Games of luck go hand in hand with mobile games.
Mobile gamers enjoy all kinds of rewarding experiences, and luck-based mechanics are here to make them extra exciting.
In this article, we’re discussing one of the most popular luck-based mechanics in mobile games — the lucky spin. This feature can be found in different types of games, offering players an easy and engaging way to earn rewards.
Lucky Spin, Lucky Wheel, Spin The Wheel, Roulette…
No matter what you call it, the lucky spin feature works on a universal principle.
The lucky spin feature gives players one or more chances to spin a lucky wheel and earn rewards like currency, boosters, skins, etc.
Players love this feature for a couple of reasons.
As the wheel turns, there is anticipation of what reward players will win as they wait for the wheel to stop. In this process, players see exactly what’s happening on the wheel, but don’t have any control over it. This creates that casino-like adrenaline rush that keeps players in suspense as they hope to win the jackpot.
Lucky Spin and Player Retention
The lucky spin feature isn’t just about one-time excitement.
It is also a valuable tool for player engagement and retention.
To encourage players to return to the lucky wheel, developers limit the number of available spins. For example, many games allow only one free spin per day.
In some games, this feature is intertwined with daily login rewards. Instead of the classic “claim daily rewards” feature, developers make things more interactive by making players spin the wheel to earn their daily rewards.
To boost its engagement and retention effect even further, developers can tie this feature with events and special occasions. For instance, by adding special event-themed wheels alongside the standard one.
Monetization Use
While the lucky spin is primarily a retention feature, it’s also useful for monetization.
Upon spinning the wheel once, players are often thirsty for more.
Developers often take advantage of this by introducing rewarded video ad placements. By watching ads, players can earn additional spins. This not only encourages players to engage with ads but also increases the time spent in the game.
Some players enjoy this feature so much they are even willing to pay for it. For this reason, some games offer players the option to purchase extra spins or boost their chances of winning rare rewards.
Lucky Spin and Other Luck-Based Features
Some other popular luck-based features that appear in mobile games include mystery boxes, scratch cards, lucky draws, etc.
Among these features, the lucky spin stands out for its exciting and transparent nature.
On the lucky wheel, players can see all the rewards they can possibly win. Because of this, they often focus on the prizes they want the most and decide to spin until they get them.
Some lucky wheels even show the chances of winning each reward through a rarity system, by labeling rewards as rare, common, etc. On the other hand, features like mystery boxes and scratch cards are based on uncertainty and secrecy.
Examples of Lucky Spin Implementation in Top Games
The beauty of the lucky spin is its flexibility — it works in different game environments so developers can get quite creative with how they use it.
Let’s take a look at how several successful games integrated the lucky spin feature.
Idle Miner Tycoon
In Idle Miner Tycoon, the lucky spin feature pops up when players launch the game, right after they claim their idle rewards.
Before spinning, the lucky wheel highlights the most valuable reward players can earn on it. The featured reward changes daily, so the game always gives players something new to be excited about.
But, players can’t just hit the spin button.
Not without putting in a little effort.
To earn a free spin, players first need to watch a rewarded video ad. Once they’ve watched the ad, they have the option to buy spins at a discounted rate using in-game currency. The other option is to purchase 10 spins with in-game currency at a higher rate.
With this strategy, the developer creates a sense of exclusivity and scarcity around the lucky spin.
To make this feature more enticing, the developer uses a rarity system. When players receive their reward, the game highlights how common or rare the prize is.
Hexa Sort
In this game, players need to earn their right to spin the lucky wheel by completing five levels.
On the home screen, there is a progress counter that shows how many levels players have already completed (e.g. 2/5) and how many are left to unlock the lucky spin.
As players pass levels, the counter updates, motivating them to keep going and earn a chance to get rewards from the lucky wheel. The lucky wheel itself is simple and offers modest rewards on the first spin.
After spinning for free, players see a premium version of the wheel with more valuable rewards — which they can access at a price.
How many players are actually willing to pay to spin in Hexa Sort?
Surprisingly, quite a few. According to SensorTower, Spin Wheel is the 7th best-selling offer among iOS users in the US, showing the appeal of this feature.
Survivor Idle Run
In this arcade idle game, the lucky wheel appears as an icon on the home screen after players complete several levels. By this point, they have completed FTUE and understand the value of each reward.
This is also the point in the game when things start going less smoothly, so players crave all the resources they can possibly get.
On the game’s lucky wheel, players can win different resources, including the primary currency, supply boxes, and coupons for skipping rewarded video ads. Players can spin the wheel up to 5 times per day.
The first spin is on the house.
After that, the game introduces a short, five-minute timer. This is just enough time to make players come back to the wheel multiple times in a single session. For every next spin players have to watch a rewarded video ad, and this is only highlighted when players return to the wheel.
The game also doesn’t miss out on this opportunity to earn some extra revenue by serving non-intrusive banner ads.
All in all, this is a well-designed lucky spin feature that keeps players engaged by strategically encouraging frequent returns.
Stumble Guys
In Stumble Guys, lucky spins are quite a big deal.
Players can find multiple lucky spin options in the game’s store. In the store’s “free offers” section, there is a classic lucky wheel that players can spin for free. After one free spin, players can spin again by watching rewarded video ads.
Besides the free wheel, the game features time-limited wheels focused on character skins. To spin these wheels, players need to spend in-game currency.
In this game, the rarity system is an important part of the lucky spin features. Before spinning, players can see exactly what are the chances of winning different items on the wheel, and the end result highlights how common the prize is.
Designing a Compelling Lucky Spin Feature
The lucky spin feature is relatively easy to design — there are no strict rules here.
However, there are certain steps you can take to make your lucky wheel more appealing and engaging for your players:
- Use visual and sound effects. Using vibrant colors, animations, and celebratory sounds will help you recreate the effect of the classic casino wheel.
- Manage the spinning pace. To create a suspenseful spinning experience, vary the speed of the wheel. Start the spin slowly, speed it up in the middle, and then gradually slow it down as it approaches the winning prize.
- Mix reward types. Offer a mix of different rewards to make this feature appealing to players who have different preferences. If you’re using a rarity system, clearly highlight reward rarity.
- Balance rewards with monetization features. The rewards in the lucky wheel should be enticing enough for players to engage, but not too generous to cannibalize the game’s monetization setup.
- Offer extra spin options. Provide players with opportunities to earn additional spins by watching ads, spending currency, or progressing through the game.
- Include time-limited or themed spins. If it makes sense for your game, introduce special, time-limited lucky wheels for occasions like in-game events or real-world events. This can make the feature more interesting and encourage players to engage with it before the wheel disappears.
Lucky Spin Feature: Wrapping Up
In mobile games, the lucky spin feature works as a mini-game within the game which makes the reward process more exciting for players. Not only that, but, if designed well, it can increase player engagement, retention, and engagement.
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