36氪未来消费·2025-06-05 11:57Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the critical importance of game operation in the current market, highlighting that success or failure often hinges on effective player engagement and retention strategies [5][7][9]. Group 1: Game Operation Importance - Game operation has become increasingly vital as the gaming industry transitions into a phase of stagnant user growth, with only a 0.94% increase in China's gaming user base in 2024 [8]. - The era of coarse growth in the gaming industry has ended, necessitating a focus on retaining existing users rather than acquiring new ones [9]. - Effective game operation can lead to significant player retention, as evidenced by the resurgence of player numbers in games like "绝地潜兵2" through strategic operational efforts [4][5]. Group 2: Player Engagement Strategies - Companies are now employing detailed player operation strategies, including personalized communication and proactive engagement to prevent player churn [14][15]. - The use of data analytics allows companies to identify at-risk players and intervene before they decide to leave, with some companies reporting a 70% chance of player loss if no action is taken [15][29]. - The concept of "全用户全生命周期服务" (full user lifecycle service) is being adopted, indicating that engagement starts from the moment a player shows interest in a game [15][28]. Group 3: Challenges in Player Operation - The operational teams face immense pressure to manage player expectations and emotions, often acting as a buffer between the players and the game developers [19][20]. - High turnover rates and the emotional toll of dealing with frustrated players are common challenges faced by game operation staff [20][21]. - Companies are implementing measures to support the mental health of their operational teams, recognizing the need for emotional resilience in high-stress environments [21][23]. Group 4: Historical Context and Evolution - The evolution of game operation practices has been significant over the past two decades, transitioning from basic customer service to sophisticated user engagement strategies [27][29]. - The gaming industry has shifted from a focus on acquiring new players to extending the lifecycle of existing games, driven by increased competition and rising user acquisition costs [29][30]. - Historical practices in player engagement, such as community events and personalized interactions, are being revisited and enhanced with modern technology [30][31].