Xsolla opens the door to more revenue from mobile games following Apple update

The mobile gaming landscape continues to change as a result of settling a 2019 class-action lawsuit and pressure from the Epic Games vs Apple lawsuit. On October 22, Apple updated its App Store Review Guidelines, effectively removing a key barrier allowing developers to use outside payment sources for in-app purchases. 

The following language was removed from App Store Review Guideline 3.1.3 pertaining to Other Purchase Methods: “Developers cannot use information obtained within the app to target individual users outside of the app to use purchasing methods other than in-app purchase (such as sending an individual user an email about other purchasing methods after that individual signs up for an account within the app).”

Also of note is language that was added to 5.1.1 related to Data Collection and Storage: "Apps may request basic contact information (such as name and email address) so long as the request is optional for the user, features and services are not conditional on providing the information, and it complies with all other provisions of these guidelines, including limitations on collecting information from kids."

Okay, so let’s set aside all the legal mumbo-jumbo and techspeak. What does this all mean for you, and how can you benefit from it? Basically, it means that developers can use player contact information obtained inside of the app to target users outside of their mobile game about using alternative purchase methods that don’t involve the App Store.

That means you can immediately set up your own web shop and let your players know they can purchase virtual items and currency for your game from it. Why would you want to do this? This allows you to avoid the 30% fee that Apple tacks onto in-app purchases and develop a closer relationship with your players. Here’s a quick example of the math so you can visualize the savings:

Let’s say Game X earns $1,000,000 gross revenue on the App Store. First, Apple will take their 30%, or $300,000. Then there are local taxes and fees to consider, which can add up to another $200,000. So your net revenue is only $500,000.

However, if you had earned that $1,000,000 in gross revenue through your web shop, while the local taxes and fees are still $200,000, your fees from Xsolla are only 5% for operating the web shop, and 5% to process your payments. That’s only a total of $100,000 in fees. With only $300,000 in deductions, your net revenue is now $700,000.

You’ll earn up to 40% more through your web shop while growing your brand and improving your discoverability. Plus, you’ll be able to expand into new regions where you can now accept localized and preferred payments, along with plenty of other features and benefits. With Xsolla Web Shop for Mobile Games, it’s a win-win.

Quick Integration Steps

How do you actually start this with Xsolla? It’s actually pretty simple. Just follow the simple steps below and you could start earning more today. You can also find this information on our one-pager outlined for you in a downloadable and printable format. 

It all starts with your Xsolla Publisher Account, an easy-to-use, all-in-one control center that lets you set up and manage every Xsolla product you need to optimize and monetize your games. For advanced how-tos or technical assistance, please contact our integration team via online chat - we’re always happy to help. 

Already have a Publisher Account with us? Sign in and start building your web shop. Don’t have a Publisher Account? No worries, you can sign up today. Best of all, there are no upfront costs. 

With so much to gain and so little to stand in your way, let us know how we can help get you started.