Xsolla Just Changed the Game — Here’s What It Means for You – Reinout te Brake

Game Monetization is Changing—Are You Keeping Up?

The gaming industry is evolving at breakneck speed. New technologies, changing regulations, and shifting player expectations mean that developers need to stay ahead of the curve.

Whether you’re building for PC, console, or mobile, one thing is clear: the old monetization models aren’t enough anymore. Why is that?

That’s where Xsolla ZK comes in. This new Layer-2 blockchain service — powered by ZKsync — aims to make Web3 integration easier than ever for game developers.

But that’s just one part of the puzzle. Hybrid monetization models, web shops, and regulatory shifts like the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) are also reshaping how developers generate revenue.

In this post, we’ll break it all down:

How Xsolla ZK is making blockchain game economies simpler.
Why hybrid monetization models (subscriptions, premium versions, web shops) are the future.
How Xsolla’s web shop model is already changing mobile game revenue.
What the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) means for game developers.
Why cloud gaming and Web3 could be the next big leap.

If you’re a developer, publisher, or industry professional, you need to understand these shifts — because they’re happening right now. Let’s dive in.

1. Xsolla ZK: The Future of Blockchain in Gaming

Blockchain in gaming has always been promising, but also complicated. Developers need to navigate technical barriers, expensive gas fees, and user adoption challenges. Xsolla ZK solves these problems with:

A dedicated blockchain that simplifies transactions and item ownership.
zk-Rollup technology, reducing transaction costs while increasing scalability.
A digital backpack, allowing players to manage purchases across multiple games seamlessly.
Integration with Elastic Chain, an interconnected Layer-2 ecosystem built on Ethereum.

Why does this matter?

The mobile gaming industry alone is expected to generate $98.7 billion in revenue in 2024.
Players are demanding more control over digital assets — and blockchain enables that.
Developers need an easier way to integrate blockchain features without hiring an entire Web3 team.

Xsolla ZK removes the complexity of blockchain adoption while keeping all the benefits. That’s a game-changer.

2. The Rise of Hybrid Monetization: More Than Just Microtransactions

For years, game monetization has relied on ads and microtransactions. But with changing player demographics and market shifts, developers need new revenue streams. Enter hybrid monetization — a mix of different models to maximize engagement and profitability.

What’s driving this change?

Players expect more value. They’re tired of pay-to-win mechanics and disruptive ads.
Developers want more revenue diversity. Relying on one revenue stream is risky.
New technologies (like Web3) allow new monetization methods.

Key Hybrid Monetization Models in 2025:

Subscriptions & Premium Versions — More games are offering a premium, ad-free experience.
Web Shops & Direct Sales — Selling in-game content directly to players via external stores.
Reward-Based Monetization — Players can earn in-game currency through challenges or watching ads.

Chris Meredith, Xsolla’s Senior VP of Business Development (EMEA), predicts hybrid models will dominate in the next 12 months. If you’re not thinking about these revenue strategies, you might get left behind.

3. Web Shops: A Billion-Dollar Opportunity

One of the biggest shifts happening now is the rise of web shops — external game stores that allow developers to sell in-game content without platform fees. Xsolla’s web shop model is already being used by over 500 games.

Why Web Shops Matter:

77% of players already buy through web shops — they’re comfortable with this model.
Web shops bypass app store fees, meaning developers keep more revenue.
Xsolla’s AppsFlyer integration gives developers better tracking for Lifetime Value (LTV) and Return on Ad Spend (ROAS).

In short: If you’re not using web shops, you’re leaving money on the table.

4. The Digital Markets Act (DMA): A Game-Changer for Developers

The EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) is one of the biggest regulatory shifts in recent years. It forces platform giants (like Apple and Google) to allow alternative payment systems and lower commission fees.

What This Means for Developers:

More control over pricing and revenue.
Reduced platform fees, meaning higher profits.
More competition in the app store space, giving developers more options.

Xsolla’s web shop model perfectly aligns with this shift. Instead of paying 30% cuts to app stores, developers can use external stores and keep more revenue.

Regulations are changing fast — make sure your business model keeps up.

5. Cloud Gaming & Web3: What’s Next?

Beyond monetization, cloud gaming and Web3 are redefining how players experience games. The idea? No downloads, instant access, and decentralized economies.

Where Things Are Headed:

Cloud gaming makes AAA experiences possible on any device.
Blockchain-backed digital assets (like those in Xsolla ZK) allow true ownership of in-game items.
Personalized game recommendations (powered by AI) make game discovery more engaging.

Big companies like Samsung, LG, and Google are already moving in this direction. Developers who adapt early will benefit the most.

Conclusion: How Developers Can Stay Ahead

The gaming industry is changing fast. Xsolla ZK, hybrid monetization, and regulatory changes are reshaping how developers make money.

If you want to future-proof your strategy, here’s what to do:

✔ Leverage Xsolla ZK to integrate blockchain without the technical headaches.

✔ Adopt hybrid monetization models — subscriptions, web shops, and direct sales.

✔ Use web shops to bypass app store fees and maximize revenue.

✔ Stay ahead of regulatory changes (like the DMA) to maintain control over your business.

✔ Watch cloud gaming & Web3 — they could redefine the industry.

Developers who embrace these shifts now will be the ones leading the industry tomorrow. 🚀

What do you think? Are you ready for these changes?

Stay Connected: Gaming Trends, Insights, and Your Take

Thank you for reading. Every day I look at the gaming industry, read up on things, and talk to industry people. In my Medium blogs, I try to give my readers and 1.5K followers a solid sense of trends, analysis, investments, and more in gaming. If you found this interesting, I’d appreciate it if you shared the article — but even more, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Xsolla Just Changed the Game — Here’s What It Means for You