This article delves into the importance of monetizing games properly and explores the top monetization models, including various ad types, to help you unlock your gaming venture’s full profit potential.

Key Reasons to Monetize Games

Monetization isn’t just a means for companies to recoup development costs. A well-defined monetization strategy allows you to:

• Gain a sustainable revenue stream. Game development is a resource-intensive process that involves significant investments in time, talent, and technology. Monetizing your game ensures a steady revenue stream, enabling you to earn back your initial investment, fund ongoing development, and reinvest in new projects.
  
• Enhance player engagement and retention. Well-implemented monetization strategies can enhance player engagement by offering optional in-game purchases, such as power-ups, cosmetic items, or time-saving boosts. These additional features not only generate income but also contribute to a more immersive and rewarding gaming experience, fostering player loyalty and retention.
  
• Fuel ongoing support. Monetization provides resources for continuous bug fixes and fresh content updates, which helps nurture a vibrant community. This keeps players hooked and extends the game’s lifespan.
  
• Foster innovation. The funds you’ve returned through monetization can empower you to push further in implementing innovative gaming ideas, potentially leading to other groundbreaking titles in the future.

The Wide Variety Video Game Monetization Models

When it comes to monetization, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. The optimal strategy will always depend on your game’s genre, target audience, and platform. Here are some popular models to consider:

In-Game Advertising Model

Free-to-play games can integrate non-intrusive ads to generate revenue. This means players can choose to watch an ad in exchange for in-game rewards like virtual currency or power-ups. For instance, Choices: Stories You Play entices gamers with a complimentary experience of interactive storytelling. However, to significantly influence the plot or gain romantic advantages, players encounter “premium choices” that necessitate diamonds, the game’s premium currency. Choices provides multiple methods to acquire diamonds, including direct purchase or by watching ads—a feature catering to users who prefer not to spend money. 

Another great example of this model at play is Stepico’s Century Siege. This title also cleverly caters to both free-to-play and paying audiences. It offers a core gameplay experience that’s completely free to enjoy but enables players to make strategic in-app purchases to accelerate their progress or access exclusive content. These purchases include premium currency for special offers and a subscription service granting unique rewards and passive income. Century Siege avoids intrusive advertising. Instead, it utilizes a rewarded ad system, offering players the option to watch ads in exchange for benefits like doubled rewards, additional chests, or even swapping their daily quests. This player-friendly approach keeps the core gameplay enjoyable for everyone while providing optional opportunities for those who want them.

Freemium Game Monetization Strategy

Here, players also download the game for free and enjoy core gameplay but additional content, cosmetic upgrades, or power-ups can be purchased through in-app purchases (IAPs). This model is widespread in the mobile market, but also extends to PC and console games with online components. The famous Candy Crush Saga reels players by offering the core game for free, which lets a vast audience experience the addictive match-3 gameplay. However, for those who crave a little extra help conquering tricky levels, Candy Crush provides optional in-app purchases. Players can spend real money on gold bars, the game’s premium currency, to buy additional lives, boosters, power-ups, and extra moves. 

Another good example is Stepico’s Fishing Rival. Players can enjoy the base fishing experience at no cost, but have the option to accelerate their progress and unlock new content faster through in-app purchases. These purchases use “cash,” the title’s currency, to buy special offers and most in-game content. 

Premium Model 

Players pay a one-time upfront fee to download and access the full game. This model is often used for console and PC titles but can also be successful for high-quality mobile games. God of War 2 is a bright example of premium model implementation, relying solely on upfront purchases to generate revenue. Aside from publishers, this approach benefits players. They get a complete experience with the freedom to replay the game and explore its challenges without being bombarded with extra purchase offerings. This model thrives on delivering a quality product that justifies the initial investment.

Hollow Knight, the hauntingly beautiful Metroidvania by Team Cherry, exemplifies another proper execution of this approach. For a fixed price, players are granted access to the entirety of the sprawling, interconnected world of Hallownest. Hollow Knight is famous for its rich lore that unfolds organically through exploration and cryptic storytelling, elements that wouldn’t impress that much if they were fragmented for monetization. The focus on a dense world filled with challenging boss battles and secrets to uncover incentivizes players to delve deep and replay the game, extracting maximum value from their initial purchase. This approach proves that the premium model can be a perfect choice for publishers if they decide to deliver a self-contained, high-quality experience that keeps players engaged without the need for additional in-app purchases.

Subscription Model

A subscription in the gaming world typically entails paying a recurring fee for access to exclusive content, features, or benefits. This model is great for games with a focus on ongoing play and frequent content updates. Xbox Game Pass has emerged as one of the key players in this area. 

For a monthly fee, it enables gamers to unlock a variety of downloadable titles, eliminating the need to buy each one individually. Acting as a sort of “Netflix for games,” this library boasts hundreds of options, catering to various tastes with a mix of blockbuster AAA releases, indie gems, and even day-one access to Microsoft’s own first-party titles. It is constantly evolving too, with new additions arriving frequently and some content rotating out to keep things fresh.

