AppLovin, a company known for mobile gaming, is now stepping away from gaming to focus on advertising, a more profitable sector.
The decision to exit gaming was based on the significantly higher revenue, margins, and profitability seen in advertising compared to gaming.
AppLovin's $900 million deal to sell off its gaming business signifies the completion of a long-term transformation towards ad tech.
The company's shift from gaming to advertising was driven by the stark contrast in growth rates and profitability between the two sectors.
AppLovin's revenue composition shifted from 86% in gaming in 2020 to 68% in advertising by 2024, with advertising delivering 90% of total profits.
The decision to sell the gaming division was also influenced by the impact of Apple's IDFA changes, resulting in increased user acquisition costs.
AppLovin's move to prioritize ad tech over gaming was reinforced by the significantly higher EBITDA margins in advertising compared to gaming.
The sale of the gaming division for $900 million allows AppLovin to focus entirely on the more lucrative ad tech business.
The company's strategic focus on ad tech positions AppLovin as a major player in mobile advertising, competing with industry giants like Google and Meta.
AppLovin's transition to a full-fledged ad tech company reflects a strategic evolution towards a higher-margin and scalable business model.