Revolutionizing Mobile Game Monetization: A Conversation with Maor Sason

Editor's note: This is a podcast originally published on Soar Payments' blog. Listen below or continue reading for the transcript.

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Maor Sason is the founder and CEO of Appcharge, a revolutionary platform aimed at helping mobile game developers retain more of their revenue by offering direct-to-consumer stores. With a background in in-game advertising, Maor has been at the forefront of mobile gaming innovation since 2016. His work focuses on empowering developers by reducing the dependency on major app stores like Apple and Google, which take a significant percentage of in-game purchase profits. With Appcharge, developers can keep up to 95% of their earnings, allowing for greater control over their revenue and a more flexible gaming experience for users.

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Before launching Appcharge, Maor had an extensive career in the mobile gaming space, working closely with major studios and advertisers. He played a significant role in the free-to-play revolution that transformed the gaming industry, where users can enjoy games for free while being offered paid upgrades, bonuses, and extra content. Maor has collaborated with top-tier game development companies like Coin Master and Play, helping them scale their operations and increase profitability through innovative monetization techniques.

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Maor’s work has been instrumental in shaping the mobile gaming industry, particularly as new challenges, such as Apple’s iOS 14 privacy updates, change the way games are marketed and monetized. His deep understanding of user acquisition strategies and the economics of gaming has positioned him as a thought leader in the field. With Appcharge, Maor continues to drive the industry forward by offering developers the tools they need to build successful, sustainable gaming experiences in an increasingly competitive market.

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Continue reading for an edited transcript.

The Rise of In-Game Purchases

Kevin Rosenqvist: You’ve been in the mobile gaming space since 2016. Have you seen an increase in player spending over time?

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Maor Sason: Absolutely. Mobile spending continues to rise across all platforms, particularly in free-to-play games. It’s the dominant business model in mobile gaming today—there’s really no other viable way to monetize at scale. Some of the biggest studios, including Israeli giants like Playtika and Plarium, have thrived because of this model.

How Apple and Google Take Their Cut

Kevin Rosenqvist: A lot of people don’t realize how much revenue Apple and Google take from game developers. What does that look like in practice?

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Maor Sason: Apple and Google charge a 30% fee on all digital goods. The only exception is subscriptions, where the first payment is 30% and renewals drop to 15%. That’s a massive cut, especially considering the limited competition and lack of incentive for these platforms to improve their services. These fees have a significant impact on developers’ margins.

The Impact of iOS 14 and the Shift Toward DTC

Kevin Rosenqvist: iOS 14 introduced major privacy changes. How has that affected the mobile gaming industry?

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Maor Sason: The iOS 14 update allowed users to opt out of data tracking, which made it harder to target and acquire new players. This drove up user acquisition costs, forcing developers to rethink their monetization strategies. That’s where direct-to-consumer (DTC) models come in—they give developers greater control over their margins and marketing spend, helping them stay competitive despite these challenges.

How Appcharge Helps Developers Reclaim Revenue

Kevin Rosenqvist: Appcharge offers a way for developers to keep more of their revenue. How does it work?

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Maor Sason: Think of Appcharge like Shopify, but specifically for mobile game developers. We provide a white-label solution that allows studios to set up their own web stores. Instead of losing 30% to Apple and Google, they keep around 95% of their revenue.

With a web store, developers can offer exclusive bundles, loyalty programs, and better deals for players. It’s a win-win: studios increase their revenue, and players get more value for their money.

The Future of Mobile Gaming and the Metaverse

Kevin Rosenqvist: There’s a lot of talk about the metaverse and blockchain gaming. Do you see this as the future of gaming?

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Maor Sason: The metaverse will definitely play a role in gaming, but it won’t replace traditional platforms. Just like mobile gaming didn’t eliminate consoles, metaverse experiences will complement existing models. However, it’s still early days. The technology needs to evolve, and right now, platforms like Apple and Meta control the space. Once it matures, companies like Appcharge will have opportunities to contribute.

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