Image Source: mobilewhack.com The folks over at 148apps.biz have reported on an interesting trend happening in the App Store – the increase in what they dubbed “freemium games.”  What are freemium games, you ask? I’m sure we have all encountered these from time-to-time in the App Store.  You go to download a game, thinking that […]
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“Freemium” apps are where it’s at

Nov 22nd 2010 by

Image Source: mobilewhack.com

The folks over at 148apps.biz have reported on an interesting trend happening in the App Store – the increase in what they dubbed “freemium games.”  What are freemium games, you ask?

I’m sure we have all encountered these from time-to-time in the App Store.  You go to download a game, thinking that it’s free, only to find out that in order to really enjoy the entire game, you’ll need to pay for some additional features, an ad-free version, add-ons, and more.

Here’s an excerpt from the 148apps.biz article:

Remco van den Elzen, co-founder of analytics firm Distimo, thinks in-app transactions now represent about 30 percent of all iPhone App Store revenue. “We’re seeing more developers implement more in app-purchases especially with games,” he said. “Freemium apps are also picking up significantly. A lot of developers realize it’s a successful model.”

It’s interesting to note that this trend applies to the iPhone only, and not the iPad, which typically sees a premium attached to its apps.

So what do you all think about “fermium games?”  Business model aside, are they good for consumers?  Do you like the concept, or perhaps find it annoying?

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