In this era of mobile games-as-a-service, the real work for a developer begins after a game has launched.
This is something our regular Live and Kicking feature has highlighted time and time again.
However, for the most part, a game will need to capture the public's imagination quickly in order to set itself up for a long and profitable life.
Any title that fails to do this is in danger of being left behind.
Living on
When a game manages to buck the trend and inspire a surge of post-launch interest, then, it's a feat worthy of comment.
As such, here are five live games that took a step forward in 2016 despite no longer being the new kids on the block.
Click through below to see them all.
Click here to view the list »