Building Games Players Actually Want to Finish
Our approach delivers measurable improvements in player engagement, retention, and satisfaction across casual and arcade game projects.
Back to HomeWhat Developers Achieve With Our Support
Our projects show consistent improvements across key areas that matter for indie game success. Results vary based on project scope and implementation, but these patterns emerge regularly.
Player Retention
Games developed with our narrative approach typically see 40-60% higher completion rates compared to similar titles without story elements.
- • Average session length increases
- • Return player rates improve
- • Level progression completion rises
Audience Reach
Implementing accessibility features typically expands potential player base by 15-25% while improving overall user experience ratings.
- • Broader demographic appeal
- • Positive accessibility reviews
- • Platform feature consideration
Launch Success
Projects using our soft launch approach identify and address 70-80% of potential issues before full release, leading to smoother public launches.
- • Fewer critical bugs at launch
- • Better initial review scores
- • Improved monetization metrics
Numbers That Tell the Story
Average completion rate
For games with narrative elements
Player satisfaction
Across delivered projects
Client satisfaction
Would work with us again
Projects delivered
Since November 2023
What These Numbers Mean
These metrics represent real project outcomes from indie developers working across different platforms and markets. Individual results depend on many factors including genre, target audience, and implementation approach. What remains consistent is our commitment to building games that players engage with from start to finish.
How Our Methodology Works in Practice
These examples show how we apply our development approach to different project challenges. Details have been generalized to protect client confidentiality while illustrating our process.
Puzzle Game With Low Retention
Challenge: Players completing only 3-4 levels before abandoning
Situation
Developer had solid puzzle mechanics but players weren't staying engaged. Analytics showed sharp drop-off after level 4, despite later levels being more interesting.
Our Approach
Added light narrative framework connecting puzzles to a larger goal. Implemented progressive character development and environmental storytelling that rewarded continued play.
Outcome
Average completion increased from 11% to 67%. Session length nearly doubled. Players specifically mentioned story elements in positive reviews.
Arcade Game Accessibility Retrofit
Challenge: Negative reviews citing accessibility barriers
Situation
Successful arcade game receiving criticism for color-dependent gameplay and timing requirements that excluded some players. Developer wanted to expand audience without changing core mechanics.
Our Approach
Implemented colorblind modes with pattern and shape differentiation. Added adjustable difficulty affecting timing windows. Included control remapping and larger touch targets.
Outcome
Player base grew 28% in following month. Review sentiment improved significantly. Game received platform feature placement for accessibility.
Mobile Game Soft Launch Optimization
Challenge: Preparing for global launch with limited testing
Situation
Developer ready to launch globally but uncertain about monetization balance, difficulty curve, and technical performance across devices. Wanted data before full commitment.
Our Approach
Managed three-month soft launch in selected markets. Set up analytics tracking, monitored player behavior patterns, ran A/B tests on key mechanics, identified technical issues.
Outcome
Identified and fixed 14 critical issues before global launch. Optimized difficulty curve based on real data. Global launch achieved 4.6 star rating with minimal negative reviews.
What to Expect During Development
Foundation & Planning
We work with you to understand your vision and establish clear goals. You'll see initial mockups or prototypes and begin to visualize how everything fits together.
Core Development
The bulk of implementation happens here. You'll receive regular progress updates and have opportunities to provide feedback. This is when the game starts feeling real.
Testing & Refinement
We identify and address issues, balance gameplay, and polish the experience. You'll notice the difference as rough edges smooth out and everything comes together.
Launch Preparation
Final preparations for release including platform submission, marketing asset preparation, and launch strategy. You'll feel ready and confident about going live.
Timelines vary based on project scope and complexity. These are typical ranges for our standard services.
Beyond Initial Launch
Sustainable Player Engagement
Games built with strong foundations continue performing well months after launch. The narrative structures and balanced progression we implement create lasting engagement rather than temporary spikes.
Our accessibility implementations don't just check boxes—they genuinely improve the experience for all players, leading to better retention across your entire audience.
Developer Confidence
Working together builds your understanding of what makes games successful. Many clients apply lessons from their first project with us to future games independently.
You'll develop instincts for player engagement, better intuition about design decisions, and confidence in your ability to create games people want to finish.
Why Our Results Last
The improvements we make aren't temporary fixes—they're built on solid foundations that continue delivering value long after project completion.
Focus on Core Mechanics
We enhance rather than replace your core gameplay. This means improvements feel natural and continue working as players discover your game over time.
Data-Driven Decisions
Changes are based on player behavior patterns and testing, not assumptions. This creates improvements that address real issues rather than perceived ones.
Clean Implementation
Code and systems are built to be maintainable. You or future developers can update and extend what we build without starting over.
Knowledge Transfer
Throughout the process, you learn why certain approaches work. This understanding helps you make better decisions on future projects independently.
Proven Track Record in Game Development
Since launching in late 2023, Thistledown has worked with indie developers worldwide to create engaging arcade and casual games. Our Edinburgh-based team brings together expertise in narrative design, accessibility implementation, and launch strategy to help games reach their full potential.
What sets our approach apart is the focus on completion rates and player satisfaction rather than vanity metrics. We measure success by how many players finish your game and recommend it to others, not just how many downloads it receives. This philosophy has helped our clients build sustainable game development practices that continue delivering results project after project.
Ready to See Similar Results?
Let's discuss how our methodology could apply to your project. Share your goals and we'll explore whether we're the right fit for what you're building.
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