Develop a Game Like Block Blast

Puzzle games like Block Blast have become a go-to for many casual gamers, and it’s easy to see why. They’re simple, fun, and the perfect way to unwind after a long day. With easy-to-understand mechanics and layers of challenge that keep players engaged, puzzle games have captured the attention of a wide audience, from occasional players to dedicated enthusiasts.

But turning a simple idea into a game that people can’t put down takes more than just good gameplay. It’s about creating an experience that keeps players coming back for more, level after level. Crafting a game like Block Blast requires balancing creativity, thoughtful design, and strategies that drive user engagement while also thinking about how to make the game sustainable.

In this blog, we’ll break down the key steps to developing a puzzle game similar to Block Blast. From defining the core gameplay to figuring out how to monetize the game, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to create a hit puzzle game in today’s competitive mobile gaming market.

Market Growth of Puzzle Games

According to Grand View Research, the global games and puzzles market was valued at USD 15.09 billion in 2022 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.3% from 2023 to 2030. This robust growth underscores the escalating demand for engaging and mentally stimulating entertainment options worldwide.

Among the myriad of puzzle games captivating audiences globally, Block Blast has emerged as a standout title. Developed by Hungry Studio, this mobile puzzle game has not only garnered a massive user base but also achieved remarkable financial success, exemplifying the lucrative potential within this puzzle game development niche.

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Why Investors Are Keen to Invest in This Niche?

The puzzle gaming market continues to gain momentum, establishing itself as one of the most promising segments in the mobile gaming industry. Its steady growth signals a resilient, highly engaged user base that actively seeks out simple yet compelling gameplay experiences. Thanks to their easy accessibility and widespread appeal across age groups, puzzle games have carved out a strong position in the mobile space.

Block Blast! exemplifies the success of its genre, generating around $1 million daily in revenue from in-app ads. It ranks among the top ad-supported mobile games globally, with over 40 million daily active users and 160 million monthly active users. Since its launch, it has surpassed 216 million downloads, highlighting its strong appeal and effective growth strategy. These figures indicate a well-structured monetization model and engaging gameplay that retains users. This success illustrates the potential of mobile puzzle game development.

Another strong performer in this space is Royal Match, created by Dream Games. In 2024 alone, it generated $1.4 billion in revenue and maintained a monthly player base of 54.3 million users. This level of success confirms that puzzle games are not just popular but capable of delivering large-scale financial returns.

Further reinforcing this trend is the recent funding success of Good Job Games, a Turkish mobile game developer. The company raised $23 million in seed funding, signaling growing investor interest in the genre and the strong belief in its long-term profitability.

To sum up, the puzzle gaming industry offers clear investment potential. With consistently high user engagement, proven monetization strategies, and sustained market growth, this sector stands out as a smart and scalable opportunity for investors in the digital entertainment space.

What Is a Puzzle Game App: Block Blast?

Block Blast is a highly engaging mobile puzzle game developed by Hungry Studio. It blends the block-placement logic of Tetris with the strategic placement style of jigsaw puzzles. Players are presented with three block shapes at a time, which they must arrange on an 8×8 grid. The objective is to complete full rows or columns to clear them and score points.

What sets it apart from Tetris is that the blocks don’t fall from above. Instead, players can place them freely anywhere on the grid. As the board fills up, the challenge increases. The game ends when no valid placements remain, pushing players to think carefully and plan several moves ahead.

Business Model Behind Games Like Block Blast

Games like Block Blast are typically built on a freemium model, combining free gameplay with multiple revenue streams. The goal is to keep the game enjoyable while generating consistent profits.

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A. Free to Play with Optional In-App Purchases

Players can download and play for free. To enhance gameplay, they have the option to purchase extra lives, boosters, or special power-ups. These purchases are designed to make the game more rewarding or help players advance faster, increasing the likelihood of in-game spending.

B. Rewarded Ads for In-Game Bonuses

Many puzzle games use rewarded video ads. Players can choose to watch short ads in exchange for perks like extra moves or temporary boosts. This setup benefits both parties. Players get value without spending money, and developers earn ad revenue from views.

