Mobile game monetization is both art and science.

Mobile game monetization is both art and science.

𝟭. 𝗜𝗻-𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 (𝗜𝗔𝗣) 💰
Players spend money directly inside the game. These are usually tied to value, progress, or customization.

• 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽
– Premium currency
– In-game currency
– Energy/lives
– Resources, characters, decorations
– Bundles and boosters

• 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝘀
– Starter packs
– No ads offer
– Seasonal and flash sales
– Double/triple value bundles
– Build-your-own offer

• 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀
– Basic, premium, and elite battle passes
– Daily, weekly, and VIP passes

• 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
– Monthly benefits
– Weekly perks
– VIP status or premium features

• 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝘀
– Loot boxes
– Gacha systems
– Mystery rewards and lucky wheels
– Energy refills, bonus currency
– Progress or power-up boosters

𝟮. 𝗜𝗻-𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗜𝗔𝗔) 📺
Players watch or engage with ads in exchange for rewards. It’s a balance between revenue and retention.

• 𝗥𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗱𝘀
– Refill lives or energy
– Extra currency or items
– Ship timers, speed-ups, multipliers
– Bonus chests, lucky draws
– Double rewards, special access

• 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗱𝘀
– Shown between levels
– Can be time-based or event-triggered

• 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗱𝘀
– Persistent, non-intrusive placements

• 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀-𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼 𝗔𝗱𝘀
– Promoting other titles within your portfolio

• 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗱𝘀
– Integrated naturally into the game UI

Monetization isn’t just about revenue.

It’s about giving players meaningful choices.

The best games combine both models — carefully and intentionally.