Xbox Game Pass maximizes this monetization approach by appealing to different player preferences with multiple subscription tiers. Console gamers can access the library on their Xbox devices, while PC players have their own optimized library. The ultimate tier, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, combines both console and PC libraries, throws in cloud gaming functionality for on-the-go access, and sweetens the deal with exclusive discounts and early access trials. 

Finding the Perfect Way to Monetize Your Game Through In-Game Advertising

If you choose to go for the advertisement model, which has been picking up a lot of steam lately, it’s crucial that you select ad formats that enhance the player experience rather than disrupt it. Here are some common ad types to consider:

• Banner ads. These non-intrusive rectangular ads appear at the top or bottom of the game screen, offering minimal disruption.
  
• Interstitial ads. These full-screen ads appear between levels or game sessions. To avoid frustration, keep them short and offer a clear “close ad” option.
  
• Rewarded video ads. Players voluntarily watch a short video ad in exchange for in-game rewards. This incentivized format fosters a positive association with advertising.

What Is the Best Type of Game Monetization Strategy for Particular Platforms?

The key to unlocking your game’s full revenue potential lies in experimentation and data-driven decision-making. If you’re working with a custom game development vendor, they’ll assist you in strategy selection by analyzing player behavior and A/B testing different monetization types to fine-tune your approach and maximize profitability. The approach will heavily depend on the platform and your project requirements. Here are some general recommendations as which which models can be a good fit for different platforms from Stepico’s experts.

Mobile Games

• Freemium. Freemium mobile gaming removes barriers with a free download, offering players a risk-free trial and enticing them with well-designed limitations that encourage upgrades and cater to shorter mobile play sessions.
  
• Advertising model. This free-to-play model also broadens game reach on discoverability-focused platforms, offering players an enjoyable experience with nonintrusive targeted mobile ads. This leads to increased ad impressions and revenue from tailored advertising without requiring direct in-game spending.

Web Games

• Freemium with strategic IAPs. The web freemium model allows for a deeper base game experience with IAPs focused on customization, storylines, and world expansion to cater to web gamers with more playtime compared to mobile audiences.
  
• Subscription. Web games, unlike many mobile games, at times can leverage subscriptions to target dedicated players with exclusive content, early access, and ad-free experiences, creating a premium tier for their favorite web games.
  
• Targeted in-game advertising with less intrusion. Web games offer large screens for non-intrusive ads, rich user data for targeting, and natural ad placements that don’t disrupt gameplay – all leading to more revenue for publishers and a smoother experience for the player.

PC Games

• Premium model. The premium model thrives on PC due to player expectations for complete, well-crafted experiences. With upfront payments, publishers can focus on quality, providing uninterrupted gameplay. Additionally, the diverse PC gaming audience allows for premium pricing catering to different preferences, while additional content sales, such as new levels or cosmetic items, align with the PC modding scene, extending the game’s lifespan.

Console Games

• Subscription. Although by no means the only choice, the subscription model can be extremely beneficial for console games. It gives publishers an additional recurring revenue stream – a predictable income source based on subscriber count. Additionally, subscriptions can expand the player base. By offering access to a library of games for a monthly fee, publishers can attract casual gamers who might not be willing to invest in individual titles. This broader audience reach can lead to increased revenue not just through subscriptions, but also through potential additional content purchases or in-game marketplaces within the subscription service.
  
  It’s also worth noting that, similar to the PC titles, some console games can only be acquired through a one-time purchase. This is especially true for new and trending titles from renowned publishers, who can later still add them to the subscription to generate more revenue. Smaller studios with limited marketing budgets, however, tend to offer their games on subscription services from the get-go.

How to Implement Gaming Monetization Correctly

Crafting a winning monetization approach is more than just picking a model. At Stepico, we rely on these principles when developing a comprehensive strategy:

• Know your audience. Understanding your target player’s demographics and spending habits is crucial. 
  
• Define your value proposition. Clearly articulate what value players receive from spending money in your game. 
  
• Balance is key. Don’t disrupt the core gameplay with excessive monetization. Players should feel like they’re getting a complete and enjoyable experience without being pressured to spend.
  
• Data-driven decisions. Regularly analyze player behavior and revenue streams. Use this data to optimize your monetization strategy and ensure it’s aligned with player preferences.

And here are some common monetization missteps you should avoid.

• Pay-to-Win (P2W). This strategy prioritizes players who spend the most money, creating an unfair advantage and frustrating free-to-play users. This can alienate a large portion of your player base.
  
• Excessive ads. Bombarding players with constant ad breaks disrupts the gameplay flow and creates resentment.
   
• Unbalanced economy. If the in-game resources or rewards are heavily skewed towards in-app purchases, free-to-play users will feel like they’re constantly grinding with little progress. This discourages players from sticking around.
  
