What is a Game Distribution Platform?

作者： Ioana Grigorescu

What is a game distribution platform?

A game distribution platform is a system within which developers and game publishers release their games with the intention of being sold to marketplace audiences. Examples of platforms of this kind include Epic Games Store, Steam or mobile app stores like Apple and Google.

Direct sales approach, like payment solutions or Merchant of record services, are an alternative to game distribution platforms, as developers have the option to sell directly from their websites.

Game distribution platforms offer various features which include payment processing, product delivery ,and community options.

What are the key features to consider when evaluating a game distribution platform?

When selecting a payment solution or game distribution platform, game developers should consider the following aspects:

Payment Support: Capacity to handle multiple payment methods, currencies, subscription management, and discount handling.
全球合规: Tax and VAT handling, local regulations, and legal requirements for online transactions.
Customer Management: Account systems, license enforcement, and post-purchase support.
Developer support and flexibility: Access to data, revenue control, and options for scaling product offerings.

Through a thoughtful consideration of these aspects, a game developer can decide between a game distribution platform or a direct sales approach like a Merchant of Record.

What types of games can I find on game distribution platforms?

Game distribution platforms offer a variety of products, which include:

Video games, including action, RPGs, strategy, simulation, puzzle, and indie titles.
Digital products, like development tools or various apps.

请记住

It is important to point out that a direct-sales approach through a Merchant of Record, for instance, allow the developer to expand to wider audiences, while transferring the operational complexity of payments, taxes, and compliance, and gaining control over pricing, licensing, and customer data ownership.

Revenue sharing is a monetization system that divides the profit generated through the sales of video games, software, and SaaS applications between the distribution platform and the developer.

Regular marketplaces such as Apple or Google take between 15-30% of each sale, impacting profit margins.

On the other hand, direct sales approaches like the Merchant of record allow developers to keep more of the revenue gained while accessing complete payment and distribution systems.

How do game distribution platforms manage game storage and delivery?

Game distribution platforms manage product storage and delivery by means of secure solutions embedded directly in their infrastructure. These include:

downloads
license keys
account-based access

In terms of security, the following solutions are used:

A merchant of record, like PayPro Global can offer the same systems, with additional customization features, taking over the required operations and allowing game developers to focus on other key business tasks.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using game distribution platforms for developers?

Game distribution platforms are an option for developers. But so are direct sale approaches. Let’s compare them side-by-side to identify the differences.

Game Distribution Platforms		Direct Sale Approaches
优势	缺点	优势	缺点
Access to larger audiences	Greater competition within the same ecosystem	Control over revenue, pricing, and customer relationships.	Integration may require additional support
Support for payments, delivery, taxes, and compliance	Limited control over pricing, discounts, and customer data	Flexible monetization options and discount management	Not all payment solutions offer tax and compliance management
Fewer operational hurdles	Increased store fees	Lower fees, leading to greater profit

专业提示

A hybrid approach would be a possible alternative for developers. You can sell through both marketplace channels and merchant of record services.

结论

Choosing the right distribution strategy is a balance between reach, control, and operational capacity. Marketplaces offer speed and exposure, while direct distribution provides independence and flexibility. Understanding the differences allows developers to make informed decisions that maximize revenue, protect their products, and foster long-term growth. Partnering with trusted service providers can make direct-to-consumer sales practical and scalable, enabling developers to focus on creating exceptional games and software.

What is a Game Distribution Platform?