The most successful mobile games aren't just fun to play - they're built with clear revenue strategies that feel natural to players. Will your players watch ads? Buy extra features? Pay for a subscription? Whether you're working on your first game or looking to improve an existing one, understanding your options for earning revenue with your app helps you create something that both you and your players will enjoy.
The Importance of Early Planning
Planning your monetization strategy at the very start of game development is crucial. You can't first create the game and then think, "What will we sell?" Unnecessary steps and random purchase offers can disrupt the players' experience, frustrating them and lowering your chances of monetization. Key aspects to consider include gameplay, design, and user experience - striking the right balance between enjoyment and optional upgrades can keep players engaged and boost revenue.
AI-Powered Monetization Strategies
The most popular monetization models for mobile games include freemium, subscriptions, ads, one-time purchases, or a mix. In hyper-casual games, it's common to use an ads-based model. Players will enjoy the game without restrictions, but also see partner ads from time to time. Freemium games are free to play, but as players get more into the game, they can buy extra stuff (IAPs). These include boosters, in-game currency, new characters, and items.
In-App Advertising Formats
The in-game ad model lets players enjoy free gameplay while developers earn revenue from ads. There are five main ad formats: banners, interstitial ads, offer walls, interactive ads, and rewarded ads. Developers use a metric called eCPM (revenue per 1,000 ad impressions) to evaluate ad performance.
In-App Purchases for Revenue Generation
In games with in-app purchases (IAPs), players buy items from the in-game store to enhance their experience. These may include boosters, in-game currency, extra characters, or special items. There are two types of IAPs: consumable and non-consumable items. Consumable items encourage players to buy more often to keep the game running smoothly, while non-consumable items provide long-term value.
Subscription-Based Models
The subscription model lets developers earn regular income by offering players ongoing in-game perks. There are three common types of subscription models: no ads, battle pass, and VIP access. Subscriptions bring steady income and help keep players around longer.
By leveraging AI-driven revenue strategies like in-app advertising, in-app purchases, and subscriptions, you can unlock a new level of monetization success for your mobile game.