• Lack of transparency. Confusing pricing structures or misleading descriptions of in-app purchases can erode player trust.
  
• Ignoring analytics. Failing to track player behavior and in-app purchase trends can prevent you from identifying and fixing problems within your monetization strategy.

Partnering with a seasoned game development vendor such as Stepico can provide valuable guidance and help avoid these and other monetization pitfalls. 

We don’t just integrate efficient monetization models – we create them with your game’s DNA in mind.

Over the last 9 years, Stepico has successfully implemented a wide range of monetization models, from freemium with IAPs for mobile games to premium experiences with cosmetic microtransactions for consoles. If you want to transform your game idea into an engaging experience that generates serious revenue, contact us now to get 5-star game development services, ensuring your game is visually stunning and engaging, along with expert integration of monetization models.

As a seasoned game development vendor, Stepico consistently strives to keep our finger on the pulse of industry shifts, ensuring we remain at the forefront of innovation and deliver experiences that resonate with modern gamers. In this article, our experts will share some of the most prominent game development trends of 2024.

Video Game Industry Trend #1: Cross-platform development

One of the hottest trends of 2024 is the industry’s growing focus on cross-platform game development. This approach allows titles to be released across different platforms like PCs, consoles, and mobile phones, which helps publishers reach a wider audience and maximize player engagement.

Our experience with clients indicates that this trend is one of the fastest-growing, as it has enabled many of them to successfully target a broader player base. However, publishers must also recognize that fully leveraging it requires a solid grasp of the unique challenges and opportunities it presents, as well as the necessary expertise. Here are some of the best practices we follow at Stepico to ensure a seamless and successful cross-platform development process:

• Planning for multiple platforms. We start by carefully considering the target platforms, their specific strengths and limitations, and how the gameplay experience will translate across each one.
  
• Choosing the right tools. We leverage powerful game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine that offer robust cross-platform development capabilities, allowing for a significant amount of code reuse and streamlining the process.
  
• Prioritizing consistent UX. While catering to each platform’s strengths, we ensure a core gameplay experience that feels consistent and enjoyable for players regardless of their device. This includes aspects like unique UI/UX design, controls, and overall performance optimization.
  
• Rigorous testing. Extensive testing across all target platforms is crucial to identify and address any compatibility issues or performance bottlenecks before launch.
  

Trend #2: AR and XR as the Future of the Gaming Industry

As Apple Vision Pro, Meta Quest 3, and similar devices have become available and gathered considerable buzz, it’s very likely that in 2024 game publishers will try to leverage the transformative potential of AR and XR in their titles. These devices open the doors for:

• Location-based gaming, which can transform everyday spaces into interactive playgrounds. Games like Pokemon Go popularized this concept a while ago, but today’s devices can bring this type of gaming to a completely different level, offering seamless and integrated experience.
  
• Interactive Storytelling. AR can weave narratives into real-world environments. This means historical landmarks can come alive with virtual characters and events. AR glasses, which have features like object recognition, could further enhance these interactive experiences, providing publishers a plethora of opportunities for creating thematic and engaging titles.
  

Challenges of AR Game Development

• Technical limitations. Current AR technology still faces limitations in terms of processing power, battery life, and accurate object categorization.
  
• Monetization strategies. Working on an AR project requires careful consideration of monetization strategies that don’t disrupt the gameplay or feel intrusive. Subscription models or in-game purchases that unlock additional AR content could be potential solutions.
  

XR encompasses both AR and VR. XR headsets can project not just visuals but also sound and haptic feedback. This is why they can be used for immersive world building. XR can help create expansive, interactive worlds that players can explore freely. This means, for example, that publishers can give players a chance to scale mountains in a virtual national park, collaborate on architectural projects in shared virtual spaces, experience historical events in a way that transcends traditional media, and much more. 

Challenges of XR Game Development

• Hardware costs. High-end XR headsets can be expensive, limiting accessibility for a broader audience.
  
• Motion sickness. Some players may feel motion sickness in VR environments, which needs to be addressed through careful game design and user comfort considerations, especially when developing AR glasses with potentially wider fields of view.
  

While XR isn’t necessarily a mature technology yet, publishers who can expertly leverage its strengths, challenges, and potential right now can build a substantial competitive advantage for themselves, offering unique and innovative experiences that blur the lines between reality and the virtual world.

Video Gaming Industry Trend #3: Generative AI

The video game industry thrives on captivating visuals. GenAI is slowly but surely revolutionizing game art creation. Here’s why the trend is becoming ever-more important.

Boosting efficiency. AI can quickly produce a wide array of concept art variations, saving time and resources.

Inspiration spark. It can also help overcome creative roadblocks. AI can generate unexpected ideas to inspire artists and push the boundaries of visual storytelling.

