Appcharge vs Xsolla

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.

Mobile Monetisation Shifts Beyond App Store Platform Economics

The article discusses a fundamental shift in mobile game monetisation driven by global regulation and platform policy changes. It highlights the EU Digital Markets Act's impact on Apple's fee structure, including a new 5% Core Technology Commission and reduced commissions on in-app purchases and alternative payments. The piece argues that the real opportunity for studios lies in owning the player relationship through direct-to-consumer (D2C) channels like web shops and loyalty programs. It emphasizes the need for flexible, localized monetisation strategies combining in-app purchases, alternative billing, subscriptions, and advertising. The article is largely a forward-looking analysis tied to a session at the PGC Nordics conference, where Xsolla's Ola Dokun will discuss building durable D2C strategies.

• Apple's EU fee structure changes from October 1, 2026, replacing the per-install Core Technology Fee with a 5% Core Technology Commission.
• Apple's own in-app purchase commission in the EU is reduced to 26% (15% for small businesses and subscriptions after year one).
• Alternative in-app payments in the EU carry a 20% commission (10% for small businesses).

Xsolla introduces Direct Co-Marketing for Payment Providers and Video Game Developers

Xsolla introduces Direct Co-Marketing for Payment Providers and Video Game Developers. Also, Xsolla hosts industry lunch and learn on gaming and entertainment at LA Tech Week.

Xsolla Brings Rewarded Marketing to Brand Licensing Europe

New blog posts include 'Xsolla Brings Rewarded Marketing to Brand Licensing Europe', 'Xsolla Brings Xsolla Connect to Advertising Week New York 2026', and 'Xsolla Partners with SportsHero to Bring Global Commerce to the HeroPlay Gaming Universe'.