C. Daily Rewards and Incentives to Boost Engagement

To keep users returning, games include daily login bonuses and progress-based rewards. These might include coins, power-ups, or other in-game perks. This creates a daily habit, increasing both user retention and long-term engagement.

D. Subscription Model for a Premium Experience

For users who prefer a smoother experience, games often offer a subscription plan. This typically includes ad-free gameplay, access to exclusive content, and early access to new features. It also provides developers with a steady monthly revenue stream.

E. Cross-Promotion Across Other Titles

Many developers promote their other games within the app using non-intrusive banners or subtle notifications. This helps grow their entire game portfolio without disrupting gameplay or annoying users.

F. Examples of Monetization in Action

Interstitial ads appear between levels, often as brief full-screen ads that can be skipped after a few seconds. Players can also purchase in-app coin packs to unlock content or buy helpful items, providing another consistent source of income for developers.

Why Block Blast Has Become So Popular?

The success of Block Blast comes down to a mix of easy-to-learn mechanics and thoughtful monetization. The game appeals to a wide audience by offering quick, casual gameplay while still giving experienced players something deeper to enjoy.

Since its launch, Block Blast has achieved remarkable success in the mobile gaming market. As of March 2025, the game recorded over 22 million downloads in a single month, making it the most downloaded game globally during that period

Its rewarded ad system and in-app purchases are balanced well, giving players the freedom to choose how they engage with the game. Combined with daily rewards and personalized challenges, it keeps users coming back.

Core Features to Include in Puzzle Game Like Block Blast

When developing a puzzle game like Block Blast, success hinges on creating a seamless and engaging player experience. The game must incorporate essential core features, an intuitive design, and mechanics that keep players engaged over the long term. Below is a breakdown of the key features you need to include in your game development.

A. Core Gameplay Features

Design the game mechanics to be rewarding, intuitive, and skill-based to keep players invested. Each core feature should offer a clear purpose in progression, challenge, or user satisfaction.

1. Drag & Drop Grid System

The fundamental gameplay element is the drag-and-drop grid system, where players place blocks on a grid to form complete rows or columns. This mechanic must be smooth and responsive to ensure a satisfying gameplay experience, allowing players to focus on strategy rather than struggling with controls.

2. Score Tracking

A robust score tracking system is essential to keeping players motivated. Scores should be displayed in real time and tied to performance metrics, such as the number of lines cleared or time spent per level. This fosters competition and a sense of accomplishment, encouraging players to keep progressing.

3. Level Progression

Level progression ensures the game remains challenging. Each stage should introduce new challenges, such as faster gameplay, more complex block patterns, or additional obstacles. Players should feel a sense of growth and achievement as they advance through levels, keeping them engaged long-term.

4. Game-Over Logic

Game-over logic is essential when players cannot fit a new block into the grid. Clear visual prompts or animations signaling the game-over state encourage players to retry and improve their performance. This provides a sense of challenge without frustrating the player.

5. Offline Support

Offline support is a key feature for mobile users who may not always have access to a stable internet connection. Players should still be able to progress in their game, even if they are not connected to the internet while missing out only on multiplayer features or advertisements.

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B. UI/UX & Game Design

Prioritize simplicity and clarity in interface design to ensure seamless navigation and control. Good UI/UX isn’t just about looks, it’s about how naturally players interact with the game world.

1. Colorful Animated Tiles

The visual design of the game plays a pivotal role in engagement. Use vibrant, colorful tiles with smooth animations that create satisfying feedback when blocks are cleared. This enhances the overall aesthetic and keeps players visually stimulated throughout the game.

2. Smooth Drag Mechanics

The drag-and-drop mechanics should be fluid and easy to control. Ensuring players can place blocks quickly and accurately with minimal delay enhances the user experience, making the game feel polished and responsive.

