Scaling Screw Master 3D from WeChat to global markets

• Supersonic helped scale Screw Master 3D globally without redesigning core gameplay.
• Playable ads and live ops drove engagement with D30 retention up 15%.
• WeChat testing reduced iteration time and served as a launchpad before going international.

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When Screw Master 3D: Pin Puzzle began to attract attention on WeChat, EOGAMES saw an opportunity to bring the title to a wider audience.

But moving from a Chinese mini-game to a global release meant navigating new markets, monetisation models and user acquisition channels. That’s where Supersonic entered the picture.

“Supersonic played a key role in the success of Screw Master 3D by adopting an agile strategy to advance development while preserving the original game design,” says Hunt.C, CEO of EOGAMES.

Gaining results

To generate revenue, Hunt.C explains how Supersonic recommended combining rewarded video and IAPs that monetise players’ failures and integrating monetisation at all stages of gameplay. 

“Another suggestion led to the introduction of revenue cards, skip-it cards, skin shop, etc., which work super well for the game. All of these additions made monetisation an essential part of the game’s flow. As a result, the IAP share of voice is currently around 15% to 17% and IAP continues to generate impressive revenue.”

The impact was seen across retention, playtime, and revenue.

“We saw a 15% increase in our D30 retention rate, which was huge for player engagement,” Hunt.C notes. Average D30 playtime rose to 12 hours, D30 ARPU reached $3.70, and daily revenue surpassed $100,000 within three months.

User acquisition also surged. “In the first month, our first two playable ads brought in over 61,000 installs. By month three, our top-performing playable hit 2.8 million installs, a 4,500% improvement over rewarded videos,” he adds.

Hunt.C shares that one of the biggest advantages of working with Supersonic was their respect for the original game. “Supersonic recognised the core gameplay of the game and chose to preserve it rather than completely redesign it, demonstrating a high level of trust in us,” Hunt.C says.

WeChat as a launchpad

Before its global debut, Screw Master 3D was tested on WeChat, a platform that offered a low barrier to entry, quick visibility, and access to a huge player base.

The platform served as both a proving ground and a means to gain quick feedback on the game, which could confirm if gameplay resonated with players and then reduce iteration time before scaling internationally.

However, Hunt.C notes that while China’s casual market offers opportunities for rapid early growth, competition is intense and games that fall within the top 20 to 50 experience a sharp decline in both user base and revenue. 

However, he also believes that WeChat is an underused resource. “Many developers overlook its potential for prototype testing and early-stage growth experiments,” he says. “It’s an excellent environment for gathering real user feedback.”

Building experiences and lessons for the future

The launch provided clear takeaways for future projects as well, with Hunt.C highlighting the value of early testing.

“We would continue to leverage platforms like WeChat which proved to be an efficient and effective way to test prototypes early in the development process providing valuable insights before fully committing resources.”

Hunt.C also emphasises the importance of building monetisation into the game from the start. “We would look to introduce in-app advertising, in-app purchases and interstitial early on to make sure they are part of the game’s DNA.”

He adds that playable ads proved to be particularly effective and that they “consistently outperformed traditional video ads in driving engagement and installs”.

“To further enhance player retention, especially in the mid-to-late stages of a game’s lifecycle, incorporating live ops and daily challenges is a must.”

Looking ahead, EOGAMES plans to expand content with new gameplay types, A/B testing, unique levels, and IAP bundles.

“We also aim to complement content layer designs similar to Gardenscapes and launch new IAP bundles to increase the share of IAP revenue and overall profitability.”