Introduction

Imagine settling into a much-anticipated game on your smartphone, only to be swiftly interrupted by obtrusive ads. For many, this isn't just a minor inconvenience but a significant disruptor to the immersive gaming experience. With projections showing that 32% of mobile gamers plan to cut back on in-app purchases by 2024, the industry is facing a crucial turning point. Enter Subscrible, a revolutionary platform offering an ad-free gaming experience. This blog delves into the intricacies of Subscrible, its innovative approach to gaming, and how it stands to reshape the landscape of mobile gaming.

The Genesis of Subscrible

Evgeny Unegovsky, alongside Igor Diev, conceptualized Subscrible to address a mounting problem in mobile gaming—intrusive advertisements. An enthusiastic gamer with an extensive background in IT and MarTech, Unegovsky recognized the burgeoning need for an uninterrupted gaming experience. His passion for games, coupled with his professional experiences, propelled him to create a solution that could bring joy back to gaming without the annoyance of constant ads.

The Problem With Ads in Mobile Games

Mobile gaming is a multi-billion dollar industry, spending roughly $27 billion on user acquisition while recovering only a fraction of that amount through revenue from in-game ads and purchases. The presence of disruptive advertisements not only degrades the gaming experience but also hinders user retention. With ads popping up at climactic moments, many players find their excitement doused, leading them to abandon games.

Moreover, the high cost per install (CPI)—$4.83 per install on iOS and growing—makes it increasingly untenable for developers to rely solely on ad-based revenue. This landscape prompted the need for a sustainable, user-friendly alternative, and Subscrible was born out of this necessity.

Introducing Subscrible: Ad-Free Gaming for All

Subscrible sets itself apart by providing a free catalog app that aggregates a wide variety of games, sans ads. The platform uniquely spreads user acquisition costs across multiple developers, thereby reducing individual expenses and enhancing the user experience. This symbiotic model allows developers to decrease their dependency on ads while fetching higher engagement from players.

For Gamers

For users, Subscrible is akin to a haven. Instead of enduring endless ads or subscribing to individual games to disable ads, players get to enjoy a plethora of uninterrupted games. The app features popular titles like Archero, Asphalt, and Fantastic Jewel Lost Kingdom, all accessible without the typical interruptions.

For Developers

Subscrible offers developers access to a larger, engaged audience without the cumbersome costs associated with user acquisition. By reducing reliance on ads, developers can focus on improving gameplay, which in turn boosts user retention and revenue. The platform also encourages higher player engagement, as it unifies the efforts of various developers, ensuring a steady influx of new users.

Building the First Version

Before diving into development, the team behind Subscrible first gauged market interest through a landing page and Facebook Ads, which revealed a strong market demand. Despite technical obstacles, particularly with the updates from Google and Apple, the development team successfully created an SDK to disable in-game ads. Their initial approach involved incorporating only those games that did not use interruptive ads, a strategy which, though less beneficial initially, laid the groundwork for future iterations.

Launching and Adjusting the Business Model

Initial trials exposed several areas needing improvement. While some users installed as many as 38 games from the app, the total number of game installations was notably lower. By testing and tweaking different components—such as game descriptions, app sorting, and user hints—the team eventually achieved their performance targets.

Participation in gaming conferences and webinars proved instrumental in attracting developers and users alike. These events enabled direct discussions about the app's benefits, fostering relationships that translated into increased adoption and retention.

Achieving Growth and Retention

Subscrible's success lies in its dual focus on providing value to both gamers and developers. Through peerless user experiences and cost-sharing models for user acquisition, the app saw its user base grow steadily. The development of a non-intrusive ad network and a bespoke SDK allowed for further enhancement of the platform’s value proposition.

Technological Tools and Collaboration

Subscrible’s adaptability is a cornerstone of its success. Utilizing tools like Agile and SCRUM, the team manages projects in weekly sprints, allowing for rapid adjustments and efficient problem-solving. Platforms like Notion for task management and Discord for communication foster seamless collaboration within the decentralized team.

Looking to the Future

The future of Subscrible is rich with potential. The planned launch of an SDK to better handle ad-free integrations is expected to draw in more titles and enhance user experience. On top of this, a crowdfunding platform aimed at game marketing will empower players to invest in games they are passionate about, offering a novel way for developers to secure funding.

Additionally, the team is working on AI-driven game recommendations, a peer-to-peer marketplace for in-game items, and a feature for showcasing or exchanging in-game achievements. These improvements aim to cement Subscrible as not only a game catalog but also a vibrant, interactive community for gamers and developers alike.

Lessons from the Journey

The journey of Subscrible underscores the importance of adaptability and resilience. The ability to pivot based on market feedback and unexpected challenges cannot be overstated. Effective networking is also crucial, providing indispensable resources and opportunities for growth. Above all, maintaining a clear focus on enhancing user experience proves to be the most significant driver of success.

Conclusion

Subscrible is charting a new course in the mobile gaming industry, offering a refreshing alternative to the ad-saturated status quo. By bridging the gap between gamers' desire for uninterrupted play and developers' need for sustainable revenue models, Subscrible stands poised to redefine the gaming experience. The future of mobile gaming looks promisingly ad-free, thanks to the innovative approach spearheaded by Evgeny Unegovsky and his team.

FAQs

What is Subscrible?

Subscrible is a catalog app offering an ad-free mobile gaming experience, benefiting both gamers and developers by reducing the reliance on in-game advertisements.

How does Subscrible benefit gamers?

Gamers get to enjoy a variety of games without the annoyance of intrusive ads, making for a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.

What advantages does Subscrible offer to developers?

Developers gain access to a broader audience and reduced user acquisition costs. The platform also enhances player engagement by focusing on a better user experience.

How does Subscrible remove ads from games?

Subscrible employs a bespoke SDK that allows games in its catalog to disable ads, improving user retention and satisfaction.

What are the future plans for Subscrible?

Subscrible plans to introduce an ad network with non-intrusive formats, launch a crowdfunding platform for game marketing, develop AI-driven game recommendations, and create a peer-to-peer marketplace for in-game items.

The Rise of Ad-Free Mobile Gaming: A Revolutionary Approach

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Genesis of Subscrible

The Problem With Ads in Mobile Games