Rewarded Video Ad-placements: Interesting Implementations From Across the Market

The mobile gaming industry is increasingly adopting hybrid monetization models, integrating rewarded video advertisements into titles traditionally reliant on in-app purchases (IAP). This shift is driven by the need to diversify revenue streams and maintain engagement in a post-IDFA landscape where user acquisition costs are rising and targeting capabilities are constrained. While hyper-casual games have long utilized aggressive ad-based monetization, midcore and casual genres are now implementing more nuanced, value-added ad placements to supplement IAP strategies without compromising the core player experience.

Key industry examples demonstrate how developers are embedding rewarded ads into diverse game loops. In competitive shooters like Call of Duty: Mobile, players can engage with ad-gacha systems or watch videos to boost weapon experience, creating progression incentives. Similarly, narrative-driven titles like June’s Journey utilize ad-supported daily tasks to foster retention, while match-three games such as Two Dots employ clever reward wheels upon level failure to offer players a second chance. Other implementations include dedicated ad-currency stores in RPGs like War and Wit and comprehensive, multi-layered ad hubs like Dragon TV in Dragon City, which even tie ad-watching to live event participation.

These implementations highlight a strategic move toward integrating ads as a natural component of gameplay rather than a disruptive interruption. By offering tangible benefits—such as resource generation, progression acceleration, or cosmetic rewards—developers successfully incentivize ad consumption. These findings suggest that even in high-grossing IAP-focused titles, rewarded video ads serve as a vital tool for enhancing long-term retention and maximizing revenue, provided the placements are thoughtfully designed to align with the game's specific genre and mechanics.