Many talented developers approach game design with monetization as their first priority. They're figuring out where to place ads or how to integrate in-app purchases (IAPs) from the start. And why not? This casual approach to monetization has been the industry standard for years, and in many ways, it somehow works.

But let’s be honest. This approach comes with a major issue such as constant gameplay interruptions. Players are forced to watch ads or feel pressured to buy something just to keep game going in desired speed or even to be able to continue playing at all. No matter what, these moments break immersion and leave a bitter aftertaste. But what if there was a better way? A way to increase player retention, boost engagement, and still generate sustainable revenue without frustrating interruptions? The model has been here also for years, but due to technological limitations, it was hard to implement. Today, that is no longer the case.

We are talking about a model that values the most expensive human asset: time. Instead of stopping gameplay to make players watch ads or pushing them toward IAPs, give them an uninterrupted experience where every second counts. We call it the microsubscription model. However not all types of games are suitable for this model. Hybrid Casual Games are.

Move Beyond Ads and IAPs

Uninterrupted gameplay means higher retention. Frequent ads or paywalls frustrate players and break immersion, often causing them to quit. Smooth, uninterrupted gameplay keeps players engaged longer and naturally boosts retention.

Skill-Based progression keeps players hooked. In classic arcade games, success was determined by skill, not by how much you were willing to pay. When progress is earned through skill, players stay motivated and connected. Create a deeper sense of achievement. 

Retention builds sustainable monetization. Focusing on long-term engagement rather than quick transactions builds player loyalty. The longer a player stays, the higher their lifetime value even without direct purchases. A well-designed progression system encourages long-term play.

From Paywalls to Playwalls

Many games today rely on artificial difficulty spikes to push players toward purchases whether it is a level that is impossible to beat without a paid power-up or an essential item locked behind a paywall. Instead, games should focus on rewarding effort, strategy and skills.

Tip 1

Unlocking Items Through Gameplay Instead of Purchases. In many modern mobile games, when you need a powerful item, you’re forced to either grind excessively or buy it outright. This often leads to frustration and drop-offs.

Designing a system where players unlock items through skill and persistence, rather than payment could be the right solution.

Tip 2

Instead of paying for a powerfull item, let the player earn it by completing a series of challenges, minigame quests or perfecting a difficult mechanics.

Tip 3

Try out our farming game with no ads, no IAP and with steady game progression (hybrid casual approach). In this game you can try particular hybrid engagement without ads and IAP. You've probably played any farming game in past on other platforms so you can spot the difference.

Try out FarmBay ->

How Puls Games Differs

Right after the initial game tutorial you smoothly come into expected gameplay with propriate speed of tasks that must be handled to secure you natural game progression and make you desire to continue. There is no interruption with advertisement or in game assets purchases (IAP). On top of that, your game is opened in secured window with no distraction around your gameplay. If you would feel desire to play all games like this, for the amount you would spent in 1 game (that secure you 1-2 hours of comfort gameplay as an example above on other platforms, you can expect roughly 60 hours of uniterrupted gameplay of any game listed on Puls Games.

Finish tasks, collect items, complete level, reach the target and play. These are the phrases you will find on Puls Games.

Buy items, watch advertisement, wait hours like these are the phrases you will find on other platforms that distract you and make you uncomfortable.

How Other Platforms Do It

Almost right after the initial game tutorial, the game pushes you to either buy in-game diamonds to keep the game speed, get supplies to build, energy for both, or at least watch ads to get a small amount of any of that. On top of that, prices are super high, and what you buy only gives you the comfort of around 1–2 hours of smooth, natural gameplay.

Design a Game That Rewards
Time and Skill

Smart Progression Systems

Meaningful progression is key. Unlike endless hypercasual games where players constantly start over, the most engaging games let players build on their journey through great storytelling and unexpected moments. A level map at the beginning can help players quickly understand where they're headed and what they can achieve. Daily rewards tied to long-term goals like playing five minutes a day for 30 days to unlock rare items, new maps, or special avatars keep players coming back. Skill-based challenges that reward mastery of core mechanics also give progression real weight and make the experience more rewarding.

Dynamic Environments That Keep Players Engaged

To prevent gameplay from becoming repetitive, introduce dynamic elements that evolve over time to keep the challenge fresh. Evolving maps can change as players progress with shifting paths and new obstacles that require constant adaptation and strategy. Emphasizing tactical gameplay through strategic cover and positioning adds depth, moving away from pay-to-win mechanics. Power-ups like shields, weapons, or extra lives should be earned through skillful play, not purchased, reinforcing a sense of achievement and fairness.

Creating Addictive Yet Fair Reward Systems

Players should feel rewarded for their effort – not just for their ability to spend money. Instead of watching an ad to revive, a player can earn extra lives by achieving streaks, completing side objectives, or mastering game mechanics. A player who plays daily could visually track their challenge progress, motivating them to keep going. 

This all boosts engagement naturally, without forcing frustrating transactions.

The New Hybrid Casual Model

We believe in a hybrid casual approach that strikes the perfect balance between engaging, long-term gameplay and smooth monetization. Players are able to continuously build on their progress without frustrating resets, creating a more rewarding experience. New content is introduced gradually, encouraging sustained engagement over time. Monetization is seamlessly integrated into the gameplay itself, driven by time spent and player interaction, rather than relying on ads or direct purchases.

Final Thoughts

Developers no longer need to rely on intrusive ads or forced IAPs to make games profitable. By focusing on player retention, rewarding skill, and creating immersive progression systems, developers can build games that feel rewarding, fair, and engaging while still being financially successful.

At Puls Games, we are committed to supporting game developers who embrace this vision. Let’s build the future of gaming one where time and skill are the ultimate currencies. Join the movement and start developing the next generation of games today.