5 Proven Monetization Strategies for Mobile Games: A Developer’s Guide

As the mobile gaming industry continues to grow, developers are constantly searching for new and effective ways to monetize their games. From in-app purchases to ads, there are a variety of options available for developers to generate revenue. In this post, we’ll explore five proven monetization strategies for mobile games, with examples from the industry and tips from successful game developers.

1. In-App Purchases: One of the most popular ways to monetize mobile games is through in-app purchases (IAPs). These can include anything from virtual currency to special items or levels. For example, Candy Crush Saga, one of the top-grossing mobile games, generates revenue through the sale of in-game lives and boosters. “In-app purchases have been a huge success for our game,” says King CEO Riccardo Zacconi. “It’s a great way for players to continue to engage with the game and for us to generate revenue.”
2. Freemium Model: Another popular monetization strategy is the freemium model, where the game is free to download but players can make purchases to access additional content or features. Clash of Clans, a top-grossing mobile game, uses this model by allowing players to purchase in-game currency and speed up the building process. “The freemium model has worked well for us,” says Supercell CEO Ilkka Paananen. “It allows players to try the game for free and then decide if they want to invest in it.”
3. Advertising: Advertising can be a great way to monetize mobile games, especially for those with a large player base. Players can watch ads in exchange for in-game currency or items. For example, Subway Surfers, a popular mobile game, uses advertising to generate revenue. “Advertising has been a key monetization strategy for us,” says Kiloo CEO Jacob Moller. “It allows us to offer the game for free while still generating revenue.”
4. Subscriptions: Subscriptions can also be a great way to monetize mobile games, particularly for games that offer regular updates or new content. For example, the popular mobile game, Marvel Strike Force, uses subscriptions to offer players access to exclusive content and characters. “Subscriptions have been a great way for us to generate revenue,” says FoxNext Games CEO Aaron Loeb. “It allows players to access exclusive content and keeps them engaged with the game.”
5. Sponsorships: Sponsorships can be another effective way to monetize mobile games, particularly for games with a large and engaged player base. For example, the popular mobile game, PUBG, has partnered with brands such as Pepsi and Oppo to feature them within the game. “Sponsorships have been a great way for us to generate revenue,” says PUBG Corporation CEO Chang Han Kim. “It allows brands to reach our large and engaged player base, while also generating revenue for us.”

In conclusion, there are many different ways to monetize mobile games, and the best strategy will depend on the game and the target audience. By considering the options above and experimenting with different monetization strategies, game developers can find the right approach to generate revenue and create a sustainable business model.