Ads in Games: Rewarded, Interstitial, and Banner Quiz Quiz

Explore the key differences and best practices for rewarded ads, interstitial ads, and banner ads in mobile and online games. This quiz helps you identify effective ad formats, their user experiences, and common challenges within game advertising.

1. Rewarded Ads Scenario

   In a racing game, players can watch a short video after losing a race to instantly retry without penalty. What type of ad is being used in this scenario?

   1. Banner ad
   2. Native ad
   3. Rewarded ad
   4. Interstitial ad

   Explanation: A rewarded ad lets players voluntarily watch an ad in exchange for an in-game benefit, like retrying a race. Banner ads are static visuals usually shown during gameplay or menus, not tied to specific user actions. Interstitial ads cover the screen between game events without direct rewards. Native ads are designed to match the look of the app but typically do not reward user actions. Only rewarded ads offer clear, optional benefits for engagement.

2. Banner Ads Characteristics

   Which statement best describes banner ads in mobile games?

   1. They appear full-screen between game levels and demand user interaction.
   2. They are small static or animated ads that stay on the edge of the screen during gameplay.
   3. They play short videos offering in-game bonuses if watched.
   4. They disguise themselves as game content and disrupt gameplay.

   Explanation: Banner ads remain at the periphery of the screen and do not interrupt active gameplay, displaying static or simple animated visuals. Interstitial ads go full-screen and appear between game segments, not as small banners. Rewarded ads play brief incentivized videos rather than being static visuals. Ads disguised as content would be considered deceptive and are generally discouraged in ethical advertising.

3. Interstitial Ads Placement

   When is the most suitable moment to display an interstitial ad to minimize disruption in a puzzle game?

   1. While the user is solving a puzzle
   2. Directly after the user completes a level
   3. At the game’s loading screen before the main menu
   4. During in-app purchases

   Explanation: Showing interstitial ads immediately after a level provides a natural break, reducing disruption. Showing ads during puzzles interrupts gameplay and can frustrate users. Loading screens and in-app purchases are generally reserved for other messaging or loading progress, not interstitial ads. The completion of a level is a strategic, user-friendly moment for full-screen advertisements.

4. User Experience Perspective

   Which ad format is considered most user-friendly because it gives players a choice and a clear benefit for engagement?

   1. Prestitial ads
   2. Interstitial adds
   3. Banner adds
   4. Rewarded ads

   Explanation: Rewarded ads are user-friendly due to their opt-in nature and tangible rewards. 'Banner adds' is a typo and should be 'banner ads'; they do not provide direct benefits and can clutter the screen. 'Interstitial adds' is another typo; these can be disruptive since they take over the screen. 'Prestitial ads' are shown before content, often mandatory, and may frustrate users. Only rewarded ads combine choice and reward.

5. Ad Format Limitations

   What is a common limitation of banner ads compared to other ad types in games?

   1. They block gameplay completely until dismissed.
   2. They offer in-game rewards for watching.
   3. They often suffer from banner blindness, where players ignore them.
   4. They always require users to interact before proceeding.

   Explanation: Banner ads are easily overlooked due to their persistent but unobtrusive placement, a phenomenon known as banner blindness. Unlike the second option, banner ads typically do not require interaction. They never block gameplay, which eliminates option three. In-game rewards are tied to rewarded ads, not banners. Only the first option correctly identifies their main limitation.