Hypercasual games: features and ways of monetization

Hypercasual games exploded onto the market in 2017, when developer Voodoo became the third-largest game publisher, behind only Google and Facebook. By 2021, the market was estimated at $1.5 billion, and by 2032, it is projected to reach $3.6 billion. What are these games, how do they differ from classic casual games, and why are they so popular?

Features of hypercasual games

Hypercasual mobile games are characterized by the simplest mechanics: tap, swipe, rotate, drag, and drop. Their ease of mastery and instant engagement make them ideal for a mass audience. Additionally, they are perfectly monetized through the freemium model.

According to AppMagic, the top hypercasual games of Q4 2023 garnered more than 35 million downloads. Among the January 2024 hits were:

• Help Me: Tricky Story – 17.7 million downloads
• Race Master 3D – 13.2 million
• Build A Queen – 13.2 million
• My Perfect Hotel – 11.8 million
• Magic Tiles 3 – 10.4 million

The simplicity, minimalistic interface, and short play sessions keep users engaged, while the visual aesthetics add to the appeal.

What are the differences between hypercasual and hybrid casual games?

Hybrid casual games are similar to hypercasual games in accessibility but offer more complex mechanics such as social features, collecting, and advanced economic systems. Their goal is to retain players through long-term challenges.

How to create a hypercasual game

Simplicity and fun are key aspects of hypercasual game development. The basic steps are as follows:

1. Technical background: Explore platforms and tools to avoid problems during development.
2. Mechanics selection: Simple controls are the foundation of hypercasual games. Choose the right format for your audience.
3. Testing: Regularly test and improve the user experience.
4. Tools for beginners: You don’t need to be a programmer. Use a simple programming language with a visual interface like Scratch or Bolt Visual Scripting for Unity—a tool for visual scripting without writing code.

Popular hypercasual game mechanics

The success of a game depends on mechanics that help keep users engaged. Popular mechanics include:

• Tap mechanics (timing): Players perform actions at a specific moment, for example, tapping the screen to jump. This mechanic is used in games like Run Race 3D. You can speed up gameplay or change the rhythm to increase difficulty.
• Climbing/falling mechanics: Objects move up or down in the game interface. For example, in Helix Jump, the user guides a ball through obstacles. This can be made more challenging by increasing speed or altering movement parameters.
• Puzzles: Players solve problems by logically placing objects. This mechanic is found in Hexa Sort. It’s important to choose the right difficulty to keep the game exciting without causing frustration.
• Stacking mechanics: Users stack objects into piles or build structures, often involving additional actions such as rotating or moving objects.
• Growth mechanics: Players control an object that grows larger by absorbing others, as seen in the classic Snake. Modern iterations include complex levels and dynamic elements.
• Turn mechanics: The player maneuvers an object in a 3D environment. An example is Skiddy Car.
• Maneuvering mechanics: Users navigate a character or object around obstacles. For instance, in Timberman or Aquapark, players must drive off a waterslide, avoiding turns.
• Merge mechanics: Players combine objects to create new ones. These games often feature bright, attractive designs and additional tasks. An example is Merge Dogs.

Monetization of hypercasual games

Now, let’s focus on the prospects and nuances of monetizing hypercasual games in 2025. These products are typically monetized in the following ways:

1. Rewarded video Ads: The user watches an ad to earn rewards such as in-game currency, bonuses, or extra “lives.” This increases engagement and user retention, creating value for both players and publishers.
2. Banner Ads: A traditional but effective format, especially for Android audiences. Banners are unobtrusive and quickly grab attention.
3. Interstitial Ads: These full-screen ads, either static or video, guarantee user attention. They can include interactive elements like mini-games.

Flexible ad customization allows developers to balance user retention and revenue. For example, the option to skip ads improves the user experience but reduces revenue, so it’s important to test different approaches.

Conclusion

Hypercasual games are a successful combination of simplicity, fun, and accessibility. Their popularity is growing, opening up new opportunities for developers and publishers. With the market set to expand significantly, mastering the mechanics and monetization strategies of hypercasual games can ensure success in this lucrative industry.