If there’s one thing that we can all agree on, it’s that the world of free to play games can be really weird- Particularly when you consider that nearly everything any of the big free to play developers does is driven by analytics and performance metrics. If you ever wonder why a specific thing is the way it is inside of one of the games anywhere near the top of the App Store grossing charts, it’s very likely been heavily scrutinized, A/B tested, and exists because it’s what is seeing the highest overall conversion rates with regards to either getting players to keep playing, play longer, or spend more. (And that’s not a cynical look at things either, it’s just reality.)

Knowing how the larger free to play industry works, it stands to reason that the various promotional art that Epic War is using inside of Mobile Strike (Free) has seen similar levels of analytical scrutiny with regards to what specific imagery they can use to get players to open their wallets. Well, Twitter user @BRKeogh has been working pretty hard at documenting them, and apparently what really puts Mobile Strike players in the mood to spend is heavily armed dogs with opposable thumbs apparently capable of operating pistols.

Especially when taking into account the incredible scale that Mobile Strike seems to operate, with practically 24/7 star-studded commercials being ran across network TV and in movie theaters, it’s hard to even estimate just how much money that dog made Epic War. I’m sure any number I’d guess would be too low, which is really simultaneously the best and worst thing ever. Depressing and incredible- Like eating Arby’s on the best day of your life.

Thanks, Rich and David!