Imagine you’re deeply engrossed in a game, strategizing your next move to attack an enemy base or solve a challenging puzzle. You step away for a while, and just as you’re about to forget about the game, a push notification appears on your screen, reminding you of a time-sensitive event or offering an exclusive in-game reward. This tiny nudge pulls you back into the game, rekindling your excitement and engagement.

In the world of gaming, push notifications are the unsung heroes that keep players hooked and eager for more.

What are push notifications?

Push notifications are short messages sent directly to a user’s device from a mobile app or web browser. In the gaming industry, push notifications are used to engage, retain, and monetize players. These notifications remind players of in-game events, updates, achievements, or special offers, encouraging them to return to the game and stay active. When used effectively, push notifications can enhance the gaming experience and foster a strong connection between the players and the game.

Players not only drive engagement and retention but also benefit from effective push notifications. We’ll delve into real-world examples from popular games, showcasing how titles like Clash of Clans, Raid: Shadow Legends, and Diablo Immortal leverage push notifications to maintain their user base and enhance the gaming experience.

Ready to level up your push notification game? Let’s dive in and unlock the secrets to mastering push notification strategies in gaming!

Make it personal to grab attention

Personalized push notifications have a 259% higher engagement rate than generic notifications. You should segment users by factors such as location, gender, and in-app behavior to customize your notifications like shown in the below screenshot. If possible, address users by their game name and recommend relevant content. 

Is it relevant?

Do you remember the last time opting-in for any service/notification irrelevant to you? 

Sending a notification about a new event while the player is already busy with another activity could be annoying. Ensure that notifications are timely and relevant to the player’s current context. 

As the image shown below, the notification should be relevant to the player’s next action. The message is also crisp and actionable letting the player notified on what happened while the player is away.

Give real-time updates

Deliver information as real-time updates the moment it happens in the gaming world. Tailor the updates based on the individual player, considering their in-game actions, preferences, and progress. This could be anything from a new event starting to a limited-time offer becoming available.

CSR Racing 2 – This game uses notifications to create a sense of urgency and team spirit. For example, “Don’t let your crew down” encourages players to return and continue racing.

Or in League of Legends, ‘Hey [player name], your favorite champion is on sale for a limited time! Don’t miss out.’ ” 

What is the value you’re offering?

Offer something of value in each notification, whether it’s a reward, a tip, or an update on something they care about. Avoid sending notifications that are purely promotional or self-serving.

Clear and Actionable Messages

Keep notifications concise and to the point. Players should be able to understand the message at a glance. Avoid using jargon or overly technical language. Here’s a breakdown of what that entails:

Clarity:

• Concise Language: Keep messages short and to the point. Avoid jargon or overly complex sentences. Players should understand the message at a glance.
• Specific Information: Clearly state the purpose of the notification. What is happening in the game, and why should the player care?
• Personalization (When Possible): Use the player’s name or reference their in-game progress to make the message feel more relevant.

Actionability:

• Clear Call to Action: Tell the player exactly what you want them to do. Use action-oriented verbs like “Play Now,” “Claim Reward,” or “Join Event.”
• Sense of Urgency: “Sense of Urgency: If there’s a limited-time offer or event, emphasize the time sensitivity to encourage immediate action when appropriate.”
• Benefit-Oriented: Highlight the benefits of taking the desired action. What will the player gain by returning to the game?

Examples of Clear and Actionable Messages:

Clash of Clans: “Your village is under attack! Defend it now and earn bonus resources. Play Now!”

Raid: Shadow Legends: “New event starting soon: The Goblin Invasion! Join the battle and win exclusive prizes. Join Now!”

Diablo Immortal: “Your friends are online! Team up and conquer the dungeon together. Play Now!”

Candy Crush Saga: “Your daily free coins are ready to be claimed!”

Timing is important

“Delivering notifications at the right time can significantly impact their effectiveness. Poor timing, on the other hand, may cause them to be ignored or even lead to uninstallation.”

Here are some factors to consider when timing push notifications:

• User behavior: When are your users most likely to be active and engaged with your app? Avoid sending notifications during sleeping hours.
• Industry: What are the typical peak times for your industry?
• Content: “Is the notification time-sensitive, or does it remain relevant indefinitely?”
• Competition: When are your competitors sending notifications?

Best times to send notifications:

• Morning (7:00–9:00): Game reminders, team updates
• Midday (9:00–12:00): Resource updates, rewards
• Evening (18:00–20:00): Event pushes, offer reminders

Frequency of Push Notification

Don’t bombard players with too many notifications. Find a balance between staying top-of-mind and overwhelming them. Consider allowing players to customize their notification preferences.

A/B Testing:

Experiment with different notification formats, content, and timing to see what works best for your audience. Continuously optimize your strategy based on data and feedback.

Avoid these common pitfalls

• Overdoing notifications that annoys players
• Irrelevant messaging that has misaligned context
• Poor timing, Missing appropriate engagement opportunities

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, mastering push notifications isn’t about blasting players with messages; it’s about crafting a strategic communication channel that enhances their gaming experience.

Follow these steps to make push notifications boost engagement, retention, and success.Remember, respect for the player’s time and attention is paramount.  Focus on building trust and providing value, and your push notification strategy will thrive.

Ready to engage players through notification? With 17+ years of experience, we, at Xpress Gaming, bring industry standard processes and expertise critical to transforming your game ideas into player favourite games.

Contact Us!  Our team is waiting to take up the journey of bringing your creative ideas to real-life games.