Monetization
Ongoing coverage on Monetization.
Latest coverage
Immortal Rising 2 June Update: New Pet System & Picnic Event
Immortal Rising 2 has released its June update, introducing a new Pet System for companions in battle and a seasonal Picnic Event. The update also includes limited-time packages with resources for upgrades and aims to enhance player engagement and progression within the AFK action RPG.
Pokemon Champions’ Battle Pass isn’t worth it, and why that’s a good thing
Pokemon Champions, a competitive battle simulator for Nintendo Switch, features a Battle Pass and membership options, but its monetization is not overly aggressive. While membership may be worthwhile for dedicated players, the Battle Pass is deemed not worth the $9.99 cost, as most of its exclusive rewards can be obtained through other in-game means or are purely cosmetic.
Progress Bar: Skate Season 4 continues its trend of fun… and worrisome monetization
The author expresses mixed feelings about the early access progression of Skate, particularly concerning its monetization strategies and battle pass system. While enjoying the core gameplay and new additions like the finger flip trick and San Van Open theme, concerns are raised about paywalling new skate parks and the overall value proposition for casual players.
Pi Network Enhances Gaming Ecosystem with CiDi Games Developer Center Launch
CiDi Games has launched a Developer Center to attract game developers to the Pi Network, providing tools, an SDK for rapid integration, and monetization models. The Pi Network ecosystem also expands with four new games, enhancing user utility and interaction. This development occurs alongside significant market activity, including a large token accumulation, and protocol upgrades aimed at improving node performance and smart contract capabilities.
Goals does a lot of things better than FC 26, but sadly gameplay isn't one of them
Goals offers a more player-respectful approach to Ultimate Team-style modes than EA Sports FC 26, with unique player progression and a simpler monetization system. However, despite its 'gameplay first' promise, the game suffers from clunky dribbling and passing, and unbalanced shooting mechanics, requiring significant improvement to compete.
Former BioWare producer says we could be saved from a world where there's 'no AAA games that aren't live…
Former BioWare producer Mark Darrah suggests the AAA gaming industry could learn from Hollywood's business models to avoid a future dominated solely by live service games. He argues that the current reliance on microtransactions and live services discourages innovation and the exploration of diverse game genres. Darrah proposes that adopting strategies like tiered release windows and more varied subscription models could lead to a healthier and more sustainable industry.
"These sports games that were loved and revered... just went away" – How a group of ex-EA devs are launching a new NBA game
Play By Play, a studio founded by former Electronic Arts veterans, has announced its debut title, NBA: The Run, a three-vs-three street basketball game inspired by NBA Street. The game secured an official NBA license and aims to fill a market gap for arcade-style sports titles, differentiating itself from the simulation-focused NBA 2K series. The developers are prioritizing a focused, multiplayer experience without microtransactions at launch, with plans for community-driven evolution rather than annual releases.
Twitch's new Dual Format feature lets streamers broadcast horizontally and vertically at the same time
Twitch is launching a new Dual Format streaming feature next month, allowing creators to broadcast simultaneously in both horizontal and vertical orientations to optimize viewing for desktop and mobile users. The platform is also expanding 2K streaming, introducing Auto Clips, enhancing Stories, and updating monetization tools for creators.
Dragon Age and BioWare veteran says games could learn a thing or two from how the movie business makes money
BioWare veteran Mark Darrah suggests the video game industry could learn from the movie business's diverse revenue streams beyond initial sales. He argues that an over-reliance on microtransactions and live services stifles other genres and proposes exploring avenues like product placement to diversify income and prevent a future dominated solely by live service AAA games.
EU Politician Muddies Waters On “Stop Killing Games” With Rant On Wokeness
A European Union parliamentary debate on the "Stop Killing Games" movement, which advocates for publishers to keep games online after purchase, was sidetracked by Slovakian politician Milan Uhrik. Uhrik focused on "wokeness" and "aggressive monetization," citing Assassin's Creed Shadows as an example of forced political correctness. The discussion also touched upon Ubisoft's decision to shut down The Crew and the industry's perspective on games as a service.
