Game Analytics Resources

The below resources are a list of various conference talks, books, articles, fireside chats, decks, and publications specific to the game analytics space for mobile and AAA videogame development. My intention of documenting this is to create a shareable list of resources for friends, colleagues, and the game analytics community.

If you have any questions or if there are resources you’d like to add to the list - please feel free to reach out.

Title Topic Area Medium Link/Reference
Design by the Numbers: Using Data for Good Analytics Basics - Game Analytics Conference Talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjKqbn3-RMo
Game Analytics - The Basics Analytics Basics - Game Analytics Published Paper https://andersdrachen.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/02drachenetal02.pdf
50 KPIs to Track in Mobile GamingAnalytics - Basics - KPIsArticlehttps://gameanalytics.com/blog/50-kpi-measure-mobile-game-app/
Interpreting KPIs in GamesAnalytics - Basics - KPIsArticlehttps://gameanalytics.com/blog/everything-need-know-interpreting-kpis/
KPI BenchmarksAnalytics - Basics - KPIsConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fU8JAmGvEsg
Daily KPI MetricsAnalytics - Basics - KPIsConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyomYgi3vIg
Gaming Analytics: Rise Above Vanity KPIsAnalytics - Basics - KPIsConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uec5ujkuCA
Core, Engagement, and Gameplay KPIsAnalytics - Basics - KPIsConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcOGhYOQWPQ
Leveraging the Player Life Cycle with Data (Retention, Engagement, Monetization, Virality)Analytics - Basics - KPIsConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVMebigxEAM
Evaluating Game ExperimentationAnalytics - Basics - StatisticsConference Talkhttps://gdcvault.com/play/1023268/Evaluating-Game-Experiments-A-More
Basic Statistical Testing in Game DevAnalytics - Basics - StatisticsConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fl9V0U2SGeI&list=RDCMUC0JB7TSe49lg56u6qH8y_MQ&index=17
Storytelling with StatisticsAnalytics - Basics - StatisticsConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHsM2eW_sO0
Practical Statistics for Data ScientistsAnalytics - Basics - StatisticsBookhttps://www.amazon.com/Practical-Statistics-Data-Scientists-Essential/dp/1491952962
Intro to User AnalyticsAnalytics - Basics - User AnalyticsArticlehttps://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/intro-to-user-analytics
Data Driven Decision MakingAnalytics - FundamentalsChathttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ElRwh-ynR4
Game Analytics at WB GamesAnalytics - FundamentalsConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCStSFXZhes
Uses/Abuses of Game AnalyticsAnalytics - FundamentalsConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MR2rorssk9c
Designing for Multiple MindsBehavior - AudienceConference Talkhttps://gdcvault.com/play/1026819/Designing-for-Multiple-Minds-Crafting
Audience - SpectatorsBehavior - AudienceConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHOtWvpdip0&list=RDCMUC0JB7TSe49lg56u6qH8y_MQ&index=29
Human Attention & Economies of EngagementBehavior - AudienceConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIrfxZ4KbOA
Player Motivations in VideogamesBehavior - Player MotivationsArticlehttps://superjumpmagazine.com/player-motivations-and-video-games-8bec4ddf0550
Introduction to Player MotivationsBehavior - Player MotivationsArticlehttps://gdkeys.com/introduction-to-players-motivation/
Gamer Motivational ProfilesBehavior - ProfilesConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDvaBpfsl1A, https://gdcvault.com/play/1025742/A-Deep-Dive-into-the
Analyzing Spatial User Behavior in Computer Games using Geographic Information SystemsBehavior - Profiles - MLPublished Paperhttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/250305912_Analyzing_Spatial_User_Behavior_in_Computer_Games_using_Geographic_Information_Systems_Pre-print
Clustering Game Behavior DataBehavior - Profiles - MLPublished Paperhttps://andersdrachen.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/clustering_game_behavior_data_tciaig2014.pdf
The Trails of Just Cause 2: Spatio-Temporal Player Profiling in Open-World GamesBehavior - Profiles - MLPublished Paperhttps://andersdrachen.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/a41-aung.pdf
World of Warcraft | UXRBehavior - UXRConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_t6tBSCIOQ
Data Ethics in GamingData - EthicsChathttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNatqOgwPq0
Alation - Riot Games ApproachData - GovernanceConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIaKl8ioGDw
Modern Analytics Tech StackData - InfrastructureArticlehttps://www.datafold.com/blog/modern-analytics-stack
