Pre-roll and Reward Video advertising has created a great way for game developers to monetize the 98%’ers who would likely not pay for the game.
There are various ways developers can implement Video ads in their games; forced, unforced, voluntary, involuntary types and so on, and all of those carry their own pros and cons. Implementation of certain models will either make or break the gameplay and meta-gameplay.
A study has shown that reward video ads have a positive impact on retention and overall ad revenue. To be successful with Reward Video Ads however, game developers need to find the right mix of game levels, power boosts etc to introduce Reward Ads. Throwing tons of video ads at players will definitely have an unintended consequence on your game in general.
We’ve selected few examples of Match 3 games, and how these developers approached implementing video ads in the contents of the game.
First Example – Candy Crush Saga
Candy Crush is probably the most downloaded match 3 games of all times. Using various retention and in-game monetization models the makers of Candy Crush Saga, King had amazing returns, still, amasses millions.
Quite simple, visually appealing and addictive in nature, this match 3 game offers a chance to watch video ad when users run out of game life. Players have various opportunities to watch and get an immediate reward from the game
With all options, players are clearly communicated and know they have the option to opt in or out.
King’s Candy Crush Saga video ads directly impact gameplay, which makes them more immersive
Second Example – Wedding Escape
This game has a bit different game mechanics but generally, follows a match 3 system. The game has a unique twist with a lot of humor. Wedding Escape is another example of Reward Video Ad monetization we have reviewed here.
Developers of Wedding Escape, used reward video advertisement bit differently.
In the game, the developers decided to limit the number of moves and lives, but give the option for players to multiply their rewards. In this case, rewards are in-game currency, which players can in turn use to buy more lives, turns and similar powerups that will help them in the game.
This method has also proven as quite useful, as it gives players the sense they are in complete control of their own rewards.
With the option to double their prize, Wedding Escape developers gave their player sense of higher control
Third Example – Bejeweled
This is also another massively popular match 3 game that evolved through platforms and time. With basically the same game mechanics as the Candy Crush Saga, but with its own perks, Bejeweled is one of the top rated match 3 games in the market.
Generating revenue from in-game purchases and ads, developers of this game had a similar approach to both of previously mentioned games. Bejeweled has multiple game modes, and multiple rewards players can get from playing. Watching video ads gives you the opportunity to keep playing, if you’ve spent all your turns in certain game mode, and they do give you the opportunity to double your rewards in different modes. Practically – their model of implementing video ads in the game is a combination of previously mentioned models.
Depending on the game mode, watching video ads in Bejeweled can have different rewards for players
The above three models are the generally used video ads implementation models, but there is no one best approach. It always involves multiple reiterations to get the best retention Vs dollar return.
Always make sure your video ads complement your game and not the other way around. Your players don’t need to think your game is just a marketing tool.
As in everything else in life, a monetization is a balancing act. Too much reward video ad, you kill your game in no time. No Reward Video Ads has a similar impact – no money, No fun.
