High-Level Overview
Think Gaming is a data-driven company that provides market intelligence and analytics specifically for the mobile games industry. It leverages proprietary data science techniques to analyze over 5,000 mobile freemium games, helping developers, publishers, and investors identify promising titles and growth opportunities. Their core product includes free Scouting Reports that benchmark games against top-grossing peers and assess their potential to become major hits, effectively solving the problem of uncertainty in mobile game success prediction. This service supports growth momentum by enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions based on predictive analytics[1].
Origin Story
Founded in 2014 and based in New York, Think Gaming was created by Michael Hoydich, an early internet pioneer with a background in marketing and strategy, and Tim Ogilvie. The idea emerged from the founders’ recognition of the need for better data-driven insights in the mobile gaming market, which is highly competitive and fast-moving. The company evolved by applying data science to connect mobile game developers with publishers and investors, aiming to unlock predictable success in a market often driven by hit-or-miss outcomes[1].
Core Differentiators
- Proprietary Data Science: Think Gaming uses a unique dataset and analytical methods to evaluate thousands of mobile games, offering insights unavailable elsewhere.
- Predictive Scouting Reports: Their free reports benchmark games against top performers and estimate their likelihood of becoming billion-dollar hits.
- Market Connectivity: The platform connects developers with publishers and investors, facilitating growth partnerships.
- Founder Expertise: The founders bring deep experience in internet technology and marketing, enhancing strategic direction.
Role in the Broader Tech Landscape
Think Gaming rides the trend of increasing reliance on data analytics and AI in the mobile gaming sector, where understanding player behavior and market dynamics is crucial. The timing is favorable due to the explosive growth of mobile gaming and the freemium model’s dominance, which demands sophisticated tools to optimize monetization and user engagement. By providing actionable market data, Think Gaming influences the ecosystem by reducing risk for investors and publishers and accelerating the growth of promising games, thereby shaping how mobile games are developed, funded, and scaled[1].
Quick Take & Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Think Gaming’s approach aligns with the broader shift toward data-driven decision-making in gaming. Future trends such as real-time analytics, AI-driven game design, and integrated LiveOps could expand their offerings. Although currently inactive, the foundational work by Think Gaming sets a precedent for how market data can transform mobile game development and investment. Their influence may evolve as the industry increasingly demands predictive and actionable insights to navigate a crowded and competitive market[1][2].
