Making an entertaining game for mobile is merely the initial step. The real task is to earn money from your game without losing the trust of your players.
You have to figure out a way to still be able to make money, and at the same time keep the game fun.
This guide is going to provide you with the methods that will allow you to convert your game into a business, and at the same time make the players happy.
How to Monetize Your Mobile Game?
Know What Players Want
It is first necessary to find out who your game is intended for, and then you may think about concrete methods for earning money through the game. It is, however, also very important to recognize the players first. What motivates them to play? What do they appreciate most? Players will be much more willing to pay if they perceive the benefits of their purchase to be useful or special and not simply a trick.
Just as some people are willing to pay a considerable amount of money to play games (or “whales”), there are those who only play for free. You need to understand the different types of players so that you can come up with offers that best match the preferences of each group.
Be Honest and Fair
Some games are obsessed with “dark patterns” (sneaky tricks that exploit human psychology) that they misuse to make money. This is not necessarily a bad thing as far as the short run is concerned, but the situation in the future will be totally different. People won’t trust you, and they’ll leave bad reviews or stop playing.
However, being straightforward and truthful is still the best way to go. For instance, if you let players know what they will get in loot boxes or that a premium pack is like a donation to the game, the players will be more receptive. In addition to that, providing the player with a satisfactory experience should always be at the core of your activities. If the method of making money forces players too much, they will leave your game. To know how to monetize a mobile game, company like Orion InfoSolutions is a good option. They are professional in this field helps you stand out in the industry.
Smart In-App Purchases (IAPs)
The in-app purchase (IAP) is one of the major means, amongst others, through which mobile games generate revenue. But what really makes the difference is the way you utilize them. Certain IAPs are an add-on to the good aspects of the game, whereas others are more like a burden to the player if he/she does not pay. Do not make your IAPs appear to be there only to infiltrate the game. Provide players with something that only enhances their gameplay experience.
1. Consumables and Time-Savers
Consumables such as power-ups, coins, or one-time upgrades represent only one aspect of the game. Time-savers are things that allow players to get over waiting shorter, such as quickening the speed of construction or eliminating the downtime.
They are perfect for people who cannot allocate a lot of time to it. However, it is necessary to ensure that your gaming is still entertaining without the need to spend money. If the game turns out to be too difficult or slow without payment, it will become “pay-to-win,” and players will go away.
2. Skins and Customization
Cosmetics—si new character outfits, colors, or emotes—are the correct way of monetizing without destabilizing the balance of the game. Such items do not give players any advantage; they only provide a more personal and enjoyable gaming experience. Players like showing off their style, and since it’s fair for everyone, no one feels left out. This is the reason why this practice is most popular; games apply it successfully.
3. Progress Boosters and Battle Passes
Battle passes offer players the possibility to accumulate prizes gradually through performing various tasks. Several games provide both a free version and a paid (premium) one. This goes as far as players are not just given value for their money but encouraged and motivated to keep playing.
On the other hand, the free version has to remain satisfying as well. If the paid version has a lot more to offer, it may result in discouraging free players. Thus, be sure that the two versions are equally interesting, albeit the paid one is a bit more so.
Using Ads Without Being Annoying
Ads can raise a fortune; however, if you misuse them, players will be irritated. The solution is to provide players with the power and also to make ads beneficial. For instance, instead of forcing ads on players, you can allow them to watch ads in order to get some rewards. In this way, ads do not become a burden but a source of energy.
1. Rewarded Video Ads
Firstly, these ads are absolutely ideal for players. Players have the option of watching a short video to receive some kind of help in the game, such as more coins or an extra life. It is their choice, and they get something back; hence, the players don’t mind watching.
However, don’t forget to make the rewards fair. If you give out too many rewards, the rest of your game’s economy might get disturbed.
2. Banner and Interstitial Ads
Banner ads are placed at the top or bottom of the screen. They don’t bother players much, but they also don’t make a lot of money.
Interstitial ads are those that go between levels or at the end of a match. They have better payment, but due to frequent use, they can be annoying. Never put them in the middle of gameplay, and always make it possible for the players to close them quickly and easily.
Subscriptions and Ongoing Content
There are games that offer you biweekly or monthly subscriptions. These subscriptions may remove ads, provide daily rewards, or unlock special content. It is a very good fit for games that players come back to daily.
Subscriptions offer guaranteed revenue and also help in retaining your best players. If it is executed in the right way, players will feel like they are getting the true value of their money.
1. VIP Systems and Evolving Battle Passes
A VIP system is a system that incentivizes players who invest more money or those who regularly subscribe. They get more benefits and are happier, which in turn makes them stay with the game.
Additionally, a battle pass may also be treated as a subscription, by regularly updating it throughout new seasons. But you need to be on point all the time. If the content is unexciting or nonspecific, the players will abandon the paying. Check out the players’ activity and keep improving the system.
Use Data to Improve Monetization
Monetization is not a one-time task. You require data constantly and update the strategy depending on the players’ behavior. Keep in mind tracking:
- How much money each player brings in (ARPU)
- How long players stay (retention)
- How many players actually buy something (conversion rate)
Conduct A/B tests of different offers, prices, or ad placements. This will allow you to learn what is most optimal without the need for guessing.
1. Make Smart Changes With Analytics
Employ resources to find out if spots in a game give players issues, or if they fail to notice certain offers. For instance, if the sales of a bundle are low, investigate the reasons. Is the cost too much? Can it be easily found? Or, is it the least thing needed?
In addition, schedule your promotions in good time. An example is when you decide to show a good IAP right at the moment when the player loses a challenging level. So, the purchase will be seen as a plus, rather than something obligatory.
Moreover, employing actual information, you become more comfortable with game monetization, ensuring that it is not intrusive, but rather a natural presence.
Final Thoughts: Good Design = Good Revenue
If you want to generate good revenue from your mobile game without hurting the players’ gaming experience, you’ll need to opt for a good design with efficient monetization. You must focus on providing players with lucrative benefits and making your game enjoyable for all, no matter if players have purchased the subscription package or not. Players must not feel that if they have not paid for a subscription, the game is becoming biased.
Players will automatically spend more and continue playing if you are providing good content and a fair gaming experience. Gratified players will stay loyal longer, will be the source of good reviews, and will spread the word. That is the way you establish a strong, prosperous game.
Always develop your monetization system with data and feedback. Eventually, the most effective method to generate money from your game is to make a product that players really like and trust. To know more about the monetization, you can consult with a game development company.
