Games are easily accessible these days. With just one tap on your mobile device, you can access your favorite games in an instant. This accessibility has transformed gaming into a prominent form of entertainment for people of all ages. Accordingly, such accessibility also paved the way for mobile games to become one of the most favoured types of gaming.
Compared to complicated and usually expensive console video games, people have become more inclined to mobile games because, aside from their high level of accessibility, such types of games are designed for momentary use and usually do not oblige their gamers to invest large sums of money to obtain them. This availability enticed a lot of gamers, and from there, the freemium became the dominant business model among Android gaming developers.
Below, let us get to know the freemium model and how Android gaming apps capitalize on this business model to convert downloads into substantial business revenue.
What Is The Freemium Model
Freemium is a business model strategy widely observed in all mobile app markets, but more specifically with Android’s Google Play. It is a business strategy that offers products or services for free while charging a premium for supplemental or advanced features.
If applied in mobile game apps, this typically means providing gamers with free access to a game while offering in-game purchases for additional content. Oftentimes, this is the business strategy adopted by social games that initially do not require payment to play. For example, if you want to play online pokies on one hosted by a certain platform, you will be initially provided with online pokies free spins to let you get the feel of the game without the pressure of financial commitment. These types of games are often featured on gaming review sites where gamers can read about different themes, features, and even payouts that will get gamers ready before they dive in. These featured reviews allow gamers to make informed decisions so that they will know what to expect when later on the game offers in-game purchases or additional levels that will require them to purchase.
With Android mobile gaming apps adopting this type of business strategy, they capitalize on the psychological principle that gamers are more likely to engage with a game that has zero upfront costs. If by any chance the game is interesting to gamers, they will be more inclined to spend money later on with in-game purchases or upgrades.
From Freemium to Premium
Although the freemium model is often championed to be great at attracting users to download gaming apps, the real challenge lies in keeping them engaged. Freemium social games often employ various strategies to create an excellent gaming experience that allows users to spend money within the app.
Here are some ways that game developers use the freemium strategy to keep players invested in their journey with a certain game.
- Initial Engagement
When a user downloads a game for free, game developers aim to create an engaging experience right from the beginning with the goal of encouraging them to invest more time and possibly money later on.
To keep them interested initially, gamers are often treated to free money or free spins that can be used to help them progress in the game. Along with captivating graphics and intriguing gameplay, these things set the tone for the user’s experience.
- Incremental Progression
Another reason why most Android game developers use this business strategy is to encourage gamers to unlock new levels, new characters, or other ways to make them progress through the game.
In most cases, this gradual unveiling of the game creates a sense of achievement to keep them entertained. However, the progression can be a little slow, which may prompt gamers to get impatient and may provoke them to quit. To avoid the worst-case scenario, most games offer benefits such as free spins, free game coins, and other promotional freebies that will help them to progress more quickly and in some cases, encourage them to purchase game upgrades.
- Adding Community and Social Features
Lastly, freemium gaming apps often integrate community and social features.
Aside from the free coins and other promotional bonuses, game developers are also integrating multiplayer modes, leaderboards, and other social sharing options. These things create a sense of connection and competition among players who play the same game.
In some cases, Android game apps also incorporate chat features to encourage
Final Thoughts
Based on statistics and the actual results by game developers adopting the business strategy, the success of Android gaming apps is definitely imminent.
By helping the gamers progress through the game through free coins and other promotional features, and adding in the factor of community and social features, developers can successfully monetize their games and turn them into big businesses, especially if the game is actually very engaging.
As the mobile gaming industry continues to thrive, the strategies behind these freemium models will likely evolve, incorporating even more innovative ways to captivate players while still driving revenue for their gaming app. For sure, the dynamic landscape of mobile gaming will challenge developers even more to balance user experience with monetization efforts more than ever before.
