Mobile Game Ads: Why Can't I Skip Them?

I recently stumbled upon a discussion about the seemingly endless, unskippable ads that plague mobile gaming. It seems many are experiencing frustration with ad formats that feel less like interruptions and more like hostage situations. This got me thinking about the strategies behind these ads and how we, as users, can regain control over our mobile gaming experience.

The original poster shared their exasperation with an ad that seemed to drag on forever, sparking a wider conversation about the intrusiveness of mobile game advertising. While ads are a necessary evil in the free-to-play model, there's a fine line between monetization and user experience. When ads become overly aggressive, they can push players away and damage the game's reputation.

Let's delve into the reasons behind these unskippable ads and how ad blocking solutions can provide some much-needed relief.

Understanding Unskippable Mobile Game Ads

Several factors contribute to the prevalence of unskippable ads in mobile games:

1. Revenue Maximization

The primary driver behind unskippable ads is, of course, revenue. Developers and publishers want to maximize their ad revenue, and unskippable ads guarantee that users will see the entire advertisement. This increases the likelihood of engagement and potential conversion (e.g., downloading the advertised app).

2. Ad Network Policies

Ad networks often incentivize developers to use specific ad formats, including unskippable video ads, by offering higher payouts. This creates a financial incentive for developers to prioritize these intrusive formats, even if it compromises the user experience.

3. Psychological Tactics

Some ads are designed to be deliberately annoying or repetitive to create a sense of urgency or curiosity. The idea is that by the time the ad is over, the user will be so eager to get back to the game that they'll be more likely to click on the ad to make it stop. This is a questionable tactic, but it's unfortunately common.

4. Technical Limitations

In some cases, the perceived unskippability is due to technical glitches or poor ad implementation. The "skip" button might be hidden, unresponsive, or simply not working correctly. This can be incredibly frustrating for users, as it feels like they're being deliberately held hostage by the ad.

The Impact of Intrusive Ads

Unskippable ads can have a significant negative impact on the user experience:

1. Frustration and Annoyance

The most obvious consequence is user frustration and annoyance. Being forced to watch a long, irrelevant ad can be incredibly irritating, especially when it interrupts a moment of gameplay.

2. Reduced Engagement

Intrusive ads can lead to reduced engagement with the game. If players are constantly bombarded with unskippable ads, they may become less likely to play the game regularly or make in-app purchases.

3. Negative Reviews

Unhappy players are more likely to leave negative reviews on app stores, which can deter new users from downloading the game. Ad frequency and intrusiveness are common complaints in negative reviews.

4. Brand Damage

Aggressive ad practices can damage the game's brand and reputation. Players may associate the game with negative feelings and be less likely to recommend it to others.

Strategies for Dealing with Unskippable Ads

While developers and publishers ultimately control the ad experience, there are several strategies that users can employ to mitigate the impact of unskippable ads:

1. Patience (Sometimes)

Sometimes, the "skip" button is simply delayed. Waiting a few extra seconds might reveal the option to skip the ad. This is a simple but often overlooked solution.

2. Airplane Mode

Many mobile games rely on an internet connection to serve ads. By temporarily enabling airplane mode, you can prevent ads from loading altogether. However, this will also prevent you from playing online multiplayer games.

3. In-App Purchases

Many free-to-play games offer the option to remove ads through an in-app purchase. This is a direct way to support the developers while eliminating the intrusive ad experience. If you enjoy the game and play it regularly, this can be a worthwhile investment.

4. Ad Blocking Solutions

This is where solutions like AdBlock for Mobile come into play. By blocking ads at the DNS level, you can prevent them from loading in the first place, providing a seamless and uninterrupted gaming experience. Let’s look at the options.

Ad Blocking for Mobile Gaming

Ad blocking solutions offer a more comprehensive approach to dealing with unskippable ads. Here's how they work and which options are available:

1. DNS-Based Ad Blocking

As mentioned earlier, DNS-based ad blocking works at the network level, preventing ads from loading before they even reach your device. This is a system-wide solution that works in all apps and browsers, including mobile games.

NextDNS

NextDNS is a powerful and customizable DNS-based ad blocker that allows you to block ads, trackers, and malware. It offers detailed analytics and logs, so you can see exactly what's being blocked. While it has a free tier with query limits, the paid version is relatively affordable.

AdGuard DNS

AdGuard DNS is a simpler, more user-friendly option that provides good default blocklists. It's easy to set up and forget about, making it a great choice for users who want a hassle-free ad-blocking experience. It’s also free.