3. Intuitive UI for All Age Groups

The interface must be simple and easy to navigate, appealing to players of all ages. Buttons should be large and easy to interact with, and icons for game options, rewards, and levels must be clearly recognizable to ensure accessibility and enjoyment.

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C. Engagement & Retention

Incorporate daily rewards, missions, and progression systems that make players return regularly. Retention grows when users feel progress, connection, and consistent value from every session.

1. Daily Challenges

Introducing daily challenges encourages players to return every day. These challenges can take the form of limited-time tasks or special objectives that provide fresh experiences and incentives for returning users.

2. Leaderboards

Leaderboards foster competition and motivation. Players can compete for high scores and rankings, driving engagement and encouraging friendly competition. Displaying top performers can make the game more dynamic and encourage players to keep playing to improve their position.

3. Progression Map

A progression map that visually shows the player’s advancement in the game adds a sense of accomplishment. Unlocking new levels or stages keeps players invested in progressing through the game and rewards them for their dedication.

Tech Stack to Use During the Development a Game like Block Blast

Choosing the right tools and technologies is crucial to ensure smooth development, scalability, and effective monetization during a puzzle game like Block Blast game development. Below, I’ve outlined the key components and tools needed for building the game in a way that’s easy to understand for business professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs.

1. Game Engine

The game engine is the foundation of game development, powering graphics and gameplay mechanics. Unity is a top choice for mobile puzzle games due to its flexibility and ease of use, supporting both 2D and 3D formats, ideal for games like Block Blast. It offers real-time rendering and physics tools for efficient development. Godot, an open-source alternative, is lightweight and great for simpler 2D games. Both engines provide essential tools to efficiently bring your game to life.

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2. Frontend Development

Frontend development is about building the part of the game players interact with. For Unity, C# is the primary programming language, which is used to create complex game logic and features. If you’re looking to launch the game on both iOS and Android using a single codebase, Flutter can be a good option. It allows you to create a hybrid version of the game, saving both time and resources.

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3. Backend Development

The backend handles tasks like managing user data, saving scores, and storing game progress. Node.js is an efficient tool for backend development because it allows real-time communication between the game and the server. Firebase is a cloud-based service that simplifies database management, user authentication, and cloud storage, making it easy to track player data and sync it across multiple devices.

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4. Database Management

For storing and syncing game data in real time, Firebase Realtime Database is an excellent choice. It allows you to store player progress, scores, and achievements, ensuring everything is updated instantly across devices. This feature is essential for keeping players engaged and ensuring their progress is never lost.

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5. Analytics

To understand how players are interacting with your game, you’ll need analytics tools. Google Analytics for Firebase provides insights into user behavior, such as how often they play, what features they use, and how long they stay engaged. GameAnalytics offers more detailed tracking, focusing on in-game events like how many levels a player has completed or how they perform in different challenges. These insights help you make data-driven decisions to improve gameplay and boost retention.

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6. Ads & Monetization

Monetization is crucial to make your game profitable. AdMob, Unity Ads, and IronSource are all ad networks that allow you to display ads to your players. You can integrate rewarded video ads (where players can earn rewards for watching ads), interstitial ads (full-screen ads that appear between levels), and banner ads (smaller ads placed on the screen). These networks provide various ad formats to maximize your revenue without disrupting the gaming experience.

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7. Payment APIs

For in-app purchases and subscriptions, tools like Stripe and RevenueCat simplify the payment process. These tools ensure that transactions are smooth and secure, allowing players to buy boosters, lives, or special items in the game. Apple Pay and Google Pay can also be integrated to provide a seamless checkout experience for mobile users, ensuring payments are quick and hassle-free.

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Why Unity is the Preferred Engine for Puzzle Games

Unity is often the go-to choice for puzzle game development due to its user-friendly interface and versatility. It is well-suited for both 2D and 3D games, which makes it a perfect fit for puzzle games like Block Blast. Unity also provides a massive community, making it easy to find resources, tutorials, and solutions to challenges you may encounter. The engine’s cross-platform capabilities allow you to deploy your game to both iOS and Android with minimal extra effort. Its scalability ensures that your game can grow and evolve over time, keeping players engaged and coming back for more.

