Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent challenges faced by the mobile game company Magic Tavern, including layoffs and underperformance of new projects, potentially influenced by its parent company AppLovin's sale and ongoing issues [1][5][54]. Group 1: Company Background and Performance - Magic Tavern, established 12 years ago, is recognized for its successful titles such as "Matchington Mansion" and "Project Makeover," which have generated significant revenue, with "Project Makeover" ranking in the top 4 for revenue in the casual puzzle genre in 2024, exceeding $100 million [3][4]. - The total estimated revenue for these two main products from 2020 to April 2024 is approximately 76 billion RMB [4]. - Despite strong revenue from its successful products, the company has recently faced difficulties, including a reported layoff affecting over 50% of its marketing team [1][5]. Group 2: Product Development and Strategy - The company initially struggled with its early products but shifted focus to the global market, recognizing the potential of casual games, particularly in the "match-3" genre [15][29]. - The transition to a "match-3 + simulation" model began with the success of "Matchington Mansion," which integrated simulation elements into traditional match-3 gameplay, enhancing user engagement [30][34]. - "Project Makeover" further refined this approach by incorporating themes appealing to female players, such as beauty and transformation, which helped it achieve rapid downloads and significant revenue shortly after launch [36][40][48]. Group 3: Market Challenges and Future Outlook - The competitive landscape for match-3 games is intense, with established titles like "Royal Match" and "Candy Crush Saga" dominating the market, making it challenging for new entrants to gain traction [42][44]. - The recent performance of the new product "Modern Community" has been disappointing compared to previous hits, raising concerns about the sustainability of the company's successful formula [50][53]. - The layoffs and underperformance of new projects may indicate a need for the company to adapt its strategies and explore new avenues for growth in the mobile gaming market [54].