Monetization Optimization in a Strategy Mobile Game

1. About the Game 

This case study covers a Strategy Game — a mid-core base-building and warfare title focused on clan battles, resource raids, and competitive leagues. The game had strong retention but under-monetized due to outdated pack structures and intrusive ad models.

2. The Challenge

• Obsolete Starter Packs: Initial bundles offered low value for advanced players
  
  
• Poor Clan Engagement: Users didn’t see monetary value in social gameplay
  
  
• Ad Interruptions During Battles: High churn during ad moments in critical battles
  
  
• Low Conversion Funnel Post-Tutorial: Players were not enticed to spend early
  
  
• Limited Monetization Tied to Competition: Leaderboard rewards weren’t monetized
  
  

3. Strategy / Solution

Value Recalibration

• Introduced scalable economy bundles for early, mid, and elite players
  
  
• Created “Commander Progression Tiers” linked to IAP unlocks
  
  
• Added Daily War Chests: available post-victory or via ad view
  
  

Social Monetization

• Added Clan-exclusive bundles with shared bonuses (boosts for all members)
  
  
• Introduced “Donation Multipliers” unlocked via purchases
  
  
• Highlighted clan spending in leaderboards with cosmetic flare (gold borders, etc.)
  
  

Ad Experience Overhaul

• Removed ads from PvP entirely
  
  
• Moved rewarded ads to resource mines and build queue skips
  
  
• Ad networks used: Unity Ads, AdMob, Mintegral, Bigo, and Adjoy
  
  
• Smart timers ensured ad opportunities were spaced out for value
  
  

Psychological Pricing

• Ran deep A/B tests on economy packs: $0.99 vs $1.99 vs $2.99
  
  
• Introduced Season War Pass: $4.99 unlock for all monthly rewards
  
  
• Seasonal value framing increased FOMO and conversion
  
  

4. Monetization Strategy

• 
  All purchases framed as time-savers or community enablers
  
  
• Visual framing used medals, flags, and animated rarity reveals
  
  
• Packs were introduced in sync with campaign milestones
  
  

5. Results

6. Conclusion

Strategy games can drive deep monetization through tiered value systems and community-based offers. This case shows how aligning monetization with competitive and cooperative dynamics — not just individual progress — maximized both revenue and retention.

By removing disruptive ad formats, timing high-value offers, and empowering clan identity, we unlocked a powerful hybrid revenue model that scaled across cohorts.