Power to the Players (and Publishers): How Web Shops Are Rewriting the Rules of Game
– 2 min read
As part of gamescomDaily, top managers from Xsolla analyzed the market in a series of advertorial articles. gamescomDaily2 focused on web shops.
In a digital economy dominated by closed ecosystems and platform gatekeepers, the gaming industry has reached a pivotal moment where developers and publishers are increasingly rethinking how they engage with their players and monetize their content.
For years, digital distribution platforms and app stores have provided scale and infrastructure. But they‘ve also imposed limitations on restrictive revenue-sharing models, lack of direct customer relationships, and minimal control over pricing, promotions, and player data.
The rise of the web shop, particularly those powered by Xsolla‘s tailored solutions, is changing that dynamic. Quietly at first, but now with undeniable momentum, game publishers are discovering that a well-executed direct-to-consumer strategy can generate more revenue, increase player engagement, and provide full control over their economy.
Redefining Monetization: From Storefront to Strategy
A web shop is more than just a digital storefront. It's a direct, brand-owned ecosystem where players can purchase in-game currency, subscriptions, season passes, and exclusive content — outside of traditional app stores. For game developers, this means the ability to retain up to 30% more revenue per transaction. That margin can be reinvested in content creation, user acquisition, or player support — helping to create a healthier and more sustainable business model.
This isn‘t speculation. Data from 80 Level reveals that adding direct links to external web shops can lead to a 60% increase in user engagement. And it‘s not just the major players who benefit — mid-size studios and even indie developers are finding that a web shop provides the tools and flexibility to scale without compromising on quality or security.
Launching a direct-to-player sales platform might sound complex, but Xsolla‘s Web Shop solution is designed to make it seamless. Xsolla Web Shop means payments can be accepted from users worldwide through: - Localized payment methods — Xsolla Web Shop offers access to over 1,000+ payment methods making it easy to accept payments from a global audience. - Flexible catalog setup — Item catalogs can be created in multiple ways such as importing from a JSON file or even building manually. - Regional and promotional features — Xsolla Web Shop allows for the set up of regional pricing, synchronize catalog updates and promotionals in real time via API, and launch loyalty programs alongside promotional campaigns.
Publishers and Players Can Benefit From an Improved Experience
Today‘s players are savvy. They value convenience, but they‘re also motivated by better deals, exclusive rewards, and direct relationships with the games they love.
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