EU politician says killing games is bad, but 'wokeness' and the Black samurai Yasuke are the real problem
During a European Parliament debate on 'Stop Killing Games,' Slovak MEP Milan Uhrik argued that 'wokeness' and aggressive monetization are destroying video games. He specifically criticized the inclusion of Black or female protagonists, citing Assassin's Creed Shadows as an example, and also touched upon issues like microtransactions and server shutdowns.
I've been playing games for 40 years, writing about them for 20, and I'm here to say parts of Roblox need to…
A veteran games journalist argues that Roblox Corporation employs exploitative monetization tactics and dark patterns that prey on children's developmental vulnerabilities. The article highlights how the platform's design encourages spending through complex currency systems and deceptive practices, leading to concerns about child safety and a call for government intervention.
Controversial racer Lego 2K Drive is getting delisted soon, with its servers set to be shutdown in 2027
Lego 2K Drive will be delisted from digital storefronts on May 19, 2026, and its online multiplayer servers will shut down on May 31, 2027. Publisher 2K and developer Visual Concepts have not provided a specific reason for the delisting, though expiring vehicle licenses and the game's monetization model are speculated as contributing factors. The game launched in 2023 and featured an open-world racing experience with extensive vehicle customization.
XSOLLA SHOWCASES INDUSTRY INSIGHTS AND REGIONAL COMMITMENT AT DIGITAL DRAGONS 2026
Xsolla, a global video game commerce company, announced its participation in Digital Dragons 2026, highlighting industry insights and its commitment to Eastern Europe. The company will discuss emerging themes such as live-service monetization, direct-to-consumer strategies, and the growing demand for localized payment solutions. Xsolla will also feature product updates and host speaking sessions on discoverability and the role of service providers in game development.
Building Your Own Online Gaming Community: Moderation, Monetisation, and Keeping Players Engaged | Invision
Building a successful online gaming community requires clear purpose, effective moderation, and engaging mechanics. Key elements include defining a specific audience, establishing clear rules, and implementing retention strategies like community challenges and member spotlights. Monetization can be achieved through relevant, non-intrusive advertising or subscription tiers, with long-term success depending on providing unique value and a sense of belonging.
XSOLLA ANNOUNCES XSOLLA ADS, A PLAYER-POWERED GROWTH PLATFORM, BRINGING IT TO MOBILE'S PREMIER GROWTH COMMUNITY AT MAU LAS VEGAS 2026
Xsolla has announced the expansion of Xsolla Ads into a unified player growth engine, combining rewarded advertising and first-party transaction data to convert non-paying players into revenue for developers. The platform will be showcased at MAU Las Vegas 2026, aiming to address challenges in mobile game monetization and user acquisition. Early partners have reported significant increases in revenue and paying users.
No AI, No Pay-to-Win: Indie RPG 'Orna' Celebrates 8 Years by Letting Players Beat Up the Developers for Loot!
Northern Forge Studios is celebrating the 8th anniversary of their mobile RPG, Orna: The GPS RPG, by turning their development team into in-game raid bosses for players to defeat and earn exclusive loot. The event, running from May 19th to May 26th, emphasizes the studio's commitment to avoiding pay-to-win mechanics and AI-generated content. Players can also expect new pet followers and global buffs during the Ornaversary event.
Solo-Only Players: Skip Every Battle Pass in 2026 | TAG
This article argues that solo players should skip all battle passes starting in 2026, as the monetization system relies on social validation and FOMO, which are largely irrelevant to solo experiences. The author contends that the time investment required for battle passes is not worth the temporary cosmetics, suggesting that the saved money and time could be better spent on full single-player game purchases.
The gacha in Neverness to Everness isn't as generous as it seems—here's how it works and why I've…
This analysis breaks down the gacha mechanics in Neverness to Everness, comparing its generosity to other games in the genre. While the game offers a kinder approach to acquiring characters and weapons, it becomes less fair when considering the cost of exclusive cosmetic items, requiring a significant number of pulls.
Flexion Launches Exprexion: A New Suite of Services to Increase Mobile Game Revenue and Market Freedom
Flexion has launched Exprexion, a new suite of services designed to help mobile game developers increase revenue and gain market freedom. The service offers a single point of entry to alternative app stores, influencer marketing, and direct-to-consumer sales, aiming to reduce reliance on major platforms like Google and Apple and their associated fees.