PUBG Mobile’s World of Wonder continues the major trend of battle royale apps offering robust map editors, such as Fortnite’s Creative and Garena Free Fire’s Craftland. The feature’s in-app editor allows players to design custom maps and game modes, then publish their designs for the community. Player-created maps have long been a PC and console gaming staple that simultaneously generates new content and builds strong player communities.
A new update in Brawl Stars introduces two connected features: Mastery gives each hero a unique reward meter that players fill by winning matches with that hero. Because Brawl Stars’ roster includes over 70 heroes, this system adds over 70 new progressions to keep players engaged. Mastery also supports Brawl Stars’ other main progression system, Trophies, as both features incentivize players to use as many heroes as possible to maximize rewards.
LifeAfter’s Cohabitation allows two players to merge their bases together in order to share resources, complete co-op challenges, and earn rewards. The one-on-one nature of this feature encourages engagement by making each player accountable for their contributions. However, the feature’s high demands risk frustrating teammates who have unequal levels of commitment.
Last Day on Earth is building a complex network of features that include multiple progressions of upgrades. Players complete chapters in the app’s Story Mode (released in July 2022) to unlock three new features: a game mode focused exclusively on combat (Expeditions), a new type of hero for this mode (Mercenaries), and a custom design system (Settlement Development). In order to progress in any one of these three features, players must progress in the other two as well.
This month’s Core Report focuses solely on teardowns of innovative feature, event, and content releases. At the end of this month, you will also receive a Recap Report that examines major trends across markets from 2022 as well as areas of opportunity for 2023.
Clash Royale split its main competition into two modes: a progression of PvP arenas called Trophy Road and a ranked competition called Path of Legends. While Trophy Road saves players’ progress, Path of Legends uses rank demotions and seasonal resets to offer a more competitive experience.