My Wish for Christmas – Better Monetization in 2025
The holiday season is here—a time for wish lists and reflections on the year behind us. For those in gaming and mobile apps, many of us wish for one thing above all: better monetization strategies. We hope that 2025 brings tools that boost revenue while enhancing user experience, empowering developers, and fostering a more sustainable digital landscape.
To build this wish list, let’s look at where 2024 left us—and what we need to change.
1. Rewarded Ads That Go Beyond Basics
Starting on ‘My Wish for Christmas – Better Monetization in 2025’ post, in 2024, rewarded ads drove revenue by offering in-game perks like extra lives, coins, or content access. Rewarded video ads held top rankings for player satisfaction and engagement. However, data revealed a challenge: users lost interest in repetitive, non-personalized rewards.
2025 Wish: Rewarded ads that evolve dynamically based on player behavior.
We need ad platforms that use AI to tailor ads based on user behavior and in-game progress. Imagine a player earning rewards that advance game storylines or unlock unique content. Personalized, context-driven rewards will engage players and boost completion rates.
2. HTML5 Games Deserve Better Monetization Options
HTML5 games continued to grow in 2024, providing cross-platform accessibility for browsers and mobile. Yet, monetizing HTML5 games remains tricky. Browser limitations often mean fewer ad options and lower CPMs compared to native apps. Developers need high-performing, compatible ads for HTML5 games to reach full revenue potential.
2025 Wish: HTML5-specific ad formats that deliver better CPMs without disrupting gameplay.
Imagine a plug-and-play rewarded video SDK that runs smoothly on browsers. With seamless ad integration, HTML5 developers can focus on creating great gameplay, leaving monetization challenges behind. Also, ad platforms that integrate video ads for HTML5 would open up new revenue streams.
3. Expanding Metrics Beyond CPM and CPC
Continuing on ‘My Wish for Christmas – Better Monetization in 2025’ post, While CPM (cost per mille) remained a crucial measure in 2024, it fails to capture the full picture of user value. In 2024, developers increasingly turned to ARPDAU (Average Revenue Per Daily Active User) and LTV (Lifetime Value) metrics for more insight. These metrics helped measure revenue impact and user retention, but developers still struggle to see how each ad format impacts engagement.
2025 Wish: Monetization metrics that go beyond CPM, giving developers deeper insights into ad performance.
Developers need real-time dashboards showing how each ad impacts player retention and long-term revenue. With ARPDAU and LTV displayed alongside CPM, developers could make more strategic decisions on ad placements, timing, and types.
4. Non-Disruptive Ads That Blend Seamlessly with Gameplay
Non-intrusive ads kept players happier in 2024. Players want a fluid experience without jarring interruptions during gameplay. Unfortunately, 2024 still saw cases where ads popped up unexpectedly, causing frustration. Players responded by exiting the game early, costing developers revenue and engagement.
2025 Wish: Ads that blend seamlessly into gameplay, offering value without disruption.
In 2025, ads should appear naturally during breaks or level-ups, or offer bonuses before challenging levels. This user-friendly timing lets players feel in control, reducing ad fatigue and boosting engagement. Tailored, non-disruptive formats, like opt-in native ads, can help maintain immersion and increase user satisfaction.
5. Higher Quality Standards for In-Game Advertising
Continuing on ‘My Wish for Christmas – Better Monetization in 2025’ post, low-quality ads hurt revenue in 2024. Many ads lacked design quality or relevance, frustrating users and risking developer reputations. Poorly placed or irrelevant ads damage retention, which in turn impacts revenue.
2025 Wish: Ads with strict quality standards that ensure relevancy and brand safety.
A higher-quality standard for in-game ads would enforce visual appeal and relevancy checks before ads go live. In 2025, ad networks should prioritize relevance, quality, and user safety, improving player experience and developer revenue. With better ad quality, developers can expect higher player retention and increased CPMs.
6. Improved Ad Revenue Calculators
Developers often struggle with accurate revenue tracking. In 2024, most ad networks focused on CPM and CPC (cost per click) calculators, but developers need simpler, real-time tools for revenue assessment. Complex calculations cloud revenue insights, especially for small teams.
2025 Wish: Simple, real-time ad revenue calculators that offer clarity on placement, targeting, and user behavior impacts.
Ad revenue calculators in 2025 should show live adjustments based on ad placement, user demographics, and targeting choices. This transparency helps developers make informed choices on ad setups, maximizing revenue without guessing.
7. Transparent Monetization That Respects Privacy
2024 highlighted growing concerns over privacy and data handling in monetization. Players want transparency on data collection and consent-based ads. Developers benefit when users feel respected, leading to better engagement and loyalty.
2025 Wish: Transparent monetization practices that put user privacy first.
In 2025, opt-in ad experiences and clear data policies should be the norm. Platforms could offer player-friendly privacy settings that promote a transparent approach to data. Respecting user privacy builds trust, ensuring higher engagement and user loyalty.
8. Inclusive Monetization Tools for Indie Developers
Before I finish on ‘My Wish for Christmas – Better Monetization in 2025’ post, Major studios enjoyed access to premium monetization tools in 2024. However, indie developers often struggle with limited resources, which means they have fewer monetization options. Inclusive, accessible tools could bridge this gap, allowing all developers to monetize effectively.
2025 Wish: Scalable, tiered monetization tools for indie developers.
In 2025, ad networks should offer affordable, flexible monetization plans with growing revenue tiers. Platforms could offer ad solutions tailored to smaller studios, enabling growth with simple integrations. Indie developers would benefit from access to revenue tools without heavy upfront investments, which creates a more level playing field.
Wrapping Up: A User-First, Revenue-Focused Monetization Future
The wish list for 2025’s monetization future balances revenue and user experience. Developers need transparency, flexibility, and support for engaging ad formats that suit users’ needs and preferences. With personalized rewarded ads, user-friendly metrics, and high-quality standards, 2025 could bring a new era of smarter, ethical monetization.
This Christmas, let’s hope for a monetization ecosystem that respects players, boosts revenue, and empowers developers. Here’s to a brighter, more balanced future in gaming and app monetization. Let’s hope Santa’s listening!
