Core Insights - The change in Apple's payment rules is a significant transformation for the global mobile gaming industry in 2025, allowing game companies to bypass the 30% "Apple tax" and choose third-party payment service providers, thereby significantly reducing channel costs [1] - The new EU regulations, effective next year, will also allow developers to select third-party payment options, further lowering app store service fees [1] - Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) strategies are emerging as a major trend for increasing revenue in overseas markets in 2025 [1] Group 1: DTC Revenue Insights - Playtika reported that 25.3% of its Q2 2025 revenue came from its web store, amounting to $176 million, with a year-on-year growth of 1.3% but a quarter-on-quarter decline of 1.8% [1] - FunPlus has accelerated its DTC plans in response to regulatory changes, having established its DTC strategy following Apple's IDFA rule changes [3] - Modern Times Group indicated that DTC revenue from web games accounted for 24% of its Q2 revenue, up from 19% year-on-year [3] - SciPlay noted that approximately 18% of its Q2 2025 sales, equating to $35 million, came from its DTC store [5] - Huuuge Games reported that DTC contributed 20% to its Q1 total revenue, increasing to 21.5% in April [5] - Stillfront Group stated that DTC now represents 39% of its net revenue, up from 34% in Q2 2024 [6] - Ten Square Games reported that its web store accounted for over 19% of total revenue in March, with its fishing simulation game "Fishing Clash" generating over 26% of its revenue from its own store [6] Group 2: DTC Challenges and Strategies - DTC is not merely about establishing a web store; it requires a sophisticated system that includes localized payment options and optimized purchase funnels [9][16] - Payment preferences vary by region, with credit cards being the default globally, but alternatives like iDEAL in the Netherlands (68%) and PayPal in Germany (64%) dominating in specific markets [9][10] - Most players do not make a purchase on their first visit; 80% of first-time visitors return within 30 days, with a median conversion time of 2.6 days [11] - 50% of first-time buyers make a second purchase, with half of them returning within 7 days [11] - To enhance DTC profitability, publishers must leverage smart discounts, personalized recommendations, and repurchase incentives [15] Group 3: DTC Optimization Strategies - Key factors for improving off-platform payment conversion rates include providing a seamless user experience and fostering new payment habits [17] - Establishing persistent and easily accessible entry points for players is crucial, utilizing in-game prompts to educate them about new purchasing options [17] - Keeping players within the game during the purchase process can significantly improve conversion rates, as leaving the game can lead to a 45% drop in conversion [18] - Offering substantial incentives for web store purchases is essential, as players are more familiar with native in-app purchases [21] - Testing both native in-app purchases and web payments can provide insights into user behavior and conversion rates [25][27]