In this article, Zebedee CSO Ben Cousens shares insights on revenue sharing and potential concepts for user exploration in 2024. Cousens emphasizes the shifting landscape and the need for adaptable monetisation and user acquisition strategies.
The famous quote “you must spend money to make money” dates back to Roman playwright Titus Maccius Plautus, but its relevance persists, especially in the rise of free-to-play mobile games supported by targeted user acquisition spending. In today’s mobile gaming market marked by uncertainty and thin profit margins, traditional monetisation methods may not suffice. Revenue sharing with players is emerging as a reliable strategy for success in free-to-play mobile games.
Despite historical skepticism towards incentivised gameplay in mobile gaming, there is growing evidence of its effectiveness. Developers and gamers may have previously frowned upon tools like offerwalls, but recent data from Unity indicates that offerwalls contribute significantly to ad revenue in specific game genres. The key lies in enhancing the value exchange and streamlining the experience for users.
By sharing revenue with users for their regular gameplay, developers can boost retention and monetisation rates. While this approach may initially require higher investments, the long-term benefits outweigh the costs. Adjusting the revenue share based on the game’s needs and player engagement levels can optimize results. For example, games like Ludo Zenith and PlayEmber have witnessed substantial revenue growth after implementing revenue-sharing rewards technology.
Incentivised gameplay, despite its past challenges, resonates with many mobile gamers today. Market conditions demand innovative monetisation strategies, and revenue sharing presents a promising solution. Advancements in payment technology and upcoming regulations offer new possibilities for integrating payments seamlessly into gameplay, benefiting both gamers and developers.
In conclusion, the age-old adage “you must spend money to make money” rings true in the realm of free-to-play games. Revenue sharing with users can drive engagement, retention, and monetisation, paving the way for sustainable success in the dynamic mobile gaming industry.
– Edited by Paige Cook