Xsolla Expands Payment Options to Help Game Developers Maximize Holiday Sales and Boost Long-Term Engagement
In a strategic move timed for the peak holiday season, Xsolla, a global leader in video game commerce, has announced the addition of 10 new local payment methods across key markets in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This expansion is designed to reduce friction at checkout, enhance player satisfaction, and enable game developers to convert seasonal demand into sustained engagement and revenue growth.
The gaming industry thrives on holidays, when players are more inclined to spend on in-game purchases, subscriptions, and new releases. However, one of the biggest hurdles developers face during this critical period is ensuring a seamless and localized payment experience. With Xsolla’s expanded payments portfolio, developers now have access to trusted, region-specific payment solutions that align with how players prefer to transact in their home markets.
New Local Payment Methods: Tailored to Player Preferences
Xsolla’s latest update introduces a diverse range of payment options tailored to the unique preferences of gamers in different regions. These include mobile wallets, Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solutions, and Pay-by-Bank flows, all of which cater to the growing demand for flexible and familiar payment methods.
Europe
In Europe, Xsolla has added MB Way, a nationwide mobile-first payment solution in Portugal. MB Way offers instant confirmations and broad recognition, making it a popular choice among Portuguese consumers. Its inclusion ensures smoother transactions for players in this market, enhancing the overall checkout experience.
Asia
For Asian markets, two new payment methods have been introduced:
- JKOPay (Taiwan): A trusted mobile wallet that supports QR code payments and integrates loyalty programs, providing Taiwanese players with a convenient and rewarding way to pay.
- Paidy (Japan): A card-free BNPL option that allows Japanese gamers to make purchases and pay later in a single bill or through installments. This flexibility is particularly appealing to younger audiences who value financial control.
Africa
Xsolla has significantly expanded its coverage in Africa, introducing several innovative payment solutions:
- Airtel Mobile Money (Tanzania, Madagascar): Enables app-based or USSD approvals with real-time confirmations, catering to users in these regions who rely heavily on mobile money services.
- MTN Mobile Money (Cameroon, Congo-Brazzaville, Zambia): Offers similar functionality, allowing players to approve payments via their mobile devices instantly.
- Paga (Nigeria): Reduces reliance on traditional cards by enabling in-app wallet payments, streamlining the checkout process for Nigerian gamers.
- Bank Transfers (Nigeria): Meets the rising demand for Pay-by-Bank flows, offering an alternative to card-based transactions.
- MVola (Madagascar): As the country’s leading mobile wallet, MVola provides nationwide reach and instant confirmations, ensuring accessibility for Madagascan players.
- Spenn (Rwanda, Zambia): A wallet-led payment solution that delivers instant confirmations, further enhancing convenience for users in these markets.
Latin America
In Latin America, Xsolla has integrated Mercado Pago (Uruguay), a leading regional wallet that supports multiple funding sources and provides real-time confirmations. This addition ensures Uruguayan players can transact confidently using their preferred payment method.
Why Localized Payments Matter During the Holidays
“Holiday launches are won or lost at checkout,” said Chris Hewish, President at Xsolla. “By adding preferred local payment methods—ranging from digital wallets across Africa and Latin America to BNPL options in Japan and mobile wallets in Taiwan and Portugal—we’re helping studios turn festive demand into loyal long-term relationships.”
During the holiday season, competition among games intensifies, and even minor inconveniences at checkout can lead to abandoned carts and lost sales. By aligning with local payment rails, developers can offer instant confirmations, familiar authentication processes, and higher completion rates. These factors are especially crucial for younger, mobile-first players who prioritize convenience and trust in their purchasing decisions.
Mobile wallets, Pay-by-Bank, and flexible credit options continue to outpace traditional card-based payments in many regions. For example, mobile money services dominate in African markets, while BNPL solutions like Paidy resonate strongly in Japan. By adopting these localized methods, developers not only improve conversion rates but also build stronger connections with their player base.
Turning Seasonal Demand into Long-Term Success
While the holiday season represents a prime opportunity for increased sales, Xsolla’s expanded payment portfolio goes beyond short-term gains. By reducing friction and meeting players where they are, developers can foster loyalty and encourage repeat business long after the holidays have ended. Seamless payment experiences contribute to positive player perceptions, driving retention and word-of-mouth referrals.
Moreover, Xsolla’s commitment to supporting diverse payment methods reflects its understanding of the global gaming landscape. With the gaming industry becoming increasingly inclusive and accessible, offering localized payment solutions is no longer optional—it’s essential for staying competitive.
How Developers Can Get Started
For game developers looking to leverage Xsolla’s expanded payment coverage, implementation is straightforward. Xsolla provides comprehensive support to help studios integrate these new methods quickly and efficiently. To learn more about the available options and how to enable them, visit xsolla.pro/RNPM25.
About Xsolla
Xsolla is a global commerce company with robust tools and services to help developers solve the inherent challenges of the video game industry. From indie to AAA, companies partner with Xsolla to help them fund, distribute, market, and monetize their games. Grounded in the belief in the future of video games, Xsolla is resolute in the mission to bring opportunities together, and continually make new resources available to creators. Headquartered and incorporated in Los Angeles, California, Xsolla operates as the merchant of record and has helped over 1,500+ game developers to reach more players and grow their businesses around the world. With more paths to profits and ways to win, developers have all the things needed to enjoy the game.
For more information, visit xsolla.com
