Candy Crush Saga, the iconic match-3 game that took the world by storm, remains a powerhouse even after a decade.

In a recent interview, Todd Green, General Manager of the Candy Crush Franchise at King, reveals how the game endured its popularity throughout the years and the team's plans for the future.

A Long and Sweet Journey: How Candy Crush Maintains its Appeal

Green highlights the game's remarkable evolution, from its Facebook debut to becoming a mobile gaming phenomenon. With over 17,000 levels and billions of downloads, Candy Crush Saga defies the stereotypical short lifespan of mobile games.

"It's incredible to see the game's evolution, from its early days on Facebook to becoming one of the most iconic, widely played mobile games," Green said in an interview with PocketGamer.biz.

The success, Green explains, lies in continuous innovation. King's commitment to fresh-level design, combined with ongoing optimization for new players, ensures a consistently engaging experience. Additionally, constant player feedback allows for adjustments and improvements, keeping the gameplay balanced and rewarding.

LiveOps and AI: Keeping the Candy Flowing

Live operations play a crucial role in Candy Crush Saga's success. The team continuously analyzes player feedback, allowing for real-time adjustments and improvements.

When it comes to improvements, artificial intelligence can be a hit or miss for the gaming sector. However, King sees it as a tool to improve its craft in the industry.

AI is also becoming a valuable asset, helping developers test multiple levels simultaneously and gain valuable insights for more creative and responsive gameplay.

Beyond the Core: Candy Crush as an Entertainment Platform

King is actively expanding the Candy Crush experience beyond core gameplay. Strategic partnerships, like launching the Jonas Brothers' single or collaborating with Barbie, provide exclusive content and in-game features.

The recent Candy Crush All Stars tournament with a record-breaking prize pool further demonstrates the team's commitment to creating a vibrant and exciting "world of Candy Crush."

The Future of the Candy Crush Franchise: Innovation and Expansion

King continues to adopt a "test and learn" approach, refining games based on player data and feedback. Green teases future releases, aiming to deliver both live game updates and entirely new experiences. This could include new match-3 titles, exploration into other genres, or even venturing into mid-core games.

While Candy Crush remains the flagship, King acknowledges the potential for introducing new IPs. However, the focus remains on hitting a balance between exploring fresh concepts and nurturing existing franchises like Farm Heroes Saga and Bubble Witch Saga.

LiveOps Pipeline: A Focus on Player Needs

The entire Candy Crush Saga operates in live operations mode. Green emphasizes the constant effort to understand player desires and adapt the experience accordingly. This goes beyond just adding levels and events - it encompasses continuous improvement throughout the game's lifecycle. While specifics are kept under wraps, Green promises exciting new features and innovations in the pipeline.

Overcoming Challenges and Player Focus

King recognizes the challenges of rising development costs and a tougher user acquisition landscape. However, they see these as opportunities. They plan to stay ahead by leveraging their core strengths: innovative design, a deep understanding of their player base, and an unwavering commitment to quality synonymous with the Candy Crush brand.

King remains focused on its mission - "making the world playful" - by prioritizing player experience and delivering high-quality content.

Candy Crush Saga's decade-long success is evidence of King's commitment to innovation, player experience, and continuous evolution. As they look toward the future, the focus remains on creating a fun, engaging, and ever-evolving world for millions of players worldwide.

For Android users who want to play other alternatives to Candy Crush, check SportsKeeda's latest article.