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Why local payments win in Europe
August 14, 2025•3 min
Europe’s video game industry is thriving, providing a home to iconic franchises, inventive independent studios, and a vast, active player base. EA Sports FC 25, a football simulation game, ranked as one of the top-selling titles in every European country in 2024, underscoring the region’s appetite for games that resonate both culturally and commercially.
Experts predict that by 2025, Europe’s games market will generate over $84.9 billion in revenue, with more than 309 million people playing games, which translates to roughly one in three individuals. That figure will likely rise to nearly 37% of the population by 2029, reflecting a steady expansion in both reach and relevance. This article looks at the current state of mobile game payments in Europe and the future of these transactions.
A patchwork of languages, cultures, and—critically—payment preferences shapes Europe’s gaming market. While credit and debit cards remain common, a clear shift is underway: mobile wallets, QR code transactions, and instant bank transfers are rapidly gaining ground, especially among younger, mobile-first users. Europe predicts non-cash payments to grow from 286.5 billion in 2022 to nearly 467 billion by 2026, a strong signal that digital-first finance is becoming the norm.
This transformation isn’t uniform. Each market brings its preferences to the table. In Spain, Bizum enables over 25 million users to make fast, bank-to-bank mobile transfers. In Italy, Satispay carved out a strong foothold with 5.5 million users across Italy, France, and Luxembourg, which is popular for its simplicity and is growing especially among younger players. Sweden’s Swish, used by more than 86% of the population, sets the standard for mobile-native, trusted transactions.
For developers and publishers, integrating these local systems isn’t just about convenience—it’s about enabling more payment coverage and conversion. When players see familiar, trusted options at checkout, they’re more likely to complete a purchase. Local payments reduce friction and align with the digital habits players already trust in their daily lives. In a region known for strict consumer protections and high expectations around privacy, meeting players where they are is no longer optional—it’s essential.
To explore how you can make the most of Europe’s growing gaming market, connect with one of our payment experts to help improve your revenue in Europe. Want to see it in action? Try our demos to see how Xsolla Payments integrates seamlessly into your platform. If you're not yet a partner, it's easy to get started. Just register for a Publisher Account today.
Experts predict that by 2025, Europe’s games market will generate over $84.9 billion in revenue, with more than 309 million people playing games, which translates to roughly one in three individuals. That figure will likely rise to nearly 37% of the population by 2029, reflecting a steady expansion in both reach and relevance. This article looks at the current state of mobile game payments in Europe and the future of these transactions.
Europe's payment landscape is evolving
A patchwork of languages, cultures, and—critically—payment preferences shapes Europe’s gaming market. While credit and debit cards remain common, a clear shift is underway: mobile wallets, QR code transactions, and instant bank transfers are rapidly gaining ground, especially among younger, mobile-first users. Europe predicts non-cash payments to grow from 286.5 billion in 2022 to nearly 467 billion by 2026, a strong signal that digital-first finance is becoming the norm.
This transformation isn’t uniform. Each market brings its preferences to the table. In Spain, Bizum enables over 25 million users to make fast, bank-to-bank mobile transfers. In Italy, Satispay carved out a strong foothold with 5.5 million users across Italy, France, and Luxembourg, which is popular for its simplicity and is growing especially among younger players. Sweden’s Swish, used by more than 86% of the population, sets the standard for mobile-native, trusted transactions.
For developers and publishers, integrating these local systems isn’t just about convenience—it’s about enabling more payment coverage and conversion. When players see familiar, trusted options at checkout, they’re more likely to complete a purchase. Local payments reduce friction and align with the digital habits players already trust in their daily lives. In a region known for strict consumer protections and high expectations around privacy, meeting players where they are is no longer optional—it’s essential.
The future of payments in Europe
In Europe, delivering a great game isn’t enough on its own. Success increasingly depends on providing payment methods that feel familiar and trustworthy to local players. Seamless, region-specific payment options are no longer just a convenience; they’re a necessity for converting players and building lasting engagement. When developers match payment systems to regional preferences, they reduce friction at checkout, build trust, and ultimately increase sales. Payment localization is essential in growing markets like Europe, where long-term growth depends on earning player loyalty from the start. With solutions like Bizum in Spain, Satispay in Italy, and Swish in Sweden now accessible via Xsolla, developers have the tools to meet players on their terms — and position their games for broader international success.Local payments drive success
To explore how you can make the most of Europe’s growing gaming market, connect with one of our payment experts to help improve your revenue in Europe. Want to see it in action? Try our demos to see how Xsolla Payments integrates seamlessly into your platform. If you're not yet a partner, it's easy to get started. Just register for a Publisher Account today.
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