There's no one-size-fits-all approach to monetizing a mobile game. What works for one game might not work for another. To achieve success, you need to find the monetization features that resonate with your target audience.
To make this happen, it's essential to stay ahead of the curve by keeping an eye on mobile game monetization trends and analyzing top-grossing games in your niche. This includes understanding what makes them tick and how they engage their users.
In this article, we'll delve into the most effective AI-powered monetization features in mobile apps, exploring examples from popular games to help you optimize your revenue streams.
Time-Limited In-App Purchase Offers
Limited-time offers have become a staple in many successful mobile games. According to Clevertap, these promotions can outperform other types of offers by 8%! This is because they create a sense of urgency, encouraging users to make impulse purchases before the offer expires.
Time-limited IAPs typically take the form of discounted items or bundle deals, such as a pack of premium currency and boosters at 50% off for 24 hours. These offers often come with timers that display how much time is left to make a purchase, further amplifying the sense of urgency.
To get the most out of this feature, it's crucial to align your offers with the user's journey. For example, you could offer a starter bundle in the early stages and then introduce special deals as users progress through the game.
Monetized Timers
Many mobile games rely on monetized timers to restrict gameplay sessions. This approach can be particularly effective in strategy games, where 86% of gamers believe this feature is essential for game monetization (Facebook Gaming).
In games like Lords Mobile, players are always waiting for something – whether it's completing a quest or training troops. To speed up the process, they can purchase gems to skip wait times.
Monetized timers can also be found in games based on lives, such as Gardenscapes and Homescapes. In these cases, players can't progress until they replenish their lives, leading them to opt for in-app purchases or ask friends for help.
Monetized Continue/Retry
Even the best players sometimes fail. That's where monetized continue/retry features come into play – offering users a second chance at success.
These IAPs are often referred to as "save me" options, appealing to users who are close to achieving their goal. By providing an opportunity to retry or continue, you can capitalize on this emotional response and drive revenue.
By incorporating AI-powered monetization features like time-limited offers, monetized timers, and continue/retry options into your mobile game, you'll be well on your way to optimizing your revenue streams and attracting a loyal user base.