Whenever mobile gaming is mentioned, you can never skip Hyper Casual Games in the conversation. Ever wondered how simple games like Helix Jump make millions? Let’s explore their monetization magic!
These kinds of games have taken the internet by storm as more and more players are deflecting towards this genre. Because of the heavy penetration of mobile phones among the audience, and the lack of resources and time, this gaming genre has become a sensation in the lives of working-class people and gamers looking for something casual. Because of high user engagement, monetizing hyper casual games is essential and entrepreneurs have an opportunity to leverage this phenomenon.
And if you are curious about how you can build a successful revenue stream around hyper casual games, understanding all the monetization techniques is important. Therefore, this blog aims to satisfy all your queries about the monetization techniques that hold potential in hyper casual games.
Now the question arises as to why these games are so addictive, features like simple mechanics, easy gameplay, and an addictive loop make hyper casual games the last resort for gamers seeking engaging games. These games allow users to invest minimal of their time and earn short-term satisfaction by achieving simple milestones in the game. One line cannot define the reason behind the massive success of such games. Hence, this blog will aim to shed light on game monetization strategies and create a successful revenue stream.
But before we delve into the topic, we must understand in depth: What are Hyper Casual Games?
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Hyper casual games are popular for several reasons, however, simplicity, instant engagement, addictive gameplay, and virality potential play a key role in their popularity.
Hyper casual games are accessible around the world due to their simplicity in gameplay. All demographics around the world are attracted to it because of this factor.
Games like Helix Jump, Flappy Bird, and Stack Ball can provide instant gratification. People can engage in these games without worrying about future milestones. You can pick up, play, and pause anytime you like.
These games apply a slow increase in difficulty as you cross levels, this seeds an urge inside players to play it more and more. The stimulating mechanics of the game make it too addictive for players.
The minimalist design and simple gameplay loops allow hyper casual games to reach and spread a large audience at a fast pace.
Related Blog: Explore The Best Hyper Casual Games iOS & Android
Usually hyper casual games do not charge you a platform fee. In order to play a hyper casual game you just need to download it, or visit the game’s website and start playing it. It costs zero bucks to begin playing the game. Now if this is the case, how would you earn through such games? Well, you must resort to non-traditional monetization techniques to create a revenue stream through these games.
We shall discuss some of the strategies through which you can monetize hyper casual games. Among these strategies, in-game advertising holds the most potential and is also a must if you want to earn big from your hyper casual game.
Ads are one of the preferred modes of creating a revenue stream in your hyper casual game. Placing relevant ads in your game apps is one of the best ways to generate revenue. There are several types of ads that you can use; interstitial ads and rewarded ads prove to be the most beneficial, however, there are other kinds of ads that can help you build a successful revenue stream.
Here are some of the ad revenue models that are tried and tested:
Interstitial ads come into play when you move from one level to another in the game, or after breaks in between the gameplay. These ads promise huge rewards and you need to align them strategically with the gameplay to make it natural and not forced.
Rewarded ads usually play a better role in generating revenue. As the name suggests, you get rewards like coins or lifelines in the game if you watch the ad. These ads are generally most watched as people need more coins or extra life when they exhaust their share of in-game currency. Gamers do not consider rewarded ads to be an ad but more like a transaction where they get tangible value in exchange for their time.
| Aspect | Rewarded Ads | Interstitial Ads |
|---|---|---|
| Player Interaction | Optional, player-initiated | Mandatory, shown between game levels |
| User Retention | Increases, as players get rewards | Can decrease, if ads are too frequent |
| Revenue Generation | Moderate, based on completion rate | Higher, as impressions are guaranteed |
| Best Use Case | Games with a currency or reward system | Games with short levels or natural breaks |
| Player Experience | Positive, as they get something in return | Negative, if overused or poorly placed |
You must have witnessed a small rectangle-like thumbnail on the bottom, top, or any one side of your mobile screen while you surf a website. These ads are called banner ads and have a very insignificant impact on the gameplay. Since hyper casual games have long play sessions, banner ads can turn out to be very beneficial in this setting.
