Summary of Key Insights

Royal Kingdom, from the creators of Royal Match, receives mixed reviews. While a significant portion of users (62%) rate the game favorably with 5 stars, a substantial number express dissatisfaction, particularly regarding misleading advertising and the game's resemblance to other match-3 titles like Royal Match and Candy Crush. The absence of ads is a frequently praised aspect. However, concerns arise about the difficulty scaling, potential "pay-to-win" elements, and discrepancies between the advertised gameplay and the actual experience. The overall sentiment is cautiously positive, tempered by concerns about false advertising and game balance.

Data & Methodology Overview

• Data Sample Size: 100 reviews
• Time Frame: Not specified (assumed recent based on the provided data)
• Analysis Methods: Sentiment analysis based on star ratings and review text, keyword extraction to identify recurring themes and issues. Manual review of the comments to identify sentiment and categorize issues.

Key User Pain Points

• Misleading Advertising: A significant number of users (evident in the 1-star reviews and comments in other reviews) complain that the game is not as advertised, specifically lacking the mini-games or gameplay elements shown in the promotional materials.
• Similarity to Other Match-3 Games: Many users find the game too similar to Royal Match or Candy Crush, lacking originality.
• Difficulty Scaling & Pay-to-Win: Some users report that the game becomes increasingly difficult, requiring in-app purchases to progress, leading to frustration.
• Glitches and Technical Issues: Some users reported hanging and stuck game play.
• Loot Issues: One user reported not receiving items and coins after winning a round.

Frequently Requested Features

• Mini-Games as Advertised: Users want the mini-games and gameplay variations they saw in the advertisements.
• More Balanced Difficulty: Users desire a more balanced difficulty curve that doesn't heavily incentivize in-app purchases.
• More Original Gameplay: Users want features that differentiate the game from other match-3 titles.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

• No Ads: A recurring positive point is the absence of intrusive advertisements.
• Fun and Addictive Gameplay: Many users find the game enjoyable and addictive, particularly in the early stages.
• Good Graphics: The game's visuals are generally well-received.
• Team aspect: Some users enjoy the team and chat features.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

• Address Misleading Advertising: Immediately revise advertising materials to accurately reflect the actual gameplay. This is crucial for managing user expectations and improving app store ratings.
• Rebalance Difficulty: Adjust the difficulty curve to provide a more gradual challenge and reduce the perceived need for in-app purchases.
• Fix Glitches: Address the reported issue of the game hanging or getting stuck.

Medium Priority:

• Introduce Unique Gameplay Elements: Implement features that differentiate Royal Kingdom from other match-3 games, such as unique power-ups, game modes, or storyline elements.
• Improve Loot System: Fix the reported bug where users do not receive loot after winning rounds.

Low Priority:

• Consider Additional Content: Explore adding more "save the king" scenarios, as suggested by some users, if it aligns with the overall game design.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

• Transparent Advertising Verification Platform: A platform that allows users to verify that the advertised gameplay of mobile games matches the actual gameplay, providing a level of trust and accountability in mobile game advertising.
• Dynamic Difficulty Adjustment API: An API that automatically adjusts the difficulty of mobile games based on user skill level and engagement, preventing frustration and promoting long-term retention.

Trends and Observations

• Language Preference: Primarily English reviews, with a single review in Chinese ("偏硬朗男性化").
• Sentiment Shift: Some users initially enjoy the game but become frustrated as the difficulty increases and they encounter perceived pay-to-win mechanics.
• Comparison to Royal Match: The game is consistently compared to Royal Match, indicating a strong association in users' minds.

Conclusion

Royal Kingdom has the potential to be a successful match-3 game, but it is currently hampered by misleading advertising and concerns about game balance. Addressing these issues, along with introducing unique gameplay elements, is crucial for improving user satisfaction and long-term retention. Focusing on transparency and fair monetization practices will be key to building a positive reputation and fostering a loyal player base.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dreamgames.royalkingdom