Adapting innovative strategies to captivate players and drive revenue is essential in mobile gaming. Rewarded Playtime, also known as Play-2-Earn, is one of these strategies that focuses on increasing lifetime value (LTV) and ultimately boosting in-app purchases (IAPs). Now, let’s dive into how this revolutionary model turns players into champions while maximizing the growth of mobile games.
Understanding Rewarded Playtime
To understand how P2E leads to increased IAP, we need to understand how Rewarded Playtime works. The model operates on a fundamental yet ingenious principle – rewarding players based on the time they invest in a game. In other words, the more time players spend actively participating in the game, the more rewards they will earn. These rewards can come in various forms, such as virtual currency, power-ups, exclusive items, or even real-world incentives like discounts or gift cards. A reward system aligned with playtime encourages prolonged engagement, which leads to greater player satisfaction and retention.
Extending Gameplay to Drive IAPs
Among the key benefits of Rewarded Playtime is the ability to extend gameplay and increase player engagement.Providing rewards based on gameplay duration encourages players to spend more time immersed in the game. As a result of this extended gameplay, not only is the overall gaming experience enhanced, but more opportunities for in-app purchases (IAPs) are created as well.
The more time players invest in the game, the more likely they are to explore the additional features and content offered by in-app purchases. Whether it’s unlocking new levels, acquiring rare items, or accessing premium features, the increased engagement resulting from rewarded playtime translates into a higher likelihood of IAPs.
Additionally, extended gameplay enables developers to seamlessly implement strategic monetization mechanics. You can, for example, introduce timed offers or limited-time discounts on in-app purchases during times of heightened player activity to drive conversions.
Elevating Lifetime Value (LTV) Through IAPs
Rewarded Playtime not only increases revenue in the short-term but also raises a player’s lifetime value. Players develop a deeper connection to a game’s ecosystem as they spend more time participating in Rewarded Playtime activities. Increasing investment in the game translates into higher LTV, since players are more likely to make repeat in-app purchases.
When players progress and accumulate rewards through extended gameplay sessions, they perceive in-app purchases as a way to further enhance the gaming experience. Through this cycle of engagement, reward, and spending, mobile game owners can create a sustainable revenue stream while fostering a loyal and vibrant community of players.
Watch Faheem explain Rewarded Playtime and IAPs in a nutshell.
How About Some Success Stories?
Let’s look at Unico Studio’s popular title, Zen Life, to illustrate how Rewarded Playtime can drive in-app purchases and revenue growth. Unico Studio achieved impressive results with Rewarded Playtime campaigns:
- 15% Revenue Growth via In-App Purchases: In addition to revenue generated from in-app ads, the introduction of rewarded playtime led to a substantial increase in revenue from in-app purchases. This highlights the direct correlation between extended gameplay, player engagement, and in-app spending.
- 125% Return on Advertising Spend (ROAS): Rewarded Playtime campaigns resulted in an impressive ROAS, showing their cost-effectiveness.
Let’s also dive into how APPS achieved success for their latest title, “Drill & Collect – Idle Miner”, with Rewarded Playtime. In this case, the level completion rate holds significant importance within the game, particularly in the context of completing Area 3, as this milestone unlocks additional content for the player.
So, AppSamurai’s in-house growth consultants focused on this milestone and strategically crafted offers that would lead players to complete the specific area, be introduced to new content and possibly make in-app purchases. Here are the results we achieved:
- 107% D28 ROAS
- 2x Higher Level Completion Rate
Final Thoughts
For mobile gaming developers seeking to boost in-app purchases and increase revenue, Rewarded Playtime is one of the most innovative strategies in the ecosystem. Enhanced gameplay, increased player engagement, and increased lifetime value create a strategic approach to maximizing revenue. Don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more and start implementing revenue-boosting strategies in your UA efforts.
