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Reading list
We've selected 21 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Game Monetization.
Provides a comprehensive overview of game analytics, a crucial aspect of understanding player behavior and its impact on monetization. It covers topics such as monetization strategies, telemetry system design, and data mining in game development. While it can be dense, it's a foundational text for anyone serious about data-driven approaches to game monetization and is often used as a reference by industry professionals.
This recent publication offers a hands-on approach to game analytics specifically for free-to-play mobile games, with a strong focus on retention and monetization. It includes practical examples, code snippets, and insights into defining KPIs and building predictive models. is highly relevant for contemporary mobile game monetization practices.
A key text for understanding the economics of free-to-play games, this book delves into using analytics and user segmentation to optimize revenue. It provides a strong framework for analyzing data and making informed decisions regarding monetization strategies in the freemium model. is highly relevant for those focusing on the dominant F2P market.
Offers a comprehensive look at the design of game economies, including how monetization integrates with the metagame and live operations. It provides step-by-step processes and best practices for creating intricate and engaging game economies that support monetization goals. This is particularly useful for those interested in the underlying systems that drive long-term player engagement and spending.
Focuses specifically on monetization within the mobile and social game space. It explores various monetization methods and mechanics, providing practical examples and insights into industry practices. It's a valuable resource for understanding the core strategies employed in this dominant sector of the game market.
Focusing on the operational aspects of live service games, this book provides detailed techniques for maintaining player engagement and converting it into revenue through smart monetization and events. It introduces frameworks for boosting retention and achieving financial goals in the live operations environment. is essential for understanding the ongoing process of monetization in modern games.
Delves into understanding player behavior through a scientific lens. Insights from this book can inform the design of monetization features that are both effective and positively received by players. It's a valuable resource for a deeper understanding of the human element in game monetization.
Explores the psychology behind habit-forming products, offering a framework for creating engaging user experiences that keep players coming back. While not strictly about monetization, the principles of hooking users are essential for building a sustainable player base that can be effectively monetized.
Provides a framework for using data to inform business decisions in a startup environment, which is highly applicable to game development. It helps in identifying the right metrics to track and analyze for optimizing growth and revenue, including monetization strategies. It's a valuable resource for implementing a data-driven approach to game monetization.
While not specific to games, this book provides a widely recognized framework for understanding, designing, and implementing business models. The Business Model Canvas valuable tool for conceptualizing the various components of a game's monetization strategy, including value proposition, revenue streams, and customer segments. It offers a strong foundational understanding of business principles applicable to game monetization.
Takes a systems thinking approach to game design, which can be valuable for understanding the complex interplay of game mechanics, player behavior, and monetization systems. It helps in thinking about how changes in one area can impact others, crucial for balancing monetization with player experience.
While focused on game balance, this book's principles are intrinsically linked to monetization, especially in free-to-play games where balance impacts player progression and the perceived value of in-app purchases. Understanding game balance is foundational to designing fair and effective monetization systems.
A widely used textbook for game design, this book covers fundamental concepts including game mechanics, player experience, and the business of games. The latest editions include updated content on free-to-play and monetization models, providing a solid foundation for understanding how monetization fits within the broader context of game design.
A comprehensive academic text on game design, this book introduces a theoretical framework for understanding games as systems. While not focused on business, this systems thinking approach is valuable for analyzing how monetization mechanics integrate with core gameplay loops and overall game structure.
Considered a foundational text in game design, this book encourages designers to view their games through various 'lenses,' including economics and player psychology. While not solely focused on monetization, it provides essential context for understanding player motivations and how design choices impact engagement and, indirectly, monetization. It's a valuable resource for understanding the player-centric aspects of monetization.
A classic in the field of virtual worlds and online communities, this book provides foundational knowledge on player types and their interactions within persistent online environments. This understanding is highly relevant to designing economies and monetization strategies in online games.
This approachable guide to video game design includes discussions on monetization as part of the overall design process. It offers practical advice and examples, making it a good starting point for those new to game design and its business aspects.
Explores the fundamental nature of fun in games and how players learn and engage. Understanding what makes games enjoyable is crucial for designing monetization that enhances rather than detracts from the player experience. It provides a theoretical basis for making design decisions that support long-term engagement and potential monetization.
This collection of studies explores the realities of video game production, including economic aspects and monetization. It offers a broader academic perspective on how games are made and the business considerations involved. While not a how-to guide, it provides valuable context on the industry landscape surrounding monetization.
This handbook covers the broader business aspects of game development, including funding, marketing, and sales. While not solely focused on monetization models, it provides essential business context for anyone looking to monetize their games successfully within the industry landscape.
Offers a behind-the-scenes look at the development of various video games, highlighting the challenges and realities of game production. While not a direct guide to monetization, it provides valuable industry context and an understanding of the pressures and decisions that can influence business models and monetization strategies.
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