been building mobile games for a while now
nothing huge but a few projects with decent installs
biggest question always:
ads or in-app purchases?
from my experience:
- admob = easier to implement, faster results
- iap = harder but more scalable if done right
problem with ads:
- need a lot of users
- can hurt user experience
problem with iap:
- needs good game design
- conversion is low if not done properly
right now im mixing both depending on the game
curious what you guys prefer
ads or iap?
MOBILE GAME DEV JOURNEY: ADMOB VS IN-APP PURCHASES (WHAT ACTUALLY WORKS?)
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13 March, 2026 at 05:07 PM
#1
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13 March, 2026 at 05:21 PM
#2
admob is easier but kinda annoying for users
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13 March, 2026 at 05:35 PM
#3
yeah ads can kill retention if overused
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13 March, 2026 at 05:52 PM
#4
iap is where real money is imo
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13 March, 2026 at 06:06 PM
#5
but only if the game is good
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14 March, 2026 at 06:11 AM
#6
conversion rates are usually low tho
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14 March, 2026 at 06:25 AM
#7
yeah like 1-3% maybe
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14 March, 2026 at 06:38 AM
#8
ads need volume, lots of installs
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14 March, 2026 at 06:52 AM
#9
exactly, no users = no revenue
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14 March, 2026 at 08:03 AM
#10
im using rewarded ads mostly
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14 March, 2026 at 08:17 AM
#11
rewarded ads are less annoying
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14 March, 2026 at 08:31 AM
#12
yeah user chooses to watch
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14 March, 2026 at 08:44 AM
#13
forced ads are the worst lol
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14 March, 2026 at 08:57 AM
#14
true, instant uninstall
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14 March, 2026 at 10:02 AM
#15
iap needs good game loop
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14 March, 2026 at 10:18 AM
#16
yeah otherwise no one buys anything
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14 March, 2026 at 10:31 AM
#17
balancing monetization is hard
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14 March, 2026 at 10:44 AM
#18
too aggressive = players leave
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14 March, 2026 at 10:56 AM
#19
too soft = no money
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15 March, 2026 at 05:11 AM
#20
finding middle ground is key