Introduction:
Mobile games have become a popular pastime for millions of people around the world. From puzzle games to strategy games, there is something for everyone.
Revenue Streams:
Mobile games have several revenue streams, including in-app purchases, ads, and subscriptions. Let’s take a closer look at each of these.
In-App Purchases:
In-app purchases are one of the most common ways that mobile games generate revenue. These are items or features that can be purchased within the game, such as virtual currency, power-ups, and exclusive content. In-app purchases can be made using real money or virtual currency earned through playing the game. According to a report by Sensor Tower, in 2021, global mobile games revenue reached $93.5 billion, with in-app purchases accounting for $64.8 billion of that total.
Ads:
Ads are another way that mobile games generate revenue. These can be displayed as banners, interstitials (ads shown between levels), or rewarded videos (videos that offer rewards for watching). According to a report by eMarketer, in 2021, mobile ad spending in the US reached $59.3 billion.
Subscriptions:
Mobile games can also generate revenue through subscriptions. These are monthly or annual payments that grant users access to exclusive content and features within the game. Subscriptions are particularly popular with games that offer a lot of content and updates, such as role-playing games and simulation games. According to a report by Statista, in 2021, there were 138 million mobile gamers who subscribed to mobile gaming apps worldwide.
Case Studies:
Let’s take a look at some real-life examples of how mobile games generate revenue.
Candy Crush Saga:
Candy Crush Saga is one of the most popular mobile games in the world, with over 500 million downloads. The game generates revenue through in-app purchases and ads. Players can purchase virtual currency to buy power-ups or additional lives, and the game also displays ads between levels. According to a report by App Annie, Candy Crush Saga generated $1.3 billion in revenue in 2019.
PUBG Mobile:
PUBG Mobile is a popular battle royale game that has generated significant revenue through in-app purchases and ads. The game offers virtual currency that can be used to buy items such as skins and outfits, and also displays ads between rounds. According to a report by Sensor Tower, PUBG Mobile generated $2.7 billion in revenue in 2019.
Tetris:
Tetris is a classic puzzle game that has been around for over three decades. The game generates revenue through in-app purchases and ads. Players can purchase virtual currency to buy power-ups or additional lives, and the game also displays ads between levels. According to a report by Sensor Tower, Tetris generated $10 million in revenue in 2019.
Maximizing Revenue:
Now that we have seen how mobile games generate revenue, let’s take a look at some tips on how developers can maximize their earnings.
Offer Exclusive Content:
Offering exclusive content that can only be accessed through in-app purchases or subscriptions is a great way to increase revenue. This could be new levels, characters, or items that are not available to non-paying players.
Engage With Players:
Engaging with players through social media, forums, and other platforms can help build a loyal community around your game. This can lead to increased revenue through in-app purchases and word-of-mouth marketing.
Keep Up with Trends:
Keeping up with the latest trends in mobile gaming can help your game stay relevant and generate more revenue. For example, incorporating social features such as leaderboards and multiplayer modes can increase engagement and revenue.
Conclusion:
Mobile games have become a significant source of revenue for developers around the world.