How to increase game revenue without pay-to-win?

Cosmetics are a beloved staple in monetization on many different platforms, and for good reason. They work so well because a major facet of gamer motivation is *self expression.* The ability to showcase your unique aspects, tastes and style. They also tie well into achievement hunting, as many cosmetics must be earned, unlocked, or are otherwise somehow gated.

Cosmetics are interesting, but unless your game has a really huge user base, and features PVE or cooperative events, where players can show off their cosmetics (and feel part of groups, etc), it cannot be your core monetization system. I'd recommend focusing on other monetization options first and then, once you have validated them, increase your revenue with cosmetics.

Beauty products have become a trendy way to generate income on various platforms and for legitimate reasons. They are greatly useful because a significant factor that motivates players is self-expression, which encompasses the ability to showcase their unique qualities, preferences, and fashion. Additionally, beauty products are well-suited to pursuing accomplishments since many of them require effort, unlocking, or are otherwise limited in some way.

Cosmetics are important in the lifespan of a game and it makes sense why they've been added in. Psychologically it makes players get a bit of dopamine when they get to set up their own playable character in their own style. Its the "satisifed" release within the brain. Tie this with monetization and it just makes sense. People pay to have their play experience be catered to their own liking. It will make them far more invested in the game and will likely spend more money in order to get the best cosmetics. Look at Fortnite and how successful its been. It isnt solely tied to the battle royale play style or the new custom building mechanics, but the cosmetics and battle passes that keep players active. They have goals in front of them.

Introduce visually appealing customization options, allowing players to personalize their characters or game elements without affecting gameplay. These items, such as skins, outfits, or emotes, cater to players seeking unique and aesthetic enhancements.

This suggestion presents a paradox. Contemporary subscription models often resemble concealed pay-to-win structures, notably exemplified by battle or season passes granting a substantial advantage. Games like Hearthstone and Diablo Immortal have adopted this approach. Couple more examples: Fortnite (xp boost), Apex Legends (xp boost/currency). On the other hand, there are some subscription models that were fine - one example is World of Warcraft old subscription model (before gold tokens). Everyone is at the exact same starting point with the exact same plus sides and downsides. Other good examples: GW2, FF XIV, where subs primarily offer access to additional content without creating a significant in-game power disparity.

This suggestion highlights a contradiction. Modern subscription plans often resemble hidden pay-to-win systems, notably illustrated by battle or season passes offering a significant advantage. Games like Clash Royale and Mobile Legends have embraced this strategy. A couple more instances include PUBG (exp boost) and Overwatch (exp boost/loot). On the flip side, there are subscription models that were acceptable - one instance is the old subscription model of Clash of Clans (before gem purchases). Everyone begins on the same playing field with the same benefits and drawbacks. Other commendable examples: DOTA 2, LoL, where subs mainly provide access to supplementary content without creating a noticeable in-game power gap.

Offer premium subscription services that provide subscribers with exclusive benefits, such as early access to content, special in-game items, or enhanced gaming experiences. This model fosters a stable revenue stream and encourages player loyalty.

Subscription model offers a stable income and boosts player retention. To succeed, the game must consistently deliver value, justifying the subscription fee. Regular updates, expansions, events, and bonuses keep subscribers engaged and satisfied. Tailoring subscription tiers accommodates diverse player needs and budgets, ensuring a fair and rewarding system. It's a balance between continuous enhancement of content and providing a subscription structure that aligns with players' expectations and preferences.

Subscriptions can offer a steady income stream and ensure ongoing support for the game. However, the subscription model can be a barrier to entry for players who prefer a one-time purchase or free-to-play games. Balancing the benefits of steady revenue with player satisfaction is crucial. Some players might feel like they're at a disadvantage if they can't afford a subscription, leading to a potential divide between paying and non-paying users.

Using Reward Videos is one of the best way to generate revenue without frustrating the users and users are requesting ads him/herself.

In-game ads, when implemented thoughtfully, are a viable monetization strategy, especially for free-to-play games. It's crucial to balance revenue generation with player experience. Relevant and non-intrusive ads, aligned with the game's theme, enhance user engagement. Providing player control, like skipping or muting ads, respects their experience. Adding incentives for ad interaction, such as virtual currency or items, creates a win-win scenario—players benefit, and the game generates revenue without compromising enjoyment. It's about finding the right balance for a mutually beneficial ad experience.

