Trade, Cash Out, Win – A Social Gaming App Fusing Trading with Crash Game Mechanics

case study ·

Crash Game

Gaming

Mobile

Features & Components

Results

About the project

Identifying a gap in the market, our client envisioned a realistic trading simulator with educational elements. Their goal? To create a platform that could seamlessly blend learning and entertainment.

Before diving into development, our team collaborated with the client on an in-depth Product Discovery process. By analyzing market trends and users’ insights, we uncovered hidden opportunities to elevate the concept.

What began as a straightforward trading simulator transformed into something far more dynamic – a casino-style trading game inspired by crash mechanics and infused with social features. This bold move broadened the potential audience and positioned Trade Stars as a trailblazer in its niche.

Delivered services

01.
Consultancy

02.
Product Discovery

03.
Product Design

04.
Mobile Development

Project Challenges

Bringing such an innovative project to life came with significant business and technical challenges. To meet the client’s ambitious goal of becoming a pioneer at the intersection of trading and gaming, our team had to overcome hurdles with creativity and precision at every step of the journey.

Challenging the Competition

Competing with well-established industry players demanded a sharp focus on differentiation. We crafted a compelling value proposition, implemented pricing strategies, and designed monetization models to drive user acquisition while maintaining profitability and long-term sustainability.

Merging Entertainment with Compliance

Balancing the excitement of a gamified trading experience with regulatory requirements was a key challenge. We designed a product that avoids real-money transactions while still captivating casual gamers and trading enthusiasts, ensuring compliance without compromising the app’s appeal or engagement.

Gamifying Market Fluctuations

The core technical challenge lay in transforming complex market dynamics into engaging and intuitive gameplay mechanics. Striking the right balance between realism and entertainment was key to captivating users and keeping them immersed.

Integrating Real-Time Data

This task required establishing a seamless connection with a provider delivering real-time index values. This presented the challenge of ensuring accuracy and responsiveness while maintaining a flawless user experience.

Balancing Innovation & Resources

Pushing the boundaries of innovation while adhering to a defined budget was an art of balance. Our team planned and prioritized features to ensure the project aligned with the app’s ambitious vision without exceeding resource constraints.

Scope of Work

Wojciech Koczarski

Product Manager

“As a Product Manager, I’m proud of how our team led every step of this project. From redefining the client’s vision to designing engaging interfaces and coding, we ensured every detail aligned with the set goals and market appeal.”

01.

PRODUCT DISCOVERY

For the first phase of this project, we researched the market and analyzed major trends to identify gaps and opportunities. This led to a redefining of the product vision in line with user preference and market demand. At the end of this phase, Trade Stars’ focus shifted from an education trading simulator to a gamified trading experience.
The client actively participated in decision-making throughout this stage, offering feedback on proposed changes to the product concept based on the team’s findings.

02.

UX/UI DESIGN

In this crucial phase, we began to design a user-friendly system that would allow users to access all of the app’s functions from player onboarding and login processes to the intricacies of the in-game economy. This foundation became the cornerstone of the platform’s efficiency.

03.

Development

We initiated development with a detailed definition of functional requirements to ensure a clear roadmap for the project. Once finalized, we moved into the development phase, which followed a structured approach encompassing the following key steps:

Implementing the crash game as the core gameplay mechanic alongside the Long & Short trading mode.

Developing robust backend systems to handle real-time market data processing, user session management, and seamless API integration.

Building a Flutter-based app to ensure smooth functionality across both Android and iOS platforms.

Connecting it to the backend and Firebase for real-time data synchronization.

Integrating virtual currency systems, premium passes, and progression mechanics to enhance user engagement and drive revenue.

Balancing the in-game economy to promote fair gameplay and sustain long-term user retention.

Configuring in-app purchases to offer seamless transaction experiences.

04.

TESTING & OPTIMIZATION

Throughout the development process, we conducted rigorous internal and external playtesting sessions to refine gameplay mechanics and address any usability issues. At the same time, we started preparing for ASO optimization and publication phases to ensure a successful market launch. This was finalized by designing the app architecture to support future expansions, including real-money gambling capabilities, additional game modes, and new market integrations.

Product Design Insights

Where creativity meets strategy – this phase was all about transforming ideas into a captivating visual and interactive experience for Trade Stars’ users.

01.

MOODBOARDS

We started with moodboards to lay the foundation for Trade Stars’ visual identity. These collections defined the art style, character designs, and color schemes, capturing the essence of both trading and gaming. The moodboards acted as a creative compass, guiding the creation of assets and animations that embodied the app’s dynamic.

02.

WIREFRAMING

With the visual direction established, we moved on to wireframing, mapping out the app’s structure and user flow. This step focused on crafting navigation and functionality. The wireframes served as a blueprint, ensuring every screen was designed with the user in mind and aligned with the app’s broader goals.

03.

INTERACTIVE PROTOTYPE

Next, we brought the wireframes to life in a prototype. By adding realistic transitions and interactive elements, we created a tangible experience that allowed us to test the app’s flow and functionality. This step was invaluable in gathering feedback and refining the design before final production.

04.

FINAL DESIGN

In the final stage, we delivered polished, high-quality assets and animations. The result was a visually captivating app that seamlessly blended trading and gaming, delivering a standout UX.

heroes

Discover the vibrant characters that turn gameplay into a dynamic and unforgettable experience.

Core Features & System Components

In building the app’s core functionality, we crafted a gamified trading experience enriched with top-notch features. Let’s explore them.

Thrilling Gameplay Modes

Fast-paced, immersive, and endlessly engaging. Innovative modes like Crash and Long & Short Trading combine real-world market dynamics with gamified excitement, teaching fundamental trading skills along the way.

Live Market Dynamics

Authenticity reimagined. Historical data and live currency market fluctuations create a realistic trading simulation that keeps players immersed. This includes authentic trading charts that have their timestamps concealed to maintain fairness.

The main view in a mobile mockup with the cities

Command Center Lobby

It’s Trade Stars’ control center. With key stats and active markets at their fingertips, users are always one tap away from the action.

Gold-driven Game Economy

A vibrant virtual economy powered by gold coins, tied to real-world metrics like gold prices for added authenticity. This system leverages microtransactions and offers premium upgrades, keeping user retention high.

Daily Rewards Boost

Daily rewards that do more than just add coins – they spark excitement and drive users to come back for more.

Competitive Leaderboards

High Rollers, Risk Takers, and Big Bets – Trade Stars’ users can rank among the best and showcase their trading prowess.

Power-up Shop

A one-stop destination for in-game purchases. From coins to exclusive deals, the Trade Stars shop enhances engagement and adds value for users.

Personalized Profiles

A personalized showcase of progress, preferences, and milestones, turning each user’s journey into a story worth telling.

Avatar Customization Studio

Here style meets strategy. Customizable avatars and backgrounds let users put their personal stamp on the experience.

“By carefully managing each phase of the project and maintaining open communication with the client, we have successfully brought the app to the verge of release, setting it up for a competitive entry into the market.”

Wojciech Koczarski

Product Manager

;

results

The final solution redefines trading, offering an experience unlike anything else on the market. Its innovative crash game mode along with the robust in-game economy and gamification elements keep users hooked. Mobile-first and globally adaptable, it’s a pioneering product at the crossroads of iGaming, gaming, and fintech.