A significant shift might just be underway in the mobile gaming world. Following a landmark U.S. court ruling on April 30, 2025, which now prevents Apple from blocking external payment links or charging commissions on third-party U.S. storefronts, Xsolla has stepped up with a potentially game-changing solution: the Buy Button for Mobile Games.
This isn’t just another tech rollout. It’s a direct-to-consumer payment tool aimed squarely at helping developers recover revenue that, for years, has been chipped away by platform fees. And for many in the industry, it could be a breath of fresh air.
Key Takeaways:
- Xsolla’s Buy Button offers mobile developers a way to connect directly with their audience, sidestepping traditional app store cuts.
- The launch follows a critical U.S. legal decision in April 2025, curbing Apple’s control over third-party payments.
- Embedded directly into games, the Buy Button redirects players to a browser-based checkout.
- Developers could save up to 30% in platform fees.
- Features include catalog syncing, loyalty tools, and personalized offer setups.
- Xsolla serves as the Merchant of Record, simplifying tax and compliance.
For years, developers have struggled with platform fees—often around 30%—that eat into profits and, in many cases, stifle growth. This recent court decision opens the door to alternatives, and Xsolla appears ready to meet the moment with a system built to address these exact challenges.
The mechanics are relatively simple but clever. Developers embed direct payment links in-game. When a player taps the link, it launches a browser-based checkout—powered by Xsolla Web Shop and Pay Station—offering everything from virtual items to in-game currency bundles. It’s designed to be smooth: secure, pre-authenticated, quick. Fewer clicks, quicker buys. Autofill and one-tap options make the whole process feel natural.
And here’s the kicker—it all happens outside the walled gardens of traditional app stores, meaning developers keep more of their earnings.
Reclaiming Revenue and Gaining Control
One of the biggest draws here is the money developers can save. Dodging those 30% platform fees (or most of them) might be the difference between breaking even and thriving—especially for smaller studios running lean operations. It’s not just about saving money though; it’s about getting back control.
With the Buy Button, developers can tweak and manage offers independently. Want to sync your game catalog, run loyalty rewards, or present personalized offers based on player activity? You can. And you won’t need to invest in a team of engineers to do it. It’s designed to be lightweight and easy to implement.
Simplified Ops, Better Player Experiences
Xsolla also takes on the role of Merchant of Record, which is a fancy way of saying they’ll handle tax calculation, collection, and remittance globally. That’s a big win. Developers no longer have to wrestle with complex compliance tools or juggle third-party services to stay legally above board.
On the player side, the experience gets an upgrade too. Think loyalty programs, tailored promotions, and even prepaid gift cards. Parents can also set global purchase controls, which adds a layer of trust for family-friendly games.
LiveOps Sync is another noteworthy feature. It lets developers coordinate web promotions with in-game milestones or seasonal content. So when players achieve something big in-game, they might just see a matching offer pop up in the web shop. That kind of seamless experience could really boost engagement.
Reaching Beyond the App
The Xsolla Buy Button doesn’t just free developers from app store constraints—it opens new doors. With support for Multi-Channel Commerce, developers can sell through Discord, Telegram, and wherever else their communities hang out. It’s a strategic shift that recognizes how players connect and engage across platforms today.
Chris Hewish, Xsolla’s Chief Strategy Officer, put it plainly: “This court decision is a turning point for mobile game developers in the US and around the world. The Buy Button is available today through the Xsolla Web Shop.” He also emphasized how easy it is to get started: “Developers can register through the Xsolla Publisher account, use the Instant Web Shop template, and generate links in minutes without requiring custom coding.”
A New Chapter for Mobile Gaming
This launch feels like a significant moment. The Buy Button isn’t just a workaround—it’s a response to a long-standing frustration within the mobile dev community. It gives developers a bit of breathing room, not to mention a stronger hand in shaping how they monetize their work.
In time, this could help foster a more sustainable model for mobile game development. With less overhead, more creative freedom, and stronger player relationships, we might even see a new wave of innovation from teams that were previously held back by financial constraints.
It’s still early, of course. But with tools like the Buy Button now available, developers have a clearer path forward—one where they call more of the shots and, ideally, keep more of what they earn.
