Amid increasing scrutiny of Apple and Google’s app store fees worldwide, Roblox, a gaming platform, has decided to offer an extra 25% in-game currency Robux for purchases made on their website and through gift cards compared to mobile platforms. This move is aimed at encouraging users to buy Robux from the website to avoid the markup fees imposed by Apple and Google for in-app purchases.
The company has confirmed this change and stated that they are seeking ways to provide more value to their user and creator communities.
“Apple and Google are important partners. We are constantly seeking ways to offer more value to our user and creator community while managing costs. Moving forward, we will be providing up to +25% more Robux for customers purchasing through the web, on computers, or using gift cards,” said a spokesperson from Roblox to TechCrunch.
In a post on the Roblox developer forum, the company specified that this is a permanent change, not a holiday promotion.
Tim Sweeny, the CEO of Epic Games, who has been in conflict with Apple and Google regarding app store charges, praised this decision.
“Great to see Roblox taking a stand against the Apple tax. I hope that the ongoing Epic v Apple legal battle will put an end to Apple’s exorbitant fees and allow all apps to direct users to web-based payments and offer savings like this,” he stated in a post on X.
In August, Roblox launched its own Epic Games Store in the EU for iOS and globally for Android. In Europe, companies are exploring the creation of alternative app stores on iOS due to the Digital Markets Act (DMA). At the same time, startups like Appcharge, which recently raised $26 million at a $100 million valuation, are assisting game developers in generating more value outside of the Apple and Google ecosystems.
