4 ms·

I've learned this the hard way with interstitial and banner ads throughout releasing a dozen or so apps. You really need a rather large user base to make them e

by Humdeee 10y ago

I've learned this the hard way with interstitial and banner ads throughout releasing a dozen or so apps. You really need a rather large user base to make them even a bit worthwhile to a developer. Scratching out pennies will have a huge downside if it lowers the experience of the app to your whole userbase. It's an art form not to make the user feel like a product. Everyone thinks they know how but really so, so few do, myself included. I've also put down many apps because of ads. It's stopped one of apps from moving as quickly as it should. I've since moved away entirely and incorporated IAP that unlocks slightly more features or a straight up price tag from the get-go. Anecdotal, but I believe this led to much less moaning and groaning from users, higher ratings, and a better overall experience (and yes, better returns)!

Sanctor 10y ago
Thanks for sharing your experience. It's very valuable to me. I'm very much a stranger to this world, and I don't have anyone to ask for advice. I don't like putting ads in the game. If nothing, it breaks the retro atmosphere I'm going for. But I also have the dream of doing game development for a living and have to make money somehow. I'll try the paid method. I guess I couldn't imagine people willing to pay for something I do as a hobby for now.
- soneca 10y ago
  "If nothing, it breaks the retro atmosphere I'm going for" I commented before about finding the ads annoying. But really, this is the crux of it. It completely breaks the experience, as I am playing a pixelized retro game and a modern looking clean ad appears on the screen. Tangentially, why don't you consider also publishing the same game, but with a different art style. An art style that might be more relatable for kids these days (no idea which, just suggesting you research that).
  - Sanctor 10y ago
    It wouldn't be too much work to re-skin the game. I can maybe put a selection in the settings page that could switch between retro and modern. This is the first time I've heard this suggestion. I will definitely consider this. Thank you!
    - dualogy 10y ago
      > can maybe put a selection in the settings page that could switch between retro and modern Oooh once you go that route, you can make skins "unlockable" from gamer progress! That's always fun (if the rest is, too)
- the_watcher 10y ago
  > I guess I couldn't imagine people willing to pay for something I do as a hobby for now. I've struggled with this myself. While there might be some who aren't willing to pay, many people are willing to pay for something they get value out of. That said, the sheer number of terrible apps I've downloaded stops me from paying up front for an app from an unknown developer, but as I mentioned before, my bar is very, very low for the amount of use I need before I'm willing to pay $1 to remove ads or unlock the rest of an app.

by Humdeee 10y ago

Sanctor 10y ago

Thanks for sharing your experience. It's very valuable to me. I'm very much a stranger to this world, and I don't have anyone to ask for advice. I don't like putting ads in the game. If nothing, it breaks the retro atmosphere I'm going for. But I also have the dream of doing game development for a living and have to make money somehow. I'll try the paid method. I guess I couldn't imagine people willing to pay for something I do as a hobby for now.

soneca 10y ago
"If nothing, it breaks the retro atmosphere I'm going for" I commented before about finding the ads annoying. But really, this is the crux of it. It completely breaks the experience, as I am playing a pixelized retro game and a modern looking clean ad appears on the screen. Tangentially, why don't you consider also publishing the same game, but with a different art style. An art style that might be more relatable for kids these days (no idea which, just suggesting you research that).
- Sanctor 10y ago
  It wouldn't be too much work to re-skin the game. I can maybe put a selection in the settings page that could switch between retro and modern. This is the first time I've heard this suggestion. I will definitely consider this. Thank you!
  - dualogy 10y ago
    > can maybe put a selection in the settings page that could switch between retro and modern Oooh once you go that route, you can make skins "unlockable" from gamer progress! That's always fun (if the rest is, too)
the_watcher 10y ago
> I guess I couldn't imagine people willing to pay for something I do as a hobby for now. I've struggled with this myself. While there might be some who aren't willing to pay, many people are willing to pay for something they get value out of. That said, the sheer number of terrible apps I've downloaded stops me from paying up front for an app from an unknown developer, but as I mentioned before, my bar is very, very low for the amount of use I need before I'm willing to pay $1 to remove ads or unlock the rest of an app.