Spy Smart conducted a survey and analysis of the relationship between beta tests and hits on new smartphone games released in 2024. This is the company's annual survey, and this year marks its third year.
■34.7% conduct beta tests Overseas titles account for about 80%.
Of the 98 titles surveyed this time, 34 were tested on beta, up from 28% the previous year. Of these, 27 titles were overseas titles, and there was a noticeable tendency to conduct beta tests multiple times, especially for titles from China.
■Short-term testing just before release is the mainstream, and many promotional CBTs are combined with social media policies.
Testing is concentrated within 120 days just before release, and its purpose is thought to be focused on final adjustments rather than a fundamental design review. The most number of days to be implemented is 8 to 14 days, indicating that each company will be scheduled to quickly improve and update the results of the verification in a short period of time.
In particular, there is an increasing number of cases where CBT is used as a promotional measure.
[Some cases]
・"Zenres Zone Zero"
Through CBT three times a year, we are running a campaign aimed at promoting posting on a variety of social media, including fan art, video contests, personality tests, and more.
・"Racing Master"
A battle between popular streamers, and a commemorative suit and luxurious login bonus distribution for CBT participants can be distributed to each other.
・AFK: Journey and Legend of the Galactic Heroes Die Neue Saga will be holding CBT exclusive fan fiction submission events and user-participating events linked to official programs looking back on CBT
These trends show that CBT is not just a place to verify problems, but has become a strategic measure aimed at expanding awareness, creating community, and improving user engagement.
<Survey overview>
Survey period: January 1st to December 31st, 2024
Survey target: A title that has been ranked within the top 100 App Store sales rankings of new smartphone games released in 2024.
*The 98 titles obtained from the operational solution "LIVEOPSIS" provided by Spy Smart are eligible for the target.
Survey details: whether or not there is a beta test, number of times, number of days, timing, promotional measures, etc.
▼Click here to view the full report
https://liveopsis.com/