You Could Soon Get Paid to Play Video Games | Pay It Forward With Eneba Games

In this Pay it Forward podcast episode, Eneba’s Head of Payments Mantas Eitutis breaks down how video game payments are evolving rapidly, blending with embedded finance and shaping the future of gaming. From over 160 payment options to ISO 20022 readiness, video game payments Eneba style is all about speed, flexibility, and gamer-first thinking.

Payments have become an integral part of the video game industry, as more games are bought online than ever before and in-game purchases or microtransactions increasingly play a role in the most popular titles.

According to one report digital game purchases accounted for over 70% of all game sales in 2022. Eneba is a growing online games store that sells games for multiple platforms as well as DLC, points and more.

In this episode of the Pay it Forward podcast with payabl. We speak to Mantas Eitutis, Head of Payments at Eneba, to find out more about the evolution of video game payments and the growing trend of embedded finance in the gaming industry.

We hear about gamers expectations, understanding local markets and what innovations could be on the horizon. Whether you’re a gamer or a payments fan, this video should have plenty of interesting insights.

Modern gamers looking for instant access

A particularly interesting point raised by Eitutis is how the evolution of digital distribution platforms like Steam, and the stores on PlayStation and Xbox have reshaped the gaming experience, with instant access to purchased content a key selling point. Modern gamers now expect competitive pricing, high-quality service, and the ability to use their preferred payment methods, alongside rapid and effective customer support.

The discussion also touches on the challenges of managing payments in the gaming industry, especially in light of new European regulations like ISO 20022. But there are benefits to this and Eitutis suggests that such regulations could enhance transaction speed, reduce errors, and lower costs, ultimately leading to better cash flow and operational efficiency.

Of course, many people might be curious to know how Eneba maintains competitive pricing, which Eitutis informs us they achieve by offering a wide range of payment methods tailored to different markets, boasting over 160 payment options to cater to global users. This adaptability is crucial in providing access to gamers who may not have traditional payment options.

The future of video games

The conversation then shifts to embedded finance within video games, a trend where in-game purchases and real-world transactions blend seamlessly. Eitutis sees this as a growing area, particularly with the possibility of Apple and Google opening their ecosystems to third-party app stores. This could enhance the in-game payment experience, offering more options and flexibility to gamers.

The conversation also explores the future of gaming payments, including the burgeoning trend of “earn to play,” where gamers can convert their in-game time and achievements into real money or tangible rewards.

Looking ahead, Eitutis predicts that mobile gaming will continue to dominate, driven by advancements in 5G technology, cloud computing, and cross-platform solutions. These developments will enable gamers to play high-quality games on any device without the need for expensive hardware, making gaming more accessible and immersive.

It’s a comprehensive look at the dynamic interplay between video games and the payments industry, and another informative look at how payments are integrated into yet another industry. For more insights on this, check out the rest of the Pay It Forward podcast.

Whether you’re a payments nerd or a gamer at heart, this video game payments Eneba discussion shows how gaming is becoming a frontier for financial innovation.