Monetization
Ongoing coverage on Monetization.
Latest coverage
Modding GTA 6 sounds outright illegal under Rockstar's guidelines, but that's never stopped modders before
Rockstar Games has reiterated its strict modding guidelines and new monetization policy ahead of Grand Theft Auto 6's launch, which some players perceive as outright bans on custom content. While free mods are still permitted, monetized mods must be sold through approved storefronts like Cfx Marketplace, giving Rockstar a cut. This stance has drawn criticism from players and contrasts with other publishers who embrace modding communities.
European Union’s KIDS Act wants more age verification and less login bonuses for online games
The European Union is proposing the KIDS Act, a draft law aimed at regulating online games and other digital services to protect minors. The act seeks to implement stricter age verification, discourage excessive playtime through measures like limiting login bonuses, and enhance parental controls. It also aims to provide transparency regarding the real monetary value of in-game transactions and virtual currencies.
'Do not': Rockstar outlines modding rules before GTA VI touches down
Rockstar Games has outlined its modding guidelines ahead of Grand Theft Auto VI's release, emphasizing restrictions on combining IP from different titles and modifying established storylines. The rules, also applicable to Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption II, prohibit unauthorized monetization, including real money gambling, loot boxes, and cryptocurrency, while directing creators to use the official Creator Platform.
Rockstar Games' New Modding Policy Crushes Influencers' Dreams for Monetized GTA 6 RP Servers
Rockstar Games has released its new modding policy ahead of Grand Theft Auto 6's launch, which is expected to prevent influencers from monetizing Grand Theft Auto Online roleplaying servers. This policy is seen as a significant blow to potential entrepreneurs in the modding community.
Yet another Pokémon-inspired game is popping off on Steam, with over 160,000 concurrent players for Aniimo
Aniimo, a Pokémon-inspired open-world RPG, has surpassed 160,000 concurrent players on Steam, making it the second most-played game of its kind behind Palworld. While praised for its creature-collecting elements, the game faces criticism for its monetization tactics, similar to Genshin Impact.
Nodusfall’s Boss Battles Make a Strong Case for Co-Op Combat
HoYoverse's upcoming dark-fantasy action game Nodusfall impressed during a Gamescom demo with its four-player co-op boss battles, drawing comparisons to Elden Ring but showcasing its own ideas. While combat and team dynamics were highlighted positively, details on solo play and monetization remain to be fully revealed.
Multiplayer creature capturing RPG Aniimo officially goes live – here’s what its monetization looks like
The multiplayer creature-capturing RPG Aniimo has officially launched as a free-to-play title, detailing its monetization strategy which includes a monthly pass, a premium battle pass track, and a cash shop utilizing Lumin Crystals. The cash shop offers cosmetic outfits, in-game currency, leveling materials, and items for capturing Aniimo, with some earnable in-game. Pawprint Studios is also offering launch bonuses for PC and console players, with a mobile version planned for September 23rd.
Is Aniimo a gacha game?
Aniimo is not a gacha game, despite initial appearances and a previous beta event called Rift Exploration that functioned similarly. Developer Pawprint Studio has removed the gacha mechanics due to player backlash, opting instead for a monetization model focused on cosmetics, shop bundles, and a battle pass system. Players can acquire Aniimo through gameplay, hatching eggs, and completing events.
Roblox will allow devs to release games as standalone apps on other stores
Roblox Corporation is enabling developers to release their games as standalone applications on external platforms like Steam, the App Store, and Google Play. This initiative, announced at the Roblox Developers Conference, aims to provide developers with new tools and audiences, while maintaining similar revenue-share economics to the Roblox app. The company is also introducing new engine capabilities, AI tools, and financial offerings for creators.
Roblox unveils plans for standalone app creation, a direct payment wallet, and more gen AI tools
Roblox Corp announced several new features at its Developers Conference, including plans for standalone app creation, expanded generative AI tools, and new monetization features like Roblox Wallet and Roblox Card. While the company aims to showcase innovation, a protestor interrupted CEO David Baszucki's presentation to raise concerns about child safety and AI.
