Rovio, the creators of the immensely popular Angry Birds franchise, have just unveiled an innovative new in-game payment system for Android. This system will allow Angry Birds players to make additional purchases within Rovio games, enhancing their gaming experience by providing more options and flexibility.
Introducing Bad Piggy Bank
The new payment system, dubbed “Bad Piggy Bank,” is set to revolutionize how players make in-game purchases. Bad Piggy Bank will initially launch in Finland, partnering with Elisa, the country’s largest telecom provider. This collaboration means that in-game purchases can be conveniently added directly to the player’s monthly bill, eliminating the need for credit card transactions.
This move is particularly significant as it simplifies the purchasing process for players, making it more accessible and user-friendly. By removing the credit card from the transaction, Rovio is catering to a broader audience, including younger players who may not have access to credit cards. This system also provides a layer of security and ease, as players do not need to input sensitive financial information each time they make a purchase.
Competing with Industry Giants
Once launched, Rovio aims to challenge industry giants like Apple and OpenFeint in the realm of micro-transaction billing. The company is not only looking to implement this payment system in its own games but is also planning to extend it to other developers. By offering a more favorable revenue split than other app stores, which typically charge developers around 30 percent on each sale, Rovio is positioning itself as a more attractive option for game developers.
For example, if a developer sells an in-game item for $1, they currently receive around $0.70 after the app store takes its cut. Rovio’s Bad Piggy Bank aims to offer a better deal, potentially allowing developers to keep a larger portion of their earnings. This could incentivize more developers to adopt Rovio’s payment system, thereby expanding its reach and influence in the gaming industry.
Moreover, the ability to turn off in-game advertisements by purchasing upgrades is another appealing feature for players. This option provides a more immersive and uninterrupted gaming experience, which is highly valued by many gamers. By offering these upgrades, Rovio is enhancing player satisfaction and engagement, which could lead to increased revenue and a more loyal player base.
The introduction of Bad Piggy Bank also reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry towards more flexible and player-friendly payment options. As mobile gaming continues to grow, the demand for seamless and secure payment methods is becoming increasingly important. Rovio’s innovative approach could set a new standard for in-game transactions, influencing how other companies design their payment systems.
In conclusion, Rovio’s new in-game payment system, Bad Piggy Bank, represents a significant advancement in the mobile gaming industry. By simplifying the purchasing process, offering better revenue splits for developers, and enhancing the overall gaming experience, Rovio is poised to make a substantial impact. As the system rolls out in Finland and potentially expands to other markets, it will be interesting to see how it shapes the future of in-game transactions.
Via Cult of Mac
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