Choosing the Right Game Distribution & Monetization Strategy

The platform where you distribute your game can define your success. It influences who sees your game, how often it’s played, and how much money you earn. Whether you develop mobile, HTML5, or Unity WebGL games, choosing the right distribution site is a strategic monetization decision.

A strong distribution strategy aligns your game’s technical structure, genre, and monetization goals with platform capabilities. When rewarded video ads and other monetization tools are involved, even small choices can create big differences in ad revenue, engagement, and player lifetime value (LTV).

This blog explores a logical framework for evaluating and choosing game distribution platforms. Instead of focusing on specific sites, we’ll focus on core evaluation principles every developer should follow.

Why Game Distribution Choice Matters

Your distribution site is more than a storefront—it’s your game’s public stage. The platform affects:

• Visibility: Large platforms may bring millions of users, increasing discoverability.

• Monetization Potential: Built-in rewarded video ad support can boost eCPM and rewarded ads revenue.

• Player Demographics: Platforms attract specific age groups and preferences.

• Technical Fit: Format compatibility impacts user experience and monetization opportunities.

A poor match can limit your reach, lower your ad revenue per user (ARPDAU), or even prevent monetization altogether. A thoughtful choice helps you unlock the full potential of your game monetization strategy.

Monetization Capabilities

Continuing on “A Logical Approach to Choosing the Right Game Distribution & Monetization” post, A major factor in distribution choice is how a platform supports monetization. Ask yourself the following:

1. Does the platform support rewarded video ads natively?
   Rewarded video ads are a proven monetization tool. Platforms with native SDK support let you easily plug into their ad ecosystem or your own network, improving eCPM and lowering setup friction.

2. Are third-party ad integrations allowed?
   If you already use AdMob, Unity Ads, or other video monetization platforms, ensure the platform permits external SDKs or iframe-hosted games.

3. Is ad monetization performance transparent?
   Platforms should offer dashboards showing rewarded video completion rates, eCPM, and user engagement. Without data, optimization becomes guesswork.

Audience Reach and Demographics

Traffic size isn’t enough. You need the right players for your genre and monetization model.

• Casual games do well with broader, younger audiences and shorter sessions.

• Hardcore or strategic games benefit from more niche, engaged users who might stay longer and return frequently.

• Puzzle or idle games excel with repeat visits and high rewarded ad opt-in rates.

Also, look at global vs. regional reach. Some platforms dominate in Europe or Asia, others in North America. Match this with your game’s language support, themes, and monetization model.

Game Format Support

Continuing on “A Logical Approach to Choosing the Right Game Distribution & Monetization” post, Game format compatibility is non-negotiable.

• HTML5 Games: Ensure the platform supports iframe or zipped WebGL packages. Look for mobile browser optimization.

• Unity WebGL: Check for file size limits, memory constraints, and WebAssembly compatibility.

• Mobile-optimized browser games: Ensure the platform renders well on smaller screens with responsive controls.

Also verify how platforms treat third-party hosted games. Can you host your own game while benefiting from their traffic?.

Revenue Share and Terms

Continuing on “A Logical Approach to Choosing the Right Game Distribution & Monetization” post, Money makes the model work. Always ask:

1. What is the revenue share split?
   Some platforms offer a 70/30 split; others may offer 90/10. Some let developers set their own fee. Know where your dollars go.

2. How do they calculate ad revenue?
   Are you paid based on impressions, completed rewarded video ads, or clicks? Is eCPM clearly disclosed?

3. What are the payment terms?
   Look for monthly payments, low payout thresholds, and reliable payment processors.

Avoid platforms with delayed payouts, ambiguous splits, or restrictive monetization caps.

Developer Support and Analytics

So Without data, you can’t improve. Your distribution platform should help you succeed with:

• Real-time dashboards for sessions, ad views, rewarded ad opt-ins.

• Retention and funnel data: Where do players drop off? What levels do they replay?

• Revenue segmentation: See ad revenue by country, session time, and user type.

Some platforms even support A/B testing for thumbnails, ad frequency, and layout tweaks. These features help you improve user experience and rewarded video ad revenue simultaneously..

Best Practices for Getting Accepted

Follwowing on “A Logical Approach to Choosing the Right Game Distribution & Monetization” post, To be accepted and featured on a platform, polish matters:

1. Follow all technical requirements
   Use proper resolutions, compression, and memory management. Avoid third-party plugins that conflict with platform rules.

2. Optimize your branding assets
   Use sharp thumbnails, engaging trailers, and keyword-rich game titles. These impact clicks and retention.

3. Use targeted tags and metadata
   Tag your game with terms players search for: “idle game”, “tower defense”, “rewarded video ads”. This boosts organic discovery.

4. Test before submission
   Fix bugs, compress files, and streamline loading. A slow or buggy game reduces the chance of being promoted or accepted.

A Logical Decision-Making Framework

So, here’s a simple checklist when comparing platforms:

Use this table to assign scores or make pros/cons lists when evaluating options.

AppLixir Rewarded Video Ad

Before I finish “A Logical Approach to Choosing the Right Game Distribution & Monetization” post, Choosing the right game distribution site is a strategic decision that affects your game’s discoverability, player engagement, and monetization success. It’s not about chasing the biggest platform—it’s about finding the best fit.

• Support for rewarded video ads and monetization tools is critical.

• Your audience must align with the platform’s users.

• Format compatibility ensures performance and user satisfaction.

• Fair revenue terms and robust analytics enable long-term success.

Start with your goals—whether that’s maximizing ad revenue, building community, or reaching global players—and select platforms that move you closer.