Exploring the Booming Landscape of In-Game Advertising

[cpvr]

I recently came across an article that discussed the “Booming landscape of In-game advertising” and the author touched base on some interesting advertising methods that could work for game owners that are looking to monetize their game in the future.

The most popular form is, unsurprisingly, rewarded video ads. This advertising model incentivises users by offering them rewards for watching full-screen advertisements. Following the viewing of a 15-30 second video advertisement, users receive various in-game benefits such as currency, additional lives, or access to new levels. Preferred over in-app purchases, rewarded video ads have gained favor among users. Moreover, 62% of developers have observed an uptick in user retention after implementing rewarded video ads, highlighting their effectiveness in enhancing user engagement.

Subtle Integration over Aggressive Marketing​

In the delicate dance of games and in-game advertising, true effectiveness lies in weaving ads into gameplay, not as intrusive interruptions but as creative enhancements that enrich the player's journey. We’re talking about a space that features interactive, live, and high-attention inventory. In fact, the majority of gamers feel positive or neutral about advertisements - 69% of console gamers, 65% of PC gamers and 74% of mobile gamers. This underscores a nuanced perspective within the gaming community, and one that is beneficial for those looking to venture into the in-game advertising space. While overly intrusive advertising is unwelcome, thoughtfully integrated, non-disruptive ads, particularly those offering rewards or enhancing the game environment, can find acceptance and even appreciation among gamers.

Source: Exploring the Booming Landscape of In-Game Advertising - ExchangeWire.com


What do you think about the rewarded video ads monetization method? Is it something that you think could be a viable monetization option for the pet sites and sim games industry?

 

[twinkletalon]

Video ad monetization sure is, a choice. This whole assessment very much feels like it's from a developer perspective compared to a user one. Disregarding my own distaste for it, the practice has shown to be effective at generating revenue. But it should be noted that the statistic says, "[rewarded video ads are] preferred over in-app purchases"; key takeaway there being that people are saving money by obtaining in game currency through watching advertisements instead of paying money/grinding. Falling into the same trap as the larger video game industry here: lootboxes, intrusive monetization, etc.

To see this implemented directly in a pet sim context; Dappervolk had a video ad reward system! It's a bit buggy sometimes but it has rare items available through their Ad Theater program.

 

[cpvr]

Video ad monetization sure is, a choice. This whole assessment very much feels like it's from a developer perspective compared to a user one. Disregarding my own distaste for it, the practice has shown to be effective at generating revenue. But it should be noted that the statistic says, "[rewarded video ads are] preferred over in-app purchases"; key takeaway there being that people are saving money by obtaining in game currency through watching advertisements instead of paying money/grinding. Falling into the same trap as the larger video game industry here: lootboxes, intrusive monetization, etc.

To see this implemented directly in a pet sim context; Dappervolk had a video ad reward system! It's a bit buggy sometimes but it has rare items available through their Ad Theater program.

Are the rare items that Dappervolk rewards players through their video ad system exclusive only to the video ad system or can users obtain these items through other means on the site? Also, what company are they using for their video ads?

 

[Soulwatcher]

I think video ads could work as long as you offered a subscription to remove the ads. Otherwise you could turn off the people that hate ads.