Monetization Optimization in an Open World RPG

Smartest techniques in the business.

Service: Monetization

Punchline Highlights

3.1x Increase in Monthly Active Users
220% Growth in Average Session Duration
79% Boost in Premium Currency Spend per Paying User

$1.26M Monthly Revenue with Balanced IAP and Ad Mix

1. About the Game

This case study analyzes an Open World RPG, characterized by expansive explorable environments, deep narrative content, character progression systems, and immersive single-player campaigns. The game targets midcore and hardcore players with long play sessions and high engagement potential.

2. The Challenge

Low IAP Conversion: Despite high engagement, conversion to paying users was below 1.3%
Sparse Ad Inventory Utilization: Ad revenue was only 8% of total monetization despite high traffic
Early Churn During Onboarding: 41% of users dropped during the first hour of gameplay
Underperforming Premium Shops: Items priced poorly, minimal urgency mechanics
Inefficient Content Unlocks: Gaps in level progression caused drop-off before monetization peaks

3. Strategy / Solution

Core Rework: Onboarding and Progression

Shortened tutorial flow, with interactive missions instead of non-skippable cinematics
Introduced early ad-skip incentives (e.g., skip long rides/cutscenes via rewarded ads)
Streamlined quest-driven unlocks to ensure consistent dopamine loop in first 15 min

Monetization-Driven Gameplay Systems

Integrated dual-currency economy (gold: earned, crystals: paid)
Introduced seasonal battle pass with narrative arcs and tiered IAP boosters
Created premium-only side quests with exclusive gear & faster XP progression

Intelligent Ad Layering

Rewarded ads to skip travel time, craft instantly, or revive with full buffs
Unity Ads and Adjoy used for region-specific targeting and CPM boosting
Integrated Bigo rewarded intermission points in open world map transitions

4. Monetization Strategy

Revenue Source	Placement Strategy	Revenue Share
In-App Purchases	Premium quests, tiered currencies, exclusive weapons	61%
Rewarded Video Ads	Skip travel, revive, instant craft, daily login spins	25%
Battle Pass Tiers	Seasonal arcs and boost tiers	10%
Sponsored Content	Adjoy and Mintegral NPCs, map branding	4%

No interstitials to preserve immersion
Cosmetic-only IAPs optional, but supported by exclusive lore items
IAP pricing localized and A/B tested for value-based perception

5. Results (Long-Term Performance)

Metric	Month 1	Month 6	Month 12	Growth
Monthly Active Users	620K	1.42M	1.92M	↑ 310%
Avg. Session Duration	18 min	35 min	57 min	↑ 220%
IAP Conversion Rate	1.3%	2.7%	4.1%	↑ 215%
Avg. Revenue per Paying User	$7.9	$16.3	$22.1	↑ 179%
Ad Engagement Rate	14%	33%	47%	↑ 235%
Total Monthly Revenue	$342K	$874K	$1.26M	↑ 268%

6. Conclusion

Through careful alignment of monetization mechanics with the exploration-driven gameplay of open world RPGs, this game turned a flat IAP curve into a multi-tiered revenue engine. Respecting user immersion, offering value-driven progression, and using contextual ad placements, the title achieved long-term engagement, sustained spending, and consistent growth without sacrificing user experience.