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How the Rise of In-App Purchases is Influencing the Mobile Gaming Industry?

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How the Rise of In-App Purchases is Influencing the Mobile Gaming Industry?
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The gaming industry captured the minds of users during 2000s, and now it generates large profits – almost $138 billion in 2018. Developers and operators must be happy about the industry showing growth in revenue of 13.3% compared to 2017.
Following the trend, the mobile gaming market is performing even better. The 25.5% growth means that this sector generates more than a half of a total income (51%). Console and PC segments are nearly equal, having 25% and 24% respectively. There are a number of reasons for mobile games blooming, including in-app purchases.

The freemium spirit
In general, in-app purchases stand for the ability of mobile applications to sell products or services, either virtual or real. Developers invented different approaches to integrating them using various types of apps, features, and interfaces. For instance, there are branded catalogs which sell goods through applications. But in-app purchases are way more typical for free-to-play games.
There is a freemium model of games. Combining features of both free and premium projects, these are completely free downloadable applications with integrated purchases. Owing to this approach, developers earn money with smaller deals inside the app instead of one-time payments. Some of the freemium apps offer simple ads disablement, while others provide unique in-game content. Gambling apps also follow this trend – they offer additional features for money, as well as provide different bonuses for such purchases listed on CasinoBonusCheck.com.

Evolution of mobile games
Now, let’s focus on the influence of freemium games growing in popularity. Experts from Scientific Revenue claim that developers move towards commercial sophistication. This trend is typical for projects that rely on micropayments.
To understand how freemium models affect mobile gaming, remember that they change the focus, moving sales from websites or online retailers like Amazon to games themselves. This way, developers can control the process, providing various offers with flexible prices, sales, and promotions.

Here are some of the current trends of the gaming industry:

  • Multiple points of sale. While premium games are sold on app markets, freemium products can use coins stores, popups with offers, and ubiquitous ads.
  • Various in-game offers. There may be unique daily or weekly sales, additional content, in-game currency, and so on.
  • Annuities. These are unique offers, valid during a certain period.
  • Live Operations. Thanks to in-app purchases, developers can focus on adding new stuff even after the game was launched. They include downloadable content and special promotions dedicated to specific events or major updates.

As small payments are really flexible, developers can easily modify them, trying to reach the maximum engagement. Analysts evaluate the efficiency of in-game content sales and decide whether it’s better to add advertisements or focus on unique offers.

Consequences of the freemium rise
So far as it’s clearer how in-app purchases set trends, we can think about positive and negative consequences. Note that there is no agreement among experts regarding this.

The good side
Ideal freemium games sell cosmetic changes only. Another approach features different types of content but includes an option to unlock them without paying real money. For example, Temple Run offers various enhancements which are available without extra expenses.
Decent freemium projects should focus on improving players’ experience by introducing new content. This is more typical for PC and console games where users can buy new visual styles for characters, unlock extra items and locations.
Free-to-download projects attract way more users who realize that they can easily dive into the game. Also, game providers can focus on improving the single product by implementing Live Operations rather than designing numerous sequels.

The bad side
The modern world is strongly focused on money. That’s why the majority of freemium games turn into pay-to-win or pay-to-play projects:

  • Pay-to-win. Players can buy in-game stuff to become more powerful and beat opponents.
  • Pay-to-play. Players can evade time limits and prolong the game process with in-app purchases.

In pursuit of revenue, developers focus less on improving the game itself. Many freemium projects create nothing new, simply offering benefits for premium players. This leads to users realizing they can simply pay and win instead of improving skills or building strategies, which kills the thrill of gaming.
The majority of mobile projects push pay-to-play or pay-to-win styles because it’s profitable now: Clash of Clans or Fruit Pop, just to name a few. It’s much worse for the industry when well-thought series like Dungeon Hunter follow such trends.

Future of in-app purchases
Freemium model works well for game developers as it allows expanding the audience thanks to free downloads and earning more money thanks to engagement strategies. Gamers are free to try different products and decide whether they deserve further investments.
It seems clear that mobile games will expand, generating more revenues compared to PC and console sectors. In-app purchases will definitely grow in popularity as well. Probably, companies will find new ways of implementing this feature, somehow different from pay-to-win and pay-to-play options. Eventually, it all depends on end users as they create the demand.

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Affiliate Announcements

711 Renews its Partnership with NetRefer as its Affiliate Marketing Platform Provider

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711 Renews its Partnership with NetRefer as its Affiliate Marketing Platform Provider

 

Leading Dutch online casino 711 has renewed its partnership with NetRefer, a data-driven, AI-powered, affiliate marketing platform provider engineered for the iGaming industry.

The family business, started as Carousel Casino Games and founded in 1994 in Belgium, began as a land-based casino chain before expanding into an online casino in 2012. A decade later, in 2022, they entered the Dutch online gaming market as 711 BV, with NetRefer as their Affiliate Marketing partner.

Despite being a new operator, 711 brings over 30 years of experience in the Belgian gaming market and, in two years, has expanded its portfolio, partnering with major game providers like Pragmatic Play and Evolution.

With a diverse game selection that follows the latest gaming trends, attractive promotions, high winning odds, and fast payouts, 711 prioritises player satisfaction and delivers a seamless gaming experience.

They pride themselves on operating under strict regulations and undergo regular external audits to ensure a secure player experience. They emphasise responsible gaming, offering tools and information for player well-being.

Johan Mostert, Affiliate Manager at 711, stated: “NetRefer is known for its innovation and forward-thinking. Their comprehensive, customisable platform – through impressive add-ons – has streamlined our affiliate marketing, making the past two years an excellent partnership. We’re excited for what’s ahead.”

