actionable insights into how developers can position themselves to win deals in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
A recurring theme throughout the discussions was the importance of creating robust partnerships between developers and publishers, a sentiment echoed by David Fernandez Remesal of Sandsoft in his talk on global mobile publishing.
Monetisation Strategies: Mobile at the Helm
One of the most pressing challenges for developers is the question of monetisation, especially in a market where players are becoming increasingly discerning about how they engage with in-game purchases and advertisements.
David Stelzer, President of Xsolla, delivered an exceptional presentation on mobile strategies to increase game revenue. His talk provided a fresh perspective on how developers can optimise in-game purchases and ad revenues without alienating their player base.
Mobile gaming has grown exponentially in recent years, and Stelzer’s talk highlighted why it’s the platform to watch for developers looking to maximise returns. He emphasised that the key to success lies in understanding player behaviour and tailoring monetisation efforts to create a seamless, non-intrusive experience.
This was reinforced by other discussions on mobile strategies. Whether through rewarded user acquisition channels or innovative ad placements, it became clear that monetisation needs to evolve alongside the games themselves. With mobile devices now being the primary platform for gaming globally, developers have the opportunity to tap into new revenue streams, but this requires strategic thinking and an understanding of shifting market dynamics.
The Role of AI in Game Design and User Acquisition
Artificial intelligence (AI) was another recurring theme, particularly in the context of user acquisition (UA) and game design. A standout session in this regard was the panel discussion featuring experts like Oz Silahtar and Anna Zdorenko, who delved into how AI is transforming the way games are developed and marketed.
The integration of AI into user acquisition strategies allows developers to better target their audience, ensuring that marketing budgets are spent effectively. At the same time, AI-powered tools are enabling developers to optimise game design, making it more intuitive and responsive to player preferences. This dual role of AI – both as a tool for marketing and design – is set to reshape the gaming landscape in profound ways.
Networking and the Power of Camaraderie
Beyond the formal sessions, the conference offered an exceptional networking opportunity, particularly at the expo. The expo floor was buzzing with energy, as developers, publishers, and service providers engaged in lively discussions about the future of gaming. For me, this was one of the highlights of the event. The connections made during these informal conversations were invaluable, offering a chance to dive deeper into the topics discussed on stage and hear from professionals who are shaping the industry from the ground up.
Networking events, including the exclusive evening party for premium badge holders, provided additional opportunities to build relationships with key industry players. These connections are critical in an industry where collaboration between developers, publishers, and service providers often defines success.
Key Takeaways and Looking Ahead
In reflecting on my experience at the WN Conference Cyprus’24, several key takeaways stand out. First, the gaming industry’s rapid growth is undeniable, particularly in the mobile sector. Developers and publishers alike are focusing on innovative monetisation strategies, leveraging mobile’s dominance to create sustainable revenue streams.
Second, the relationship between developers and publishers is evolving. No longer is the publisher simply an intermediary; instead, they are becoming partners in the development process, offering crucial insights and support that can make or break a game’s success. This shift is creating new opportunities for developers to bring their products to market, but it also demands a more collaborative approach.
Finally, the role of AI in game development and marketing cannot be overstated. As the industry continues to innovate, AI will be a key driver of growth, helping developers to optimise both the user experience and their marketing efforts.
The WN Conference Cyprus’24 was an eye-opening experience, offering a wealth of knowledge on the current state of the gaming industry and the future trends that will shape it. With mobile gaming at the centre of this growth, developers are presented with new opportunities for monetisation and engagement. The insights gained from the event, particularly around the evolving relationship between developers and publishers, and the role of AI, are invaluable for anyone looking to succeed in this fast-paced industry.
As the gaming world continues to evolve, it’s clear that events like WN Cyprus are essential for staying ahead of the curve, offering both the knowledge and connections necessary to thrive in this dynamic field.
