How to Tell If Your Studio Is Ready for an IP Collab
Curious about IP collaborations but unsure if the time is right? Here’s how to know when your game and team are ready, and how to set yourself up for success.
Bringing a well-known brand, character, or universe into your game can do more than drive attention. A strong IP collab can unlock new markets, deepen player engagement, and supercharge your monetisation strategy. But IP isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and the best results come when your game and studio are set up for success.
So, how do you know if you’re ready?
1. Your Game Has Momentum and a Community
Games that perform best in IP partnerships are already delivering value to players. If your title is live and stable, ideally for 6 months or more, and generating consistent revenue, you’ve already cleared a major hurdle. What we typically look for:
$300K+ in monthly revenue
A steady or growing user base
Live ops cadence that supports events or seasonal updates
If you’re seeing solid traction and looking for your next growth lever, IP might be it.
2. You’ve Found the Right IP Before Launch
Still pre-launch but found an IP that could boost your post-launch metrics? We can help integrate the IP before release and schedule its roll-out after launch. In this case, we anticipate:
Strong IP fit for your title
A clear roll-out plan in place for the post-launch period
3. You’re Actively Seeking Growth Opportunities
IP works best as a growth multiplier. If you’re exploring ways to attract new audiences, re-engage lapsed users, or increase lifetime value, a well-matched IP can provide the narrative hook or brand recognition to make that happen.
Collabs can take many forms, such as limited-time events, character integrations, crossovers, or co-branded content. They can help you:
Stand out in crowded UA channels
Strengthen retention through meaningful content
Increase monetisation with exclusive items or cosmetics
4. Your Team’s Ready for a Campaign, But Needs Support
You don’t need a 200-person studio to launch a successful IP campaign, but internal alignment is important. Teams that get the most out of IP are those that can dedicate a point person, coordinate across product and marketing, and adapt timelines to fit campaign needs.
Even lean teams can succeed with the right support. We provide flexible onboarding, asset kits, and campaign guidance to make IP as plug-and-play as possible.
5. You’re Creatively Open but Strategic
You know your players better than anyone, and that matters. The best IP partnerships strike a balance between player expectations and brand requirements. Studios that thrive in this space:
Are open to co-creating with IP holders
Want to add value to their player experience
Understand the power of narrative or cultural fit
Have ideal IPs in mind but lack the right connections to licensors
Whether you’re targeting nostalgia, seasonal appeal, or cross-market expansion, a strategic approach to creative integration makes all the difference.
6. Your Game Matches the Moment
Not every game is right for IP, and that’s okay. A good fit often includes:
Genres like casual, simulation, RPG, or adventure
Strong worldbuilding or character-driven gameplay
Opportunities for skins, events, or crossover mechanics
A consistent content update rhythm
We’re always happy to assess IP fit with you, and if this title isn’t ready, we’ll help you plan for the next one.
All the boxes ticked? Time for an IP collab!
If this checklist sounds familiar, you’re probably closer to a successful IP collab than you think.
At Yodo1, we’ve helped game studios of all sizes integrate globally recognised IPs in ways that drive real results without overwhelming their teams.
Book a discovery call to explore your options, get honest feedback, and see if an IP collaboration could help you level up your game.