Speeding up prototyping. In the early stages of game development, AI-generated concepts can help visualize ideas quickly for better decision-making.

Our company happens to have quite extensive expertise in leveraging GenAI tools for game creation. Our subbrand, Inkration, in particular, has been using these tools extensively to achieve high-impact outcomes. Here’s how exactly:

• Initial development stages. Inkration leverages GenAI at the beginning of the creative process, specifically for:
  
  • Visual Research: AI helps gather reference images that inspire concept art.
    
  • Concept Creation: AI assists in generating initial ideas and mood boards.
    
  • Color Key Development: AI can propose color palettes to set the visual tone.
    

That being said, we must stress that human touch remains crucial

• Inkration emphasizes that while AI aids in creating game art assets, human artists play an irreplaceable role in:
  
  • Storytelling: Infusing the art with narrative and emotional depth to resonate with players.
    
  • Artistic Vision: Adding a distinct style and personality that AI cannot achieve.
    

The Synergy of Technology and Artistry

Our general approach is capitalizing on the value of combining cutting-edge AI tools with the talent and expertise of human artists. This blend allows us to produce:

• Unique Game Art: Artworks that stand out with their own character.
  
• Eye-Catching Visuals: Art that is visually captivating and engaging for players.
  

Examples of Inkration’s AI-powered Artworks:

• Muertos Fortune
• Circus Show
• Viking Land
• Majesty of Gods

AI Tools We Most Commonly Use for Game Art Creation

• Stable Diffusion (realistic, detailed images from text prompts and image edits)
• Midjourney (artistic creations based on text descriptions)
• DALL-E 3 (photorealistic images from text input, often used with ChatGPT prompts)
• Leonardo.AI (advanced generative AI with fine-tuned control over text-to-image generation)
  

Video Gaming Industry Trend #4: Independent App Stores

The mobile app market has been traditionaly dominated by giants like Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store. However, this year we are also seeing the rise of independent app stores trying to carve out their own niche. There are a few reasons behind this movement, and its potential impact can be profound.

Why are Independent App Stores Gaining Traction?

• Focus on specific needs. Independent app stores often cater to specific demographics, regions, or app categories. This allows for targeted curation and distribution of apps that might get overlooked in the vast landscape of major stores.
  
• Less restrictive policies. Some publishers feel stifled by the strict regulations and revenue sharing models of major app stores. Independent stores may offer more relaxed policies or fairer revenue splits, attracting developers seeking more control.
  
• Innovation and experimentation. Independent stores can be more open to innovative app ideas or those that might not fit the mainstream mold. This fosters creativity and experimentation within the app development landscape.
  

Examples of Independent App Stores

• Itch.io. Caters to indie game developers, offering a platform for niche and experimental games.
  
• Samsung Galaxy Store. Pre-installed on Samsung devices, it offers a curated selection of apps alongside the Google Play Store.
  

Challenges of Independent App Stores

• Limited user base. Independent stores typically have a smaller user base compared to giants like Google Play. This can make it harder for developers to reach a large audience.
  
• Discoverability. Standing out and getting noticed by users can be challenging for apps in a less-frequented store.
  
• Monetization. With a smaller user base, generating revenue through advertising or in-app purchases might be more difficult for developers relying solely on independent stores.
  

Video Game Industry Trend #5: Fitness Gaming

Fitness games proliferation is another trend we should mention. These games combine the fun and engaging elements of video games with physical exercise, making workouts more enjoyable and potentially more sustainable. Here are the factors driving fitness games to prominence.

Why are Fitness Games Gaining Popularity?

• Motivation and entertainment. Fitness games can make exercise feel less like a chore. Engaging storylines, gamified challenges, and interactive elements can keep users motivated and coming back for more.
  
• Variety and customization. Fitness games offer a wide range of workout styles, from high-intensity dance workouts to virtual reality boxing matches. This allows users to find activities they enjoy and personalize their fitness routines.
  
• Accessibility and convenience. Many fitness games can be played at home with minimal equipment, making them a convenient option for busy individuals or those with limited gym access.
  

Examples of Fitness Games

• Just Dance. A popular dance game series that gets you moving to your favorite songs.
  
• Ring Fit Adventure. A Nintendo Switch game that utilizes a unique ring-shaped controller to track your movements and guide you through fitness adventures.
  

Challenges of Fitness Games

• Cost and accessibility. Some fitness games require specialized equipment or subscriptions, which can be a barrier for some users.
  
• Limited social interaction. Many fitness games are designed for individual workouts, which can be less motivating for those who enjoy the social aspect of group fitness classes.
  

The future of fitness games likely lies in continued innovation and integration. We can expect to see:

• VR integration. Virtual reality can offer even more immersive fitness experiences, allowing users to virtually explore different environments while exercising.
  
• Biometric integration. Fitness games that track heart rate, calorie expenditure, and other biometric data can provide users with personalized feedback and help them optimize their workouts.
  
