36氪未来消费·2025-06-05 11:57Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of game operation in the current market, highlighting that success or failure often hinges on effective player engagement and retention strategies in a saturated gaming environment [6][18][56]. Group 1: Game Operation and Player Engagement - The recent incident in "Battlefield 2" illustrates how crucial game operation is, as player dissatisfaction arose from perceived operational flaws despite the game's initial success [3][5]. - Tencent's strategic officer noted that stagnation in a game often points to issues within the operational team rather than the game itself, stressing the need for the right personnel to manage player engagement [15]. - The gaming industry is transitioning from a phase of rapid growth to one focused on retaining existing players, making player operation more critical than ever [17][18][19]. Group 2: Challenges in Player Retention - In 2024, China's gaming user growth was only 0.94%, indicating a shift towards a more competitive landscape where retaining existing players is paramount [17]. - Companies are now tasked with keeping older games engaging for long-term players, which presents unprecedented challenges for player operation roles [19][30]. - Effective player operation involves monitoring user behavior and intervening before players decide to leave, utilizing data-driven strategies to enhance user experience [28][30]. Group 3: Evolution of Game Operation - The evolution of player operation has been significant, moving from basic customer service to a comprehensive lifecycle management approach that addresses user needs at every stage [49][52]. - The cost of acquiring new players has increased dramatically, necessitating a focus on retaining existing users to justify the investment made in acquiring them [55][56]. - Companies are learning from successful long-standing games, implementing strategies to extend their lifecycle and maintain player interest [57][58]. Group 4: The Role of Player Operation Teams - Player operation teams are now expected to provide "exceeding expectations" services, creating emotional connections with players to enhance retention [43][48]. - Successful player operation involves not just addressing complaints but also proactively engaging with players through personalized interactions and community-building activities [43][44][67]. - The emotional aspect of player operation is highlighted, as operators often form bonds with players, which can lead to increased loyalty and reduced churn [66][72].