Web Shop Arena has launched—a practical three-month challenge for game developers from Xsolla and App2Top
On August 19, the Web Shop Arena kicked off, a competition-reality show for mobile free-to-play game developers. This is a comprehensive workshop where shortlisted teams gradually implement Xsolla's Web Shop into their games under the guidance of experts. Winners will receive cash prizes — $50,000 for first place, $25,000 for second place, and $10,000 for third place.
What is the essence of the competition?
This is a unique real-time competition format that helps participants and viewers gain a thorough understanding of the opportunities that D2C (direct-to-consumer, direct interaction with players) presents and how the Web Shop works in practice.
Participants will need to integrate the Xsolla Web Shop solution into their game step by step, completing a series of tasks over five sprints. The results of each sprint will be discussed in deconstruction broadcasts by experts, who will provide feedback and assign scores.
The prizes will be awarded to those who make it to the end and perform best in the tasks.
What is Xsolla Web Shop?
It is a ready-made solution that allows mobile game developers to create in-game stores on the web and interact with players directly. With expert support and without the costs of integration.
Remember, web stores are necessary for mobile games to receive payments directly from players, bypassing the high commissions of the App Store and Google Play.
Participation Requirements
Developers can submit projects that meet the following criteria:
- The game must be mobile free-to-play;
- The game is available on the App Store or Google Play;
- Xsolla Web Shop has not yet been integrated into the game;
- The game includes monetization mechanics that can be implemented using Web Shop (in-game currency, premium items, subscription).
Important: projects related to gambling, illegal content, marketing and hosting services, or projects that violate copyright or legislation will not be allowed to participate.
How will the competition-reality show be conducted?
The Web Shop Arena will run from August 19 to December 19 in several stages.
The first stage is the submission of applications for participation, which must be completed by September 5.
The following stages involve integrating various elements of Xsolla Web Shop into the game.
Each stage is a separate themed sprint.
After each sprint, there will be a public deconstruction broadcast, during which the competition's jury will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the integrations and assign scores for the stage.
In December, after the final sprint, the winners will be announced.
What about the prizes?
The competition offers three prize places. They will be awarded according to the scores the teams receive.
- First place — $50,000;
- Second place — $25,000;
- Third place — $10,000.
Applications are accepted until September 5. Details and registration here.