Step-by-Step Guide to Developing a Puzzle Game Like Block Blast

Developing a game like Block Blast involves several stages, from conceptualization to deployment. Below is a simple, step-by-step guide on how to bring your puzzle game to life in a way that is easy for business professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs to understand.

1. Concept Finalization

Define core gameplay mechanics and ensure the game loop is simple yet addictive. In Block Blast, players place blocks on a grid to form rows or columns, providing an easy grasp with strategic depth. Manage block placement to challenge players to optimize moves and maximize scores. Carefully map out the difficulty progression, starting with simple levels and gradually increasing challenges with complex shapes, faster block appearances, and additional constraints. This keeps the game engaging as players advance.

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2. Game Design & Wireframing

After finalizing the concept, design the user experience by creating wireframes that outline the game’s structure and flow. Use tools like Figma to prototype essential screens, including the main menu, gameplay interface, and settings. Focus on a clean, intuitive interface that appeals to all ages, enabling easy navigation and a seamless experience. Simplify the design, ensuring every button and element has a clear purpose.

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3. Game Art & Animation

The game’s visual assets are essential for enjoyment, including colorful tiles, animated backgrounds, and effects for cleared rows or levels. High-quality graphics keep players immersed. Smooth animations and engaging feedback enhance gameplay, making it fun and visually rewarding. Animations should provide satisfying feedback when players progress, such as clearing rows or unlocking levels.

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4. Development Process

After finalizing the design, begin development. Start with frontend development to establish gameplay mechanics and player interface. Aim for a smooth, responsive experience across all devices. On the backend, securely store player data, such as progress, scores, and achievements, enabling players to continue from where they left off. Integrate the game engine for seamless synchronization of frontend and backend systems.

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5. Ad SDK and Payment Integration

To monetize your game, integrate ad networks that offer rewarded ads, where players can choose to watch a short video ad in exchange for extra moves or other bonuses. You can also set up in-app purchases, allowing players to buy boosters, lives, or in-game currency to enhance their experience. Both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store offer easy integration for these payment systems, ensuring a smooth transaction process for users who want to make purchases.

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6. QA and Testing

Once development is complete, thorough testing is crucial. Test the game on various devices to ensure compatibility and performance, checking for any lag or glitches. Focus on ensuring that the game runs smoothly under all conditions, even when handling large amounts of data or visual effects. User testing is equally important to gather feedback on the game’s difficulty, overall enjoyment, and ease of use. Identifying and fixing bugs at this stage ensures that the final product is free from major issues and is polished for release.

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7. Deployment

After successful testing, prepare to launch your game. This involves publishing it on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, making sure to comply with their specific requirements. You’ll need to ensure that you have all the necessary assets, such as app icons, screenshots, and promotional materials. Following the submission, keep an eye on the app’s performance post-launch to address any user feedback or issues promptly.

Cost Breakdown for Developing a Puzzle Game Like Block Blast

Developing a puzzle game like Block Blast involves various costs, ranging from design and development to marketing and maintenance. Below is an overview of the key cost components you should consider when budgeting for such a project.

Development Phase	Description	Estimated Cost Range
Market Research & Discovery	Conducting audience surveys, competitor analysis, and validating the game concept.	$2,000 – $5,000
Game Design & Wireframing	Designing wireframes and prototypes for core game mechanics, UI/UX, and user journey.	$4,000 – $8,000
Frontend Development	Developing the game interface and ensuring cross-platform functionality (iOS/Android).	$8,000 – $20,000
Backend Development	Building the server-side infrastructure, user data management, and leaderboards.	$10,000 – $18,000
Game Art & Animation	Designing game assets, including tiles, backgrounds, and animations for clear visuals and smooth interaction.	$6,000 – $15,000
AI Model & Gameplay Features	Integrating AI for dynamic game logic, real-time adjustments, and personalized experiences.	$8,000 – $15,000
Third-Party API Integrations	Integrating APIs for ads, in-app purchases, social sharing, and game performance tracking.	$5,000 – $12,000
Quality Assurance & Testing	Ensuring the game runs smoothly across devices, testing for bugs, latency, and cross-platform compatibility.	$4,000 – $8,000
Ad Integration & Payment Setup	Setting up payment gateways, integrating ad networks (e.g., AdMob, Unity Ads), and configuring monetization.	$2,000 – $5,000
Post-Launch Support & Updates	Ongoing updates, bug fixes, feature enhancements, and user feedback implementation.	$3,000 – $7,000

