Super apps have revolutionized the way we use digital platforms, bringing together diverse services like messaging, payments, shopping, and even transportation under a single app. As these platforms continue to expand, one key goal for super app developers is increasing Daily Active Users (DAUs)—those who engage with the app each day. Games, especially social and interactive games, have proven to be a powerful driver for DAUs. But why do games work so well for engagement, and how can gamified strategies turn casual users into daily users?

Let’s take a closer look at the role of games in boosting DAU in super apps, supported by research and data on user engagement and retention.

Why Games Drive Daily Engagement

Games offer more than just entertainment—they’re a strategic tool for creating daily engagement and building user habits. According to a study by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), 65% of gamers play games to relax, while 46% play to connect with others, making games a natural fit for super apps aiming to meet these user needs (ESA, 2024). Games offer a way to break up the day, compete, collaborate, and enjoy mini-challenges—all of which help keep users coming back.

Habit-Forming Design and User Retention

The psychology behind game engagement is grounded in habit formation. Games use strategies like streaks, daily challenges, and rewards to encourage users to return regularly. Research by Nir Eyal, author of Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products, explains that users form habits when they receive variable rewards—rewards that are unpredictable and feel like surprises (Eyal, 2014). This variable reinforcement makes games especially engaging and encourages users to make the app part of their daily routine.

Gamification Elements that Increase DAUs

In super apps, gamification elements such as rewards, streaks, and leaderboards make games both engaging and addictive. These features satisfy users’ needs for competence, competition, and achievement, which encourages them to return to the app daily.

Challenges and Rewards

Daily challenges are a widely used tool to drive DAUs. A report by App Annie found that apps using gamified daily challenges experienced 30% higher user retention than those that didn’t (App Annie, 2022). These challenges motivate users to check in daily, complete tasks, and earn rewards, all of which reinforce habitual engagement.

Streaks and Leaderboards

The use of streaks—keeping track of consecutive days a user engages with an app—has proven especially effective in creating a sense of accomplishment and keeping users hooked. For instance, Duolingo, a language-learning app, saw a 34% increase in DAUs by introducing streaks and daily goals (Duolingo, 2023). Leaderboards are another popular feature, tapping into users’ competitive spirit and giving them a reason to return and maintain their rank.

Social and Interactive Games for Increased Engagement

Social games—games that encourage collaboration or competition among users—are particularly effective in boosting engagement within super apps. A survey by Newzoo revealed that 78% of gamers play games to connect with others, showing that the social component of gaming is a major motivator for regular use (Newzoo, 2023).

Building a Community Within the App

Super apps that include social games offer users a sense of community, which has been shown to drive engagement and retention. When users see their friends, coworkers, or even strangers within the app, they’re more likely to log in daily to see what’s new, compete, or simply be part of the ongoing community. This type of social engagement is particularly beneficial for DAU as it keeps users connected to the app and encourages repeat visits.

Collaborative and Competitive Play

Multiplayer games also foster both collaboration and competition, which significantly boost user engagement. Games that allow users to play together, form teams, or compete against each other give users a reason to return. Research indicates that collaborative and competitive games can increase engagement rates by as much as 40% compared to solo games (Trepte & Reinecke, 2010). These games create a shared experience that makes the app a go-to space for social interaction.

Real-World Examples of DAU Growth Through Games

Many super apps have successfully increased their DAUs by incorporating games. Here are a few notable examples:

• WeChat: WeChat has integrated a variety of mini-games and gamified social features to boost daily engagement. The app’s in-game leaderboards and rewards encourage users to return daily, contributing to its massive DAU base of over 1.2 billion users (Tencent, 2023).
• Grab: Southeast Asia’s Grab has added games and challenges to its app, including daily quizzes and mini-games that reward users with points and discounts. Since adding these gamified elements, Grab has reported a 25% increase in DAU (Grab Annual Report, 2022).
• Paytm: In India, Paytm included social games to increase daily engagement on its platform. By offering rewards, challenges, and group competitions, Paytm saw a 30% increase in DAUs within six months of introducing games (Paytm, 2023).

These examples demonstrate the significant impact of gamification on DAU growth, highlighting the potential of games to keep users coming back day after day.

Guul’s Role in Boosting DAU Through Social Games

At Guul, we recognize the powerful impact games can have on DAU in super apps, and we’ve built a platform designed to engage users with interactive, habit-forming games. Here’s how Guul’s features align with super apps’ goals for DAU growth:

• Daily Challenges and Rewards: Guul offers games with daily challenges and rewards that encourage users to log in consistently, making daily engagement a rewarding experience.
• Social and Multiplayer Options: Guul’s multiplayer games foster both collaboration and competition, creating a social community within the app that encourages users to stay connected and engaged.
• Customizable Leaderboards: Leaderboards on Guul allow users to compete with each other in friendly rivalry, boosting motivation and giving players a reason to check in regularly to maintain or improve their rank.

Through these features, Guul not only boosts DAU but also enhances the overall user experience, making super apps a daily habit for users.

Key Takeaways

• Games in super apps boost DAUs by providing an engaging, habit-forming experience that encourages daily logins.
• Gamified elements like daily challenges, streaks, and rewards keep users motivated and create a habit of engagement.
• Social games enhance user retention by fostering a sense of community, encouraging users to connect and compete.
• Real-world examples like WeChat, Grab, and Paytm highlight the impact of games in driving DAU growth.
• Guul’s gamified features, including challenges, streaks, and leaderboards, align with super app goals to create an engaging, habit-forming user experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How do games increase daily active users in super apps?

Games encourage users to log in daily through engaging elements like challenges, streaks, and rewards. These gamified features create a habit of daily interaction.

Q2. Why are daily challenges effective in boosting DAU?

Daily challenges provide users with goals to complete each day, motivating them to return consistently to maintain streaks or earn rewards.

Q3. How do social games enhance user engagement?

Social games allow users to connect, collaborate, and compete, fostering a sense of community. This social interaction encourages users to check in more often to stay connected.

Q4. What are some real-world examples of DAU growth through games?

Super apps like WeChat, Grab, and Paytm have successfully used games to increase DAUs, with features like leaderboards, rewards, and team-based challenges that keep users coming back.

Q5. How does Guul help boost DAU in super apps?

Guul’s platform offers daily challenges, streaks, social games, and leaderboards that drive daily engagement, encouraging users to interact with the app regularly.