Data Infrastructure for Live GamesData - InfrastructureChathttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTgMgmkAVOk
Data Engineering / AWS at WB GamesData - InfrastructureConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9r_sP2-zzs
Challenges in the Game Analytics PipelineData - InfrastructureChathttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HSmXRJMl38
Trackings Plan in Mobile GamesData - TaxonomyArticlehttps://gameanalytics.com/blog/plan-track-events-mobile-games/
Data Taxonomy PlaybookData - TaxonomyArticlehttps://help.amplitude.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000465251-Data-Taxonomy-Playbook#h_ea6693b9-50a3-454a-a18d-4cf1e73ff41d
Why an Event Taxonomy MattersData - TaxonomyArticlehttps://amplitude.com/blog/event-taxonomy
Methods in Telemetry and Research at VolitionData - TaxonomyConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0NKpYabm6I
GameDev Economy DesignEconomy - Economy DesignConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75R0ezHWX_4
EVE Online - Example Economic ReportsEconomy - EVE OnlineArticlehttps://www.eveonline.com/news/view/monthly-economic-report-november-2020 
Inflation of Economies and MonitoringEconomy - Inflation MonitoringConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T55AXQEUybA
Economy of the MetaverseEconomy - MetaverseConference Talkhttps://www.deconstructoroffun.com/blog/timsweeney?rq=economy
Economy: Design Overview, Fundamentals, and BehaviorsEconomy - OverviewConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSgIQSLRwtQ
Keys to an Economic SystemEconomy - OverviewArticlehttps://gdkeys.com/keys-to-economic-systems/
Economy Analysis OverviewEconomy - OverviewArticlehttps://www.gabrielchauri.com/before-we-leave-economy-analysis/
System Design in F2PEconomy - Systems DesignConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSyt0alpoyg
Engagement and LiveOpsEngagement - DailyArticlehttps://alexandremacmillan.com/2018/08/30/follow-up-engagement-and-live-ops-or-how-to-assess-the-engagement-of-your-active-users/
Funnel AnalysisEngagement - Funnel AnalysisArticlehttps://gameanalytics.com/blog/exploring-gaming-funnels/
Context and Game Analytics: Hearthstone & OverwatchEngagement - Game BalanceConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOdtkKEIlfs
Treating Game Modes as Games ThemselvesEngagement - GameplayArticlehttps://alexandremacmillan.com/2018/12/13/treat-every-game-mode-as-a-game-in-itself/
Data Science for Game AnalyticsEngagement - GameplayConference Talkhttps://youtu.be/ez-4m2_jRqQ
Interactive Visualization of Data - PhD TalkEngagement - Gameplay - VizConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_n2-yd7To70
Micro, Macro, and Meta Gameplay LoopsEngagement - Gameplay Loop SizesArticlehttps://levimoore.dev/game-design-using-micro-macro-meta-grouping/
Core and Compulsion LoopsEngagement - Gameplay LoopsConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SLxpCVnrFI
Loops - Game Design TheoryEngagement - Gameplay LoopsConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMj8Q4ViKzs
Engagement LoopsEngagement - Gameplay LoopsArticlehttps://andrewfischergames.com/blog/engagement-loops
Building Better Leaderboards w/ SimCity BuildItEngagement - Leaderboards / LeaguesArticlehttps://uxdesign.cc/building-better-leaderboards-a5013d19cbd7
Duolingo Leagues - The Essential GuideEngagement - Leaderboards / LeaguesArticlehttps://duoplanet.com/duolingo-leagues-the-essential-guide-everything-you-need-to-know/
Player Engagement - New and Genre KPIsEngagement - New & Advanced KPIsConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdKUFZLBK_o
Mapping Player JourneysEngagement - Player JourneysConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe0JnDRNPRA
Retention - D180 vs. D30Engagement - RetentionArticlehttps://www.deconstructoroffun.com/blog/2020/4/7/long-term-retention-why-d180-is-the-new-d30?rq=data
Lifetime Login MonitoringEngagement - RetentionArticlehttps://alexandremacmillan.com/2018/08/24/engagement-retention-and-commitment-how-demanding-is-your-game-or-how-committed-are-your-users/
DAU Stacking, Retention in F2P GamesEngagement - RetentionOnline Bookhttps://elitegamedevelopers.ck.page/ed2f927a30
Retention on a Portfolio LevelEngagement - RetentionArticlehttps://stanislav-stankovic.medium.com/player-retention-at-portfolio-level-2afcc5fd9195
Research Methods on Improving RetentionEngagement - RetentionPowerPoint Deckhttps://www.gdcvault.com/play/1026405/Research-Methods-to-Improve-Live
Battle Passes - Everything you ought to know and then someLiveOps - Battle PasArticlehttps://www.deconstructoroffun.com/blog/2022/6/4/battle-passes-analysis
3 Questions to Ask About Battle PassLiveOps - Battle PassConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6x1TDVoo7a8
