Adjoe's Innovative Strategy Revives 'Shukka Buta'
The mobile gaming landscape sees remarkable stories, one being the revival of the game app 'Shukka Buta.' After a decade since its release, this beloved game has undergone a transformation, thanks to a strategic collaboration between adjoe GmbH and EAGLE Co., Ltd. This article explores how this classic title reignited its trajectory toward success by effectively employing the 'Playtime' feature amidst challenges of market maturity.
Background: Navigating the Challenges of Maturity
Released in 2015, 'Shukka Buta' has been a staple in casual gaming, but by its tenth anniversary, it faced inherent challenges such as user retention and rising customer acquisition costs. Jonas Thiemann from adjoe GmbH emphasized how modern entertainment saturation implies that mere free access isn’t enough to capture players’ interests anymore. Thus, the innovative concept of 'reward-driven play' was merged with 'Playtime' to breathe new life into the app.
This strategic move aimed not only to rekindle user acquisition but also to enhance engagement and maximize revenue within the modern gaming ecosystem.
Outcome: A Revenue Surge and Top 10 Ranking
At the recent Game Future Summit 2026, it was disclosed that following the implementation of these strategies, 'Shukka Buta' saw an astonishing recovery:
- - Revenue Growth: Monthly earnings skyrocketed from 11 million yen in June 2025 to an impressive 110 million yen by January 2026.
- - Top Rankings: The game climbed back to the 7th position in the free games ranking on the Google Play Store by January 2026.
- - Improved LTV: By utilizing 'Playtime', the User Lifetime Value (LTV) increased by 1.5 times.
- - Boost in Acquisition Numbers: There was a 9.5 times rise in player engagement through video ads marketing the 'game x reward' integration, effectively managing the cost per install (CPI).
- - Retention Rates: Even with fewer direct user acquisitions from 'Playtime,' engagement rates surpassed market averages with strong Day 1, 7, and 30 retention metrics.
The Key to Success: Integration of UX and 'Playtime'
The successful resurgence of 'Shukka Buta' came not just from installing ads but from crafting a seamless user experience that integrated 'Playtime' and rewards.
By linking in-app missions and achievements with rewards from 'Playtime,' players enjoyed continuous engagements while generating additional revenue through advertisements. This approach significantly uplifted LTV by effectively blending gaming enjoyment with reward mechanisms.
Additionally, the emphasis on marketing 'game x rewards' addressed the current industry climate where being free isn’t enough to entice players. Instead, highlighting play enjoyment alongside reward opportunities proved to be a winning combination, driving acquisition growth significantly while controlling costs.
Future Outlook
Adjoe GmbH aims to leverage this success story of 'Shukka Buta' as a framework to support other matured app publishers in redefining growth through reward strategies. The collaboration with EAGLE’s new venture, Poilink, which offers monetization solutions, indicates a future-forward approach in revitalizing the wider app market.
About 'Playtime'
The 'Playtime' feature is a sophisticated app monetization solution that rewards users based on the time spent playing or events achieved within the game. Utilizing first-party data and machine learning, it ensures tailored gaming experiences while promoting higher user retention and engagement rates.
For further details, visit
adjoe.io.
About Adjoe GmbH
Headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, adjoe GmbH strives to innovate in the mobile app advertising space, emphasizing user engagement and monetization, led by Jonas Thiemann.
About EAGLE Co., Ltd.
EAGLE is a Tokyo-based game development company recognized for creating popular casual games, including the 'Shukka Buta' series, focused on delivering enjoyable user experiences. Visit
eagle-developers.com for more information.