2. Local VPN Ad Blockers

Local VPN ad blockers create a virtual private network on your device to filter out ad traffic. These apps are app-based but provide system-wide protection.

Blokada

Blokada is a popular open-source ad blocker for Android that uses a local VPN to block ads and trackers. It's highly customizable and offers a range of features, including custom blocklists and DNS server selection. Best of all, it's free.

AdGuard for Android

AdGuard for Android is a comprehensive ad blocker that uses a local VPN to filter out ad traffic. It offers a range of features, including custom filters, DNS server selection, and app management. It has both free and premium versions.

3. Browser-Based Ad Blocking

If you primarily play mobile games through a web browser, you can use browser-based ad blockers to block ads within the browser.

Brave Browser

Brave Browser has built-in ad blocking and tracker blocking, providing a private and ad-free browsing experience. It's a great option for users who want a simple and effective ad blocker without having to install any extensions.

Firefox + uBlock Origin

Firefox, combined with the uBlock Origin extension, offers a powerful and customizable ad-blocking solution. uBlock Origin is a lightweight and efficient ad blocker that blocks ads, trackers, and malware. This is a good option for users who want more control over their ad-blocking settings.

Choosing the Right Ad Blocking Solution

The best ad-blocking solution for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Here's a quick guide to help you choose:

• For system-wide ad blocking: DNS-based ad blockers (NextDNS, AdGuard DNS) or local VPN ad blockers (Blokada, AdGuard for Android).
• For browser-based ad blocking: Brave Browser or Firefox + uBlock Origin.
• For ease of use: AdGuard DNS or Brave Browser.
• For customization: NextDNS or Blokada.
• For free solutions: AdGuard DNS or Blokada.

Considerations for Mobile Gaming

When choosing an ad-blocking solution for mobile gaming, consider the following:

1. Performance Impact

Some ad blockers can impact device performance, especially on older devices. Choose a lightweight and efficient ad blocker that won't slow down your gameplay.

2. Battery Life

Ad blockers that use a local VPN can consume more battery power than DNS-based ad blockers. If battery life is a concern, opt for a DNS-based solution.

3. Compatibility

Ensure that the ad blocker is compatible with your device and operating system. Some ad blockers may not work on certain devices or versions of Android or iOS.

4. False Positives

Ad blockers can sometimes block legitimate content, resulting in false positives. Be prepared to whitelist websites or apps if necessary.

My Recommendations for Mobile Gamers

Based on my experience and research, here are my top recommendations for mobile gamers looking to block unskippable ads:

• Best overall: NextDNS - Offers the best balance of features, customization, and performance.
• Best for simplicity: AdGuard DNS - Easy to set up and forget about, with good default blocklists.
• Best free app-based solution (Android): Blokada - Open-source, customizable, and free.
• Best browser-based solution: Brave Browser - Built-in ad blocking and tracker blocking.

Setting Up Your Chosen Ad Blocker

Once you've chosen an ad blocker, setting it up is usually straightforward. Here are some general instructions:

For DNS-Based Ad Blockers:

On Android:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Private DNS.
2. Select "Private DNS provider hostname."
3. Enter the hostname provided by your chosen DNS service (e.g., dns.adguard.com for AdGuard DNS).
4. Tap Save.

On iOS:

1. Download the configuration profile from your chosen provider (e.g., NextDNS).
2. Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.
3. Tap on the downloaded profile.
4. Tap Install and follow the on-screen instructions.

For Local VPN Ad Blockers:

1. Download and install the ad blocker app from the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS).
2. Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to enable the local VPN.
3. Configure the app's settings to your liking (e.g., choose blocklists, enable custom filters).

For Browser-Based Ad Blockers:

Brave Browser:

1. Download and install Brave Browser from the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS).
2. Brave's ad blocking is enabled by default. You can customize the settings in Settings > Brave Shields.

Firefox + uBlock Origin:

1. Download and install Firefox from the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS).
2. Open Firefox and search for "uBlock Origin" in the add-ons store.
3. Install uBlock Origin and configure its settings to your liking.

Regaining Control Over Your Mobile Gaming Experience

The prevalence of unskippable ads in mobile games is a frustrating issue, but it's not one that you have to passively accept. By understanding the strategies behind these ads and employing ad-blocking solutions, you can regain control over your mobile gaming experience and enjoy uninterrupted gameplay.

Whether you choose a DNS-based ad blocker, a local VPN ad blocker, or a browser-based solution, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs. Experiment with different solutions and find the one that works best for you. Remember, you have the power to choose how you experience mobile gaming.

Ready to take back control? Explore our setup guides for detailed, step-by-step instructions on configuring ad blocking on your device.