The Path to Success for Digital Casual Games

The purpose of this study is to investigate the process of success for the development of digital casual games and the implications of their success. Specifically, the study concentrates on the digital casual games Angry Birds, Candy Crush Saga and Flappy Bird by drawing on the product life cycle theory. These cases were chosen because of their different backgrounds and as they are seen as exemplary forms of casual game success. In addition, the relationship between social media and these games is examined. Very little research has been conducted on digital casual games and marketing. Therefore, this study offers new insight into the process of certain digital casual games that became successful. Case study research is conducted by selecting articles and blogs per case. The findings show that the process of success and its implications differ per case. For Angry Birds, the process was highlighted by the make-or-break business plan, their focus group research, the design and their plan to rank as No 1 in Apple's App Store.