Cleverbridge vs FastSpring

Cleverbridge Completes First Live AI Agent-Initiated Payment in France with Visa and Revolut

Cleverbridge announces completion of first live AI agent-initiated payment in France with Visa and Revolut, along with new research on B2B software buying and a partnership with DigitalRoute for usage-based monetization.

New Cleverbridge Research Reveals Execution Gap as B2B Software Buying Moves Digital

New research: What does it really cost to sell software? Read the benchmark report. Cleverbridge research reveals execution gap as B2B software buying moves digital.

AI Speeds Software Discovery but Self-Service Checkout Lags

B2B software buyers are leveraging AI chatbots to accelerate discovery and shortlisting, yet the post-decision purchase process remains bogged down by slow sales-led journeys, internal approvals, and lengthy vendor negotiations. According to G2's 2026 Buyer Behavior Report, over 80% of buyers used AI for software recommendations, with 80% of AI users purchasing from their initial shortlist. However, Cleverbridge's research reveals that nearly 75% of purchases face significant delays or abandonment due to internal approvals and vendor back-and-forth. While 84% of buyers prefer a self-service digital path, only 17% of sellers have implemented one. Delays stem from waiting for quotes, security reviews, and budget approvals. Buyers express willingness to handle routine transactions, including those over $25,000, through self-service, indicating a clear gap between buyer expectations and seller capabilities.

• Over 80% of B2B software buyers used AI chatbots for software recommendations in the past two years (G2).
• 80% of AI users bought from their initial shortlist in at least three of five purchases, versus 65% of non-AI users (G2).
• Nearly three-quarters of software purchases are delayed or abandoned due to internal approvals or vendor back-and-forth (Cleverbridge).

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.