How mobile game ads and commissions actually work
A plain-English look at how free game sites make money — including ours.
Why this guide exists
If a site recommends games for free, it's fair to ask how it pays its bills. This guide explains the common models in plain language — and exactly which ones PlayAtlas uses. Transparency is part of our editorial policy.
The three common models
- Affiliate commissions (CPA/CPI): when you install or register through our link, the advertiser pays us a fixed fee. This costs you nothing extra.
- Display ads: banner or native ad slots sold to ad networks, paid per view or click.
- Sponsored placements: a developer pays for visibility, always labeled as sponsored.
How PlayAtlas does it
Right now, our download buttons link directly to the official Google Play listings — we earn nothing from those clicks. When we add affiliate partnerships in the future, every affected page will say so, and our full policy lives on the disclosure page. We never rank games by who pays us, and we never promise rewards for downloading.
Red flags on other sites
- 'Download this app and earn $50' — legitimate advertisers don't work that way.
- APK downloads from unofficial sites — a common malware vector.
- Reviews that never mention a single flaw — likely paid placements without disclosure.