Introducing mod.io Monetization Solutions

After working on it for more than three years, we’re excited to introduce our first User-Generated Content (UGC) monetization service; a white-label premium UGC marketplace solution, allowing developers to enable creators to sell UGC for their game(s).

We’re convinced that business models embracing ways for content creators to expand and professionalize their work will be instrumental in the growth of a next generation of games. Some giants like Roblox or Fortnite have paved the way in the field, and we’re happy to be delivering a flexible solution that allows any game developer to explore the potential of UGC monetization for their games, on their own terms. Whether you’re aiming at developing your own creator economy and have it central to your plans, or want to explore its potential as a support element in a more traditional business model, Marketplace will offer you robust, safe and flexible solutions.

Cross-platform, scalable, white-label

At its core, our Marketplace functionality allows studios and publishers to add a premium UGC store to their game, where content creators and modders can sell content to players. This functionality can be embedded directly in-game alongside existing DLC or as a new offering, functions cross platform and is already approved for PC storefronts, Xbox Series X|S and is currently pending approval for use with PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®5.

Marketplace uses a virtual currency for premium UGC transactions; players buy token packs, which is specific to each game, and can then use this currency to purchase content from creators. Name of the tokens, quantities and recommended prices are all customizable by the game developer to fit with their games.

Virtual currency is our solution for handling purchases because it allows us to be present on every platform, in as many territories as possible. It’s a proven model that offers us the most flexibility. It creates a very scalable system where creators can define their content prices themselves, within the boundaries defined for the game, and helps streamline approval and certification processes. Mod.io tokens have a fixed price indexed on the US Dollar and are not tied to any crypto-currency. Their use guarantees consistent price for UGC across platforms and territories, and an additional layer of safety to prevent potential abuses.

Flexible revenue share and full control over your game monetization

Our revenue model around the Marketplace aims at easily covering platform fees, and ensuring a fair share of the revenue to every actor involved, from game developers to content creators; while remaining flexible and adjustable to fit any game ecosystem and business model.

Platform fees, including mod.io’s fee to operate the services are applied to token pack sales, then the game developer sets a revenue split that defines the share of tokens earned between themselves and their content creators. We’re partnering with Tilia as a payment solution to handle transactions and payments to both game developers and creators, guaranteeing a robust infrastructure, availability in most territories and high level of security. All agreements, reporting, taxes, compliance, and payouts are managed by mod.io through this partnership.

Exact revenue shares will vary depending on platforms and the revenue split set by the game developer, but overall you can expect that for every dollar spent in the Marketplace; creators will receive between 20% and 40%; game developers will get 20% to 60%; 7% to 30% is used to cover platform fees; and mod.io takes a 12% fee to operate the service. Full details on revenue split and answers to other questions can be found in our dedicated Marketplace FAQ.

Our Marketplace service is mod.io first step into the UGC monetization field. We made the choice of tackling first what was arguably the most complex solution to build. But true to our engagement to provide the best white-label UGC & modding solution, we have plans to provide more options, and cater to various business models. Our roadmap already includes plans for resalable items, patronage and subscription models, as well as solutions for in-app purchases.

Marketplace is an additional service that’s entirely optional, and isn’t included in mod.io core functionalities. If you are interested to learn more and gain access to monetization functionalities, you can request access via your games dashboard, or by contacting mod.io developers. You can also consult our updated developer documentation.

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