Case StudyDec 19, 2025
Gaming App Monetization Success: How an Indie Developer Reached $10K/Month
A real case study of how a small gaming app achieved $10,000 monthly revenue through the right combination of rewarded and interstitial ads.
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The Journey to $10K/Month
This is the story of an indie game developer who transformed a simple casual game into a profitable venture through strategic ad monetization.
The Game: Puzzle Master
- Genre: Casual puzzle game
- DAU: 15,000 users
- Sessions per day: 3.2 average
- Session length: 8 minutes average
Monetization Strategy
Ad Format Mix
| Format | Placement | Revenue Share |
|---|---|---|
| Rewarded | Extra lives, hints | 55% |
| Interstitial | Between levels | 35% |
| Banner | Bottom of screen | 10% |
Key Decisions
- Rewarded ads for core mechanics: Players can watch ads for extra lives
- Interstitial after every 3 levels: Balanced frequency
- No ads for first 5 levels: New user experience protection
- VIP ad-free option: $2.99 for ad removal
Results
- Month 1: $2,500
- Month 3: $5,800
- Month 6: $10,200
Lessons Learned
- Rewarded ads generate the most revenue per impression
- User retention is more important than short-term revenue
- Testing different frequencies is crucial
- Premium ad-free option can boost overall revenue
Conclusion
Success in game monetization comes from balancing user experience with revenue goals. Start conservative, measure everything, and optimize gradually.
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