Appcharge vs FastSpring

Game Discovery and Monetization Converge as App Stores Unbundle

In Q2 2026, mobile game discovery and monetization are merging as publishers bypass traditional app stores. Live-streaming viewership reached 17.5 billion hours, with TikTok Live capturing 50.9% (8.9 billion hours) of that traffic, establishing itself as a core distribution and community platform. Concurrently, mobile publishers are shifting transactions to web stores and payment links to retain user records and bypass platform fees. According to Appcharge, 56% of US players using payment links are new to direct-to-consumer purchasing. Furthermore, 97% of Appcharge storefront revenue is driven by repeat buyers, with repeat purchase rates exceeding 84% after three purchases, effectively turning owned storefronts into retention platforms.

• Q2 2026 live-streaming reached 17.5 billion hours, with TikTok Live representing 50.9% of the total.
• 56% of US players using mobile gaming payment links are entirely new to direct-to-consumer (D2C) purchasing.
• On Appcharge-powered stores, repeat buyers generate 97% of revenue, and the repeat purchase rate reaches 84% after three transactions.

Sensor Tower Reveals Mobile Games' D2C Impact

Sensor Tower presented findings at the State of Gaming Summit 2026 showing that direct-to-consumer (D2C) web store sales are a material revenue channel for some mobile games, with certain titles seeing 30%+ of revenue from outside app stores. Sensor Tower will add a feature to estimate web store revenue on its platform. In H1 2026, casino games led US web store revenue share, and overall IAP revenue across app stores was estimated at about $40bn (a 2% YoY decline), a figure that does not include D2C sales. Sensor Tower noted traffic to web stores is primarily driven by direct and social channels, with companies like Supercell and Plarium relying heavily on direct and social sources respectively.

• Sensor Tower SVP Chirag Ambwani said some mobile games are reaching 30%+ in direct-to-consumer (D2C) sales.
• Sensor Tower is preparing a new platform feature to provide estimates and insights on web store revenue.
• In H1 2026, casino topped the top five genres by US web store revenue share; about 30% of revenue for major top 100 casino titles now stems from outside app stores.

In-Game vs Web Store Pricing for D2C Monetization

This article from PocketGamer.biz provides guidance on pricing and packaging strategies for direct-to-consumer (D2C) web stores in mobile gaming. It emphasizes that publishers should start by understanding their game's economy, specifically the balance of sources and sinks, before setting prices. Data from an A/B test suggests that offering additional entitlements (e.g., more gems for the same price) outperforms price discounts in driving conversions and revenue. The article also highlights the importance of reducing friction through direct checkout, citing return purchase rates around 90% for FastSpring's larger clients. Additionally, it discusses alternative strategies to drive D2C behavior without changing prices, such as content creator programs, loyalty currencies, and exclusive web-store products. The piece concludes that there is no universal pricing formula; success depends on iterating based on game-specific data.

• Only 2% to 3% of players spend money in many mobile games.
• A/B test showed additional entitlements outperform price discounts in D2C conversion.
• FastSpring's larger clients report return purchase rates around 90% on web stores.

FastSpring Launches Funnel Audits: The Ultimate Monetization Insight Engine

FastSpring has launched Funnel Audits, a new monetization insight engine, as announced on September 23rd, 2026. The blog also features new posts on achieving the highest NPS among top MoRs, California SB 122 tax changes, and a partnership with Paysafe.

Hiring and promotions across major game companies

A jobs digest reports multiple hires and promotions across the mobile and broader games industry. EA promoted Cam Weber to president and chief studios officer and David Tinson to president and chief operating officer as EA completes a $55bn take-private by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s PIF. Nazara Technologies appointed Raymond A. Stauffer as CEO while founder Nitish Mittersain transitions to managing director after overseeing revenue growth and a $303m acquisition. Other moves include Michael Lieb named principal accounting officer at Unity, Martin Keely joining Epic Games as VP/GM of the Epic Games Store and Epic Online Services, Jon Middleton joining Xsolla as EVP of strategic business, and hires at Kabam, Scopely, Tactile Games and Moon Active.

• EA appointed Cam Weber as president and chief studios officer and promoted David Tinson to president and chief operating officer as EA completes a $55bn take-private acquisition by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s PIF.
• Nazara Technologies: Nitish Mittersain stepped down as chief executive to become managing director; Raymond A. Stauffer was named CEO. Nazara grew revenue from $115m to $192m and completed a $303m acquisition of Bluetile and BestPlay.
• Unity appointed Michael Lieb as principal accounting officer effective July 27; he previously served at Peloton Interactive, Shutterstock, Spotify and Ernst & Young.