Introduction
As a game developer, you know that creating a successful game takes time, effort, and creativity. But what about the financial aspect of it all? How much do game developers make per ad? This is a question that many aspiring game developers ask themselves, as they try to figure out whether pursuing a career in gaming is worth their time and effort.
Types of Ads Available to Game Developers
There are several types of ads that game developers can use to monetize their games. These include:
- In-app ads: These are ads that appear within the game itself, such as banners, interstitials, and native ads. In-app ads are a common way for game developers to generate revenue from their games.
- Banner ads: Banner ads are horizontal strips of text, images, or videos that appear on a website or app. These ads can be displayed in the header, footer, or sidebar of a website or app.
- Sponsored content: This is when a brand pays to have their content featured in a game or app. This can include sponsored levels, characters, or items.
- Affiliate marketing: This is when a game developer promotes products or services through affiliate links. For example, if a game features in-game currency that can be exchanged for real money, the developer can earn a commission on each transaction.
Average Earnings for Game Developers
So, how much do game developers make per ad? The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors, including the type of game you are developing, the target audience, and the platform you are using. In general, however, game developers can earn anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 or more per year by monetizing their games through ads.
For example, a game developer who creates a mobile app for iOS and Android could potentially make anywhere from $200 to $2000 per ad shown in their app, depending on the platform, the type of ad, and the target audience. Similarly, a game developer who creates a PC or console game could potentially make anywhere from $1 to $10 per ad shown in their game, again depending on the platform, the type of ad, and the target audience.
Case Studies: Successful Game Developers Share Their Experiences
To give you a better idea of how much game developers can earn through ads, let’s take a look at some real-life examples of successful game developers who have shared their experiences with us.
John Carmack:
The co-founder of id Software, the company behind the popular Doom and Quake games, has said that he makes anywhere from $20 to $50 per ad shown in his games. According to Carmack, this revenue stream helps him offset some of the costs associated with developing a new game.
Niantic:
The creators of the hugely popular Pokémon Go game have stated that they make around $10 million per day from in-app ads and sponsored content. This revenue has helped them to fund the ongoing development of the game, which is now one of the most successful mobile games of all time.
Angry Birds:
The creators of the popular puzzle game Angry Birds have said that they make around $5 million per day from in-app ads and sponsored content.
