The GameAnalytics monetization series: Exploring game monetization: Traditional strategies Exploring innovative game monetization: Alternative approaches Exploring monetization: Maximizing game revenue Exploring monetization: Using data to guide decisions ________________ In our exploration through Part 1 and Part 2, we established the two primary monetization models: freemium and premium games, including numerous examples of monetization strategies. While much attention and effort is often directed towards monetization within free-to-play games, premium games also offer revenue generation opportunities. Regardless of which model your game aligns with, the core principles of successful monetization remain the same – prioritizing player satisfaction while maximizing revenue potential. Successful game monetization strategies To ensure that you’re effectively implementing and managing your monetization efforts, several approaches can be taken: 1. Tracking revenue and player behavior Tracking revenue and player behavior involves collecting and analyzing data related to in-game transactions, player...

The GameAnalytics monetization series: Exploring game monetization: Traditional strategies Exploring innovative game monetization: Alternative approaches Exploring monetization: Maximizing game revenue Exploring monetization: Using data to guide decisions ________________ Last week we explored traditional monetization strategies commonly employed in the gaming industry, focusing on freemium and premium models. We outlined various methods such as in-app purchases, advertising, and limitation removal, highlighting their implementation and impact on player experiences. However, it is not a secret that our industry is constantly changing as player preferences and market trends are shifting over time. What worked once will not necessarily work the second time, and a strategy that uplifted one game could be detrimental to another. This is why Game Developers, Growth Managers and Game Designers should be aware of as many innovative monetization solutions as possible. Beyond revenue generation, these alternatives offer resource-efficient options...

The GameAnalytics monetization series: Exploring game monetization: Traditional strategies Exploring innovative game monetization: Alternative approaches Exploring monetization: Maximizing game revenue Exploring monetization: Using data to guide decisions ________________ Decades ago, you’d place your game with a price tag on a shelf and hope for the best. However, with everything moving into the digital world, there are plenty of ways to earn from your game. Do you charge players upfront, or opt for the freebie route and make money from ads and in-app purchases? It could be a bit of a maze out there, but we’re here to guide you through the world of game monetization. Why should you monetize your game? Before exploring typical approaches, let’s take a moment to remember why we monetize our games in the first place. Understanding the purpose behind monetization is important as it guides...

By removing platform-imposed roadblocks, you can define your own path when distributing your game in-store and out-of-store. Xsolla continues to lead the way in helping all our partners generate more profits for their mobile games with Xsolla products and solutions such as Web Shop, Payments SDK, and others to match mobile game developers’ needs. In 2023, we powered over 150 video games’ Web Shops that help our partners accelerate revenue by monetizing beyond the app store. Knowledge is power. Xsolla can help you reach out to users by proactively adjusting your strategy to address, navigate, and comply with these changes. This blog post breaks down the market shifts, future caveats, and emerging benefits affecting you and game companies worldwide. What to expect in 2024? Beyond Epic’s initial litigation, the looming DMA’s compliance enforcement and related global rulings have pressured Apple,...

“Xsolla anticipated this seismic shift earlier this year, when we launched multiple products that are being actively used by some of the world’s largest game companies to increase profit and build closer relationships with their mobile and pc players. We’ve now combined these products and learnings into an elegant new solution called Xsolla Web Shop for Mobile Games,” said Chris Hewish, President of Xsolla. Through Xsolla Web Shop for Mobile Games, developers can expect significant revenue growth and can reach new players in new geographies previously unavailable to them. This solution solves many challenges developers face; such as discoverability, declining profit margins, lack of control over the user experience, access to localized payment methods, cross game marketing, more efficient user acquisition, effective collaboration with creators and influencers, and much more. Three industry-changing announcements make this opportunity more timely than ever:...

What is Web Shop for mobile games? As a mobile game developer looking to expand, you need a global monetization solution that successfully operates in multiple regions worldwide and offers payment methods your players find familiar and are comfortable using. That’s exactly what Xsolla Web Shop does. Web Shop for Mobile Games is a highly customizable, long-term solution that allows you to create your own shop, on your own website. Using the Web Shop, you can reach more players, earn more revenue and grow your mobile games worldwide. It lets you do everything the app stores do and more, for only 5%. How can Web Shop help you do all that? Web Shop helps you acquire new players and drive existing gamers to your own, branded website. You are essentially creating a white-label payment experience for your players and increasing...

In-app purchases and advertising aren’t the only ways to generate revenue for your hybrid-casual game. Let’s explore some alternatives.

A big topic we see today is people complaining about the price of games for what they’re getting. But why is that? Are studios becoming too greedy? Or are business models evolving so quickly that players can’t keep up with the trends? Let's find out.

In the ever-evolving landscape of mobile gaming, advertising has become a crucial revenue stream for developers while also providing players with engaging content and rewarding experiences. Mobile game ad formats have come a long way, offering a variety of options for both developers and advertisers to reach their target audiences effectively. In this article, we’ll explore five popular mobile game ad formats that have gained traction in recent years and that will help you reach the top! Interstitial Ads Interstitial ads are full-screen advertisements that appear at natural breaks in gameplay, such as between levels or when transitioning from one screen to another. These ads are typically displayed for a few seconds and can include images, videos, or interactive elements. Interstitial ads are known for their high visibility and effectiveness in capturing players’ attention. Key Features: Full-screen ads. Appear during...

Could we see brands massively increase their in-game advertising budgets? Despite the promising predictions, some hurdles remain, including brand-safe slots, effective ad performance tracking, and a less than stable economic climate.

What are the best channels to advertise hyper-casual or hybrid-casual games in 2023? And should your strategy be different depending on what type of game you’re running? Learn more in this guest post and interview with Voyager Growth's founder.

We all know that NFTs don’t have the best reputation at the moment. Has the hype died for them? Have NFTs run their course? We’re not so sure. Let’s look into the facts to see the real state of the industry.