064: An Online Guessing Game Making $4k/Month

—Welcome to Startup Gems, where we find undiscovered startup growth hacks, stories and case studies from every random nook and cranny of the internet.—

—Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, an aspiring startup expert, or simply someone seeking inspiration, Startup Gems is your source for the stories that ignite the flames of innovation.—

—I’m your host, Chris Koerner, and today, we've got a special story to share with you, one that showcases the principles that paved the way for a small software engineer to create a thriving game business.—

—In this episode, we'll delve into the tale of Laszlo, a 31-year-old software engineer from Budapest, Hungary, who turned a simple idea into a game generating a monthly revenue of 4 grand. We'll break down the three key principles that underpin Laszlo's success: focusing on a quality product, leveraging virality and user engagement, and keeping expenses minimal while diversifying revenue sources.—

—Intriguing, right? So, let's dive right into Laszlo's journey.—

—Meet Laszlo, a 31-year-old software engineer hailing from the beautiful city of Budapest. He's spent the majority of his career as a frontend developer, working for various organizations, from local businesses to big names like Morgan Stanley and a startup in Seattle called Hiya. But about a year ago, Laszlo decided to embark on his own entrepreneurial ventures.—

—His main project, Actorle, is a daily movie-themed guessing game. And he didn't stop there; he also created its spin-offs, Moviedle and Actorle dot tv. Additionally, he launched a Software as a Service product called RealFeedback, which serves as a user feedback collector chatbot.—

—Now, let's talk about how Laszlo got started on this journey. Throughout his career, he dabbled in side projects, but most of them remained just that—projects. Then one day, he stumbled upon the rising popularity of Wordle, and it sparked an idea. Why not create a movie-themed version of the game? Using his skills, free databases, and some DIY design and development, he brought the first version of Actorle to life in just three days without spending a dime.—

—But how did he get his initial customers? Well, it wasn't all smooth sailing at first. When he shared his game on Reddit, the initial response wasn't very encouraging. The game had its share of bugs and wasn't as enjoyable as he'd hoped. User numbers grew but then started to fall, marking it as another potential "failed project."—

—However, a stroke of luck came his way when an obscure newsletter, b3ta dot com, featured his game. The built-in Twitter sharing option also played a pivotal role as users with a significant follower base began sharing their scores. Besides that, his game got featured in some major news sites like Mashable, leading to unexpected virality.—

—Now, let's talk marketing. Laszlo's approach is straightforward—create an engaging game experience that users naturally want to share with others. He focuses on user engagement rather than diving deep into SEO strategies. According to him, if people enjoy and frequently use your product, search engines will notice, regardless of specific keyword strategies.—

—But how does his business make money? Laszlo's main source of income comes from displaying ads on his games, even though it may not offer the best user experience. He's also exploring an ad-free subscription model, but it's in its early stages. At present, his games generate around 3 grand in monthly recurring revenue, with a peak during the Wordle trend. He's optimistic about his new game mode 'Fill The Grid' and its potential to boost revenue.—

—As for daily operations, managing the game doesn't take up too much of Laszlo's time. He spends a few hours each week resolving user issues, enhancing the game's database, and brainstorming new game modes. His day-to-day schedule resembles a traditional 8-hour job, but with more vacation days and flexibility. He works from home four days a week and spends one day at a coworking space for fresh inspiration.—

—When he's not working on the game, he engages in other creative ideas and freelances as a software developer. Off duty, he enjoys spending time with his family, especially his energetic two-year-old son.—

—And that's the story of Laszlo and his thriving game business, proving that with a great idea and some hard work, you can turn a simple project into a revenue-generating success. —

— Let's now break down three key principles from his journey that led to the incredible success of his game business and explore how you can apply these principles to your own ventures.—

—Principle 1: Focus on Creating a Quality Product—

—One of the fundamental principles that contributed to Laszlo's success was his focus on creating a high-quality product. He poured his expertise and creativity into developing an engaging movie-themed guessing game. By ensuring the game was enjoyable and addictive, he naturally attracted more users.—

—Every business owner can prioritize delivering exceptional value to their customers. Whether you offer a service or a product, invest time and effort into perfecting it. Listen to customer feedback, iterate on your offerings, and continuously improve to exceed customer expectations.—

—Principle 2: Leverage Virality and User Engagement—

—Laszlo's game gained unexpected virality through platforms like Twitter and major news sites, driving a surge in user activity. The game's design encouraged users to share their scores, creating a buzz around Actorle. This viral growth significantly contributed to the game's success.—


—Utilize social media platforms and online communities to create a buzz around your business. Encourage your customers to share their experiences and engage with your brand online. Develop shareable content, run social media campaigns, and leverage influencers to reach a wider audience. Virality often stems from genuine user experiences, so focus on building a loyal customer base.—

—Principle 3: Keep Expenses Minimal and Revenue Diversified—

—Laszlo's approach to keeping expenses low and diversifying his revenue streams played a crucial role in sustaining his business. He generated income through ads while exploring subscription models. By minimizing expenses and experimenting with different revenue sources, he maintained a healthy profit margin.—


—Regularly review your business expenses and identify areas where you can cut costs without compromising quality. Simultaneously, explore multiple revenue streams relevant to your business. This could include offering premium services, affiliate marketing, or subscription models. Diversifying your revenue sources can provide stability and financial security, especially during market fluctuations.—

—And there you have it, listeners! The success of Laszlo's game business boils down to these three principles: focusing on quality, leveraging virality and user engagement, and managing expenses while diversifying revenue streams. Implement these principles in your own ventures, and who knows, your success story might be the next one we share on this podcast.—


—Thank you for being part of today's adventure through the world of startups and innovation. Did this episode ignite any fresh perspectives or ideas? Share your reflections and favorite takeaways in a review wherever you’re listening now. Remember to stay curious, continue to forge your own path, and subscribe and follow Startup Gems to be the first to access stories that will fan the flames of your entrepreneurial passion.—