Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) wants to enhance computer games for all. They just announced in-app purchases for PC and Mac games, which allows users to pay for virtual items and virtual currencies via their Amazon accounts.
This feature has already been available for Android and Kindle Fire games through the Android App Store. Online gamers can now find game titles for both the PC and Mac through Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN)’s Digital Game Store. They also plan to help both consumers and game developers with the new service.
In-app items will show up on Amazon’s best seller list as well as recommended items and other promotional methods in hopes to lure more gamers onto the website.
Users who want to make in-app purchases can use a credit card, gift certificate, or Amazon other credits.
The vice president of Sony DADC LOOT Entertainment, David Sterling, expressed his excitement about the new online feature, “We were excited to work with Amazon on integrating in-app purchasing into Forsaken Planet. Giving gamers the option to buy in-game goods using their Amazon account makes it easier for them to get what they want without ever having to leave the game environment.”
Mike Frazzini, the director for Amazon Games, added that he wants to help game developers and build up services to help monetize games for developers.
The official page of Amazon’s In-App purchasing program mentions multiple benefits for developers including increased conversion, the ability to reach new customers, Amazon’s marketing engine, fraud detection, authentication, customer service, and scalable services.
As for the pricing system, Amazon offers revenue share and developers earn about 70% of the list price on each paid app. Then there is a fee for distributing apps and that will cost developers about $99 a year although that’s currently waived.
Computer gaming has come a long way from the simple adventure platform games as it’s turned into a big lucrative business. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN)’s recent expansion should help garner more interest.