mizing reach, engagement and brand reach: This guide outlines the best video game advertising platforms

Since the days of Atari, video game platforms have advanced a lot. Platforms have evolved to be more flexible, accessible, interactive, and offer players a wider range of options and experiences. These are the top game platforms for advertisers, developers, and players.

This article is the third in our series about why videogame advertising is such a big opportunity for brands in 2023.

Roblox

Roblox is an online storefront and platform where users can play games. Roblox is an online platform that developers use to host their games. Roblox is not the game itself. Roblox games are created by users. This is part of Roblox’s appeal. Sources claim that there are approximately 20 million games available on Roblox.

According to some developers, they have made around $1 million by monetizing their games. Roblox offers many games, and users can use Robux virtual currency to buy aesthetic items. Developers have the option to keep some Robux, and then convert it into real currency when they accumulate enough. Roblox is extremely popular. It has 43 million users per day. Some games have over 1.6 million players. The platform is completely free, and you can download the games for free.

Roblox and Anzu have teamed up to offer in-game advertising options. Anzu claims they are hoping to create significant revenue streams for Roblox creators through additional ad options. Roblox will only take half of the revenue from players who spend on the platform. Developers should consider additional revenue streams.

Anzu’s technology allows you to add dynamic banner ads on virtual objects such as buildings and billboards. Their technology has led to partnerships with top Roblox creators. They hope to deliver real-world ads to Roxlox’s game lineup without interrupting the user experience.

Discord

Discord is a communication app, but it was initially designed for gamers. The app has grown to be more useful, such as being used for fan groups or productivity. Discord features include voice chat, server creation and text channels. This makes it an indispensable tool for gaming communities.

Discord supports integration with popular games. Users can see their friends’ gaming activities, share game-related content and connect with others. Discord’s user-friendly interface and robust features make it an ideal destination for gamers who want to connect with one another.

Apple Arcade

Apple Arcade is an Apple video game subscription service. Apple Arcade offers hundreds of games. Most of them have been carefully selected by Apple. They cover many genres including strategy, sports, puzzle, and RPG. Even a category is available that recommends games for beginners.

This is not a cloud gaming platform like Google Stadia and Microsoft’s Gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. It’s more similar to the main Xbox Game Pass. You can download all the games to your device, and you can play them as many times as you wish.

Apple Arcade costs $4.99 per month and automatically renews. We won’t spend too much time on this platform as there aren’t any in-app purchases.

Twitch

Amazon Twitch allows gamers to stream video games live on a platform called Twitch. Twitch hosts 91% of all videogame streaming. It’s one of the most popular internet platforms, with more than 2,000,000 viewers per day.

The pandemic was a key factor in Twitch’s popularity, making it an entertainment destination for those who are unable to travel. Twitch now has more than 7 million streamers per month.

In late 2020, Twitch saw a huge increase in engagement and viewership. This was because many people were bored at home and searching for entertainment. Users found a way to fill the void left by professional sports, and they did so with games. In August 2121, US game sales increased 37% compared to 2019. During the same time, mobile games rose up to 50% in certain countries.

Twitch is often referred to as the “central hub” of streamers and the latest news in games. It also allows for community engagement. Twitch tracker shows that there are more than 3 million viewers, 91.500 streams broadcasting, 1.2million unique streamers and 2,900 live games right now (at this time). These are massive numbers that brands should consider.

There are many options for brands who wish to advertise on Twitch. Twitch offers both high-impact ads and unskippable ads, which can be integrated into broadcasts.

Visit the help documentation to schedule a consultation or producer for your brand interested in advertising on Twitch.

Facebook

Facebook claims that 40% of top 500 apps have been integrated with the audience network. The Audience Network claims that more than 1 billion people view an Audience Network advertisement each month. Audience Network ads generate a higher level of revenue than banner ads.

Advertisers are familiar with the Facebook platform. If your brand isn’t familiar with in-game ads, this may be the best place to begin. The Audience Network, an in-app advertising network that is not connected to Facebook, is specifically designed for mobile apps. Advertisers have the option to have their ads displayed to customers who use other mobile apps and sites than Facebook. This applies to both iOS and Android games.

The Audience Network offers many options for brands to place ads, including:

You can use the Facebook Audience Network to create an in-game advertising campaign. For more information, visit the help document.

Google Play

Google’s mobile gaming ad platform lets developers keep their games free while they earn the revenue to keep the game up-to-date. Developers can offer in-app payments to users to improve their game experience. Users expect free games. Ads are a great way for developers to make money from mobile games. They can exchange views for additional lives, bonuses or other “extras” since only a small percentage of users purchase them.

When planning their campaigns, advertisers have three options. This second article from this series explains more about these types of ads.

Banner ads can be easily implemented and are the best choice for casual single-screen games. Banner ads aren’t disruptive to the user experience. They can also refresh frequently, giving the player a unique experience. Banner ads are also adaptable to fit different devices and screens, making them a top choice for advertisers.

Full-screen overlays are called interstitial ads . Because of their large size, they are simple to install and won’t interrupt the game. This type of ad is great for games that have natural transitions. It can also be displayed to users during breaks. Advertisers should carefully consider the game’s flow and the user’s mental state while they are playing it. Also, be aware of whether the ads will frustrate the user if displayed at an inconvenient moment.

Native ads are customizable to match the design, look and feel of the game they’re being displayed on. The ads will include an image or video along with text. Google’s best practice states that native ads work best when users are actively using the app. Native ads can be integrated into the gaming experience by placing them in menus, splash screens before the game starts, or in stores between in-app purchases and upgrade options.

Rewarded ads are displayed when users opt in to interact with an advertisement in exchange for a reward within the app. These rewards could be additional lives, tools or power-ups. Rewarded ads allow players to choose whether or not they wish to engage. Rewarded ads have seen a 400% increase in engagement over the past year and are a popular choice for developers.

Snap Games

Snap Games is Snapchat’s gaming platform. According to Snapchat’s help documentation, it was designed to allow users to “hang out with their friends on Snapchat”. Snap Games is used by approximately 300 million people. Snapchat claims that more than a third of its current gaming partners have earned over $1 million.

Snap Games are available in many locations on the app. You can also chat with your friends through the app via voice chat, in-game messaging and by sharing game highlights to Snaps and Chat.

Snap’s mobile-first ads, in-app purchases and other marketing tools can help businesses increase their revenue and grow their business. Snap Games ads are six second ads that cannot be skipped. They can also be found in other Snap spaces. Users can opt in to watch an advertisement and receive game-specific benefits such as weapons upgrades, extra lives, and other benefits that are not available to people who don’t opt in.

“Snapchat seems to have found a simple and clean way to integrate ads. It doesn’t bother my when I get one. Chris Higa, a Snapchat official lens creator, said that he can’t skip a Bitmoji Tennis or Tiny Royale if there’s one. This is different from other games that offer in-app purchases. For example, Pokemon Go sells three additional lives for $3.99 and $9.99 each for three more. While the company is expected to make $3billion by the end, ads offer players an option. This is user-friendly and people-first according to some digital ad strategist managers. Additional options are appreciated by players with smaller budgets.

There’s a platform for every type of brand. When choosing the right gaming platform for you, it is important to understand who your target audience is and where they spend their time.

Search Engine Land first published the post Maximizing reach, engagement: A guide for top video game advertising platforms for brands.

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