• Social features. The incorporation of social features like online leaderboards, group challenges, or virtual workout buddies could enhance motivation and foster a sense of community.
  

Launching fitness games gives publishers a chance to offer a fun and engaging way for people to get active. As technology advances and these games become more sophisticated, they have the potential to revolutionize the way we approach exercise and establish the publishers with the best titles as new household names for fitness enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The gaming industry in 2024 is poised for groundbreaking advancements and transformative shifts. With the advent of new technologies such as AR and VR, developers will be able to push the boundaries of immersion and accessibility like never before. The convergence of these technologies with AI and GenAI is enabling more dynamic and personalized gaming experiences tailored to individual preferences and behaviors.

Our team is dedicated to exploring the endless possibilities within the realm of game development. Utilizing cutting-edge technologies and continuously refining our standards and development processes, we strive to deliver awe-inspiring projects that redefine the gaming landscape. We offer comprehensive custom game development services and pride ourselves on delivering holistic solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. If you’re ready to launch your next project with a team dedicated to pushing boundaries and building excellence, reach out to us, and let’s bring your game idea to life.

Stepico is a European company with its headquarters located in Lviv, Ukraine. Additionally, it has offices in New York and Cyprus. The company focuses on providing comprehensive gaming solutions, forming trustworthy partnerships, and assisting clients in delivering top-quality entertainment to gamers.

The company boasts over 200 skilled professionals who have successfully worked on 65+ projects worldwide. They are mobile, PC, and console development experts, utilizing the power of Unity and Unreal engines. Stepico provides full-cycle game development services, including 2D/3D art production and live game operations. They also offer phase-by-phase development options.

Their exceptional mechanics and top-notch graphics, integrated with cutting-edge technology, contributed significantly to the gaming industry. As a result, they achieved a prominent position on GoodFirms’ list of top game development companies in Ukraine.

The GoodFirms team got an opportunity to interview Mr.Andrii Titov, CEO of Stepico, and learn more about the company and its values.

Let’s start the interview.

Stepico’s CEO Succinctly Expressed The Company’s Mission And His Position Within It

According to Mr. Titov, Stepico boasts a team of highly experienced professionals who have been instrumental in helping numerous aspiring game publishers achieve their dreams of publishing their games. The company launched its first product in 2014 and has been consistently improving its skills and scalability in the marketplace ever since.

As the CEO, he ensures that all business decisions align with the company’s vision and mission of providing quality services to its clients and a dynamic work culture for its employees. He is also accountable for ensuring product reliability and driving Stepico’s future growth.

An Effective Business Strategy And Exceptional Customer Service Can Offer Significant Competitive Advantages

Mr. Titov, the company firmly believes in working closely with their in-house teams and developing their talent. This business model enables them to take a proactive approach and understand the unique requirements of their clients, providing reliable consulting services that exceed their expectations.

Regarding competition, the company is dedicated to delivering the project with active guidance to reach the client’s goals and objectives. The team always conducts thorough researches of every client’s business vision behind the project to provide the consulting services correctly and ensure the deliverables are successfully delivered.

The company is committed to providing active guidance to its clients to help them achieve their goals and objectives in this competitive market. The team considers the client’s business vision behind the project to offer the correct consulting services and ensure the deliverables are successfully delivered.

The Stepico provides various levels of communication support to its clients worldwide. The project management team assists clients throughout ongoing projects and even after the release. Dedicated, accountable managers measure NPS and synchronize to address issues and provide the required support.

Stepico Is A Highly Experienced Company In The Gaming Industry That Provides Reliable Services

According to Mr. Titov, the company exclusively serves the gaming industry by providing video games, iGaming, or gamification infrastructure services. Their unyielding commitment enables them to provide exceptional service to clients globally, resulting in repeat customer retention ranging from 35% to 50%.

Stepico has a wide range of expertise in the gaming sector and offers the development of 2D and 3D games for various platforms such as mobile, PC, console. Among the most popular services that clients request are custom or full-cycle game development. This specialization helps clients with the entire process, from ideation to soft launch, hard launch, and even post-release support.

Below are a few reviews from GoodFirms that demonstrate how Stepico works closely with its clients.

The Payment Structure And Budget Requirements Of The Company

Mr. Titov discussed the company’s payment structure. He mentioned that Stepico offers a highly flexible and adaptable payment system, allowing clients to pay conveniently. The most commonly requested payment model is the fixed-cost payment, but the company also provides other payment structures based on specific client needs.

According to him, the company collaborates with businesses of all sizes. For art projects, the initial cost is between 3,000 to 5,000 USD, and for full-cycle projects, it ranges from 15,000 to 20,000 USD. The company also provides Revenue Share (RevShare) models, which allow them to work with clients by sharing profits or losses based on the product’s performance.

