Understanding player engagement is crucial for the success of any arcade game. Developers rely on specific metrics to gauge how players interact with their games, identify areas for improvement, and ultimately drive growth and revenue. The most common types of player engagement metrics can be categorized into several key areas.

First, Daily Active Users (DAU) and Monthly Active Users (MAU) are fundamental metrics. They measure the number of unique players who engage with the game within a specific time frame. The DAU/MAU ratio is particularly important, as it indicates the "stickiness" of the game—how frequently players return.

Second, Session Length and Session Frequency provide insight into player behavior during a single play period. Session length measures the average time a player spends in the game in one sitting, while frequency tracks how often they launch the game per day. Longer and more frequent sessions typically signal high engagement.

Third, Retention Rate is a critical metric for long-term viability. It tracks the percentage of players who return to the game after their first install, often measured at Day 1 (D1), Day 7 (D7), and Day 30 (D30). A high retention rate suggests the game has compelling core gameplay that keeps players coming back.

Fourth, Monetization Metrics are directly tied to engagement. These include Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) and Average Revenue Per Paying User (ARPPU). While not purely engagement metrics, they show how effectively engaged players are converted into revenue.

Finally, Progression and Churn Metrics are essential. Progression metrics track how far players advance through levels, while churn rate identifies the point at which players stop playing. Analyzing churn points helps developers fix frustrating or boring sections of the game.

By consistently monitoring these key player engagement metrics, arcade game developers can make data-driven decisions to enhance the player experience, improve retention, and ensure their game remains popular and profitable.