Rethinking game analytics service technology
Customer
GameRefinery
Industry
Gaming
Services
Full stack
Technologies
React, Redux, Java
Imagine a situation where your team needs to build a new, long-lasting service while taking care of the operation of the old one at full capacity. A tricky challenge that’s also bound to be stressful for the team. GameRefinery enlisted the support of Rakettitiede veterans for a painless revamp.
GameRefinery, which provides analytics to mobile game developers and publishers on a global scale. Background data plays a significant role in the creation and development of games. The service helps to uncover what qualities the players value and what motivates them. Big game houses, such as Rovio, King and Zynga, make use of GameRefinery’s SaaS service on a daily basis.
CHALLENGE
Some of the technologies began to approach the end of their life cycle. A new service had to be built while simultaneously ensuring the operation of the old one.
Smooth cooperation
GameRefinery’s Head of Product Teemu Saukonoja mentions that this was one of the largest technology projects in the company’s history.
“We have some really competent employees as well. But when you adopt a new technology, having the support of someone who’s been working with the technology for several years gives you added confidence. And if they have prior experience of potential mistakes as well, they can tell you how to avoid the pitfalls,” Saukonoja says.
For Saukonoja, the cooperation has felt uncomplicated, above all.
“Competent people don’t need much direction. When something works, you should just keep the ball rolling.”
SOLUTION
The team size was quickly scaled with the help of consultants. They brought their expertise of the new technology with them.
Freedom and just enough improvisation
All together, four rocket scientists have worked at GameRefinery.
According to Kalle Lundahn, it's worth trusting the perspective of experienced developers of Rakettitiede. “Gaining the trust of the client and being able to propose different solutions has felt good. We have also been asked direct questions about good and bad ways of doing things. In the end, mistakes can have a huge financial impact. Experience creates shortcuts,” Lundahn summarises.
FINAL RESULT
Good results were achieved together: a carefully planned and executed service, that is modern and long-lasting.
Rakettitiede’s Jarno Laine says that the specs were not set in stone at the beginning of the collaboration.
“We ended up providing GameRefinery with consultants who like to improvise and make decisions along the way. We were also able to plan the work in loosely scheduled blocks with no overlaps,” Laine says.
According to Laine, sufficient freedom and uncomplicated communication make the team function. The international team has worked entirely remotely, reports have been shared on the team’s Slack channel and the most important topics have been discussed in weekly meetings.
“We have to give GameRefinery kudos for taking the time to think about the most sensible way of carrying out the work. There have been no big surprises along the way,” Lundahn says.
“Rocket scientists dare to bring things up and know when to ask."
Teemu Saukonoja, Head of Product, GameRefinery
