Pay for installment-based DLC and microtransactions arriving soon
In a move aimed at making expensive video game microtransactions more accessible, gaming commerce company Xsolla and financial technology provider Affirm have announced a partnership to introduce a buy now, pay later (BNPL) payment scheme for in-game downloadable content (DLC) and microtransactions priced at $50 or more.
Under this new scheme, players can spread out the cost of their purchases over time through installment plans, rather than paying the full amount upfront. This development reflects a growing trend in gaming commerce, as microtransactions and DLC have become increasingly expensive, encouraging gamers to buy multiple in-game items at once to meet the minimum spend.
The BNPL option is currently only available in the US but is coming to the UK and Canada shortly. However, the detailed list of countries where this scheme is available or planned is not explicitly mentioned in the search results. Given Affirm’s established operations, it is likely that the service is available or targeting markets where Affirm traditionally operates.
Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite, is on board with the BNPL scheme, but it remains unclear if other major publishers such as Warner Bros. are also participating. The specific details about how Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft feel about the scheme are not mentioned in the report.
The system is set up specifically for in-game purchases, rather than allowing you to buy the games themselves in installments. The scheme allows for payment of in-game purchases of $50 or more, with four bi-weekly payment plans or longer-term, monthly installments.
However, the BNPL scheme for in-game purchases could potentially be a problem for parents, as it may make it harder for them to monitor and control their children's spending.
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As always, stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
The financing option for in-game purchases, introduced by Xsolla and Affirm, is not limited to gaming-related expenses – it may also impact personal-finance decisions, as it allows players to purchase expensive DLC and microtransactions over time instead of paying the full amount upfront. With the partnership, gamers might be inclined to spend more on gadgets like virtual items or technology expansions because they can spread the cost. However, the scheme raises concerns about lifestyle changes, particularly in the realm of shopping and entertainment, as the ease of payment could potentially lead to excessive spending among children, who may not fully understand the long-term financial implications.
