What keeps players coming back? For Leon Fernandes, Game Designer at Yella Play Games, the answer starts with the game’s core loop.

Ahead of his appearance at Gamesforum Vancouver, Leon shared his thoughts on player retention, live ops and the changing expectations of mobile gamers.

One of his biggest lessons is that retention systems shouldn’t be added as an afterthought. They need to be integrated into the core gameplay, giving players a clear goal and a rewarding reason to keep playing.

He points to games such as Crush Solitaire, Monopoly Go and Duolingo as examples of how progression, narrative, streaks and rewards can become part of the experience rather than sitting alongside it.

But as mobile gaming has matured, Leon believes players are also looking for more personalised experiences.

From daily rewards to season passes, games have an opportunity to adapt systems around what individual players actually need. Rather than giving everyone the same reward, understanding where a player is in their journey could make rewards and live ops features much more meaningful.

For Leon, however, there is also a danger in doing too much. Games don't need every engagement mechanic available. Instead, developers should focus on one or two systems that complement the core loop and make the experience more compelling.

Want to hear more? Watch the full interview with Leon to hear his thoughts on retention, personalised rewards and the future of live ops ahead of Gamesforum Vancouver.