Why do small and medium-size freemium game developers use game analytics?

Abstract

The increased use of the freemium business model and the introduction of new tools have made analytics pervasive in the video game industry. The research on game analytics is scant and descriptive. Thus, reasons for employing game analytics are not well understood. In this study, we analyze data collected with a set of in-depth interviews from small and medium-sized freemium game developers. The results show that game analytics is used to (1) assist design, (2) to reduce the risks associated with launching new games, and (3) to communicate with investors and publishers. The study advances the research on the business value of game analytics.