It was just too good to be true. During yesterday’s announcements for Windows 11, Microsoft announced new revenue-sharing programs that would give app developers 100% of their in-app earned revenue if they were to use their own payment processing platform or a third-party party’s payment processor. Using the Microsoft Store for payment processing would see a revenue share of 85/15 for apps and 88/12 for games starting on July 28.
Which likely means Windows 11 will arrive as a free update before July 28. Keep that in mind.
But there were questions on whether or not the same revenue-sharing deal would extend to games. Microsoft didn’t say in yesterday’s blog post, and it seemed like it would be a giant windfall for service game makers like EA and Activision to keep all the money they make on in-game purchases.
Today we find out that no, Microsoft isn’t just going to let game developers keep every penny they make from in-game purchases. Revenue sharing for video games–either for the game itself or for in-game microtransactions–will still be subject to an 88/12 revenue split as of August 1.
Most digital PC storefronts (such as Steam and GOG) have a 70/30 revenue split, but Microsoft recently announced it would follow Epic’s lead to give more money to the developers from each game sold. Microsoft still definitely supports Epic in its crusade to take power away from the tech giants that own massive platforms like Apple and its iOS, but apparently that support doesn’t extend to video games.
That’s probably to be expected. Games are such a huge moneymaker in technology that not taking at least a small slice of it is just leaving a ton of cash for already very wealthy game devs like EA and Activision. Maybe a graduated system where the more money you make, the more of a cut Microsoft takes, would make for a more indie-friendly revenue sharing program.
Windows 11 is coming soon as a free upgrade for Windows 10 users. You’ll get a new built-in Xbox App with access to both Game Pass and Cloud, and you’ll even be able to download and install Android apps too.
