How much money can you make with a mobile game?

How much money can you make with a mobile game?

In 2024, the global mobile gaming market is projected to reach approximately $100.54 billion , reflecting a continued growth trajectory influenced by increasing smartphone penetration and the adoption of 5G technology. This growth is expected to further accelerate, with the market forecasted to expand to $165.64 billion by 2029 , driven by advancements in technology and rising player engagement.

Several factors influence the earnings potential of your mobile game. The game genre plays a significant role; for example, strategy games and RPGs tend to generate higher revenues due to their engaged player base willing to spend on in-app purchases. Your target audience is also important; understanding their preferences and spending habits can help tailor your monetization strategies effectively.?

Marketing efforts can’t be overlooked. A strong marketing campaign can significantly boost visibility and downloads, translating to higher revenue. Leveraging social media, influencers, and app store optimization are key components of successful marketing.

To see the size and the powers of the market, look at its top players. In 2023,?

• Honor of Kings led the pack with an astounding $2.6 billion in revenue, primarily driven by its in-app purchases and extensive player base.?
• PUBG Mobile followed closely with $2.3 billion, benefiting from its combination of battle passes, in-app purchases, and event-based monetization.?
• Genshin Impact earned a remarkable $1.9 billion, thanks to its gacha system and regular content updates that kept players spending.
• Candy Crush Saga continued its dominance in the casual gaming market with $1.6 billion, largely from in-app purchases of extra lives and boosters.?
• Lastly, Roblox generated $1.4 billion, capitalizing on its unique user-generated content model and in-game currency purchases.?

These figures highlight the diverse and lucrative monetization strategies employed by top-performing mobile games.

How to choose the right monetization model for your mobile game

Among the seven models we have discussed so far, you’d be probably better off combining several of them. Here’s how to choose the correct strategy.

Factors to Consider

Game Type:

1. Casual Games are often suitable for ad-based models due to their broad audience and frequent short play sessions. Examples: Candy Crush Saga, Flappy Bird.
2. Mid-Core/Hard-Core Games, such as strategy or RPGs, typically benefit from in-app purchases and subscriptions due to their engaged and invested player base. Examples: Clash of Clans, Fortnite.
3. Puzzle and Educational Games can effectively use a combination of ads and in-app purchases to balance user experience and revenue. Think Monument Valley, Duolingo.

Target Audience:

1. People in lower-income countries are more receptive to ad-based models and rewarded videos, like in the game Angry Birds.
2. Tier 1 countries’ players are more likely to spend on in-app purchases and subscriptions, especially for premium content; think Minecraft or Pokémon GO.

Competition: Analyze top-grossing games in your genre to understand their monetization strategies, determine what your competitors are doing well and identify gaps you can exploit.

Making Your Decision

1. Define Your Game’s Core Experience: What is the main draw of your game? Ensure that your monetization model enhances rather than disrupts this core experience.
2. Understand Your Audience: Conduct surveys or beta tests to gather data on your players’ preferences and spending habits.
3. Evaluate Monetization Options:In-App Purchases are best for games with in-depth progression and customization.Ads are ideal for casual games with high user engagement and frequent play sessions.Subscriptions are suitable for games with regular updates and exclusive content.
4. Balance Revenue and User Experience: Aim for a balance where monetization doesn’t frustrate or alienate players. Too many ads or aggressive in-app purchase prompts can drive users away.
5. Test and Iterate: Implement A/B testing to refine your monetization approach. Gather feedback and make data-driven adjustments.

With a deep understanding of your game and its potential audience and by using this decision-making framework, you can select a monetization model that maximizes your profits while still keeping the app engaging. Remember to continuously test and refine your approach to find the optimal balance between revenue and user satisfaction.

How to boost your mobile game monetization

Optimize User Experience. Make sure your game is smooth and fun to play. Focus on easy-to-use design and minimal disruptions. For example, Candy Crush Saga uses ads and in-app purchases without interrupting gameplay, making it easy for players to spend money naturally.

Implement Data-Driven Decisions. Use data to understand how players behave and what they like. Analyze this data to improve your monetization strategies. Clash of Clans regularly tweaks its in-app purchases based on player activity to boost engagement and revenue.

Run Effective Marketing Campaigns. Invest in marketing to attract and keep players. Use social media, influencers, and app store optimization. Pokémon GO runs successful location-based events and partnerships, like with Starbucks, to increase player engagement and spending.

Continuously Update with New Content. Keep your game fresh with regular updates. Add new levels, characters, or events to keep players interested. Fortnite is great at this, frequently adding new skins and game modes to keep players coming back and spending money.

Offer Multiple Monetization Options. Use a mix of monetization methods to appeal to different players. Combine in-app purchases, ads, and subscriptions. PUBG Mobile effectively uses a mix of cosmetic purchases, battle passes, and ads to maximize revenue from a wide audience.

Follow these strategies to improve player engagement and increase your game’s profitability.?

And if you choose to monetize your game with a subscription, we at Adapty are here to help you supercharge your strategy and improve revenue.