Incorporating ads into games, especially free ones, is a smart way to generate revenue. Striking the right balance ensures ads don't disrupt players but still contribute to the game's income. Well-fitted ads enhance the overall gaming experience. Providing control to players, such as the option to skip or mute ads, is considerate. Offering rewards, like in-game currency or items, for interacting with ads benefits both players and the game. The goal is to maintain a positive ad experience for players. Games like Subway Surfers and Crossy Road exemplify this by seamlessly integrating ads without compromising enjoyment.

In game currency such as V-bucks and Platinum have their use in the game because its a currency that can be tied to real life money or in game utilization. Some games allow players to trade content within the game for in game currency but this is mostly thanks to the "whales" as gamers call them who invest boat loads of money into getting in game currency. The goal is to balance the community between the heavy hitting spenders and the people who want to earn their currency. Knowing your market and knowing what you have for purchase is an important model to setup because a lot of in game market models fail if there isn't a balance.

In-game currency can increase conversions by lowering the "risk" of buying something to start with. Either by being a subsidy so the price is lower or by enabling a reselling opportunity. The game needs to match the opportunity eg. multiplayer social games are well-suited while very casual games less

in game currency management subtly generates income, enhancing engagement and fostering a sense of accomplishment. This delicate balance is a win-win players feel rewarded, and the game maintains a healthy blend of revenue and player satisfaction. Games like Fortnite and Warframe masterfully achieve this equilibrium with currencies that elevate the player experience without introducing unfair advantages.

In-game currency, when managed judiciously, offers a non-intrusive monetization avenue. It enhances player engagement, providing a sense of achievement and progression. Balancing the in-game economy is vital, ensuring fairness and accessibility to all players. Using in-game currency as incentives for specific actions, like daily logins or completing quests, encourages desired behaviors. It's a win-win, where players feel rewarded for their engagement, and the game maintains a healthy balance between monetization and player satisfaction.

Premium content is a viable monetization strategy, offering players additional, exciting features without compromising fairness. New levels, characters, and modes add variety and challenge, increasing replay value and game longevity. Ensuring high-quality, relevant content is crucial for player satisfaction. Striking a balance is the key; premium content should enhance the experience but not become essential, avoiding disadvantages for non-paying players. It's about providing value and enriching the gameplay without creating a divide in the player community.

Develop additional high-quality content that players can access through a premium offering. This could include expansion packs, new storylines, or advanced features. The key is to provide substantial value to players willing to invest in the premium content, enhancing their overall gaming experience.

1- Season pass, more content, challenges, and rewards! 2- Social media events and activities. Both points will help in increasing the player's retention and session time which can increase the spending. 3- special content “cosmetics” related to a special event or a specific holiday like independence day, National Day, or something related to a trend that is happening now, this way we emphasize the exclusivity and prestige associated with these items, players want these items for sentimental reasons, a sense of pride, and to showcase their uniqueness or leverage within the gaming community. creating a desire among players to acquire these items for a more personalized gaming experience.

80% of gamers ask for the ability to resell their in-game items. Yet less than 1% of games offer it. Giants like Runescape, Eve Online, Counter-Strike, Rust, Team Fortress and Dota2 have shown you can have an economy without ruining the game - and actually increase earnings. While gamers ask for reselling abilities 95% ask for it t to be in their native currency ie not crypto currency and thus cash-based marketplaces can solve the issue. They increase conversion rate, increase pricing power, creates meta-games around trading and increases revenue from the marketplace. On the cost side investment in anti-cheat, scam and support needs to be cosidered, but is still for most a net positive.

Many designs can unintentionally become P2W because their balance is anchored on models of difference in scale, as opposed to difference in kind. This can result in new content / assets power creeping to justify its value over time creating a P2W environment. Consider any number of classic design approaches like City of Heroes, CCGs like MTG, and tabletop war games for inspirations in how to structure your game's balance paradigms so that power creep won't be the inevitable lever your game has to pull to maintain it's live ops momentum.

? With Community Engagement: Foster a vibrant gaming community through forums, social media, and events. Engaged communities are more likely to participate in in-game purchases. ? With Limited-Time Events: Create time-limited events or special promotions, encouraging players to make purchases during these periods for exclusive rewards. ? With Collaborative Partnerships: Explore partnerships with other brands, influencers, or franchises to introduce unique in-game items or experiences, appealing to a broader audience. Implementing a combination of these strategies ensures a balanced and player-friendly approach to monetization while maintaining a thriving gaming ecosystem.