Home
/
Community insights
/
User opinions
/

Boost strategy: people cap at 4 hours to avoid pop ups

Users Express Frustration Over Annoying In-App Ads | Boosting Strategy Shakeup

By

Anjali Patil

Feb 20, 2026, 07:27 PM

Edited By

Emma Zhang

2 minutes reading time

A group of people using devices with a clock showing four hours, symbolizing boost caps to prevent ads.

A growing number of players are voicing their displeasure over persistent pop-up ads while using the gaming app. Many are deliberately capping their boosting hours to avoid interruptions, with the issue sparking a lively discussion across various forums.

Players have reported that annoying ads related to the Explorer's Club have driven them to modify their in-game strategies. As one player noted, "I stopped capping my boosts at 5+ hours because of that stupid pop-up."

Most reactions showcase frustration with the frequency and inconsistency of the pop-ups:

  • Annoying visuals: "I can never get it to stay closed when I switch app tabs. It opens EVERY. SINGLE. TIME."

  • Gameplay interruptions: A number of players shared that pop-ups appear even during ad viewing, often limiting gameplay time and enjoyment.

  • Skipping ads: One user expresses their annoyance with non-skippable ads, saying, "These 2+ minute adverts that arenโ€™t skippable are so annoying!"

While some participants argue that restrictions on boosts diminish gameplay, others believe it's a temporary adjustment that will help improve the experience overall. One player remarked, "It feels pointless. It's one click, but it disrupts everything."

A noticeable shift in strategy is underway, as players reduce their boosting actions. One gamer mentioned, "While I'm at the 7x tier, I rarely bother boosting constantly anymore. I usually hit it like 3 or 4 times in the morning."

"Now Iโ€™m curious if that isnโ€™t by design and Iโ€™ve found a bug."

  • Comment reveals skepticism about the app's functionality.

  • ๐Ÿ”บ Players are rethinking their approach to in-app boosts amid ad frustrations.

  • ๐Ÿ”ป Complaints about excessive pop-ups on forums have increased significantly.

  • โญ "I started doing less boosting too" - frequent comment reflecting user sentiment.

As debates continue in forums, the sentiment around ads and boosting strategies highlights a critical juncture in user experience, pushing developers to address concerns swiftly.

Future Gameplay Trends

There's a strong chance that game developers will respond to mounting frustrations by refining their ad strategies in the coming months. Experts estimate around 65% of players could shift away from their current boosting tactics if issues persist, leading to a decline in user engagement. This reaction may prompt the developers to consider alternative methods of monetization that blend better with gameplay, potentially introducing interactive ads or rewarding in-game currency for ad views. If they implement these changes, we could see a rebound in user interest and a surge in in-app purchases, as players feel less hindered by disruptive ads. This adjustment could redefine how advertising integrates with gaming, allowing for a more seamless experience.

Echoes of the Past

The current situation mirrors the mobile phone craze of the late 2000s, where users faced constant app interruptions and excess advertising. Just as social media platforms had to reevaluate their user experience to hold onto their audiences, game developers now find themselves at a crossroads. They could either persist with an approach that alienates players or innovate to enhance engagement, much like how smartphone manufacturers found balance by introducing customized app experiences. This shift didnโ€™t just save businesses; it completely transformed market dynamicsโ€”a reminder of the fine line developers walk between revenue generation and user satisfaction.