Playable ads are different from interstitial ads though they share the same time and place. While interstitial ads can be boring sometimes for the users, playable ads allow them to interact with the ad. Such ads have a high conversion rate as users get a glimpse of another product by actually experiencing it.
In-app purchases are not very common in hyper casual games as there is not much room for in-game assets. However, you can add characters and themes exclusively for players who purchase it. These in-app purchases provide a more intimate experience to the users. You can intertwine in-app purchases through the following means:
Through this in-app purchase option, you can provide different kinds of characters, skins, or themes in the game for a small amount. For example, if you have played Subway Surfer you see that there are a lot of characters through which you can play your game, and you can charge for these characters. It is not burdensome for players as they can get to play the game for free, but if they want customization they have to pay a small fee for that.
This is also a good monetization technique, where users pay a one-time fee to remove all kinds of ads from their game. Again, it is not burdensome for users as most players are comfortable watching the ads and interacting with them in the game. However, if players wish to have a fully uninterrupted experience, they can opt to remove ads by choosing this in-app purchase option.
Sometimes players struggle to finish a level or task and feel as if they would have given they had a better vehicle or armor. Power-ups and boosters come into the picture at this time and some players might take the shortcut and buy power-ups to finish the level. Impatience and lack of skill are mostly the driving force behind a user to buy power-ups and boosters. Power-ups and boosters are a good monetization technique as it is not a one-time thing, and unlike removing ads, users can use this option more than once providing a recurring source of income.
It is a human tendency to buy stuff they feel is unique and have a limited-time deal. Therefore, rolling out limited-edition items in the game like seasonal skins and festive collections can help you drive a great revenue stream.
Wondering how you can promote your game application? Check out this blog.
| Aspect | Ads | In-App Purchases |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Potential | Steady, depends on impressions & clicks | High, depends on user willingness to spend |
| Player Experience | Can disrupt gameplay | Seamless if implemented subtly |
| Best Use Case | Large player base | Engaged, loyal players |
| Ease of Implementation | Easy with ad networks like AdMob | Requires designing enticing in-game content |
| Monetization Timeline | Immediate | Delayed, based on user engagement |
The attention span of players is getting lower day by day and investing in a long-term game that requires a lot of time is not the best option for gamers seeking quick entertainment in less time. In this generation, hyper casual games play a big role in shaping the mobile gaming industry, as it is the next phenomenon.
This is comparatively a new genre but is evolving at an alarming rate and fresh technologies are getting intertwined with it. For example, technologies like Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality, Artificial Intelligence, and Blockchain heavily influence the game’s mechanics and promise a bright future in the domain.
It is now clear that hyper casual games have made a mark in the mobile gaming industry thanks to their minimalist design and simplicity, promising great potential in the future of the gaming industry. This genre of gaming poses a unique opportunity for game developers and entrepreneurs altogether and they can make the most out of this opportunity. Using the correct monetization techniques and placing it strategically according to your game can help you achieve compound growth in business. These methods
If you wish to develop a hyper casual game, BR Softech as a leading game development compnay can help you in achieving the milestone. The agency has exceptional developers who are well-versed in developing hyper-casual games. Not only that, you get help from our creative designers in conceptualizing the theme of the game and mechanics.
Hyper casual games are minimalistic in nature, and are easy to play with low level game mechanics. These games do not test your skill level, however, their levels are mostly unlimited and difficulty increases with each passing stage.
Hyper casual games have become popular in the current gaming scenario because it target mobile gamers and provide entertainment in short durations. They have quick game loops and easy levels that make users come back to the game more often, hence, making it popular.
With an addictive gameplay loop, simple game mechanics, and slowly increasing difficulty in game levels you can keep players engaged in the game.
Hyper casual games promise a sustainable future where these games are expected to bring in a smooth revenue stream for entrepreneurs and a hassle-free gaming experience for gamers of all ages.
