Kart racing games have been a staple in the gaming industry for decades. However, with the rise of mobile gaming, kart racers are now more accessible than ever before. In this article, we will explore two popular mobile kart racing games, QQ Speed and PopKart Mobile, and analyze their business models.
Passes and Grinds
Both QQ Speed and PopKart Mobile offer passes that provide players with a set number of levels to grind through. These passes typically last for several months, with rewards and bonuses available along the way. Players can also choose between two price points: a standard unlock and an unlock with a reward bundle and level boost.
Gacha Systems
One of the most significant revenue streams for these games is their gacha systems. QQ Speed offers a wide range of cosmetic items and racing cars that players can purchase using in-game currency or real money. PopKart Mobile, on the other hand, focuses more on decorative furniture items used in the "home" section.
Monetization
In addition to passes and gachas, both games monetize through car purchases. Players can buy cars with varying attributes, such as speed and handling. Progression elements are also a key revenue stream, with players able to upgrade permanent boosts using in-game currency.
Live Ops
QQ Speed stands out for its frequent live events, which often include seasonal content, exclusive items, limited-time login calendars, and event currencies. These events not only provide players with new challenges but also create opportunities for the game to generate revenue.
Mario Kart Tour's launch will be interesting to watch, as it may influence the design and features of the game. While Mario Kart Tour has a lighter feature set and targets a different market than QQ Speed and PopKart Mobile, it remains to be seen whether the game can replicate the success of these Asian-market titles in the West.
References
If you're interested in learning more about feature-level data on mobile games like Mario Kart Tour, QQ Speed, or PopKart Mobile, please sign up for the free layer of the GameRefinery service here.
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