A Guide to Acquiring Paying Players in Japan and South Korea's RPG Market

The article highlights the RPG market in Japan and South Korea, where high user acquisition costs (CPI ~$2.78 in Japan, double the average) are offset by exceptional player lifetime value and spending power. In 2024, RPGs contributed over 40% of global gaming IAP revenue, with South Korea nearing 50%, but Q2 2025 saw a 12% year-over-year decline. To address this, developers must shift focus to acquiring paying users rather than broad installs.

Key strategies include: 1) Pre-registration heavy investment with localized media and PR in Japan, and celebrity endorsements in South Korea; 2) Target CPE bidding to capture committed payers at launch; 3) IAP ROAS bidding for real-time LTV-based bid optimization; 4) Playable ads as a cost-effective alternative to celebrity ads, improving conversion rates. These tactics help mitigate high CPIs and sustain profitability. The article concludes by promoting Mintegral's solutions (Target CPE, IAP ROAS) and encouraging contact for campaign setup.