Monetization
Ongoing coverage on Monetization.
Latest coverage
WWE 2K26 Review Gamerhub UK
WWE 2K26 remains a strong contender in its genre, though its monetization strategies are a significant point of concern. The article highlights these aspects as difficult to overlook.
WWE 2K26 Review – Gamerhub UK
This review criticizes WWE 2K26 for its "offscription" model, where yearly releases are seen as recompiled versions of old code with minimal updates. The author suggests that 2K should focus on creating a single product per console generation rather than charging annually.
Fortnite players revolt over V-Bucks changes as Epic devs appeal for calm: 'Paying the bills frees up our teams to continue driving stories and building stuff you love'
Fortnite players are expressing anger over an upcoming price increase for V-Bucks, the game's primary in-game currency. Epic Games stated the price hike is necessary to cover rising operational costs. Design director Ted Timmins attempted to reassure players that the focus remains on gameplay development, but a player boycott is being organized.
Marathon Is Amazing, So Why Does It Already Feel Like It’s in Trouble?
Despite positive reviews and engaging gameplay, Bungie's new extraction shooter Marathon has seen a significant drop in player count since its launch, falling far behind rivals like ARC Raiders. The article explores potential reasons for this decline, including pre-launch issues like delays, plagiarism accusations, and a problematic Server Slam weekend, as well as post-launch friction points such as difficult AI, a confusing UI, and unbalanced contracts.
Valve Fights Back: Loot Boxes Are Just Digital Trading Cards, Company Claims
Valve Corporation is defending its loot box model in a New York lawsuit, comparing them to physical trading cards like Magic: The Gathering. The company argues that the digital nature does not change the collectible and discovery experience. Critics, however, highlight concerns about transparency, potential addiction, and the real-world financial implications of digital item marketplaces.
How Does a Seasonal Pass System Work in Free-to-Play Mobile Games? - Walkthrough, Tips, Review
Seasonal passes, also known as battle passes, have become a key engagement and monetization tool in free-to-play mobile games. These systems offer structured progression with free and paid reward tracks, encouraging daily play and long-term retention. Games like Huuuge Casino and Lords Mobile have seen significant success by implementing these passes, which provide a consistent stream of content and incentives for players.
XSOLLA RELEASES NEW INDUSTRY REPORT IDENTIFYING THE BIGGEST OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE FUTURE OF VIDEO GAMES FOR DEVELOPERS
Xsolla's latest report identifies key opportunities for video game developers, highlighting the growing importance of direct-to-player commerce, expansion into high-growth global markets like India and Southeast Asia, and the strategic use of AI to improve operations. The report emphasizes that studios adapting their commercial strategies and embracing these trends are best positioned for future success.
Epic Games needs Fortnite players to "help pay the bills" as the multi-billion-dollar company raises V-Bucks prices while making Battle Passes and Crew way worse in value
Epic Games is increasing the price of V-Bucks and reducing the value of Battle Passes and other in-game purchases for Fortnite, citing rising operational costs. Despite the company's high valuation, players will see reduced V-Bucks amounts in packs and subscriptions, with Battle Passes offering less overall value.
XSOLLA UNVEILS ITS NEXT ERA OF GAME COMMERCE AT GDC FESTIVAL OF GAMING 2026
Xsolla announced its participation in GDC Festival of Gaming 2026, unveiling a rebranded platform focused on empowering developers with tools for direct-to-consumer commerce, player ownership, and sustainable business growth. Key announcements include expanded local payment integrations across EMEA and Asia, a new Reseller Program for market expansion, integrated SDK features, and the launch of Xsolla Agency for IP licensing.
XSOLLA TO PARTICIPATE AS PLATINUM SPONSOR AT THE POCKET GAMER CONNECTS SUMMIT SAN FRANCISCO 2026 SPOTLIGHTING MONETIZATION INNOVATION IN MOBILE AND AI FOR GAMES
Xsolla will be a Platinum Partner at the Pocket Gamer Connects Summit San Francisco 2026, focusing on monetization innovation in mobile games and AI. The event will feature discussions on mobile growth, platform diversification, and AI adoption, with Xsolla hosting a session on building monetization mixes for 2026.
