FastSpring vs Global Payments

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.

10-Q Financial Filing Analysis for Global Payments (2026-08-05)

Global Payments reported its financial results for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2026, reflecting the major strategic transformation completed on January 9, 2026, which included the acquisition of 100% of Worldpay Holdco, LLC for approximately $17.0 billion and the divestiture of the Issuer Solutions business to FIS for $7.5 billion in cash plus FIS's equity stake in Worldpay. Consolidated Q2 2026 revenues grew 68.6% year-over-year to $3.32 billion, driven by the Worldpay consolidation across its new segment structure (Enterprise, Platforms, and SMB). Operating income fell 14.3% YoY in Q2 to $337.1 million due to elevated intangible amortization ($757.6 million) and integration expenses. A large tax expense of $1.70 billion recognized on the derecognition of non-deductible goodwill in the Issuer Solutions divestiture led to a net loss attributable to the company of $1.79 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2026.

• Q2 2026 consolidated revenue rose 68.6% YoY to $3.32 billion, while six-month revenue reached $6.29 billion, driven by Worldpay contributing $1.4 billion and $2.6 billion, respectively.
• The transformational Worldpay acquisition closed on January 9, 2026, for $16.98 billion in total purchase consideration, funded by cash, debt, and the simultaneous disposition of Issuer Solutions to FIS.
• For the six months ended June 30, 2026, the company recorded a net loss attributable to Global Payments of $1.79 billion (diluted loss per share of $6.58), impacted by $1.69 billion in discontinued operations net losses from divestiture tax expense.

Retail shifts to lean teams, AI and physical community

At a Brand Leaders Dinner hosted by Glossy and Modern Retail with Global Payments, founders and C-suite retail executives discussed how AI, hiring shifts, and the rising cost of awareness are reshaping retail operating models. Executives described moving AI from experimental marketing use cases to core business infrastructure — including building internal intelligence platforms that connect fulfillment, paid media and customer signals — and said that automation is changing hiring needs. Participants emphasized the continuing value of physical stores, events and community for discovery and retention, and debated strategies around creator marketing, affiliate programs and discounting on commerce channels. Concerns about employee resistance, data security and trusting AI outputs were raised, and several brands reported selectively avoiding consumer-facing AI creative because of negative consumer perceptions.

• The Brand Leaders Dinner was hosted by Glossy and Modern Retail in partnership with Global Payments and gathered founders and C-suite executives from fashion, beauty and retail.
• Multiple executives reported moving AI from experimental marketing to core business infrastructure, including one brand building an internal intelligence platform linking fulfillment, paid media, customer reviews and social conversations.
• AI adoption has affected hiring plans: executives said roles were removed after identifying automation and efficiency opportunities.