Licensed UGC assets can increase revenue and UA—but only as a supplement to UGC systems that are already successful. Licensed UGC requires strict creator guidelines, monetization strategies, and separate ecosystems. As a result of these content restrictions, licensed UGC systems function more like subcontracting hubs that allow developers to sell access to player creators.

Brawl Stars' new battle pass offers more free rewards, higher ROIs, and a deeper depth of spend than its old battle pass. These changes helped Brawl Stars increase U.S. iOS revenue by 61% 2Mo2M and battle pass completion rates by 10%—leading to all-time high DAUs since the new pass launched in January 2024.

AFK Journey entered the top 10 highest-grossing RPGs on its launch day and climbed into the top five a few days later. It features several notable differences from its predecessor, AFK Arena, including a 3D map instead of 2D, an open world rather than a linear progression, tile-based battles, and a cel-shaded art style.

Risk of Rain: Hostile Worlds retains the core gameplay loop of the popular indie PC/console franchise, Risk of Rain. Hostile Worlds introduces an auto-shoot mechanic, an isometric perspective, and a gacha system for collecting the app’s many heroes. The app sets itself apart from other roguelike shooters by including an exceptionally diverse cast of heroes and letting players freely swap between three of them during levels—which allows players to explore a variety of different teams and play styles.

In Cookie Run: Kingdom, a social hub lets players engage with other players, play mini-games, and complete challenges. Plus, a helicopter-flying mini-game in PUBG: Mobile, a photo-taking mini-game in Arknights, and more.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang’s Brawling Beats Mode provides a casual-friendly variation of the app’s base gameplay. By using smaller teams, randomized heroes, and a fast-paced objective, this mode offers an accessible way for players to familiarize themselves with the app’s heroes and mechanics. Its approachability gives it the potential to be integrated into the app’s first-time user experience—which could significantly broaden its user acquisition.

Developers have several options to direct players to external payment systems without having to pay commissions to Apple or Google. Casino and core apps can most easily drive players to web stores, but casual apps need to prioritize ease of use and exceptional value.

Jackpot Party launches a web store and uses an in-app notification to let players access it. Plus, slots-driven competitions in Coin Master and Heart of Vegas, and more innovative releases.

Huuuge Casino is one of the first casino apps we've seen that uses in-game links to drive players to its web client, which players can run directly from their phone’s web browser. The app is also the first to instruct players about accessing the web client from their device’s home screen, allowing players to access and play on the web client exactly like they would on the app. 

Call of Duty: Mobile uses social media to drive players to its web store, which offers in-game currency at lower price points than IAPs. The web store offers up to 15% more CP than IAPs at the same prices. First-time purchases are also discounted by 20% on select price tiers.

In myVEGAS, a board game bonus includes spaces that award prizes, remove players’ lives, and transform spaces. Plus, new board game bonuses in Cash Tornado and GSN Casino, and more types of machines in other top slots apps.

Cash Fenzy’s Gems of Brilliance expands upon the trend of purchasable bonuses by adding several unique mechanics. These mechanics drive engagement by creating a long, steady progression—and drive spend by selling optional accelerators for premium currency.