Where is my gold!? Or how to monetize your game

Introduction

In the world of computer games, where entertainment and emotion play an important role in many people's lives, game monetization plays a key role. This allows developers to make a profit and continue to create the amazing game worlds that we are so deeply immersed in.

There are several ways to monetize games that provide developers with the opportunity to make money from their creations. These range from free-to-play models to advertising formats, from subscriptions to in-game economies. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of the appropriate method depends on the characteristics of the game itself.

Free-to-play (F2P)

When we hear the word “free,” we become overwhelmed with emotion, but in the world of video games, this word can mean considerable profit for developers. Free-to-play (F2P) is a model in which the game is completely free to download, but offers in-game purchases or premium content for which you have to pay.

F2P has its advantages and disadvantages. Pros include appeal to a wide audience, the ability to download the game for free, and in-app purchases of any size. However, the disadvantages of F2P include the possibility of falling into a “payment trap” where players can spend exorbitant amounts on in-game items as well as access to premium content. It may also turn out that the game will turn into a donation dump.

Successful games using the F2P model include projects such as Fortnite, League of Legends, and Apex Legends. They have proven that in-game item purchases can not only create long-term success, but also attract millions of players.

Microtransactions

Microtransactions are small amounts of money that players can spend on in-game purchases such as virtual currency, items, or upgrades. They allow players to personalize their gaming experience without making drastic changes to game balance.

Microtransactions can be used for a variety of purposes, including accelerating progress, purchasing premium content and additional features. They offer players choice.

Games such as GTA Online, Overwatch, and CS:GO make good use of microtransactions, allowing players to purchase items or character upgrades. This gives developers a stable income and the loyalty of players, who often strive to have a unique and expressive appearance for their characters.

Advertising in games

Advertising in games can come in a variety of formats, from pop-ups and videos to sponsored content and integrated advertising elements. The choice of format depends on how the developers can best fit it into the gameplay.

Advertising in games allows developers to generate revenue through advertising payments while players can continue to play for free. However, the presence of advertising may disrupt the gameplay and cause irritation for some players.

Some games, such as Angry Birds and Subway Surfers, successfully use advertising as their main source of revenue, offering players the opportunity to watch videos or receive in-game bonuses in return.

Subscription

Subscriptions require players to pay a monthly or annual fee to access various benefits or content. This allows developers to receive a stable income stream.

World of Warcraft, which offers a monthly subscription, is a prime example of successful use.

Expanded or additional content

Expanded or additional content are additions or updates that add new content to an existing game. This could be a new plot, or new levels, characters, items or other game elements.

Expanded or additional content allows developers to continue to make additional money from existing games while offering new features to players. However, a negative aspect may be the division of the gaming community into those who purchased the add-on and those who were left without it.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, with its several expansions, and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, with its countless free and paid DLC, are good examples of games that successfully use the extended or additional content model.

Virtual economy

A virtual economy is a simulation of a real economy within a game world where players can buy, sell and trade virtual goods and resources.

Game developers can create a virtual economy by establishing rules, supply and demand for virtual goods and resources, and providing opportunities for players to engage in trade and business creation within the game world.

EVE Online, with its complex economic system, and PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, with its ability to sell skins and items on third-party sites, are prime examples of games that successfully monetize through the virtual economy.

Premium model

Unlike other monetization models, the premium version of the game offers full access to all features and content without requiring ongoing microtransactions or in-game purchases.

One of the key advantages of the premium model is that it frees the player from annoying advertising that interrupts the gameplay and distracts attention. Instead, players are instantly immersed in the game world without any obstacles or unwanted interruptions. This approach significantly improves the gaming experience, allowing you to enjoy the game to the fullest.

One of the main components of the premium monetization model is the initial purchase of the game. Players gain full access to all content and features of the game from launch. This model guarantees a long-term and profitable strategy for the developers, as they receive financial support from players immediately after the game is released.

Conclusion

There are many ways to monetize games, and each of them has its own characteristics and advantages. Not all methods are described in the article. It is important to choose the most suitable monetization methods that will satisfy both the interests of developers and the expectations of players.

Recommendations for game developers include using combined monetization models, such as F2P with additional microtransactions or premium content subscriptions, and ensuring a balance between gameplay and monetization so that the quality of the game is not compromised.