Why Your Game Revenue is Stuck (And How to Fix It)
Indie game developers often fall into the trap of creating games that are fun but fail to generate meaningful revenue. The core reason? They focus on low eCPM (effective cost per mille) genres instead of building games that advertisers are eager to pour money into.
If you’re serious about making a living from your games, it’s time to shift your mindset and approach game development like a business.
High eCPM vs. Low eCPM: Think High Ticket vs. Low Ticket Sales
In the world of sales, there’s a fundamental difference between selling a $10 product and selling a $1,000 product. You need far fewer $1,000 sales to hit your income goals.
Game monetization works the same way.
Low eCPM Games: Hyper-casual, puzzle, or simple arcade games often earn $1 to $5 eCPM. That means you earn $1 to $5 for every 1,000 ad impressions.
High eCPM Games: Casino-style games, slots, and real-money games can generate $100 to $300+ eCPM. That’s $100 to $300 per 1,000 ad impressions.
The YouTube Comparison: Audience Intent Matters
Consider YouTube creators:
A prank channel might get millions of views but earn very little because advertisers don’t see prank-watchers as high-value customers.
A finance channel with fewer views often earns 5-10x more because advertisers know their audience is ready to invest, spend, or buy.
The same logic applies to mobile games. Slots, casino, and money-focused games attract players willing to spend. Advertisers know this and pay top dollar to reach them.'
Real Numbers: Why High eCPM Changes the Game
Let’s break it down:
Your game gets 1,000 ad impressions per day.
With a low eCPM game earning $3 per 1,000 impressions, that’s $3 per day or $1,095 per year.
With a high eCPM game earning $300 per 1,000 impressions, that’s $300 per day or $109,500 per year.
Same traffic. Wildly different results.
The Path to High eCPM Games
So, what types of games consistently earn these high eCPMs?
Slots & Casino Games
Real Money Skill-Based Games
Financial or Prize-Oriented Games
Games with In-App Purchase Hooks Related to Money
Why Developers Avoid High eCPM Games (And Why You Shouldn’t)
"It sounds complicated."
Yes, these games require polished design, smooth user experiences, and sometimes legal considerations. But the payoff is worth it.
"I don’t know how to build these games."
That’s where Indie Dream Lab comes in.
One of our games, Real Money Slots with $300 ecpm's.
How Indie Dream Lab Can Help
We specialize in helping developers build high-quality, high-eCPM games that drive real revenue. Our team has a proven track record, with successful slots and real-money apps generating six-figure profits.
We offer:
Full game development services
Monetization strategy consulting
Real-money game integration
Data-driven ad optimization
Stop leaving money on the table. Let Indie Dream Lab help you build a game that pays.
Ready to break free from low eCPM games and start building games that pay? Contact Indie Dream Lab today and let’s create your next six-figure game.
Comments