How to Make Money From a Mobile Game? Top 7 Monetization Models

The question of how to commercialize, i.e., monetize a mobile game, and which strategy to use is one that many game developers have. In our comprehensive guide, you’ll discover how to effectively monetize mobile games.

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Apps are a business, and a very successful one. More than half of the total money made in the App Store and Google Play Store coupled comes from the independent gaming business. The market is huge, even when compared to PC gaming; it was valued at over $100 billion in 2024 and is expected to triple in the following 10 years.

Making a game is one thing, but turning a profit is quite another. The process of earning money from a mobile game is known as mobile game monetization. It covers the various tactics and approaches used by game developers to make money out of their creations. It takes a lot of time, energy, and money to create a high-quality mobile game. This isn’t an easy task, nor is it inexpensive.

The top seven mobile game monetization techniques are presented in this tutorial, along with advice on which one is most appropriate for your requirements.

Defining Mobile Game Monetization Models

One of the first phases in the monetization process is choosing a mobile game monetization model, as we previously stated. Allow us to walk you through the four most widely used F2P game monetization strategies.

IAPs

A common method of game monetization is in-app purchases (IAPs), which allow users to purchase virtual products within the game. These purchases include non-consumable things like permanent character upgrades, new levels, and cosmetic improvements, as well as consumable ones like in-game currency, power-ups, and extra lives. These purchases are frequently made by players in order to improve their gaming experience, advance more quickly, or personalize their avatars. Developers can accommodate a range of player tastes and spending habits by providing a selection of things.

You’ll undoubtedly recognize Candy Crush Saga and Clash of Clans as two popular IAP-using games.

In-App Ads

Even though we didn’t list it first, the most popular method of game monetization, in-app ads, involves developers placing advertisements inside their games to make money. To fit different gameplay and user interaction conditions, different ad formats might be used.

In-app advertising types include:

• Banner ads: Limited advertisements that appear at the top or bottom of the screen. Although they are less invasive, they frequently bring in less money than other forms of advertising.
• Native ads: Advertisements that seem like part of the game environment and mix in well with the content of the game. Because they blend in with the game’s aesthetic, these advertisements are less obtrusive and may be more captivating.
• Interstitial ads: Full-screen advertisements that show up throughout the game's organic transitions, as between stages. If not timed properly, these advertisements can be more disruptive, even though they are more engaging and have the potential to increase income.
• Video ads: In order to receive in-game benefits like additional lives, money, or power-ups, players must watch brief video advertisements. Because it benefits the player and has the potential to boost engagement, this kind of advertisement is quite successful.

Subscriptions

With the subscription model, users pay a regular price to gain access to premium features or material in a game. This strategy improves the player’s overall enjoyment and engagement by providing exclusive bonuses like more levels, characters, or ad-free experiences. Players can access a better and more engaging gaming experience by choosing to subscribe.

An illustration of this is Apple Arcade, which isn’t really a game but rather a gaming service that provides a large selection of exclusive games without advertisements for a small monthly subscription. Clash Royale, an authentic game, offers a season pass, which delivers players special perks and progression bonuses, boosting their gameplay experience. Subscription management is difficult, but if done correctly, it may be quite profitable.

Premium Payment

Users that choose the premium paid model must pay a one-time price in order to download and play your game. Players may fully access all game content with this method’s simple monetization model, which eliminates the need for further purchases or advertisements. It guarantees a distinct and straightforward cash stream from every download, freeing you from the burden of continuous monetization strategies to concentrate on producing a polished and comprehensive gaming experience.

It might be difficult to draw players to premium games in a market where free-to-play games predominate. Yet, even when they charge for them upfront, a lot of high-end games have achieved considerable success. Players are willing to pay for unique and high-quality experiences, as shown by Monument Valley, Minecraft, The Room, and others. To draw in a loyal customer base prepared to spend money on a high-end gaming experience, concentrate on producing a unique product and clearly conveying its worth.

Hybrid Monetization

To optimize a game’s earning potential, a hybrid monetization strategy essentially blends all the previously discussed tactics.

With this strategy, you can accommodate various player tastes and spending patterns, guaranteeing a more stable and varied revenue stream.

Sponsorships & Collabs

Sponsorships and partnerships with other games or businesses can yield significant cash by utilizing your game's presence and reach. These agreements frequently include branded material, invitation-only events, or cross-promotions that improve the gaming experience while generating revenue for the affiliated company. You can draw in new players and keep hold of current ones by integrating well-known brands or well-liked games with special, time-limited content that enhances your game.

The partnership between Angry Birds and the film Rio, which produced a special edition game that promoted both the game and the movie, is an example of a successful sponsorship and collaboration agreement in the mobile gaming business. Another example is Pokémon GO’s partnership with companies like McDonald’s and Starbucks, which transform their establishments into in-game gyms and PokéStops, increasing foot traffic to these establishments while improving the gaming experience. These alliances show how strategic relationships may be advantageous to both sides, resulting in a win-win scenario that increases engagement and profitability.

Meta Layer Monetization

Adding monetizable elements outside the main gameplay, like cosmetics, which are highly sought after for betting, especially cosmetics of games that are competitive, such as Dota 2 cosmetics on Dota 2 betting sites, battle passes, and social features, is known as the meta layer monetization model. Without changing the core gameplay mechanics, this strategy improves the entire gaming experience. Offering players the option to purchase supplemental material allows you to generate extra income while maintaining the game's fun and equity for all players.

Call of Duty: Mobile, which provides battle passes with exclusive content, and Fortnite, where users purchase skins and emotes, are two instances of the meta layer monetization strategy in operation. You may increase revenue without interfering with the essential gameplay by incorporating these monetizable elements, which will keep both paying and non-paying gamers interested and satisfied.

Conclusion

A well-defined plan and an appropriate monetization strategy are essential for mobile app success.

Developers can propel their apps to the top of stores, guaranteeing consistent organic traffic and boosting revenue streams, by combining various mobile game monetization techniques and implementing successful promotion tactics.