Taking the idea that iOS is a more profitable platform for developers than Android to task, developer Mobile Deluxe has claimed Google's OS actually has the edge when it comes to the deployment of in-app purchase (IAPs).
Studio VP of production Sean Thompson has detailed the firm's experiences with both ad-supported and IAP-equipped apps on Gamasutra, with the latter generating greater revenue per user on Android than on Apple's platform.
Big win
"In the case of IAP-supported apps, Android wins the ARPDAU (average revenue per daily active user) race by 24 percent," says Thompson, making reference to the performance of Big Win Slots on both iOS and Android.
"This difference can be attributed to two distinct influences - IAP revenue per DAU dipped on iOS in January, and Tapjoy's Marketplace provided significant incremental revenue on Android above and beyond IAP."
Thompson doesn't reveal just how many users each version of the game has amassed on either platform, but claims Google is more accommodating than Apple when it comes to allowing developers to employ different approaches to generating revenue.
In the case of Big Win Slots, Thompson claims Tapjoy's incentivisation network generates 14 percent of average revenue per user, describing the ability to entice users into downloading other apps in exchange for virtual currency as a "win-win-win" for all concerned.
Pure peril
"In my opinion, this points to a key difference between iOS and Android moving forward," adds Thompson.
"As we all know, Apple banned Tapjoy's incentivised app installs from iOS last year - and thank goodness they did, because now the top lists in the App Store are completely pure.
"Thus far, Google seems to be relatively hands-off. One thing we know for sure is that Apple values its secrecy far more than its relationship with its developer community."
Thompson doesn't advocate developers shifting their entire focus from iOS to Android Mobile Deluxe's own results showing Apple's platform remains dominant when it comes to standard ad-supported releases but he notes Android's "victory" when it comes to IAPs is "notable".
"The additional monetisation methods that Android currently allows are the difference maker," he concludes.
"Because Google is more accommodating than Apple, I expect Android to see the lion's share of Tapjoy and other monetisation market leaders' continued innovation; Android only stands to improve over time in this regard.
"I cannot say this to my fellow mobile developers strongly enough: ignore Android at your own peril! Planning an iOS only release strategy is short-sighted and disastrous in the long run. Android is too big of an opportunity to leave undeveloped."
[source: Gamasutra]
News
With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.
Related Articles
Top Stories
News
Apr 19th, 2024
Week in Views - The search for skills, billion dollar birthdays and terrific transmedia
News
Apr 19th, 2024
Get practical tips into key game development tools and methodologies at the Dubai GameExpo Summit
News
Apr 19th, 2024
Week in Views - The search for skills, billion dollar birthdays and terrific transmedia
Feature
Apr 19th, 2024
New release roundup: Take That: This is Life, Neopets: Tales of Dacardia, Persona 5: The Phantom X and more
Feature
Apr 19th, 2024
Speaker Spotlight: Xsolla's Chris Meredith on making the most of D2C and today's revenue opportunities
Events
Arts DAO Fest 2.0 | Middle East | Apr 20th |
App Promotion Summit London | Europe | Apr 25th |
Esports Future Summit | Middle East | Apr 27th |
Dubai GameExpo Summit 2024 | Middle East | May 1st |
The MENA Games Industry Awards 2024 | Middle East | May 2nd |
GameDev Atlantic 2024 | May 4th | |
Mobidictum Meetup Berlin May 2024 | Europe | May 7th |
Mobidictum Meetup Tallinn May 2024 | Europe | May 21st |
Popular Stories
Feature
Apr 15th, 2024
46 top mobile games in soft launch: CSR 3, Plants vs. Zombies 3, LEGO Hill Climb Adventures, Candy Crush Blast, and more
News
Apr 17th, 2024