what metrics would you use to evaluate activision blizzard's cross-platform play feature?

Introduction

Evaluating Activision Blizzard's cross-platform play feature requires a comprehensive approach to product success metrics. This innovative feature allows players to engage in multiplayer gaming across different hardware platforms, breaking down traditional barriers between console and PC gamers. To assess its effectiveness, we'll follow a structured framework that covers core metrics, supporting indicators, and risk factors while considering all key stakeholders.

Step 1

Product Context

Activision Blizzard's cross-platform play feature enables users on different gaming platforms (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox, PC) to play together in multiplayer games. This functionality is available across several of the company's popular titles, including Call of Duty and Overwatch.

Key stakeholders include:

1. Players: Seeking a larger player base and seamless gaming experience
2. Game developers: Aiming for increased engagement and simplified development
3. Platform owners (Sony, Microsoft, etc.): Balancing ecosystem control with player demands
4. Activision Blizzard: Driving player engagement and retention across its game portfolio

User flow typically involves:

1. Game launch and account login
2. Matchmaking across platforms
3. In-game communication and gameplay
4. Post-game interactions and friend requests

This feature aligns with Activision Blizzard's strategy to create a unified gaming ecosystem, increase player engagement, and extend the lifespan of their titles. Compared to competitors like Epic Games (Fortnite) and Psyonix (Rocket League), Activision Blizzard has implemented cross-play across a broader range of titles, positioning itself as a leader in this space.

In terms of product lifecycle, cross-platform play is in the growth stage. While the technology has been implemented, there's still significant room for expansion and refinement across more titles and features.