Kabam Expands to PC Gaming

Kabam, known for its mobile gaming expertise, is venturing into the world of PC gaming. The company, which has developed popular titles like Marvel Contest of Champions and Disney Mirrorverse, is now preparing to launch its upcoming turn-based fantasy RPG, King Arthur: Legends Rise, on both PC and mobile platforms simultaneously. This move mirrors the expansion strategies of other mobile gaming companies, such as Zynga and Tencent, which have set their sights on the console market. According to Tyler Black, VP of Product at Kabam, the decision to branch out to PC is driven by the need to provide a seamless gaming experience across different platforms. Black believes that players want to enjoy their games on various devices, including PCs, TVs, consoles, and phones, without being constrained by platform or form factor. As a result, game developers must adapt to these changing player expectations. Kabam's experience with launching Shop Titans on PC has taught the company that porting a mobile game to PC is a complex process. However, with the help of the Unreal platform, Kabam is able to launch King Arthur: Legends Rise on both platforms at the same time, albeit with some additional costs. The benefits of a multiplatform launch, according to Black, lie in its ability to reach a broader audience. By launching on both PC and mobile simultaneously, Kabam can create a bigger splash and attract more players. The company has had to navigate the design demands of a cross-platform game, ensuring that the experience is consistent across both PC and mobile. This has involved making adjustments to feature sets, play session lengths, and monetization systems to cater to the unique needs of each platform. Black emphasizes that the key to success lies in understanding player behavior and intentions on each platform. While there may be concerns about competitive imbalances, Black believes that the benefits of cross-platform play outweigh the potential drawbacks. The company's monetization systems are designed to be flexible and adaptable to different platforms, allowing players to engage with the game in a way that feels natural to them. For other mobile developers looking to transition to cross-platform development, Black advises partnering with technology platform providers, such as Unreal, to leverage their expertise and guidance. By doing so, developers can avoid common pitfalls and create a more engaging experience for their players.