As a part of App Mastery Connect 2023, we at AppFollow held yet another amazing session—this time about the challenges and benefits of cross-platform gaming. In this recap, you will learn how Star Stable Entertainment connected the two worlds together in a harmonious way, and how cross-platform games work outside of the app stores.

Star Stable isn’t just some horse game from Sweden—it's been a solid player on the global gaming scene on both PC and mobile since 2011. With stable (pun intended) growth, the app isn’t just confining itself to gaming—music and books are also a part of the scope. Catering primarily to girls and women, Star Stable Entertainment’s goal isn’t only about entertainment but opening a few closed minds in the gaming industry.

Delving into the realm of cross-platform gaming

The game looks the same across all platforms because gamers crave that familiar feel. The mobile version, however, is its own animal due to inherent developmental disparities between it and its PC counterpart, especially in the UX and UI domains. Players often talk about the distinctions between PC and mobile gameplay—it's not news, and yes, it largely boils down to their comfort and gaming experiences.

For clarity: PC gaming often means a keyboard and a larger screen, while mobile gaming equates to screen taps and a pocket-sized display, with mobile games generally lagging behind in gameplay options and graphics quality.

Generally, one must know what gamers genuinely prioritize. Is it comfort or portability? Mobile gaming might offer on-the-go play but comes with the trade-offs of weaker hardware and reduced options due to smaller screens. PCs, sure—they’ve got superior graphics and control variations but hit your wallet harder and won’t fit in your pocket. These factors matter.

Devices players might use include both old and new ones with different capabilities, and as a result, some features may be left out for the mobile versions to ensure the game runs smoothly for everyone. Players should truly enjoy the game regardless of the advantages or disadvantages they may encounter when it comes to the mobile game.

Despite limitations, you need to look at each platform from the perspective of what can be done and what new things can be brought into the game that might not be possible with the desktop version.

The business side

Since rolling out the mobile version, yes, the prices are different than the desktop version—blame the app store fees for that one. Dig deep into your marketing strategy to try and tailor a monetization plan just for mobile because it needs its own. In Star Stable’s case, the players spoke—more in-app purchase deals on mobile, please. That’s precisely what’s happening: one-time payments, subscriptions, and various other deals, plus expanding the ways you can pay.

To get to this point, a strategy is needed to shed light on why the mobile version is different from the desktop. This information should not just be in the App Store. Chat with players and have the FAQ on the website. Let your players know (everywhere) that the mobile version is all about playing wherever, whenever. The mobile app for Star Stable launched in 2020, and the players are past the warm-up stage now, thanks to the strategy that adapts and communicates.

Managing feedback

In the beginning, mobile player interactions can be... let’s say, slim. Ditch the robotic, auto-replies and bring in genuine, solution-seeking responses to reviews. Because active listening will make players feel seen. Even when you can't fix things instantly, players exit conversations feeling valued.

Cross-platform gaming isn’t a “build and they will come” scene—especially with feedback flowing through more channels as new platforms pop up. You’ll need to do the rounds on App Stores with review management and deal with interactions on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and any other platforms. That’s how you can forge genuine connections with mobile players and let players know you’re there for support.

The way players talk about the game on the App Store vs. social media might be like night and day. App Store brings out constructive, detail-obsessed feedback, while social media gets the direct love/hate vibes. It's the same players in both spots, which is kinda surprising, right? Players get that the strings are pulled on the App Store, and their behavior reflects that. Maybe it’s the structured feedback form, or maybe social media just breeds a more casual convo.

It’s not easy to do all that unless you’ve got AppFollow at your side. Siphon player feedback from all the nooks and crannies—social media, tickets, you name it. Dissect reviews, and categorize them into neat little boxes like bugs, future feedback, and recommendations. This data will circulate between your teams, pinpointing where you can amp up or slot in something new. Communication with players should always be direct, transparent, and empathetic, keeping them in the loop.

The action plan

Gaming customers might just be the most emotionally charged lot you'll deal with. They take their gaming personally, and while it can slide into toxicity, they’re engaged and vocal about their likes and gripes, and they won’t hold back on feedback.

If you’re diving into app review and rating strategy, understanding gamer psychology isn’t optional. Gamers are expressive, craving not just play, but also social interaction. They’ll chat, share, and opine, often within the game itself.

Want to nail user experience? Engage, forge connections, and chat with them. Keep your answers on point. Tread carefully with responses; botch them and your brand loyalty could tank. Sidestep mishaps and robotic lingo, and for heaven’s sake, avoid the same copy-paste answers.

Every piece of feedback, barring the textless ones, gets a look. Throw thanks at the positive reviews, yes, but the priority slot goes to negative and bug-riddled reviews. Lengthy reviews also get extra eyeballs due to their often real, constructive feedback. When players hit back with replies, respond fast. No one likes to be left hanging.

Conclusion

Cross-platform experience is not easy to handle. Your users will be confused, and they will require a lot of information to manage their own expectations. After all, every platform has its limitations, but it shouldn’t discourage you from exploring a new market with your game in hand.

Take away the trouble of managing endless communication channels with AppFollow—responding to reviews and managing your app’s success on the app stores can be far easier than it seems.