A Thought on Mobile Gaming Ads: What About "Rewarded Playable"?

The Mobile Gaming Landscape

Hey fellow gamers and developers! During my tenure at IronSource's creative studio, where we produced playable ads, I gained a deeper understanding of the mobile gaming ad space. One thing that stood out is the typical ad experience we encounter – primarily interstitials and rewarded videos. But, amidst these standard formats, I've seen the rise and potential of playable ads. So, here’s a thought: what if we had a dedicated ad slot just for these?

Rewarded Playable - What is it?

Imagine an ad placement, much like the "rewarded video" we're all familiar with. But, instead of occasionally getting a playable ad amidst a array of videos, this placement, which I’d love to call "Rewarded Playable", guarantees an interactive ad experience every single time. Simply put, you tap on it, and you dive straight into an engaging ad interaction.

Why I'm Pondering This...

1. Engaging, Not Just Watching: From my own gaming sessions and interactions with fellow gamers, there’s a common sentiment: we love being engaged. With a playable ad, you're not just glued to a timer; you're a part of the action.
2. Possible Financial Upsides: Having been on the production side, I've seen indications that advertisers are sometimes willing to pay more for playable ads than standard video ones. This could mean more financial fuel for developers, leading to better games for us!
3. Predictable Ad Experience: Knowing what I'm getting into when I tap on an ad can change my entire perspective. If a specific ad placement always delivers a playable experience, I'm there!

Is This Really a Win-Win-Win?

• Developers: Not only does it present an additional avenue for revenue, but introducing a "Rewarded Playable" ad slot might also increase overall player satisfaction. Satisfied players often equate to longer retention rates and potentially more in-game purchases. By giving players what they prefer – interactive ads – developers are indirectly enhancing the gameplay experience.
• Advertisers: Playable ads don’t just look good; they require interaction. This means players are actively engaging with the brand or product. Engagement often translates to better recall, and in the world of advertising, that's gold. It's not just about flashing a product on the screen; it's about making it memorable. And playable ads, by their very nature, achieve that.
• Us, the Gamers: We've all been there — watching a video ad while eagerly waiting for the 'skip' or 'close' button to appear. It's passive and, quite honestly, can feel like a chore. With playable ads, we become a part of the advertisement. It's less of a passive viewing and more of a mini-game experience. It breaks the monotony and, when done right, can even be quite fun.

Wrapping Up

While I bring my experience from IronSource to this discussion, I'm not here to proclaim this as the next big thing. Rather, I see it as an evolving idea with potential. What's your take? Could "Rewarded Playable" be a game-changer in our mobile gaming experience? I'm eager to hear your thoughts in the comments!

P.S.: I recently began using the AppMagic platform for my research, and I've been genuinely impressed. It's user-friendly, packed with invaluable insights, and has streamlined my research process. Highly recommended for those in the gaming and ad industry!