#gamedevethics

Games, aren't immune to moral conflicts, much like classical forms of art. While crucial issues like accessibility, working conditions, intellectual property, and representation demand our attention (feel free to add more below), I'll focus on monetization.

Monetization in the gaming industry is a hot topic, and it's not just about the big players. I want to share my journey and the ethical dilemmas I've faced as an indie game developer.

When I first published my Android game Hurdles, I thought in-game ads would be a great way to monetize it. After 2 years of hard work, you know how much I made? 52 Rands!

The ethical dilemma: Balancing the need to generate revenue with the player experience. It's tough to strike that balance, especially when it feels like you're interrupting gameplay with ads.

Transparency matters. In-game ads can be disruptive, but being upfront with players about your monetization strategy is crucial. Nobody likes hidden surprises in a game.

Monetization isn't just about ads. It's about creating value for players. In retrospect, I wonder if there were better ways to offer value while still making a living as a developer.

Weighing the ethical considerations, I've started exploring alternative monetization methods that don't compromise player experience. It's a challenging journey, but I'm determined to do right by players and still make a living from my passion.

In conclusion, my experience with Hurdles taught me that monetization is a delicate dance for indie devs. It's about finding a way to sustain our creativity without leaving players feeling short-changed. Let's keep this conversation going!