During the interview, Mr. Titov was asked about the minimum and maximum prices of their projects. In response, he gave the example of small projects for their US clients ranging from $10,000 to $1.5 million. He explained that the project’s cost depends on several factors, such as the client’s idea, target audience, genre, concept, and other requirements.

A Company Committed To Achieving Excellence In Its Future Endeavors

Mr. Titov shared his vision for the next decade. He explained that the company aims to continue its flexible business approach and build more client trust. The ultimate goal is to become the most reliable game development partner for large IP holders and own the Intellectual Property (IP), an essential element in the videogame industry. The company is consistently working towards expanding its services, such as publishing and LiveOps support, and is determined to pioneer in those fields.

The detailed interview is available on GoodFirms.

About GoodFirms

Washington, D.C. based GoodFirms is an innovative B2B Research and Reviews Company that extensively combes the market to find business services agencies amongst many other technology firms that offer the best services to their customers. GoodFirms’ extensive research process ranks the companies, boosts their online reputation, and helps service seekers pick the right technology partner that meets their business needs.

About the Author

As a Content Writer at GoodFirms, Anna Stark bridges the gap between service seekers and providers. Anna’s dominant role is to figure out company achievements and critical attributes and put them into words. She strongly believes in the charm of words and leverages new approaches that work, including new concepts that enhance the firm’s identity.

Most popular categories in June 2021, by share. Source: Statista.

The recipe for a mobile game hit is simple: interesting for users and profitable for the developer. This approach is beneficial for everyone. A constant flow of money helps the creators to hold the level. Mobile game developers can regularly release updates and monitor the quality of the game. And happy players, in turn, are more willing to spend money on a game if it works smoothly and causes only positive emotions. The choice of the development platform plays an important role in this process.

Let’s figure out how the platforms differ from each other and which one is better for launching your first game.

Decide who is your customer

The first question to ask yourself is: “Who do I want to make a game for?”. The better you understand your audience, the more likely you are to hit the target, not only with the genre and style of the game, but also with monetization. After all, the purchasing behavior of the average Android and iOS user is different.

Mobile Operating System Market Share Worldwide. Source: Statcounter.

According to Statcounter data for 2021, the market share of mobile devices on Android is about 72%, while iOS accounts for only 27%. It would seem that more devices mean more purchases. But look closer at the number of games developed for both platforms. According to the latest data, there are 477,877 mobile games available today in the Google Play store and 316,802 in the App Store. Although iOS devices have 2.7 times less market share, the gap between released applications is only 33%. It means that mobile game companies are actively releasing games for both platforms.

Number of gaming apps from 1st quarter 2020 to 1st quarter 2021. Source: Statista.

One of the reasons is the desire to reach as many solvent players as possible. The table summarizes the key differences between users of both platforms.According to this information, Android users would rather watch in-game ads than buying an App. iOS fans, on the other hand, are less sensitive to spending money. Geography also differs. So choose the platform that is more popular with your audience.

Choose revenue strategy

No matter how much money you spend on development, you will probably want to cover it and increase your income. So it’s worth thinking about a monetization strategy in advance. It is one of the key points since iOS and Android users have different approaches to spending. There are four main ways to make money:

• microtransactions or in-game purchases;
• purchase of an application;
• subscription;
• advertisement.

All three methods you can implement in different ways. For example, you can replace a one-time purchase with a season subscription. Or you can open the free-to-play version of the game with several levels and then offer users to try the full one. The display of ads can also be different: constant banners, pop-up banners, videos for in-game rewards, etc. Gaming app companies often combine methods to earn more money.

Gaming apps annual revenue, in billions of dollars. Source: App Annie, Sensor Tower.

In 2020, the annual iOS gaming app revenue was $47.6 billion. On Google Play, gaming apps brought a little less — $31.9 billion. And the display of advertisements was the main source of income on both platforms. It accounts for 70-80% of all earnings. In second place are in-app purchases, about 15-25%. And only 5-10% of the income comes from the purchase of the application itself. And in any case, iOS users are much more willing to spend money than Android owners. But do not forget about market share: 72% versus 27%. Let’s take a closer look at the different ways to make money in games.

In-app purchases

IOS players are more likely to spend money and make in-app purchases. An iOS user spends an average of $1 on each purchase, while Android users spend half as much on each purchase: $0.47. But it all depends on the game. If the app is free and fun, and the mechanics of microtransactions are clever, in-app purchases are an optimal way to earn money on both platforms.

Paid applications

According to statistics, 97% of Google Play apps are freely available. That means that developers receive all money from microtransactions and in-game advertisements. If your monetization scheme is based precisely on purchasing an app or subscribing to it, then iOS is the best choice.

Advertising

Ads are the easiest and most effective way to make money. Many users are loyal to banner ads and short videos. They prefer to spend time watching the advertisement instead of paying for the application. Ironically, this type of income generates a lot more money for game creators than a one-time purchase. You can make money from advertising on any platform, but Android users are more loyal to banners and videos in games. In addition, the number of users on this platform is higher, so you can get more ad views.

