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Mastering Retention Podcast

Live Ops and Live Ops Technologies

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75oYUjP6kNM⁠

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🎙️ Mastering Retention Podcast Episode: Interview with Chris Hong from Metacore

Host: Tom Hammond, Co-founder of UserWise

Guest: Chris Hong, LiveOps Expert at Metacore

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🌟 Introduction

In this episode of the Mastering Retention Podcast, host Tom Hammond chats with Chris Hong from Metacore. With nearly 30 years of experience in the gaming industry, Chris shares his insights on LiveOps, automation, multiplayer technology, and strategies for increasing player retention.

🚀 Chris's Journey into Gaming

🎮 Accidental Start: Chris began programming in the 1980s but didn't envision a career in game development.

💻 Early Days: While at university in South Korea, he started working on text-based MUD (Multi-User Dungeon) games to earn pocket money after losing his tutoring job.

👥 Founding a Studio: Along with friends who shared his interest, Chris co-founded a game development studio at the age of 20, despite bureaucratic challenges.

🕹️ First Game: Developed a simple 2D multiplayer tank shooting game, akin to a top-down version of "World of Tanks."

🌐 Long-Term Career: Over nearly three decades, Chris has worked at various companies, continually adapting to the evolving gaming landscape.

🔧 Understanding LiveOps

🛠️ Definition: For Chris, LiveOps involves keeping the game service alive and enhancing it to satisfy customers with better quality.

🤖 Automation: Emphasizes that automation isn't about replacing human control but about reducing errors and improving productivity.

⏰ Common Mistakes: Highlights how simple errors, like miscalculating time zones, can lead to events starting earlier or later than planned.

🔄 Solutions: Suggests improving UI/UX for scheduling tools and incorporating features that automatically adjust for time differences to prevent mistakes.

🛠️ LiveOps Technology and Tools

🌐 Diverse Tech Stacks: Notes that LiveOps doesn't rely on a single technology stack; different studios use various architectures and systems.

☁️ Cloud Services: Mentions the importance of cloud infrastructure (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud) in modern LiveOps.

📊 Data Pipelines: Discusses the role of big data, AI, and analytics in understanding player behavior and enhancing LiveOps.

🧪 Testing: Stresses the need for functional testing, unit testing, and other QA processes to ensure a smooth player experience.

📈 The Role of Data in LiveOps

🔍 Identifying Patterns: Uses data to find anomalies or "sparks" that could indicate opportunities or issues within the game.

🎯 Targeted Improvements: By analyzing data, developers can focus on areas that need enhancement or leverage unexpected player behaviors for new features.

🎮 Multiplayer Technology Insights

🤝 Social and Competitive Features: Highlights the importance of adding multiplayer aspects to increase engagement.

🛠️ Technical Requirements: While not diving deep into specifics, he emphasizes the need for proper backend services and infrastructure to support multiplayer features.

🏆 Case Study: Shares an example from early 2000s where adding a simple fighting arena in an MMORPG led to increased player retention and became more popular than the main game.

💡 Strategies for Player Retention

👥 Understanding Players: The key to retention is deeply understanding what your players enjoy and focusing on enhancing those aspects.

🔄 Iterative Improvement: Continuously develop and improve the game based on player feedback and data.

🎯 Focus on Core Players: Identify and cater to your core audience rather than trying to appeal to everyone.

📊 Data-Driven Decisions: Use data not just to track performance but to understand player desires and adapt accordingly.

🌟 Flexibility: Be open to unexpected player behaviors and willing to pivot your game design to align with what players find engaging.

📝 Conclusion

Chris Hong offers valuable insights drawn from decades of experience in the gaming industry. His emphasis on understanding players, leveraging data, and carefully designing LiveOps strategies provides actionable advice for game developers looking to enhance player retention and deliver a superior gaming experience.

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📞 Connect with Chris Hong:

Email: [Not provided]

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