Total Estimated Budget: $10,000 – $100,000

Note: This cost breakdown details developing an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) for a puzzle game like Block Blast. Final costs may vary with game mechanics complexity and technology stack. Additional costs may occur for features like real-time multiplayer.

Key Cost Affecting Factors

The development cost of a puzzle game like Block Blast can vary significantly based on several factors. Here are the main elements that influence the overall cost:

• Game Complexity: More complex features, such as advanced graphics, animations, or multiplayer options, increase development time and costs.
• Platform Choice: Developing for multiple platforms (iOS, Android, etc.) or creating a cross-platform game will add to the cost.
• Design and Artwork: High-quality graphics, unique character designs, and smooth animations require skilled designers, raising the budget.
• Game Engine Selection: The choice of game engine (e.g., Unity, Unreal) impacts both development time and licensing costs.
• Testing and QA: Extensive testing for various devices and debugging ensures a flawless player experience, contributing to development expenses.
• Marketing and Launch: Budget for advertising, user acquisition, and post-launch support to ensure the game’s visibility and success.

Monetization Strategy for Long-Term Growth

Scaling monetization in a puzzle game like Block Blast requires a combination of effective ad strategies, in-app purchases, and engagement tactics to maximize revenue while maintaining a great player experience. Here are key strategies for long-term growth:

1. A/B Testing Different Ad Placements

Test various ad placements, such as interstitial ads, banner ads, and rewarded video ads, to find the most effective combinations. A/B testing helps you understand which placements generate the most revenue without alienating players, ensuring an optimal balance between monetization and user experience.

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2. Gamifying Monetization

Incorporate interactive features like spin-the-wheel for rewards or similar in-game events that encourage users to watch ads or purchase items in exchange for exclusive rewards. This gamified approach makes monetization feel like a fun part of the game, increasing engagement and ad revenue.

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3. Implementing Cross-Promotions

Cross-promoting other games or apps from your portfolio within the game can drive additional downloads and create new revenue streams. Non-intrusive pop-ups or banners that suggest similar games to players can lead to increased installs without disrupting the gaming experience.

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4. Using AI to Optimize In-App Offers

Leverage AI to personalize in-app offers based on player behavior and spending habits. AI can recommend tailored offers, such as discounted boosters or special deals, encouraging players to spend more by offering what they value most at the right time.

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5. Push Notification Strategy for Re-engagement

Push notifications can be a powerful tool for re-engagement. Use them strategically to remind players of daily challenges, offer limited-time rewards, or notify them of special promotions. This helps bring players back into the game, increasing both retention and monetization.

Conclusion

Developing a game like Block Blast involves careful planning, from defining the core mechanics to selecting the right tech stack and monetization strategies. The key to success lies in creating an engaging user experience that keeps players coming back while finding the right balance between fun and profitability. As you progress with development, focusing on user retention, constant updates, and seamless gameplay will be crucial. By paying attention to these essential factors, you can build a puzzle game that not only captivates players but also stands out in the competitive mobile game market.

Develop a Game like Block Blast with IdeaUsher!

With over 500,000 hours of coding expertise, our team of ex-FAANG/MAANG developers specializes in creating captivating puzzle games like Block Blast. We design engaging, addictive games that offer smooth gameplay and seamless user experiences. 

Our focus is on delivering high-quality mobile games that not only entertain but also optimize user retention and monetization strategies. From intuitive UI design to advanced game mechanics, we help you build a game that stands out in a competitive market. 

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