EA Lays Off Staff Across All Battlefield Studios Following Record-Breaking Battlefield 6 Launch - IGN
Electronic Arts has laid off an unknown number of employees across its Battlefield studios, including Criterion, Dice, Ripple Effect, and Motive Studios, as part of a "realignment." This follows the record-breaking launch of Battlefield 6 in 2025, which has since faced criticism for its live service support, monetization, and declining player counts. The company states these layoffs are unrelated to its pending acquisition by an investor group.
Are Game Sprays Worth It? Players Question Cosmetic Utility in 2026
Players are questioning the utility and value of cosmetic items like game sprays, with many wondering when they will actually use them. This discussion touches on broader themes of player engagement and monetization, as developers balance profitability with meaningful content for players. The feedback suggests a potential shift towards more selective and valuable cosmetic offerings in future games.
'We're Discussing Ways to Improve': Marathon Dev Tweaking Monetisation and Difficulty as FPS Fails to Blow Up
Bungie is making adjustments to Marathon's monetization and difficulty following a decline in player numbers on PC and an unspecified performance on consoles. The studio is increasing the amount of in-game currency purchased with real money and will refund players who bought previous bundles. Upcoming updates will also address game difficulty by increasing objective marker visibility and the spawn rates of essential items.
Overwatch 2 Midseason Skins Drop March 10 with Void Venture Concept Art
Blizzard Entertainment is releasing a new midseason skin collection for Overwatch 2 on March 10th, featuring "Void Venture" and "Sigma" designs. The concept art for these premium cosmetics has generated excitement within the community, while also reigniting discussions about the game's monetization strategy and the balance between cosmetic updates and new gameplay content.
Marathon tweaks cash shop currency bundles and promotes launch with a hidden camera prank
Bungie has adjusted the currency bundles for its extraction shooter Marathon's in-game cash shop, Lux, increasing the amount of currency per pack and offering credits for past purchases. The studio also released a promotional video featuring a hidden camera prank to promote the game's launch.
WWE 2K26 Review So Far - IGN
The WWE 2K26 review indicates a solid, albeit iterative, entry in the series, building on previous mechanics with new additions like the 'winded' stamina state and expanded match types. However, concerns are raised about the persistent issues with the reversal system, the presence of monetization through battle passes, and the limitations of the CM Punk-themed Showcase mode, suggesting a potential end to the series' current golden age.
Marathon players rip ‘worst value for your money’ battle pass, and they definitely have a point
Players of Bungie's new live-service shooter Marathon are criticizing its first battle pass, calling it the "worst value for your money." Concerns include the lack of premium currency rewards and the overall low quality of cosmetic items offered, especially compared to other live-service titles. Players are urging others to not purchase the pass to send a message to the developer.
Marathon’s initial launch sees solid early numbers, monetization complaints, and a few odd bugs
Marathon, Bungie's new PvPvE Extraction FPS, has seen strong initial player numbers on PC with over 88,000 players on Steam and positive user reviews across PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. However, the launch has also been met with complaints regarding the monetization of in-game skins and cash shop bundles, as well as some bugs and issues with pre-order reward delivery.
New Research Proves What We Already Knew: Women Are Underserved By Game Industry
New research from Ampere Analysis indicates that women constitute 48% of the gaming market, yet often cite a lack of suitable games and toxic communities as barriers. While games like The Sims 4 and Animal Crossing: New Horizons are popular for their customization options, they can also feature expensive DLC and monetization schemes. Despite slow progress, some titles like Apex Legends have shown improvements in inclusivity, though challenges with player communities and business practices persist.
Marathon promises to avoid stressful FOMO-inducing battle passes, and that there's "no pay for power" microtransactions
Bungie has detailed Marathon's seasonal reward passes, confirming they will remain in the game permanently and will not expire, unlike typical battle passes in live service games. The developer emphasized that there will be no "pay for power" microtransactions, with premium currency only used for cosmetics and in-game currency earnable without real money.
