Xsolla has launched an SDK that enables direct-to-consumer monetization options for developers working on Unity.
Announced earlier today, the SDK is intended to expand monetization capabilities without complex backend work. When enabled, developers can integrate payments, allow in-game purchases, and create custom storefronts without the tie-in from closed platforms.
According to Xsolla, users will be able to retain more revenue while maintaining full ownership of the checkout process, as well as player data and monetization strategy. The drop-in integration with Unity allows users to seamlessly integrate payments, web shops, and other direct-to-consumer solutions into Unity projects, with support across iOS, Android, PC, and web.
On mobile, for example, Unity iOS games allow for external link-outs via the Xsolla Buy Button for in-app purchases in the U.S. Meanwhile, the SDK allows for distributing Unity games in Europe via notarization, marketplaces, and side-loading, while enabling alternative billing. As per Android, the SDK allows distribution of Unity-built APKs globally through side-loading, and supports user choice billing (UCB and non-UCB) across Europe, India, and South Korea.
"Unity developers are pushing creative boundaries every day, and they deserve the same freedom when it comes to monetization," said Chris Hewish, president, communication and strategy at Xsolla, in the announcement. "Our new SDK helps developers reach players directly, keep more revenue, and operate on their terms without giving up flexibility or global reach."
Xsolla continues to push its direct-to-consumer strategy
In October of last year, Hewish, alongside senior VP of EMEA Chris Meredith, spoke at length against "gatekeepers," noting that it's an "awfully congested market" for developers. Without mentioning any specific examples or storefronts, the pair spoke about the idea of "democratizing the business of gaming" by allowing devs to sell digitally to players directly.
"For us, with the relationship with the advertisers bringing their products to market, we are very much aware of trying to put them on the track of the [direct-to-consumer] roadmap, and if you're a small three man developer, that's quite challenging," Meredith said at the time.
Two months prior to the interview, a report surfaced that six former executives had filed lawsuits against CEO Aleksandr "Shurick" Agapitov since 2019, with two of the lawsuits voicing concerns about the company's financial practices or how Agapitov reportedly used cash from the platform. One allegation claimed he transferred $120 million in company money to his personal accounts between 2021 and 2023. Xsolla's president, chief business officer David Stelzer, dismissed the report's claims and called the documents "inaccurate," adding that the company manages its financial affairs "responsibly and in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations."
