The dynamics of the mobile gaming industry are constantly changing. To stay ahead of the curve, mobile game developers must track several moving targets, such as new laws and regulations, platform policy updates, and gaming culture shifts. Since the massive Digital Markets Act (DMA), a significant industry shift has occurred. As of March 6th, 2024, digital giants like Apple and Google must follow DMA standards. This change grants developers access to enhanced services on their platforms, like enabling third-party billing platforms. What does that mean for you, the game developer? You have more freedom to transition to strategies that avoid Apple and Google's high platform fees. You also have access to more payment options and global audiences. In this article, we’ll break down two exciting strategies developers can adopt right now to get a leg up in the competitive arena of mobile games.

A closer look at the current state of mobile games

The DMA and similar global legal actions become enforceable starting this year. As such, the market is trending towards expanding commerce choices available to mobile game developers. Developers publishing on Apple and Google stores were once limited to those platforms' SDKs (Software Development Kits). Now, the floor is open to competing third-party SDKs, which offer greater flexibility and lower platform fees for developers. How to adapt your game to new guidelines: two future-proof approaches Helpful third-party billing systems are now available to compete with Apple and Google’s built-in systems, and alternative distribution platforms are gaining popularity. Let’s explore two viable strategies to maximize your game’s monetization and player engagement at the lowest possible cost to you. Option One: Direct-to-Consumer Strategy Direct-to-consumer commerce strategies are more potent now than ever since developers have more distribution channels than before the DMA. With a direct-to-consumer approach, developers can offer game installs or in-game purchases from a separate, web-based destination outside the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. The advantages of going direct-to-consumer include:

• Access to additional payment types. With a dedicated direct-to-consumer web shop, gamers can top up their accounts with alternate billing options. Optimize your checkout by reducing the friction players experience with limited payment options.
• Insight into your player base. By cutting out the intermediary party, the developer gains access to a third-party payment platform at a reduced rate. Working with a third party can enhance visibility and give you valuable insights into your player base, such as their preferred payment methods and purchasing habits.
• More revenue retained. Traditional app stores charge high fees of up to 30% to monetize on their platform. By going direct-to-consumer, you can potentially cut your processing fees in half. Get ready to take advantage of substantial savings on distribution costs.

Direct-to-consumer web shops and game pages offer enticing benefits. At the same time, third-party SDKs are also becoming mainstream. Third-party SDKs can work in tandem with direct-to-consumer web shops and have unique benefits to explore. Option 2: Integrate In-Game SDK Integrating an in-game SDK allows the developer to offer new payment options to players in-app. This option avoids solely relying on the payment options provided by distribution platforms. The advantages of an in-game SDK are similar to a direct-to-consumer web strategy.

• Access to a broader range of payment types in-app. An in-game SDK unlocks a more comprehensive range of payment possibilities for your global players.
• Reduced payment friction. Diversifying payment options ensures a smoother purchasing experience and higher player satisfaction. Let gamers pay how they want, whether with a mobile wallet, cryptocurrency, or localized payments.
• Lower fees. Like the direct-to-consumer strategy, in-game SDKs unlock lower platform fees and additional monetization avenues. As the developer, earn a more significant profit so you can continue to make the games you love for the audiences that love them.

Developers pursuing one of the above strategies can get the best of both worlds with Xsolla’s Mobile SDK solution. This powerful tool integrates in-app payments with third-party billing systems. Plus, it unlocks access to powerful web shops that scale to interact with all Xsolla products.

Harness Xsolla’s Mobile SDK to secure a bright future for your mobile game

The Xsolla Mobile SDK is a next-generation way to connect your game with global audiences. To achieve this, Xsolla Mobile SDK sheds the costly restrictions of typical mobile game publishers. Transitioning to Xsolla’s Mobile SDK from a standardized Apple or Google SDK is a seamless, simple process. Make the change today to get the following benefits:

• Xsolla’s extensive payment channels. Unlock access to over 700 global payment channels. Ensure audiences in any region can access your content.
• Lower distribution costs. When transitioning to Xsolla's Mobile SDK, you can cut traditional Apple and Google processing fees in half, reducing distribution costs and improving your margins.
• Gaming MoR coverage. As a gaming-specific Merchant of Record (MoR), Xsolla manages all compliance, tax nuances, reporting, and more. With Xsolla's support, you can focus on developing great games and leave everything else to us.
• Game-branded, developer-managed web shop. The Xsolla Mobile SDK unlocks access to highly customizable, player-friendly web shops. Your web shop perfectly aligns with any other Xsolla products you currently use as a developer.

Xsolla assists game developers in connecting with audiences around the world, improving the reach of their games at a fair cost. Use the Xsolla Mobile SDK in your mobile game to open new payment avenues and save on typical fees collected by Apple and Google. This will improve player experience, increase profits, and enhance your game’s reputation. Ready to make a seamless switch to Xsolla’s Mobile SDK? Create your Publisher Account today. Or, chat with an Xsolla team member to learn more about how our products can take your game to the next level.