Best Rewarded UA Platforms for Casual Games in 2025

Casual games are the backbone of mobile gaming. They attract massive audiences, thrive on accessibility, and dominate the charts. But their scale comes with a challenge: standing out in a crowded market where CPIs are rising and players churn quickly.

This is why rewarded user acquisition (UA) has become one of the most effective channels for casual games. By offering opt-in ads that reward players with extra lives, hints, or boosters, studios not only drive installs but also build trust and engagement.

The question is: which rewarded UA platforms are best for casual games in 2025?

1. Gamelight (AI-Powered Rewarded UA Platform)

Best for: Scale + high-quality installs in casual games.

Casual players respond strongly to rewarded incentives, and Gamelight is designed to deliver exactly that. With over 50K daily installs from its own mobile game recommendation platform, Gamelight connects casual titles to players actively looking for new games to play.

Why it’s number 1 for casual games:

• AI-powered targeting → reach users who love puzzles, match-3s, word games, and more.

• Direct gamer traffic (no reselling).

• CPI-based, fraud-free campaigns.

• Reward formats that casual players love (extra lives, hints, coins).

• Self-serve dashboard → launch in 5 minutes.

Other Rewarded UA Options for Casual Games

While Gamelight stands out for direct traffic + AI targeting, other platforms also offer rewarded formats relevant to casual gaming:

• ironSource → rewarded video ads at global scale.

• Unity Ads → rewarded and playable formats, especially for Unity-built casual titles.

• Tapjoy → surveys and alternative tasks, though less scalable.

• AdGate → offerwalls, useful for higher-value, motivated users.

  
  

These options serve niche needs, but most rely on brokered traffic or lack precision targeting compared to Gamelight.

Why Rewarded UA Works So Well for Casual Games

• Boosters as perfect rewards: Extra lives, hints, and coins align with casual player motivations.

• High opt-in rates: Casual gamers choose rewarded ads far more often than intrusive ones.

• Retention lift: Rewarded installs often show 15–25% higher D7 retention.

• Fair value exchange: Ads feel like gameplay, not disruption.

  
  

For casual games, rewarded UA isn’t just effective — it’s essential.

How to Choose the Right Platform for Casual UA

When evaluating a rewarded UA partner for casual games, focus on:

• Traffic quality: Are installs from real gamers, not brokered sources?

• Reward relevance: Do the incentives align with casual gameplay loops?

• Targeting options: Can you reach players who love specific casual genres?

• Ease of setup: A self-serve dashboard saves small teams time.

• Fraud protection: Critical when working at scale.

  
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is rewarded UA in casual games?

Rewarded UA means acquiring players through opt-in ads that give rewards like extra lives, coins, or hints in exchange for engagement.

Why does rewarded UA work so well for casual titles?

Because rewards align perfectly with casual player needs — short bursts of progress, quick wins, and instant gratification.

Which rewarded ad format is best for casual games?

Rewarded video is the most scalable, but offerwalls and playables can also perform well in specific cases.

How is Gamelight different from other rewarded UA platforms?

Unlike many networks, Gamelight drives traffic directly from its own game recommendation platform and uses AI-powered targeting to match players with the right games.

Can rewarded UA improve retention in casual games?

Yes. Opt-in installs from rewarded UA often show higher retention and stronger monetization compared to traditional ad formats.

Final Thoughts

In casual gaming, scale is everything — but scale without retention is wasted spend. Rewarded UA solves this by delivering installs from players who choose to engage, boosting both loyalty and monetization.

With AI-powered targeting, fraud-free traffic, and direct access to engaged gamers, Gamelight’s rewarded UA platform is the best choice for casual game studios in 2025.

Looking to boost your game's user acquisition?

Utilize a self-serve dashboard to easily and effectively enhance your UA efforts. These user-friendly dashboards give you complete control over your budget and offer extensive targeting options, making it a smart choice for elevating your game's reach.

Gamelight’s advertising platform is a leading mobile marketing solution equipped with an intuitive self-serve dashboard. Operating on a CPI basis, it drives direct traffic from a self-published mobile game recommendation platform. Moreover, you can set up your account and launch your first campaign in just 5 minutes!

Try the self-serve dashboard of the Gamelight advertising platform.

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