Indie Game Success: Monetization

Why monetization matters.

In the first installment of our Indie Game Success we uncovered Why Content Matters. In our second installment, we are going to be talking about the importance of monetization.

Congrats! You’ve mastered the art of creating content. Combining your passions into a vocation with gamers all around the world exploring the masterpiece you have created. Now what?  While any successful game can be measured by the fulfillment of creating the game, satisfaction doesn’t pay the bills. Crunching long hours by the computer, brainstorming the entire layout of your game, and drinking way too much caffeine at 3am, deserves a pay off.

A major pillar of this triad is monetization.

In our post about Why Content Matters we discussed the Live Game Trinity, coined by CEO of Beamable Jon Radoff.  A major pillar of this triad is monetization. While receiving a well earned pay day is important, monetization converts community attention into virtual item purchases to optimize economics. For more insight we sat down with our VP of Finance Matthew Fuller to hear his perspective on the importance of monetization.

Matt explains that “whether you are a small indie developer looking to earn a modest income or a AAA developer looking to recoup a multi-year development spend, finding that sweet spot of monetization where the value provided is equal to ( or ideally greater than) the monetary cost to your players is one of your most important goals.”

Do’s and don’ts of monetizing your player base.

If you are overcharging for your in-app purchases, or presenting something your players do not value at your proposed asking price, even the best NPE and D7 retention will not help. Whether the item is for cosmetic value, nostalgic value, or for a time saving factor to speed up progression, your players have to feel that they are getting value. Matt continues and states

“ A well-developed game will not require its player base to spend money, it will inspire them to do so.”

Monetization matters and should be paralleled with constant creation, adaptation, and revision. In our next, and final, installment of Indie Game Success we will be covering why every successful game incorporates timed-events.

If you are ready to get rolling, Download Beamable today and let us help you develop your passion for gaming into an occupation.

Looking for more?

Jon Radoff’s Game Economics Part 2: Digital Collectibles and NFTs