Amanda Camenzuli, NetRefer’s Manager of Account Management, shared: “711 is a dynamic operator in the Dutch market, and their attitude, enthusiasm, and work ethic make this renewal both exciting and rewarding. We at NetRefer look forward to what’s to come in this continued partnership.”

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North Star Network acquires leading casino affiliate Bojoko

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North Star Network acquires leading casino affiliate Bojoko

 

​​North Star Network and Bojoko are delighted to announce the digital sports media group’s acquisition of the leading iGaming affiliation as NSN looks to take a decisive step into the casino space.

The deal, which includes all Bojoko assets, was concluded on February 14 and represents a new chapter for the Malta-based asset, giving them the resources to become an even bigger force in the iGaming affiliate world. This acquisition is structured using upfront and earnout payments, representing 3.0-4.5x 2025 EBITDA depending on future performance.

Since launching in 2017, Bojoko.com has become the go-to platform for UK players seeking in-depth casino, bingo, and sports betting insights, while Bojoko.ca has been instrumental in helping Canadian players navigate the rapidly growing online gaming market.

This acquisition will allow both platforms to expand their reach, enhance their services, and provide even more value to users in these key markets. It also opens room for further market expansion.

Julien Josset, co-founder and CEO of North Star Network, shared his excitement about the acquisition: “We are thrilled to welcome Bojoko into the North Star Network. Bojoko has built an excellent reputation in the industry for its user-driven approach, commitment to true quality, and innovative platform,” he added.” This acquisition aligns perfectly with our vision to expand our influence in the iGaming industry, giving us an instant footing in the casino vertical.

“Bojoko’s casino knowledge is almost unparalleled, and we could not be more excited about the future,” Josset concluded. “Together, we plan to expand Bojoko’s reach internationally, creating even more value for players and partners alike.”

Bojoko co-founder and CEO Joonas Karhu will continue to lead the project. “This is a monumental step forward for Bojoko. Since day one, our goal has been to empower players with expert insights and easy tools that allow them to make informed choices,” Karhu began. “With North Star Network backing us, we’re now in a position to enhance our solutions, expand, and bring our expertise in the online gambling space to new audiences worldwide.

“This partnership opens the door for unprecedented growth and innovation.”

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iGB

Barcelona editions of ICE and iGB Affiliate welcome world record gaming industry attendance of 59,101 from 163 nations

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Barcelona editions of ICE and iGB Affiliate welcome world record gaming industry attendance of 59,101 from 163 nations

 

• Total attendance up 13% year-on-year
• Visitors from 163 nations make journey to Barcelona
• Spain top represented nation at ICE
• UK top represented nation at iGB Affiliate
• Visitation exceeds 100,000 for first time

The Barcelona editions of ICE and iGB Affiliate have ripped up the record books attracting a total of 59,101 unique attendees surpassing the previous high of 52,345 which was set in 2024 – the last editions to be held in London.

The ICE unique attendance of 50,019 represented an 11% year-on-year uplift with iGB Affiliate recording a total of 9,082 unique visitors an increase of 24% on the previous highest which was set 12-months ago.

ICE and iGB Affiliate registered a total Visitation figure, which measures the number of person days spent at the Fira Gran Via Barcelona of 107,664 another gambling industry world record. Nine nations recorded four figure attendances with Spain topping the table (8,954), followed by the UK (6,518), Malta (3,074), Cyprus (2,328), Ukraine (1,938), United States (1,730), Italy (1,496), Bulgaria (1,252) and Germany (1,157).

Stuart Hunter, Managing Director Clarion Gaming said: “The data has been interrogated by an independent registration body and reflects the number of unique attendees.”

He added: “I am delighted that the transition of ICE and iGB Affiliate to Barcelona has been so well-received by our international community of stakeholders. The data has confirmed an all-time opening day high of 32,788 ICE attendees and a closing day attendance of 24,926 which was 20% higher than 2024’s closing day.

“Growth was achieved across all key jurisdictions, including Continental Europe, North America, LATAM, and Asia, with notable new growth recorded from the UAE and India. While UK attendance saw an anticipated reduction in numbers, like-for-like UK company representation remained stable. Looking behind the data it has been a case of UK companies rationalising their representation to their senior teams. The overall attendee growth mitigated and exceeded that reduction.”

Looking ahead to 2026 Stuart Hunter confirmed that 86% of the event space is already booked. He stated: “The response has been so positive that many exhibitors have already rebooked and in many cases secured additional space for January 2026. ICE will expand into Hall 1 addressing exhibitor requests for extra space while iGB Affiliate will relocate to Hall 8 providing attendees with a dedicated arrival experience. The success of the 2025 event underscores the value of the move, and we look forward to building on this momentum for 2026.”

Naomi Barton, Portfolio Director, iGB Events described the response to the first edition of iGB Affiliate to take place in Barcelona as ‘simply outstanding’. She stated: “The growth of iGB Affiliate has been phenomenal and Barcelona has underlined the popularity and status of the brand. Whilst the figures can only tell part of the story the unique attendance of 9,082 was a 24% uplift on 2024 with the 2025 figures representing the fifth consecutive year of significant growth.”

She added: “108 nations were represented at iGB Affiliate making it one of the most international live b2b events on the industry calendar. All of the metrics that we use to measure performance are looking extremely healthy and we are in the midst of analysing in more detail the exhibitor and visitor surveys that we commission after each event. Our attention now switches to July and the relocation of iGB L!VE from Amsterdam to ExCeL London.”

The ultimate goal of conferences like this is for brands to make connections with key thought leaders and decision makers and ultimately establish themselves as the best paying online casino in South Africa or Canada or whatever country they are operating in.

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