Aethir, working with SuperScale, ran a study on how decentralized cloud infrastructure can cut user acquisition costs for game studios. The test centered on Aethir's cloud gaming platform, which lets developers skip app stores and their hefty service fees. By tapping into decentralized GPU cloud resources and rewarding companies with spare GPU capacity through web3 tokens, Aethir offers a different route for game distribution.
Most publishers depend on app stores for visibility and downloads, but that model carries serious costs. Some platforms claim up to 30% of a studio's revenue, piling financial pressure on developers. Aethir's cloud gaming setup challenges this by delivering instant play and streaming, letting players jump into games straight from a web link or ad without downloading anything.
Amplify Engagement Profitability
Industry Challenges
Paul Thind, Chief Revenue Officer at Aethir, noted that climbing user acquisition costs, steep revenue cuts from app stores, and pricey infrastructure demands have squeezed game developers financially. Traditional publishing usually demands heavy marketing spend, and forcing users to download a game before trying it drags down conversion rates and drives up costs. Aethir's approach goes direct-to-consumer through cloud streaming, giving players instant access without installation.
By using Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) and direct web play, publishers can slash acquisition costs while boosting engagement and retention. This method removes friction from the user experience, making it simpler for players to find and try new games. SuperScale's case study points to a shift in game distribution, showing that cloud gaming can hand publishers more control over revenue and user acquisition.
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Insights from SuperScale's Case Study
SuperScale ran a two-phase case study to measure how well Aethir's cloud gaming tech performs. Phase one tested whether letting players try a game before downloading could improve engagement and lower cost per install (CPI). The study used the mobile game Tiny Tower with three creative variations: "Stream Now," "Instant Play," and "Download." Results showed 43% more players picked instant play over downloading, conversion rates jumped 45%, and click-through rates climbed 35%.
Phase two examined return on ad spend (ROAS) and early user engagement. Players could either download the game from the app store after seeing an ad or try it immediately through Aethir's streaming. Data revealed a 143% increase in users choosing the streaming option over downloading from the app store. Metrics like D7 ROAS, average revenue per user (ARPU), session count, and retention rates all improved significantly.
SuperScale's Partners
Benefits of Cloud Streaming for Game Publishers
Aethir's decentralized cloud gaming platform gives game studios several ways to sharpen their user acquisition and monetization. By sidestepping traditional app stores, developers keep more of their revenue while reaching wider audiences. Games with instant play mechanics gain better discoverability because users can test them before committing to a full download or purchase.
The tech also lets games run across different devices, including PCs, mobile phones, and smart TVs, without needing separate versions. This cuts out compatibility headaches and simplifies development. Plus, the option to plug in alternative monetization like subscriptions, direct microtransactions, and ad-supported play gives publishers more flexibility in how they make money.
SuperScale Team
Shift Toward Cloud-Based Game Distribution
As developers face mounting financial pressure, cloud gaming solutions like Aethir's present a real alternative to traditional distribution. SuperScale's case study proves that using cloud streaming for user acquisition delivers better engagement, higher conversion rates, and stronger revenue retention. The data suggests cloud-based distribution is becoming necessary for studios trying to scale efficiently in a crowded market.
With the ability to reach bigger audiences, cut acquisition costs, and unlock better monetization, Aethir's decentralized cloud gaming infrastructure marks a shift in the industry. Publishers and developers looking at direct-to-consumer strategies may find cloud streaming offers a practical path forward, reducing dependence on app stores and maximizing profit. SuperScale's research makes it clear that adopting cloud gaming tech isn't just helpful—it's necessary for long-term survival.
