What is the best way to test your game's monetization and retention strategies?

1 Define your goals and metrics

The first step to test your game's monetization and retention strategies is to define your goals and metrics. What are you trying to achieve with your game? How do you measure your success? Depending on your game genre, target audience, and business model, you may have different goals and metrics for monetization and retention. For example, some common monetization metrics are average revenue per user (ARPU), average revenue per paying user (ARPPU), and conversion rate. Some common retention metrics are daily active users (DAU), monthly active users (MAU), and retention rate. You should also define your key performance indicators (KPIs) and benchmarks for each metric, so you can compare your results with your expectations and industry standards.

2 Choose your testing method

Choosing the right testing method for your monetization and retention strategies depends on the stage of development and scope of the strategies. Playtesting is a qualitative testing method that involves inviting a small group of players to observe their behavior, reactions, and feedback. User testing is another qualitative testing method that involves asking a larger group of players to complete specific tasks or scenarios in your game and record their actions, opinions, and emotions. A/B testing is a quantitative testing method that involves exposing players to different versions of your game or features. Lastly, soft launch is a final testing method that involves releasing your game to a limited market or region before launching it globally. Each of these methods can help you gather feedback, data, and insights from your potential or existing players, as well as measure the impact of your monetization and retention features on your metrics. It can also help you optimize pricing, offers, incentives, and messaging for your monetization and retention strategies.

3 Use the right tools

The last step in the process is to utilize the appropriate tools to support your testing method and monetization and retention strategies. Game engines, such as Unity and Unreal Engine, can be used to create and edit graphics, audio, logic, and functionality, as well as provide built-in or integrated tools for monetization and retention. Game analytics tools, such as GameAnalytics and Firebase, can be used to collect, store, process, and visualize data related to user behavior, revenue, retention, engagement, and feedback. Additionally, game monetization tools like IronSource and AdMob offer features for mediation, optimization, and rewarded ads. Finally, game retention tools like AppLovin and OneSignal provide features for loyalty programs, gamification, and push notifications.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?