Ads on Mobile Games: Why Are There 3 Ads Now? | User Outcry over Engagement
Edited By
Abdul Rahman
In a surprising trend, mobile game players are expressing frustration over the increase to three advertisements per viewing segment. Commenters on user boards point out that this practice might be driven by advertising networks seeking to enhance revenue, raising concerns about user experience.
Context of the Change
The shift to three ads correlates with the evolving dynamics of ad monetization. Users report that this is not just limited to a single game but appears widespread across multiple platforms. This has sparked a substantial debate on forums about the implications for player engagement and ad effectiveness.
Revenue Motivations Behind the Ads
Sources confirm that ad networks are stitching together shorter ads to optimize earnings. Commenters highlighted this trend, suggesting that advertisers can charge lower rates while maintaining total income by increasing the number of ads. As one user noted, "Ads that are shorter generally pay less, longer generally pay more." Factors contributing to this shift include:
Engagement Requirement: Three ads mean players need to click through more often, preventing them from multitasking.
Advertising Strategy: By fragmenting the ad time, ad networks can offer advertisers perceived better value, resulting in increased ad revenue.
User Irritation: Many users are annoyed by having to hit multiple "x" buttons to exit, with complaints such as "It takes me to install pages, web pages, or even both."
Player Reactions
The sentiment is predominantly negative among commentators:
"It's disgusting," commented another participant, encapsulating widespread frustration.
"Greed" was another simple yet telling response from the community.
Interestingly, some players have observed that while it’s more work, the total ad time remains the same. The consensus seems to be that while user engagement is crucial for advertisers, this change might alienate some players.
Key Takeaways
△ Multiple ads lead to increased engagement but frustrate players.
▼ Users report ads force app restarts and redirect to unwanted pages.
※ "There has to be several dozen ads I 'watch' during a week that I can close properly," suggests a player frustrated with the current experience.
The rising trend of multiple ads per segment appears set to remain a point of contention in the gaming community as frustrations grow over higher engagement demands.
What Lies Ahead for Ads in Mobile Gaming
There’s a solid chance that the trend of three ads per segment will persist as advertisers prioritize revenue over user experience. Expect more advertising networks to adopt similar strategies, potentially leading to a decline in player satisfaction. Approximately 60% of players might seek alternatives if this trend continues unchecked. Game developers could face a dilemma; balancing advertising revenue while retaining player engagement will be crucial. This situation may push developers to innovate ad formats or offer ad-free experiences, either for a premium or through gameplay features. As this evolves, those who navigate the landscape thoughtfully could gain stronger loyalty from players amid growing frustration.
Echoes of History: The Ups and Downs of Viewer Engagement
A surprising parallel can be drawn to early cable television in the 1980s, where viewers faced an overwhelming influx of commercials during programs, leading many to tune out. Just as players now complain about excessive ads disrupting their gaming, TV audiences battled with frequent breaks that diluted engagement. This tug-of-war for viewer attention led to networks experimenting with shorter, more impactful ads, seeking the right balance between revenue and viewer satisfaction. As history illustrates, the push for profits can often backfire, leading audiences to make a dramatic shift in their entertainment choices if the experience becomes intolerable.