Parents' Guide to Ads, In-App Purchases and Random Rewards

Many of the best-known mobile games are free to download. That does not mean they are free to play in every sense. Most earn money through advertising, optional purchases or both, and some use random rewards that can encourage repeated spending. This guide explains how these systems work and what parents and guardians can do to keep game time enjoyable and affordable.

How free games make money

Advertising. Short video or banner ads appear between levels or in exchange for a small reward. Ads are usually harmless but can interrupt play, and some promote other games or services.
In-app purchases. Players can buy virtual currency, cosmetic items, extra lives, time savers or special passes. Prices range from small amounts to very large bundles.
Subscriptions. Some games and apps offer a monthly or yearly plan that renews automatically until it is cancelled.
Premium games. A few titles are paid once and then contain no ads or purchases. These are often the simplest choice for young children.

What are random rewards?

Some games sell or award chests, packs or "summons" with a random result. You may receive a common item or, with a lower chance, a rare one. Many store listings now say when a game includes random items, and some publish the probabilities in the game. Random rewards can be entertaining, but spending on them is a form of chance, and results are never guaranteed. It is sensible to treat them as entertainment with a fixed budget, not as a way to obtain a particular character or item.

Set up protection on your device

In the store settings, require authentication for every purchase so that a password or fingerprint is needed.
Use the family tools offered by your device maker or store to create a child account, approve downloads, set content limits and review spending.
Remove saved payment methods from a shared device, or use a store gift balance with a fixed amount.
Check subscriptions regularly and cancel the ones you do not need.

Menu names differ slightly between devices and versions, so use the search box in your settings if you cannot find an option.

Check the age rating and content

Every game on the official store shows an age rating and content notes such as violence, online interaction or purchases. Read them before installing. Games with chat features or public servers deserve extra attention, because children can meet strangers online. Use privacy settings and teach children never to share personal details.

Talk to your children

Technical limits help, but conversation helps more. Explain that virtual items cost real money, that countdown timers and limited offers are designed to create urgency, and that they should ask before buying anything. Agree on a monthly budget, even a small one, and let them decide how to use it. Ask what they enjoy about the game and who they play with.

Signs that spending or play time is a problem

unexplained charges or requests for money for "just one more" purchase;
irritability or anxiety when play is interrupted;
sleep, school or friendships suffering because of game time;
hiding purchases or borrowing a parent's device without asking.

If you notice these signs, reduce access, discuss it calmly and consider seeking advice from a doctor, school counsellor or a recognised support organisation. Most stores will consider refund requests for accidental or unauthorised purchases, so contact them quickly if it happens.

How our game guides help

Where it is known, our game guides mention whether a title is free, paid, supported by ads or includes random items, but the official store page is always the final source for current prices and age ratings.

Last updated: 26 October 2026.