Too good to be true? Why do they pay you to play?

We know it seems too good to be true so let's spill the tea!

Mobile game companies may pay you to play their games for several reasons, and it’s typically a way for them to promote their games, gather valuable data, and improve their overall user base. Here are a few key reasons why they offer incentives for players:

1. User Acquisition

Game developers are constantly looking to increase their player base, and paying players to try out their games is an effective way to do this. By offering rewards, such as cash or in-game items, developers can attract new players and get them hooked on the game, which can eventually lead to long-term engagement.

2. Feedback and Testing

Game developers often need feedback on game mechanics, design, and user experience. By offering compensation to playtesters, they can collect valuable data on how users interact with the game, identify bugs, and improve the game’s overall quality. Paying players for feedback ensures they get honest, thorough input from a wide range of people.

3. Increased Engagement

By paying players (even indirectly, through rewards or virtual currency), developers encourage more frequent engagement. Players are more likely to stick with a game if they feel rewarded for their time. This helps to boost retention rates and keep users playing longer, which is crucial for a game’s success in a competitive market.

4. Marketing and Word-of-Mouth

When players get paid or rewarded to play games, they are more likely to share their experience with others. This helps spread the word about the game, essentially turning players into advocates or ambassadors for the game. Word-of-mouth marketing is highly effective, especially in the gaming community, where reviews and recommendations can drive new users.

5. In-Game Economy and Microtransactions

Paying players to play might also tie into the in-game economy. For example, some mobile games reward players with virtual currency or items that they can either use in the game or potentially purchase for real money. This can encourage more spending or increase the game's earnings from in-app purchases.

6. Building a Loyal User Base

Rewarding players can lead to the creation of a loyal fanbase. Players who receive incentives are more likely to feel a connection to the game, potentially making them return often or even become paying customers. This is especially beneficial for free-to-play games that rely on long-term engagement.

7. Monetization Through Advertisements

Some games pay players in exchange for engaging with ads, such as watching video ads or completing certain tasks. The developers earn money from advertisers, and in return, they share a portion of that revenue with the players. This creates a mutually beneficial system where players are incentivized to engage with ads, and developers can generate revenue from advertisers.

8. Market Research and Analytics

Paying users also allows companies to collect data on different play styles and how people interact with different game features. This data helps developers understand their audience better and refine game mechanics, balancing, and features based on actual player behavior.

In short, paying players to play mobile games is a win-win situation for developers. They get valuable data, marketing support, and a larger, more engaged player base, while players receive rewards and incentives for their time. It helps companies refine their games and boost the overall success of the app in a competitive market.

9. Attracting Investments and Boosting Company Value

Paying players and fostering a loyal user base can also positively impact a game company’s valuation, making it more attractive to investors. When a mobile game shows strong user engagement, steady growth, and profitable monetization strategies, it signals to potential investors that the company is well-positioned for success. A solid player base and proven revenue generation (through in-app purchases, ads, or subscriptions) increase the company’s overall value, which can lead to higher investments. This investment can then be reinvested into further game development, marketing, or expansion, creating a cycle of growth that boosts both the game's popularity and the company’s financial standing. Investors are drawn to games with strong retention rates, active communities, and the potential for long-term profitability.

In short, paying players to play mobile games is a win-win situation for developers. They get valuable data, marketing support, and a larger, more engaged player base, while players receive rewards and incentives for their time. It helps companies refine their games and boost the overall success of the app in a competitive market. The Custard crew spends time testing, playing games and writing guides so we can help you play them and effectively use your time to make the most money for yourself as possible.