University of Tehran on behalf of the "Cyberspace Research Policy Center" and the "UNESCO Chair on Cyberspace and Culture: Dual Spacization of the World" Journal of Cyberspace Studies 2588-5499 10 2 2026 07 01 Gaming platform monetization models and strategies for startup success: A case study from India 555 581 105905 10.22059/jcss.2025.404099.1189 EN Nahid Pourrostami Department of South Asian, East Asian and Oceanian Studies, Faculty of Word Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Mohammad Ali Mousavi Department of American Studies, Faculty of Word Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Maziyar Mozaffari Falarti Department of South Asian, East Asian and Oceanian Studies, Faculty of Word Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. dian Studies Department, Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran Sahar Hossein Babaei Mamaghani Department of South Asian, East Asian and Oceanian Studies, Faculty of Word Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Journal Article 2025 10 12 <strong>Background:</strong> The evolution of monetization models and marketing approaches in the digital industry has redefined the growth trajectories of startups.<br /><strong>Aims: </strong>This study explores monetization strategies in India’s gaming startup ecosystem, examining their influence on user behavior, preference, revenue retention and venture capital (VC) attraction.<br /><strong>Methodology: </strong>Aligned with a focus on the microstructure of the gaming market, investor behavior, and capital markets, the research employs a mixed-method framework combining interviews, surveys, and MICMAC analysis, grounded in Rational Choice (RC) theory. Using Mobile Premier League (MPL) as a case study, the present research evaluates three monetization models: Real Money Game (RMG), Free-to-Play (F2P), and hybrid strategies.<br /><strong>Findings: </strong>Key findings indicate that RMG significantly enhances user engagement while demonstrating a stronger signaling effect for VC attraction. Empirical results suggest that the RMG monetization strategy offers greater potential for investors decision-making and ensures more robust revenue continuity compared to F2P and hybrid alternatives.<br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The study contributes to the literature by bridging behavioral finance and capital market governance within the context of digital innovation in emerging economies. https://jcss.ut.ac.ir/article_105905_b07aa4d75afe91cc725b56c5d8e7ab29.pdf