Getting rewarded for playing a mobile game can sound strange. Why would a company give you money just for trying its game? The answer is mostly marketing.
Game publishers spend money to attract new players. Instead of using the entire budget on traditional ads, they can work with reward platforms that encourage eligible users to install a game and complete specific milestones. Part of that marketing value can then be passed on to the player as a reward.
Why game publishers pay for players
Mobile games compete for attention. Publishers may spend money on:
- social media ads;
- video advertising;
- app-install campaigns;
- influencers;
- ad networks;
- or reward platforms.
A rewarded offer can be useful because the publisher can encourage something more meaningful than simply viewing an ad.
For example: Install the game and reach level 10. A player who reaches level 10 has engaged with the game much more than someone who only clicked an advertisement.
Why do games pay you to play?
When people ask why do games pay you to play, the answer is usually that the reward is part of the cost of acquiring a new player. A publisher or advertising partner may assign value to actions such as:
- installing the game;
- completing a tutorial;
- reaching a certain level;
- unlocking a feature;
- or completing another milestone.
A reward platform can then give part of that value to the eligible player. So the game is not simply giving away money for no reason. It is using rewards as a marketing tool.
How do game apps make money?
That leads to another question: how do game apps make money if they spend money attracting players? Mobile games can generate revenue through several methods.
In-app purchases
Players may buy virtual currency, upgrades, characters or other digital items.
Advertising
Free games can earn money from video ads, banners and rewarded ads.
Subscriptions and paid content
Some games offer premium memberships, additional content or other paid features. If enough players generate revenue over time, publishers can justify spending money to acquire new users.
Not every individual player has to spend money for the overall campaign to work.
Why do some offers have multiple milestones?
A publisher may value deeper engagement more than a simple install. That is why one game offer might include several stages, such as:
- reach level 5;
- reach level 15;
- reach level 30.
Higher milestones can show that a player is more engaged with the game. They may therefore come with different reward values.
Do you have to spend money?
Not necessarily. Some game milestones can be completed entirely through normal gameplay. Others may include optional purchases, while certain offers can specifically require a purchase.
The important thing is to read the requirements before starting. A game containing in-app purchases does not automatically mean you need to buy something to earn a gameplay reward.
How this works with MultiPolls
MultiPolls can show eligible users mobile game offers with specific milestones and stated rewards.
The basic process is:
- Choose an available game offer.
- Read the requirements.
- Start the game through MultiPolls.
- Complete the eligible milestone.
- Allow the activity to be tracked and verified.
- Receive the approved reward in your MultiPolls balance.
Available games, milestones and reward values can vary. MultiPolls is therefore not rewarding someone simply for keeping a game open. The reward is connected to completing the conditions of an eligible offer.
So where does the reward money come from?
Usually, from marketing budgets. Game publishers already spend money trying to attract and engage new players. Reward-based campaigns are simply another way of using that budget.
In simple terms:
The publisher gets a new or more engaged player.
The reward platform connects the publisher with eligible users.
The player receives a reward for completing the required activity.
That is the basic reason why do apps pay you to play games.
Frequently asked questions
Why do apps pay you to play games?
Reward campaigns can be used as a form of player acquisition. Publishers may pay when eligible users install a game or complete specific milestones.
The reward can be part of the publisher's marketing cost. A player who completes a milestone may be more valuable than someone who only sees an advertisement.
How do game apps make money?
Common revenue sources include advertising, in-app purchases, subscriptions and paid content.
No. The reward is connected to completing the conditions of an eligible offer.
Game rewards are part of marketing
The model becomes much simpler once you understand who benefits. Game publishers want new players. Acquiring those players costs money. Reward platforms give publishers another way to spend that marketing budget while giving users a clear reason to try a game. That is why getting rewarded for playing can make business sense.