Quick start

Place your game in the Yandex Games catalog and earn money by following the steps below.

Uploading a game

Step 1. Familiarize with the requirements

To publish the game, it and its materials must meet the requirements.

Common reasons for rejection of publication

Game requirements item	Category	Violation	Explanation
1.6.1.8, 1.6.2.7	UI / Interface	Context menu on interaction	A system browser context menu appears on right-click or long press — it must be disabled in the game area.
1.6.1.6, 1.6.2.5		System player (desktop and mobile)	Video content is played via the system player instead of the built-in game player — this disrupts interface integrity. More info.
4.7		Sound is not paused during ad display	During an ad playback, the game audio continues playing. Audio must be paused for the duration of the ad.
1.3		Sound continues when switching tabs	Game music or sounds do not stop when leaving the tab. The game must respond to page focus loss. More info.
1.19.2	SDK / Game Ready	Game Ready is not working correctly	Game Ready is connected, but the ysdk.features.LoadingAPI.ready() method is called incorrectly or at the wrong moment in the game lifecycle. More info.
2.14		Automatic language detection via SDK is not implemented	The interface language is set manually instead of using ysdk.environment.i18n.lang. The game must automatically adapt to the user's language. More info.
1.19.2		Game Ready is not used at all	Game Ready is not integrated, even though it is required for publication in the catalog. More info.
1.1		SDK is not embedded or is embedded incorrectly	The SDK script is missing, connected from an unofficial source, or initializes with errors. More info.
1.9	Technical issues	Progress is not saved	Results, levels, or settings are not saved between sessions. Use the Player object to store data. More info.
1.14		Game does not launch	The loading screen freezes or the game does not reach gameplay. Check the console for initialization errors. More info.
1.14		Error at startup or during actions	JS errors appear in the browser console at startup or during gameplay that affect functionality. More info.
1.15		Game freezes or lags	Noticeable freezes or performance drops make the game uncomfortable for the user. More info.
2.3	Compliance with description	Game does not match the declared genre	The gameplay contradicts the category selected in the Draft tab. The genre and description must accurately reflect the game's content.

Step 2. Connect the SDK or plugin

The SDK helps manage the application, for example, add advertising, enable and disable functions without updating the build.

You can connect the SDK not only through the game code but also using plugins.

Step 3. Register in the Console

To work in the Yandex Games console, you need a developer account. If you don't have one yet, see the detailed instructions for creating an account in the Manage account section.

After creating your account, you’ll be able to publish your games in the catalog.

Step 4. Upload Your Game

In the developer console, add your game and prepare its Draft:

• Write descriptions;
• Add promotional materials;
• Localize the application to the recommended languages;
• Upload a file archive of your game to the Yandex server.

The draft must meet the platform requirements.

Step 5. Implement Monetization

To earn money from your game, connect internal and external advertisement monetization, in-game purchases:

• Create an account on Yandex Advertising Network (YAN) and accept the terms of the agreement.
• Provide your payout details and current contacts.
• To connect:
  • advertising: on the Advertising tab, click the Enable monetization button;
  • purchases: send a connection request to games-partners@yandex-team.com.
• Receive payouts once your income reaches the threshold amount.

Read more in the Monetization section.

Step 6. Undergo Moderation

Before submitting your game for moderation, independently check it for compliance with the platform's requirements. If necessary, refine the application and after that, in the game draft, click the Submit for moderation button.

The application will be reviewed for compliance with the requirements. Moderation usually takes 3–5 working days.

You will see the results of the review in the console: the status of the game draft will change. In case of rejection, a notification with the reasons for the refusal will be sent to the email linked to your Yandex ID.

When the game is approved by moderation, the status of the draft will change to Published. After publication, the game will be featured in the New section for one week and will be recommended to the most suitable audience. Two weeks after, the game’s card in the catalog will display ratings of player engagement and retention. Analyze the ratings of similar games and develop yours.

If you want to publish the game yourself, use the Postpone publication option.

Game Operations

After publishing the game, periodically analyze its metrics and improve the application.

Step 1. Analyze Metrics

First, study the metrics of your game in the developer console. They will help identify the strengths and weaknesses of the app, and later on, analyze the results of A/B tests.

Typically, games with a rating of 80+ and a balanced monetization model (Average revenue per daily active user (ARPDAU) > 2 RUB) generate noticeable revenue.

Step 2. Conduct A/B Testing

To determine the direction in which to develop your game, use the tools in the Yandex Games console and conduct an experiment. It will show how a small part of users reacts to changes in the game. Each group participating in the testing will have access to their unique version of the game.

Monitor changes in metrics in the report to identify successful changes and improve game performance.

Step 3. Respond to Reviews

Leave official responses to players' reviews and edit the game according to their wishes.

Step 4. Release Updates

Improve the game with regular updates:

• Fix bugs.
• Enhance the quality of existing content, add new content, and conduct events.
• Update the game to reflect changes in platform rules.

You can check out the change log of the platform and follow updates on our YouTube.

Enhance game metrics with updates, and the platform will attract organic traffic to it.

Step 5. Attract Players

To earn more from your game, attract new players. Promote the game if it has a green rating and ARPDAU of no less than 1.5 RUB.