Clash of Clans Battle PassLiveOps - Battle PassConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jl9JCmaF9Y0
Battle Pass Game DesignLiveOps - Battle PassConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqPhJokMl78
Games as a Service w/ Live Ops (MMO)LiveOps - DesignConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7755b0nY0I
Path of Exile - to be played foreverLiveOps - DesignConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmuy9fyNUjY
Machine Learning - MatchmakingLiveOps - Matchmaking - MLConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8BX0nXfPjY
ML + In-Game Messaging FTWLiveOps - ML MessagingConference Talkhttps://gdcvault.com/play/1023995/Getting-the-Message-Machine-Learning
LiveOps Strategies for F2P GamesLiveOps - StrategiesArticlehttps://gameanalytics.com/blog/liveops-strategies-for-f2p-games/
Customer Base - How to Look at ThemMonetization - CustomersArticlehttps://alexandremacmillan.com/2019/09/21/4-actionable-ways-to-look-at-your-daily-active-customers/
Customer Base - Keeping Track of ThemMonetization - CustomersArticlehttps://alexandremacmillan.com/2019/10/12/following-your-customer-base/
Customer Base - Cumulative SpendMonetization - CustomersArticlehttps://alexandremacmillan.com/2019/10/20/3-reasons-to-look-at-the-cumulative-spend-of-your-active-customers/
New Monetization Trends to Diversify RevenueMonetization - New TrendsConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4zZS9-a024
Redeposite Part 1Monetization - ReconversionArticlehttps://alexandremacmillan.com/2018/06/04/redeposits-part-1-how-to-look-at-your-redepositing-users/
Redeposite Part 2Monetization - ReconversionArticlehttps://alexandremacmillan.com/2018/06/11/redeposits-part-2-how-can-you-leverage-your-redeposit-data-to-improve-your-games-performance/
Redeposite Funnels & ConversionMonetization - ReconversionArticlehttps://alexandremacmillan.com/2020/02/20/redeposit-behavior-redeposit-funnel-and-transactions/
Customer Base - What are your spending for?Monetization - SpendArticlehttps://alexandremacmillan.com/2019/04/05/what-are-your-customers-spending-for/
Subscriptions to Increase OverallMonetization - SubscriptionPowerPoint Deckhttps://gdcvault.com/play/1026878/Incorporating-Subscription-to-Increase-Overall
League of Legends | Product LessonsProductConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0q4JHBJdiEQ
Successful Product ManagementProductConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrG76QIH7Gg
Integrating PM Role into AAA DevelopmentProductConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aXYkOjNsWI
PM and Analytics w/ Zynga PMProductConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUIGRhewIg0
Gaming Product ManagementProductConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvzfYyArnnQ
Machine Learning Game DesignProgrammingConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eim_0jCQW_g
Halo + Big DataProgrammingConference Talkhttps://gdcvault.com/play/1023343/Making-Big-Data-Work-for
Scalable/Flexible Analytics Architecture for GamesProgrammingConference Talkhttps://gdcvault.com/play/1024827/Building-Scalable-and-Flexible-Analytics
The FTUE as the Hero's Journey - Part 0Tutorials and FTUEArticlehttps://medium.com/ironsource-levelup/the-ftue-as-the-heros-journey-part-0-124630f9e9cf
The FTUE as the Hero's Journey - Part 1Tutorials and FTUEArticlehttps://medium.com/ironsource-levelup/the-ftue-as-the-heros-journey-part-i-c9a109aec727
The FTUE as the Hero's Journey - Part 2Tutorials and FTUEArticlehttps://medium.com/ironsource-levelup/the-ftue-as-the-heros-journey-part-ii-eb0e22b9f207
The FTUE as the Hero's Journey - Part 3Tutorials and FTUEArticlehttps://medium.com/ironsource-levelup/the-ftue-as-the-heros-journey-part-iii-64f3dd667c5
Tracking the Right Data Points for User BehaviorUI/Menus/Tutorials - DataArticlehttps://uxdesign.cc/are-you-tracking-the-right-data-points-to-understand-user-behaviors-80933894d416
Menus and HUDsUI/Menus/Tutorials - MenusArticlehttps://gdkeys.com/menus-hud-the-temporality-perspective/
Using UI to Not Overwhelm PlayersUI/Menus/Tutorials - OverviewArticlehttps://uxdesign.cc/how-to-not-overwhelm-players-c0e1d14c6b4c
A researcher's guide to teaching players (without more tutorials)UI/Menus/Tutorials - Teaching PlayersConference Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGmYQuUZxb0
UX of Video Game TutorialsUI/Menus/Tutorials - TutorialsArticlehttps://uxdesign.cc/the-ux-of-video-game-tutorials-7e7bc37e2ceb
Onboarding PlayersUI/Menus/Tutorials - TutorialsArticlehttps://gdkeys.com/onboarding-players/
Efficient User InterfacesUI/Menus/Tutorials - User InterfacesArticlehttps://gdkeys.com/keys-efficient-user-interfaces/
The Evolution of the Weapons WheelUI/Menus/Tutorials - Weapons WheelArticlehttps://uxdesign.cc/the-evolution-of-accessibility-weapons-wheel-f8fed0fed78e