Game Ad Monetization Tips: A Practical Guide to Unlocking Ad Revenue

January 13, 2025

A Guide to Gaming Ad Monetization

1. Integrated advertising platform

1. Choose the right advertising platform

Google AdMob: This is a globally recognized mobile advertising platform with a vast array of advertising resources and extensive coverage. It supports various ad formats and is connected to Google's large advertising network, providing developers with abundant advertising display opportunities. For example, a casual puzzle game can integrate Google AdMob to utilize its precise ad placement algorithms, allowing ads to be accurately displayed to users interested in casual games, thereby increasing the relevance and click-through rate of the ads.

Unity Ads: For games developed using the Unity engine, Unity Ads is a very suitable choice. It is not only easy to integrate but also has good optimization for in-game ad display effects. Taking a 3D action-adventure game developed with the Unity engine as an example, Unity Ads can cleverly insert ads based on the game's scenes and pace, without making players feel too abrupt. At the same time, it also provides some special features for game developers, such as personalized ad recommendations based on players' gaming behavior.

Other Platforms: In addition to the two mainstream platforms mentioned above, there are also some other advertising platforms worth paying attention to. For example, AppLovin excels in incentivized video advertising and can provide developers with higher ad revenue. For games that need to guide players to perform specific actions (such as watching ads to obtain game items) through incentivized video ads, AppLovin is a good choice. Additionally, IronSource is also a comprehensive advertising platform that offers various monetization solutions, including interstitial ads, native ads, etc., suitable for different types of games.

2. Steps to access the advertising platform

Registration and Application: First, you need to register on the chosen advertising platform and fill in the relevant developer and game information. For example, when registering on Google AdMob, you need to provide the developer's contact information, company information (if you are a corporate developer), as well as the game's name, category, description, and other information. After submitting the application, wait for the advertising platform's review, and once approved, you will receive a developer account.

Download and Integrate SDK: Advertising platforms generally provide a Software Development Kit (SDK), which developers need to download and integrate into their game projects. Taking Unity Ads as an example, in the Unity editor, you can search for and install the Unity Ads SDK through the Package Manager. During the integration process, you need to follow the documentation provided by the SDK to ensure that the SDK is correctly connected to various modules of the game. This may involve adding the corresponding code in parts of the game such as scene loading and interface display, so that ads can be shown at the appropriate time.

Configure Ad Units: After integrating the SDK, you need to create ad units in the management backend of the advertising platform. Ad units are the basic units for displaying ads, and developers can create different types of ad units based on the needs of the game, such as banner ad units, interstitial ad units, etc. When creating ad units, some parameters need to be set, such as the size of the ad, display frequency, etc. For example, for a mobile game, you can create a 320x50 pixel banner ad unit and set it to display once every 30 minutes on the main interface of the game.

2. Optimize Ad Display

1. Choose the right advertising format

Banner Ads: Banner ads are typically displayed in a long strip format at the top or bottom of the game interface. The advantage of this ad format is that the display position is relatively fixed and does not significantly interfere with the player's game operations. For example, in a parkour game, placing the banner ad at the bottom of the game interface allows players to control their character's running and jumping without being affected by the presence of the ad. At the same time, the display time of banner ads can be relatively long, allowing for continuous presentation of ad information to players.

Interstitial Ads: Interstitial ads are typically displayed in full screen at specific points in a game (such as at the end of a level, on the pause screen, etc.). This form of advertising has a strong visual impact and can attract players' attention. For example, in a strategy game, when a player completes an important level, an interstitial ad pops up. At this moment, the player is in a resting state after finishing the level, making them more likely to pay attention to the ad content. However, it is important to note that interstitial ads should not be displayed too frequently, as this may lead to player annoyance.

Incentivized Video Ads: Incentivized video ads are a popular form of advertising, where players can earn in-game rewards by watching complete video ads, such as game items, coins, stamina, etc. For example, in a simulation management game, players can receive double game coin earnings after watching an incentivized video ad, which is very appealing to players. At the same time, incentivized video ads also provide advertisers with a deeper opportunity for ad exposure, as players are more focused on watching the ad content to earn rewards.

2. Optimize advertising placement

Integrating with Game Scenes: The placement of advertisements should blend with the game scenes to avoid appearing abrupt. For example, in a farming simulation game, advertisements can be displayed on billboards within the farm, which will not affect the player's gaming experience and will naturally showcase the ads. In games with a virtual city background, advertisements can be placed on the walls of buildings, bus stops, and other locations, making the ads a part of the game scene.

Consider Player Operation Habits: It is important to fully consider the player's operation habits in the game and avoid ads obstructing the player's operation area. For example, in a shooting game, players often need to frequently operate the screen for aiming, shooting, and other actions, so ads should not be displayed in the center of the screen or in areas frequently touched by the player's fingers. Ads can be placed at the edges or corners of the screen, which will not affect player operations while still being visible to the players.

3. Seize the opportunity to display advertisements

Game Pause or Transition Phase: It is more appropriate to display ads during the game's pause screen, level transition screens, and other time periods. For example, in a role-playing game, when a player pauses the game to adjust character equipment, a pop-up interstitial ad can appear; at this moment, the player will not interrupt key operations due to the ad's appearance and will have time to view the ad content. During the level transition phase, such as switching from one map to another, displaying ads can fully utilize the player's waiting time, increasing the ad's exposure rate.

Player-Initiated Trigger: Mechanisms can be set up for players to actively trigger advertisements, such as adding a "Watch Ad for Rewards" button in the game, allowing players to choose whether to watch the ad based on their needs. This can satisfy players' desire for rewards while avoiding unnecessary interference from ads. For example, in a casual puzzle game, if players fail to complete the puzzle within the allotted time, they can click the button to watch an incentivized video ad to gain a hint opportunity, helping them complete the puzzle.

4. Improve advertising click-through rate and conversion rate

Creating Attractive Advertising Materials: The quality of advertising materials directly affects the click-through rate and conversion rate of ads. Advertising materials should have appealing visual effects and convey information clearly and concisely. For example, for an advertisement for a mobile game, exciting scenes from the game and cool special effects can be used as advertising materials, along with a concise and powerful slogan, such as "Download now and embark on a fantastic adventure," to attract players to click.

Personalized Advertising Recommendations: Utilize the data analysis capabilities provided by the advertising platform to make personalized advertising recommendations based on players' gaming behavior, interests, and other information. For example, for a player who frequently purchases weapon items in games, advertisements for related gaming merchandise can be recommended; for players who enjoy competitive games, advertisements for other competitive games can be suggested. This can enhance the relevance of the advertisements to the players, thereby increasing the click-through rate and conversion rate of the ads.

A/B Testing: Continuously optimize the advertising display strategy through A/B testing. You can set up two or more different advertising display schemes, such as different ad formats, display positions, display timing, etc., and then observe the click-through rates and conversion rates of each scheme, selecting the optimal scheme based on the test results. For example, simultaneously test the effect of displaying banner ads at the top and bottom of the game interface, observing which position has a higher ad click-through rate, and then use the position with the higher click-through rate as the final ad display position.