Ever wondered what games people are really making money from? The popular mobile game Clash of Clans was one of the first to implement a lucrative ‘microtransaction’ model, whereby users are charged a small amount for in-app purchases. Thanks to mobile games such as Clash of Clans, mobile gamers now earn an estimated $12 billion annually, and the industry continues to grow.
This year, mobile games will represent 40% of total game market share worldwide, and it’s clear that people are willing to pay to play. In the last 12 months, the mobile game market has grown by 24%, with over 1.9 billion downloads globally.
If you’re looking to make some extra cash, why not consider trying your hand at mobile games? There are plenty of opportunities to make money online with mobile games, ranging from simple ads to playable demos and even game design. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 games that you can make money from.
1. Clash of Clans
What is it? Clash of Clans is an addictive multiplayer games where you build your own town and army to fight against other players. The catch is that you have to pay to play. It was one of the earliest mobile games to implement a microtransaction model, whereby users are charged a small amount for in-app purchases. The game is free to download, but it also has a paywall. Mobile gamers can either pay to remove ads (which is the common version) or pay to play (which is the most popular one). A single in-app purchase can cost you $1-$5. You can also download Clash of Clans on the desktop, where there is no paywall. The game is available for iOS and Android devices.
2. Pokémon Go
What is it? Pokémon Go is a game where you seek out and capture virtual creatures known as Pokémon. While the game is free to download, you will need an Android device with at least 6GB of RAM to run it smoothly. Once you’ve captured and named your Pokémon, you’ll be able to join teams and battle other players. In addition to this, you can also look for trainers who will give you rare Poké Balls and potions to enhance your chances of survival. One of the main ways players earn money in Pokémon Go is by selling their Pokémon to other players for either cash or trade. You can download Pokémon Go from the Google Play Store.
3. Hearthstone
What is it? Hearthstone is a collectible card game where you and your opponent use a collection of cards to battle each other. The game is free to download, but you have to pay to play. In Hearthstone, the earlier you join, the lesser your chance of being banned. The game is available for iOS and Android devices. Like most multiplayer games, Hearthstone allows players to either microtransact or use real money to purchase virtual goods, such as gold cards, which increase your chances of winning.
4. Arena of Valor
What is it? Arena of Valor is a free-to-play fantasy multiplayer shooter game with a massive following in South Korea. The game starts you off with a small group of troops, after which you must defeat the enemy base. For beginners, there’s an easy mode that allows you to familiarize yourself with the basic controls, and you’ll earn experience points as you progress through the different game modes. One of the best things about Arena of Valor is that it’s extremely popular in South Korea, and it continues to grow globally each year. Currently, the game is available for iOS and Android devices.
5. Ocean’s 8
What is it? Ocean’s 8 is a multiplayer side-scrolling action game where players engage in water fights with beautiful female assassins as they navigate elaborate heists. One of the main ways players can make money in Ocean’s 8 is by selling their loot to other players. There’s also an Auction House where players can auction off their unwanted items, and make money that way. You can download Ocean’s 8 for iOS and Android devices.
6. Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald
What is it? Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald are the first of the Pokémon games to implement a microtransaction model. Similar to the previous game, you’ll begin the game with a limited number of Pokémon to start with. In order to evolve your Pokémon, you’ll need to purchase either Potions or Energies from the shop. These items can be acquired for money or traded for with other players. Each Pokémon game thereafter has maintained this model. You can download Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald on the Nintendo 3DS.
7. Draw Something
What is it? Draw Something is the perfect game for people who want to make money online. All you need to do is draw a funny, memorable picture using any kind of drawings or art, and then you’ll be able to publish it on the web with a unique url. Once your picture is online, you can choose to become a ‘tagger’ and earn money from ads on your pictures, or you can choose to ‘game’ and make money from your fans by playing against them in a drawing contest. You can download and play Draw Something for iOS.
8. Flappy Bird
What is it? Flappy Bird is a simple, yet highly addictive bird-flapping game where you must tap the screen to make the yellow bird move. The game is similar to a classic Pong game, where you use the birds’ momentum to your advantage. While the game is free to download, you have to pay to play. As with many other games on this list, Flappy Bird also has an in-app purchase option. You can either pay to remove ads or pay to play. The game is available for Android and iOS devices.
9. Threes!
What is it? Threes! is a puzzle game where you have to manipulate three items in order to clear a room. It is a lot like Peggle, where you have to bounce balls against stacked rings in order to make them disappear. However, the main difference is that in Threes!, rings and orbs are arranged in a grid, rather than the randomly generated arrangement found in Peggle. Like many other puzzle games, Threes! can be quite addictive once you get into the habit of solving puzzles. It is available for iOS and Android devices.
10. FarmVille 2
What is it? FarmVille 2 is the follow up to the mega-popular FarmVille game. Like its predecessor, FarmVille 2 is a multiplayer game where you manage a farm. The difference is that this time around you and your friends can grow crops, raise animals, and even conduct scientific experiments. Like other games on this list, you have to pay to play FarmVille 2, but you can either pay to remove ads or pay to conduct an experiment. The game is available for iOS and Android devices.
As you might expect, games ranging from mobile casinos to online poker and slots can be found on sites like Full Tilt, Pokerstars, and BetStars, among others. But while games may seem like the easy option for online money-making, it’s not always that simple. Since many of these sites operate globally, you’ll have to comply with whatever rules and regulations the site’s operators have set down, whether you want to or not.
Despite the risks, it’s still a lucrative industry, and one that continues to grow each year. As smartphones and tablets continue to dominate the market, online gaming will certainly remain a popular option for extra cash. So, if you’re looking to make a quick buck, why not consider taking the plunge and entering the exciting world of online gaming? With the right strategy, marketing, and execution, it’s certainly possible to turn a quick profit.