Which monetization model provides recurring revenue for a game over time?

Which monetization model provides recurring revenue for a game over time?

• A. Premium
• B. Free-to-play with in-app purchases
• C. Subscription
• D. All of the above

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is recurring revenue—the money that comes in on a regular schedule rather than from a single upfront sale. A subscription model charges players on a consistent interval (monthly or yearly) for ongoing access or benefits, so revenue flows in over time as long as customers keep paying. This creates a predictable, steady income stream that supports continuous updates and live-service effort. Premium is typically a one-time purchase, so after the initial sale there isn’t an automatic, ongoing revenue stream from that user. Free-to-play with in-app purchases can generate revenue over time if players keep buying items, but those purchases are irregular and not guaranteed, so recurring income isn’t built into the model by default. Therefore, the subscription model best provides recurring revenue over time.

The main idea here is recurring revenue—the money that comes in on a regular schedule rather than from a single upfront sale. A subscription model charges players on a consistent interval (monthly or yearly) for ongoing access or benefits, so revenue flows in over time as long as customers keep paying. This creates a predictable, steady income stream that supports continuous updates and live-service effort.

Premium is typically a one-time purchase, so after the initial sale there isn’t an automatic, ongoing revenue stream from that user. Free-to-play with in-app purchases can generate revenue over time if players keep buying items, but those purchases are irregular and not guaranteed, so recurring income isn’t built into the model by default. Therefore, the subscription model best provides recurring revenue over time.