What are the best ways to monetize virtual reality games on mobile devices?

1 VR Game Models

One of the first decisions you need to make as a VR game developer is what kind of game model you want to use. There are three main types of game models: premium, freemium, and subscription. Premium games are paid upfront and offer full access to the game content and features. Freemium games are free to download and play, but offer optional in-app purchases (IAPs) or ads to generate revenue. Subscription games require a recurring fee to access the game content and features, usually on a monthly or annual basis.

2 VR Game Pricing

When deciding how much to charge for your VR game, you need to consider the value proposition, market demand, competition, and platform fees. Quality and length of your VR game are important, as higher quality and longer games can typically command higher prices due to their immersive and engaging experiences. You also need to consider the target audience and niche of your VR game, as different segments of players may have different preferences and willingness to pay. Additionally, the platform and distribution channel of your VR game should be taken into account, as different platforms and distribution channels may have different rules and fees. For instance, Google Play and Apple App Store may charge 30% of your revenue, while Oculus Store may charge 20%. It is also important to consider the availability and accessibility of your VR game on different devices and headsets.

3 VR Game IAPs

If you choose to use a freemium game model, you need to think about how to design and implement your in-app purchases (IAPs) effectively. IAPs can be a great way to monetize your VR game, but you must be careful to avoid common pitfalls. For example, the price point of your IAPs should be optimized to maximize revenue and player satisfaction, which can be achieved through data analysis, market research, and A/B testing. Additionally, the visibility and frequency of IAPs should be balanced so that they are neither too intrusive nor too hidden. Furthermore, the impact and value of IAPs must be carefully considered to ensure they are neither necessary nor irrelevant to the gameplay. Various types of IAPs, such as consumable, non-consumable, or subscription-based, can offer different benefits and options for players.

4 VR Game Ads

Another option to monetize your VR game is to use ads, which are usually provided by third-party ad networks or platforms. Ads are a popular way to generate revenue from freemium games, as they can reach a large and diverse audience of players. However, ads can also have some drawbacks and challenges for VR games, such as reducing the immersion and quality of your VR game. Ads can interrupt or distract the players from the VR experience, so you need to choose the right type, format, and placement of your ads that are not intrusive or disruptive. Additionally, ads can increase the technical and performance requirements of your VR game by consuming more bandwidth, memory, and battery of your mobile device. You should optimize your VR game and your ads to ensure they are not too heavy or slow for your mobile device. Moreover, you need to comply with the privacy and security regulations of your VR game as ads can collect and use personal and behavioral data of your players, which could raise ethical and legal issues. It is essential to follow the best practices and standards of data protection and consent like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

5 VR Game Analytics

Analytics are essential tools and methods to collect and analyze data from your VR game. They can provide insights and feedback on your game performance, user behavior, and monetization strategies. Analytics can be used to measure and optimize key performance indicators (KPIs) such as downloads, retention, engagement, revenue, and user satisfaction. Furthermore, they can be used to segment and target users based on their demographics, preferences, behaviors, and spending patterns. Finally, analytics are useful for testing and experimenting with different aspects of the VR game such as design, pricing, IAPs, ads, and promotions - allowing you to compare and optimize outcomes.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?