Calculate mobile development cost

Game art services are not the cheapest pleasure. Let’s take a look at what makes up the development cost. It is the number of working hours multiplied by the value per hour for all team members. The final price depends on the number of team members and complexity of the game: the number of custom elements, animations, etc. In addition to the development itself, the application creation cycle includes:

• analytics;
• engineering and design;
• testing and management;
• technical support.

If you can learn more about the creative process, you can read our article about the seven stages of game development.

There are many other technical factors that affect the price. So it is impossible to say unequivocally what will be cheaper: IOS or android studio game development. Consider the fact that for games, studios prefer cross-platform development. And we will look closer at this way of creation at the end of the article.

Don’t forget about the testing process

iOS runs only on devices produced by Apple. And all other tech companies work with Android. Consequently, there are many more devices for testing: ideally, you need to test your game on each of the relevant samples, from the oldest on the market to the modern ones. And after correcting errors, the process is repeated. You cannot just skip the testing steps, as users will instantly lose interest in a poorly performing game. And restoring a reputation is not as easy as making a great first impression.

Think about update

While 85% of iOS users are consistently updating to the latest OS, over 70% of Android owners use different versions of operating systems. It means that during development, you will have to adjust the interface design for different screens and be sure to take into account the peculiarities of old systems and devices.

Working with iOS players is much easier. Updates are sequential, the number of devices on the market at the same time is small, and it’s easier to work with differences between them. Thanks to this, developers can make the game more convenient and understandable for the user. And a satisfied user is more likely to spend money on the game.

Prepare for publishing

Imagine that all the stages of development are over. The game is ready. You want to show it to new users and publish it. And here, the approach of stores for different platforms is fundamentally different.

On Google Play, you will pay $25 just once and get access to your account without restrictions. After a few hours, the game will be on sale, and you will be able to update it, test it and study user behavior. Android game development is cheaper if you look at it this way.

In the App Store, however, everything is much stricter. The payment here is regular. Every year you will have to pay $99 for the opportunity to place your application in the App Store. The process of reviewing and approving the game is longer – up to 48 hours. And if you have broken at least one of the many rules, you can get refused. So before publishing, you will have to study rules or find developers who have already released more than one application on iOS.

After publishing the game on both markets, you will need to pay 30% of your income. Although recently, as part of its small business support, Apple announced a rate cut for anyone who made less than a million dollars in the previous calendar year. In this case, the rate will be only 15%. Google play took a similar step. So the conditions after publication on both platforms will be equal.

Despite all the difficulties with the release of games, revenues from iOS applications are consistently high. In addition, strict verification and compliance with all the rules can make you a good reputation among users. Any game can pass on the Google Play market. But in the App Store, you need to pass strict inspection. And don’t forget about marketing strategy for your game. We’ve put together some useful tips about how to promote your mobile game here.

Choose a game design company

So, you have chosen your audience, found the method of monetization, and estimated the budget. It remains only to find a studio. Finding the perfect team that will help to bring your ideas to life is the most significant step. We advise you to look at the three things exploring mobile game studios.

Work experience

The games market is young, but this does not mean that yesterday’s students can successfully develop mobile games. There are many nuances in the creation process. And with a skilled expert developer, you will spend less time and effort trying to figure them out. Our company has been on the market for more than seven years, and during this time we have developed 25 successful projects.

Team

The human factor comes first. Whatever you do, everything is based on communication. After all, if you clearly understand each other and see common goals, work becomes much easier. However, there are no technical methods here. You have to rely on your intuition. But the number of team members can be a landmark. Game art production is a complex process. If one person performs several tasks at once, this is cause for concern. Stepico has more than 100 team members, and we can assemble a separate group only for your project.

Projects

The best way to find out if a team is right for you or not is to look at the portfolio. We advise you to look not at the projects similar to your idea, but creativity and diversity. After all, who needs another clone of a mobile game when you can do creative and stunning projects? For example, our team recently developed the Guild Of Guardians game, the main feature of which is modern technologies.

It is a free-to-play game where you can earn NFTs. It means, during the game, you can get unique objects. You own it. And you can sell them for real, not in-game currency. The idea of turning gaming achievements into real winnings resonated with the players. And if you are thinking about joining them, you can watch the trailer.

Use this life-hack

If you want to create a game, choose Stepico studio. We use the Unity cross-platform engine to make a universal game that will run without problems on any gadget. Unity game development has more benefits than native.

The code works on all platforms at once and adapts to any device. So you can take advantage of Android and iOS and get double the benefits. A single technology allows updates to be made simultaneously on all devices and avoids duplicate bug fixes. Remember that satisfied players are the key to the success of any game.

