Revenue Scaling in an Action Shooting Game

Smartest techniques in the business.

Service: Monetization

Punchline Highlights

194% Increase in Monthly Revenue Post-Ad Optimization
eCPM Improved from $8.3 to $20.6 in Tier 1 Markets
48% Boost in Average Session Duration

ARPDAU Doubled Within First 90 Days

1. About the Game

This case study explores an Action Shooting Game focused on intense, level-based gunplay with multiple character classes, fast reflex mechanics, and a PvE campaign progression. Designed for core and mid-core players, the game blends tactical shooting with loot upgrades.

2. The Challenge

Low Monetization Despite High Engagement: DAU exceeded 400K, but monthly revenue was capped at $95K
Interstitial Overload: Too many unskippable interstitials causing drop-offs after level 3
Unoptimized Reward System: Daily login and end-of-match rewards offered no real incentive
Lack of Geographic Ad Strategy: Single-network reliance resulted in poor fill in Asia and MENA
Session Volatility: Wide disparity between casual and engaged users led to CTR inconsistency

3. Strategy / Solution

Core Restructure Around Rewarded Ads

Replaced all between-match interstitials with optional rewarded video upgrades
Introduced revive-after-death option via Unity Ads + Mintegral
Deployed Adjoy-sponsored PvP matches on weekends for bonus rewards
Enabled double loot crates after boss fights through video completion

Engagement Retargeting

Added Progression-based Ad Skins: Unlockable cosmetics via ad milestones
Used Bigo Ads for targeted delivery in Southeast Asia and MENA
Leveraged custom audience segments to present personalized ad bundles

Session Enhancement Mechanics

Reworked lobby to showcase spin-to-win events with timers
Weekly sniper tournament monetized with token-based entry earned via ads
In-game shop offered Ad-Streak Bonuses (watch X ads, get free weapon mod)
Encouraged replays with time-based loot multipliers unlocked by rewarded views

4. Monetization Strategy

Revenue Stream	Description	Revenue Share
Rewarded Video Ads	Revive, double loot, spin events, entry tokens	64%
Interstitial Ads	Only after failed retries; removed from win conditions	17%
Adjoy PvP Sponsorship	Weekend events with leaderboard and token rewards	11%
Cosmetic Unlock Ads	Ad-based skin collection via progress milestones	8%

Multi-network waterfall setup: AdMob, Unity Ads, Bigo, Mintegral
Ad placements adjusted by player tier (beginner, engaged, returning)
Real-time A/B testing with control groups for every change

5. Results (Long-Term Performance)

Metric	Month 1	Month 3	Month 6	Growth
Monthly Ad Revenue	$95K	$183K	$280K	↑ 194%
eCPM (Tier 1 / Tier 3)	$8.3 / $2.6	$17.4 / $4.1	$20.6 / $5.9	↑ 148% / 127%
Average Session Duration	7m 30s	10m 50s	11m 08s	↑ 48%
Video Ad Engagement Rate	22%	41%	49%	↑ 122%
ARPDAU	$0.11	$0.19	$0.23	↑ 109%
Returning User Rate (D7)	12.4%	19.1%	22.7%	↑ 83%

6. Conclusion

Through a carefully measured transition from forced interstitials to player-driven rewarded video loops, the action shooting game unlocked both higher revenue and significantly improved player sentiment. Leveraging geographic-specific ad networks and customizing monetization strategies by session behavior allowed this title to scale sustainably while boosting engagement.

Strategic incentives, personalization, and PvP monetization routes created a robust ecosystem for long-term retention and ARPDAU growth.