two & a half gamers Special Episode – Xsolla special: Apple’s updated EU payments, DMA regime, new fees & requirements, web shops
This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers special session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let’s not forget this is a 4 am conference discussion vibe, so let’s not take it too seriously. Special Guest: Sam Gagliani
The Team:
Jakub Remiar- Game design consultant
Felix Braberg – Ad monetization consultant
Matej Lančarič – User Acquisition & Creatives consultant
Summary
In this episode, the hosts discuss Apple’s updated EU payments DMA regime and its impact on developers. They explore the new fees and requirements imposed by Apple, which include a reduced commission, payment processing fees, and audits. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by developers in navigating these new rules and the strategies they can employ to shift users to web stores. The hosts also discuss Apple’s resistance to change and predict the future of the payment landscape. They touch on the EU’s perspective and the potential for pushback. The episode concludes with a summary of the key takeaways. The conversation explores the challenges faced by developers in the app marketplace, particularly in relation to Apple’s strict policies and high fees. It discusses the need to incentivize users to visit retail stores, both physical and digital, and the importance of adopting a retail mindset. The potential issues with side loading and the role of Apple and Google as expensive payment processors are also examined. The conversation concludes by emphasizing the importance of creating a store and keeping users engaged, as well as the need to support mid-tier businesses.
Agenda
00:00 Introduction
02:06 Apple’s new payment rules
03:21 Apple’s fees and requirements
05:21 Challenges for developers
07:57 Strategies for shifting users to web stores
12:46 Apple’s resistance and future predictions
16:32 EU’s perspective and potential pushback
18:16 Success metrics and risk tolerance
20:31 Redirecting users to web stores
22:20 Gray zone tactics and education
24:04 Shift in spending habits
27:31 Merchant of record and additional services
33:33 Summary and TLDR
35:24 Incentivizing Users to Visit Retail Stores
36:22 Adopting a Retail Mindset
37:47 The Potential Issues with Side Loading
38:14 Apple and Google as Expensive Payment Processors
38:43 Creating a Store and Keeping Users Engaged
39:30 Supporting Mid-Tier Businesses
Takeaways:
Apple’s updated EU payments DMA regime imposes new fees and requirements on developers, including reduced commission and payment processing fees.
Developers face challenges in navigating these new rules and must find strategies to shift users to web stores.
Apple is resistant to change and is likely to continue imposing fees and restrictions on third-party payment transactions.
The EU may push back against Apple’s rules, as they may be seen as anti-competitive.
Developers should consider building web stores and treating them as retail stores, with a focus on education, communication, and providing value to users.
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Please share feedback and comments – matej@lancaric.me
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