Also, the Stepico studio is in Ukraine. Development costs here will be much lower than in West Europe or US. And the quality will be at a high level, especially in comparison with cheaper India. We offer full-cycle game development, from the idea to post-release support. With us, you can relax and not worry about anything.

Take the first step towards developing your first game right now! Write to us, and we’ll help you to create a mobile hit.

Looking for Game Development Partner?

Let us make a little bit of change to the famous Shakespeare’s quote: “All the world’s a game, and all the men and women merely characters”. Moreover, every game is a project, and every project is a set of defined rules, activities, KPIs, team players, and deliverables.

You may be interested in Unity mobile development , Android or iOS game development, C++, Java, C# programming languages, 2D or 3D game development and other specific technical moments. Sooo how to plan and manage game app development projects in love, peace and harmony (met deadlines, smooth communication and high profits)? Read about it below.

Types Of Top Gaming Companies

A very good place to start is to gain an understanding of the main types of top gaming companies. Different companies have their own methods and business processes. There are 4 main types of gaming companies below you need to know.

Game development studios, game developers

Teams hyperspecialized in a full-cycle gamedev service including game conceptions, plots, graphics, characters, sounds, different device platforms etc. to make it interesting and fun to play. The successful companies are growing and working on more and more big projects.

Game publishers

Such companies publish video games created by game studios. Here we have teams of professional, highly experienced and skilled in the game industry people responsible for testing, manufacturing and marketing the games.

2 in 1: game development and publishing companies

Sometimes successful game developers decide to work independently without game publishers or game publishers decide to extend and create a game development department as an additional structural unit.

Indie game development teams

Teams are formed spontaneously to provide services to specific game projects. Indie teams usually do not have an exactly defined plan of their future work, however, can create surprisingly innovative and trendy market decisions.

Game Development Roles

The next step is a clear understanding of the game development team roles. The client/investor/developer should uate workload, size and scope of the game and form a team in accordance with the specific project requirements. Let’s check out the following list of basic project roles in the mobile game development industry.

Producer / Project Owner / Business Developer

This team member is especially interested in big sales, profits, market success. He or she is responsible for the general project strategy, economic assessment, effective teamwork and associated psychological factors.

Project Manager / Scrum Master

This role defines leading the teamwork, controlling deadlines, solving working issues, achieving defined goals.

Game Programmer / Developer

Developers create codebases and the tools for the game. Sometimes they can be responsible for debugging and beta testing in order to make the user-friendly game interface.

Game Designer

Designers develop a general visual part. They keep the design loyal to the original idea and control any new ideas that could be implemented in order to improve the game experience.

Artist

Artists produce different visuals (lots for a 3D game development platform): characters, objects, settings, backgrounds, animations. The game art part is often outsourced to the other game dev studios.

PR/Marketing Specialist

Such specialists investigate the game market, key competitors, potential customers, market opportunities and risks, ways of informing and promotion. Especially social media era requires game brands to be proactive and close to their clients.

Community Manager

The manager creates a specific game community (social media pages, blogs), provide technical support in case of need 24/7, create a Q&As base. It is worth mentioning that a specific game project may need the following additional expertises: sound composer, quality controller/tester, writer, business analyst, HR specialist.

Choose Project Management Methodology

One of the first important decisions is choosing which project management methodology for the specific game project to follow. The most popular frameworks are Agile/Scrum/Kanban dashboards and Waterfall. They all have advantages and disadvantages, as there is nothing perfect in the world.

Agile way of project management represents continuous interactions with clients/users, feedbacks, necessary improvements at every work stage despite the in-depth planning, individual importance over processes and tools. If you choose to implement Agile model, you probably will use Scrum method. It represents a set of unchangeable working rules. Precise workload periods allow teams to close ready projects steadily in time. Kanban presents itself a desk with several columns in order to visualize control points, reminders, daily tasks.

Waterfall methodology follows a clear and chronological process. This approach doesn’t allow to return to finished steps and correct them, only to start the project from the initial point.

IT-Life Hacks From Stepico Games

Here are IT-life hacks and advises that will help you to avoid some management mistakes:

• Teamwork:
  • Decide which tasks should be outsourced and which tasks should be performed by the game development team (e.g. HR services).
  • Try not to combine Product Owner and Scrum Master functions in one role. Project Manager should perform as Scrum Master and Game Designer responsibilities can include Product Owner role.
  •  One of three or more specialists with the same responsibilities should be Leading Specialist. This step helps to control and increase teamwork effectiveness.

• Human Resources:
  • Hire young and enthusiastic people in order to teach them for long-term cooperation. However, if there are some urgent tasks, it makes sense to find highly experienced professionals to perform tasks quickly and effectively.
  • Analyze the pros and cons of your team members working from home remotely and in an office.
  • Don’t forget about person-to-team psychological compatibility in collaborative tasks.
• Market rules:
  • Unity game development has the biggest market share among game engines in the world.
  • Be careful buying an official license for your game music background. All rights must be reserved.