Winked is an interactive dating simulation game by Nanobit, offering players a variety of engaging storylines and character interactions. The game features a diverse set of virtual love interests, enhancing player engagement and retention through rich, narrative-driven experiences.
Nanobit wanted to increase ad revenue for Winked without negatively impacting in-app purchases (IAPs) or retention. This task was complex due to their already sophisticated ad setups and continuous testing of new monetization strategies.
We audited the game, analyzing gameplay and monetization data. We identified that introducing rewarded video ads earlier in the game and showing ads to in-app purchasers offered the best revenue growth opportunity. Optimal ad placements were selected, and system design adjustments ensured seamless integration. A/B testing allowed us to fine-tune the setup, maximizing effectiveness without affecting retention or IAPs.
The implementation led to a significant increase in ad revenue share, growing from 6% to 10% of the overall revenue on Android and from 3.5% to 7.5% on iOS. Ad ARPDAU increased by a massive 161% to 260% depending on the platform once the new setup was rolled out to all users. Additionally, eCPM surged by 98% on iOS and by 188% on Android after full implementation. The graph below illustrates the impact of the new ad strategy on ARPDAU over time.
Nanobit is an award-winning gaming studio specializing in the design, development, production, and publishing of engaging mobile games with rich narratives and interactive elements. Known for putting extra into ordinary, their portfolio includes popular titles like Winked and Hollywood Story: Fashion Star.