Roblox creators will soon be able to publish games on multiple platforms as standalone apps
Roblox is launching its 'Roblox Everywhere' initiative, allowing creators to publish their games as standalone apps across PC, mobile, and console platforms. The company also announced updates to its engine, including AI creation tools and enhanced UI features. New financial features like Roblox Wallet and Roblox Card will provide creators with faster access to earnings, though the company noted a recent decline in shares due to reduced monetization among younger users.
The Daily Grind: How are you feeling about WoW Forever’s Skyborne race being stuffed into store bundles?
Blizzard Entertainment has controversially placed the WoW Forever Skyborne race and its associated content behind a $30 minimum bundle purchase, separate from the regular World of Warcraft subscription. This decision has drawn criticism for its aggressive monetization strategy within the MMORPG genre.
MMO Week in Review: Foreverrrrr
BlizzCon 2026 saw major announcements including a new open-world StarCraft shooter, Diablo V for 2029, and World of Warcraft Forever launching soon. The event also revealed World of Warcraft's next retail expansion, The Last Titan, and sparked controversy over World of Warcraft Forever's monetization. Other news included the sunsetting of Ship of Heroes, layoffs at Pantheon Rise of the Fallen, and business dealings involving ArcheAge.
Cinder City confirms a roster of five characters, monetization model, and upcoming test plans
NCsoft's post-apocalyptic shooter MMO, Cinder City, will launch with five characters and a box price model, supplemented by a cosmetics shop and battle passes. Upcoming testing includes pre-alpha for EU, South America, and Asia, followed by alpha in Q4 and beta. The game is slated for a PC launch first, with consoles to follow, and crossplay status is undecided.
Why Casual Gamers Are Drawn to Short, Reward-Heavy Games
This article analyzes the psychological design behind virtual currencies in games like Overwatch 2 and Path of Exile, explaining how they reduce the 'pain of paying' and encourage spending. It contrasts Blizzard's fixed-rate currency with Grinding Gear Games' player-driven orb economy, noting how these models influence player behavior and can extend beyond gaming into other digital products.
John Buccigross says EA is ‘using some AI stuff’ in NHL 27 development
NHL 27's play-by-play announcer John Buccigross confirmed that Electronic Arts used AI to generate commentary in his voice for the game. This raises questions about EA's marketing claims and the game's aggressive monetization strategies, especially in modes like World of Chel.
Massively on the Go: Scopely sold out players for Go Fest 2026’s Go Fest Finale
The Pokemon Go 10th Anniversary Go Fest Finale, dubbed the Mega Finale, was a significant disappointment, marked by player dissatisfaction with the over-reliance on Mewtwo and the convoluted Mega Evolution system. Scopely's monetization strategies and perceived lack of value in event tickets led to low player turnout and morale, with many criticizing the company's approach as 'milking' the player base rather than celebrating the game's anniversary.
Pokémon Go is Milking Mewtwo Too Hard, Fans Say, After a Lackluster Weekend Event Marred by More Server Issues
Fans are expressing frustration with Pokémon Go, stating that the game is over-monetizing the popular creature Mewtwo. A recent weekend event was marred by server issues, further contributing to player dissatisfaction.
Massively Overthinking: Is it wise for MMORPGs to court older gamers?
This article discusses the strategy of targeting older gamers, specifically those aged 50 and older, for MMORPGs. While some see it as a smart move due to disposable income and attention span, others question its long-term sustainability and the potential neglect of younger players.
Sea of Thieves promises changes to its cash shop that swing the balance back to earnable cosmetics
Sea of Thieves production director Drew Stevens announced upcoming changes to the game's cash shop, set to begin in October with Season 21. These changes will introduce smaller bundles of high-quality items, more brand collaborations, and cosmetics inspired by Rare's back catalog, while in-game currency cosmetics will see a stronger offering. Additionally, a planned experiment will remove a ship's emissary status upon portal hopping to address PvP player utilization.
