Tile Explorer is a Match-3 tile puzzle game released by Learnings in May 2024, and it has scaled to over 9M monthly and 500K+ daily downloads, according to AppMagic.
So, what kind of design makes this puzzle game so appealing? Let’s dive in.
Simple Gameplay
The game starts with an intuitive onboarding experience, offering a short and clear tutorial that introduces the core mechanics before gradually increasing the challenge. Its level design balances difficulty to keep players consistently engaged, while immersive visual and auditory feedback enhances each interaction, making gameplay feel rewarding. Players can also choose from a variety of themed tilesets, adding a layer of personalization to the experience. Additionally, the use of motivational messaging throughout the game helps psychologically encourage players, broadening its appeal.
Meta & LiveOps
The game features a collection meta where players unlock real world geographic locations—each accompanied by a photo and brief description—blending elements of learning and exploration. To deepen engagement, it incorporates a range of LiveOps features such as daily rewards, leaderboards, timed objectives, and even win streaks. Additionally, highlighting boosters during extended idle moments and offering mid-game save functionality further enhance accessibility and player convenience.
Hybrid Monetization
To ensure a smooth onboarding experience, the game held back interstitial ads until after Level 10, allowing players to get hooked without early interruptions, while banner ads are subtly placed at the bottom of the screen. RV ads are integrated across multiple touchpoints, offering extra daily rewards, multiplied level rewards, revives after failure, or booster unlocks when players are low on soft currency. Beyond these, the game cleverly uses RVs in two additional spots: unlocking extra tile placement space if players choose not to revive, and offering free coins upon returning to gameplay from the shop. On the IAP side, it provides a variety of bundles combining boosters and soft currency, alongside an ad removal option for those seeking a premium experience.
What do you like about this game’s design? Let’s discuss your thoughts in the comments below. And don’t forget to follow me for more insightful posts on games.
Original Post: Kavindu Priyanath-LinkedIn
