With many people playing and enjoying the freemium model of games, it seems that the industry is almost impossible to stop! Still, the freemium gaming critics are not going to stop being savage about the popularity of digital media for fun. Although, from the beginning, games were designed to entertain, the mobile app trends transformed into a smart mechanism of grabbing money from the gamers’ pockets.
What is the freemium model of games?
Coming to basics, freemium games allow players to download and play their game at no cost while offering optional in-app purchases to add to their experience. Well, successful freemium games provide a great experience for players and are actively maintained in order to sustain engagement.
What was once built upon the sales of one-time purchases, gaming CDs has now turned into a lucrative business that thrives upon the ‘freemium strategy’. Freemium, a combination of “free” and “premium”, has become a dominant business model among internet start-ups and smartphone app developers. But the question is, in the era of online real money casinos, where gamers are making millions, are freemium games still popular?
Since freemium games offer the games for free, they will get more players than a game for which you will have to pay. If the game is substantial, word-of-mouth reviews will attract more people. Later, people can even upgrade their gaming experience by paying.
The popularity of freemium games
Owing to the rising popularity of the freemium model, many games have come u with freemium versions. Many games have switched over to a freemium model from the premium models. What makes this model so popular among gamers? There are several reasons.
1. A Complete game for free
The exciting part of freemium games is that they let the players complete the entire game without spending a penny. More so, with the in-app purchases, that can even go away with the advertisements. Unlike premium games, their pockets do not hurt in this model of gaming.
2. Allow developers to reach a wider audience
By offering the game for free initially, the developers can attract layers who may be hesitant to spend money on a game they are unfamiliar with. So, this model allows gamers to have the experience first before deciding whether they want to invest in it or not.
3. Adding content and cosmetic changes to the game
This model allows cosmetic changes and allows adding content to the playing arena that enhances the gaming experience. With certain in-app purchases, the format of the game can be expanded in the form of characters, maps, new adventures, etc.
4. It offers a more competitive market for the gamers
Another advantage of the freemium model is that it creates a sense of competition among players. By offering in-app purchases, players are motivated to spend real money to gain an advantage. This creates a cycle of competitiveness, with players eager to outperform each other through a combination of skill and investment.
Are there any drawbacks to the freemium model of games?
As the popularity of free-to-play games grows, the army of their haters becomes even bigger. The in-app purchases quickly become expensive, with some players spending hundreds and even thousands of dollars on virtual items or currency. This has led to concerns regarding the ethics of freemium games. In fact, some critics argue that they are just a new form of online gambling.
It proves that the freemium app monetization strategy really works and keeps digging for money as it provides entertainment. Well, the important thing here is that these tactics in the gaming industry are based on psychological tricks that foster deeper and deeper engagement of participants.
Casinos offering free versions of games
Online casinos, also known as virtual casinos or internet casinos, are online versions of traditional casinos. Basically, it is a prolific form of online gambling. Assuming that the online casino uses an appropriately programmed random number generator, table games like Blackjack have an established house edge.
Online casinos are broadly divided into two categories based on the software they use: web-based and download-only casinos. Traditionally, online casinos would include only one of the two platforms. However, with advanced technological changes, an online casino can now accommodate both. Some examples of online casinos are Bonus.net.nz, Caesars Casino, PartyCasino, 888casino, CasinoDays, winDaddy, Live Casin House, BetMGM Casino, etc.
A typical selection of gambling games that can be offered at an online casino might include:
- Blackjack
- Craps
- Baccarat
- Roulette
- Sic bo
- Poker
- Slot machines
- Keno
- Bingo
Conclusion
The rise of freemium games has transformed the mobile gaming industry. It has allowed for the creation of a wider variety of games. Also, it has opened up gaming to players who may not have otherwise been able to afford it. However, there are also valid concerns about the business model, especially in regard to the potential exploitation of players. As with anything, it is important to be mindful of how much money we are willing to spend on these games. Likewise, the gaming industry will keep transforming and evolving!
