Free/full versions vs. iAP?

[Pineapple]

I'm getting ready to release an app, and I was wondering what your opinions are?

I guess I have 2 options:

Option 1: release the game as free, and also release a full/deluxe version
or
Option 2: release a free version with iAP for the additional content


Are there any advantages/disadvantages between these 2 approaches?

Thanks.

[SolarB]

+1 would also like to know!

[Tuna]

DTownTony wrote a fantastic article about his experiences with In App Purchases... I highly recommend you read it.

http://community.clickteam.com/showthread.php?t=73173

BUT! Knowing which will be the right choice (free or not free) is a great question! And the arguments for each side are equally balanced.

I suspect, but cannot say for sure, that EVERY game is different, and its possible one game will be best as free+IAP while another game of the same quality and caliber would do better as a paid app.

[XStar]

I did a mix of both. I released a free version with iAds and a Full Version without them.

[paobrasil]

XStar they are talking about in app purchase, not ads

[WhatPixelYouOn]

Personally, I really do not like downloading a free app then buying parts of it inside. I like to pay it all off from the beginning. However, it seems like IAP is quite successful for a lot of developers.

[DistantJ]

It seems that 'freemium' is the better way to make money (if your game is good) since the fact that it's free guarantees downloads and thus free advertising, a small chunk of something is better than all of nothing, right? But I've always believed in buying a product and having that product. Never been a fan of when people give something away free or for cheap and then try and sell all of the parts. Freemium always reminds me of those "£10 holidays", where they then charge you for things like the duvet and electricity.

[DTownTony]

I think the trick to freemium is offering a FULL game, that moves along at a good pace, and using the iAPs to merely speed up or skip ahead.

[DistantJ]

Yeah, this is definitely the fair way to do it. Those buggers who make the game so grindy that you HAVE to pay are the worst.