Developer Says Block Blast Code Can Adjust Difficulty Around Ad Value

According to the developer, Block Blast allegedly adjusts its difficulty based on what each player is worth to the developers rather than on that player’s skill. The code reportedly contains mechanisms that assess players using data such as smartphone models, geographical locations and previous ad interactions. Those indicators can help estimate users’ purchasing power and ad value, potentially influencing how the app manages their playing experience. Owners of expensive smartphones may be considered more commercially valuable than users with older, cheaper devices, while geographical information can provide clues about average consumer income, TechRadar reported.

The reported techniques extend beyond identifying potentially valuable advertising audiences. One mechanism described as 'Boost then kill' reportedly makes a round easier before introducing greater difficulty. That sequence can encourage players to believe they are performing exceptionally well and motivate them to continue playing rather than abandon the game. According to the investigation, gameplay can then suddenly become exceptionally difficult, encouraging players to watch a video ad in exchange for another attempt. This approach connects frustration directly to ad revenue by making continued progress appear dependent on accepting an ad offer.

The game reportedly includes additional mechanisms that secretly increase scores, making ad-related rewards appear more valuable than they otherwise might. References in the code include 'reward,' 'bait' and 'moreCleanSuccessRound,' the latter reportedly describing an easier round designed to build confidence. If these mechanisms operate as described, players may struggle to distinguish genuine achievements from software adjustments intended to influence their decisions.

Block Blast illustrates concerns surrounding ad-supported games when commercial incentives potentially influence difficulty, rewards and progression. Free access does not necessarily mean users pay nothing, because their attention and viewing time can become valuable sources of income. Optional advertisements offering extra lives or additional attempts are common in mobile gaming. Deliberately increasing frustration to encourage ad consumption, however, raises different ethical questions, according to the report.

Ayoships develops AI-powered mobile applications himself, so independent verification is important when assessing his interpretation of Block Blast’s code. The available findings do not establish how frequently the alleged difficulty adjustments occur or whether every player experiences the same treatment. They also leave open whether the mechanisms respond automatically to advertising opportunities or follow other conditions built into the software. TechRadar reported that these distinctions matter when determining whether the observed behavior constitutes deliberate manipulation rather than ordinary gameplay balancing.