In a significant development for digital entrepreneurs and game developers, Discord has introduced an in-app commerce feature that allows users to purchase in-game items without leaving the platform. This addition is a game-changer, streamlining the process for millions of users and setting the stage for Discord's future financial expansion.
The New Commerce Feature
Previously known for its vibrant gaming communities and voice communication services, Discord now ventures deeper into e-commerce. With its new feature, users can browse and acquire in-game items directly within specific servers. This initiative eliminates the need for external transactions and aligns with the preferences of modern online consumers, who value speed and convenience in digital interactions.
The rollout started with Marvel Rivals, one of the most successful games of 2024, renowned for its immediate success. Within hours of its launch, Marvel Rivals attracted 10 million players, generated over $100 million within the first month, and formed a thriving Discord community of more than four million members. Incorporating in-app commerce underpins Discord’s adaptability and positions the platform as more than a networking space, it has become a one-stop hub for engaging and transacting in gaming ecosystems.
Features That Simplify In-Game Commerce
Discord’s approach revolves around simplicity, offering features such as:
- In-Platform Purchases: Users can now find exclusive in-game cosmetics like bundles, costumes, emotes, and accessories directly through official game servers, starting with Marvel Rivals.
- Wishlists: Gamers create curated lists of desired items, which can be accessed by their friends. This feature fosters community-driven engagement and collaboration as users gift each other purchased items.
- Social Gifting: Whether it's a holiday season or a celebratory gesture, Discord makes it easy to send in-game items as gifts, strengthening the social fabric of gaming communities.
Through these functionalities, Discord provides more than transactional ease, it creates a connected experience for gamers, influencers, and even non-gaming friends who want to contribute to their community.
Data-Driven Growth and Monetization
Discord’s entry into gaming commerce isn’t merely about convenience; it’s a well-planned business move aimed at boosting its primary revenue streams while expanding opportunities for developers. Historically reliant on subscriptions such as Nitro for income, Discord now seeks to diversify. This strategy holds particular promise as visible sources of earnings become increasingly vital for platforms like Discord, which are rumored to be exploring initial public offering (IPO) opportunities.
For developers, the integration empowers them to directly access a highly-engaged user base. By embedding a store within a server, developers minimize the friction that comes with redirecting users. This could be a significant factor for their revenue growth, especially with Discord’s millions-strong user base.
Practical Implementation
Launching this feature initially on desktop apps and in specific regions, including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Oceania, Discord plans to broaden its reach in the near future. As the platform sees uptake, compatibility with mobile users and multi-currency adaptability could unlock further opportunities globally.
To get started, game developers can embed store pages into their official Discord servers while incorporating tools to showcase inventory with item previews, pricing, and gifting options. Community admins can guide users seamlessly and encourage purchases through curated lists and limited-time promotions.
Typical Pitfalls to Avoid
While this rollout opens up various opportunities, entrepreneurs, developers, and gaming community leaders must keep these potential missteps in mind:
- Skipping Customization for the Audience: Simply embedding a store isn’t enough. Developers must engage users through exclusive deals and tailored content prominent to individual server cultures.
- Overlooking Security Measures: In-app purchases must be handled with stringent anti-fraud tools to prevent misuse or bad experiences. Payment failures or security breaches could reduce trust.
- Neglecting Collaboration: Failing to involve the larger server population in the process, such as not promoting Wishlist usage or creating group discounts, can result in underwhelming user engagement and missed sales.
Careful planning, user-oriented designs, and transparent communication will determine success in this newfound offering.
Insights for Entrepreneurs
This evolution in gaming commerce has implications far beyond Discord’s immediate ecosystem. Startups positioning themselves on similar community-driven platforms can draw inspiration from Discord’s business model. By embedding monetization avenues directly within a product or service, businesses can simplify user journeys and tap into audience loyalty. The inclusion of features like gifting and wishlists provides lessons in fostering not only sales but also strong interpersonal connections among users.
Moreover, the execution has shown the enormous potential of platforms like Discord to innovate and capture new monetization avenues without significantly altering the user experience. This model can extend to virtually any consumer-focused digital platform, from learning apps to wellness communities, creating revenue systems that are integrated rather than intrusive.
Is This the Future of Gaming Communities?
Gaming startups and ecosystem players interested in voice communication tools should note Discord’s pivot, as it could serve as a precursor to expanded functionalities in similar environments. Whether you're considering launching your own apps or feature-augmented platforms, studying Discord’s move might offer valuable takeaways in terms of strategy, user onboarding approaches, and the dynamics of social commerce.
From my perspective as a European entrepreneur with experience in multiple niche markets, the move exemplifies an opportunity for worldwide tech leaders to explore e-commerce possibilities now embedded in previously non-commercial ecosystems. With users demanding convenience and multiple touchpoints for engagement, integrating transactional elements may no longer be optional for digital communities.
Closing Thoughts
Discord’s latest update positions it as an increasingly indispensable platform, not just as a digital hangout space but as an avenue for direct commerce. This approach amplifies convenience for users and financial potential for partners, developers, and Discord itself. Whether you’re a gaming-focused business owner or a platform creator looking to replicate this success in another domain, there’s much to learn from Discord’s carefully executed strategy.
For more details on this update, visit TechCrunch’s announcement article or explore Discord’s Press Release.
FAQ
1. What is the most recent feature Discord introduced for users?
Discord added an in-app commerce feature allowing users to buy in-game items directly within the platform's servers, starting with Marvel Rivals. Read more about Discord's in-app commerce
2. Which game first implemented Discord's new commerce feature?
Marvel Rivals was the first game to implement the feature, enabling players to purchase items like bundles, costumes, and emotes through its official Discord server. Check out Marvel Rivals on Discord
3. What new functionalities come with Discord's in-app commerce feature?
Users can create wishlists for in-game items, send gifts to friends, and complete purchases directly via Discord's desktop apps without leaving the platform. Learn about Discord's commerce update
4. Is this feature available globally?
No, this feature is currently available in select regions, including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Ireland, and Oceania. Expansion to more regions is expected in the near future.
5. How does the wishlist functionality benefit users?
Users can compile lists of desired items, and friends can view these wishlists to send gifts directly through Discord. This fosters deeper community engagement. Learn how Discord wishlists work
6. Why is Marvel Rivals a strategic launch partner for this feature?
Marvel Rivals had an explosive launch, achieving 10 million players in 72 hours, over $100 million revenue in its first month, and building a 4 million-member Discord community. Explore the Marvel Rivals success story
7. What platforms currently support this feature?
As of now, the new commerce capability is supported on Discord's desktop applications. Mobile and additional platform support is expected in the future. Details on supported platforms
8. How can game developers benefit from this feature?
Developers can embed in-app store pages directly in their Discord servers, minimizing friction for purchases and accessing a highly engaged community for additional revenue. Learn more about monetization opportunities
9. What risks should developers avoid with this feature?
Developers must focus on securing transactions, customizing their stores to audience preferences, and engaging their communities to maximize impacts and avoid user disinterest.
10. Is this feature part of a larger strategy for Discord?
Yes, Discord is diversifying its revenue streams beyond subscriptions like Nitro, signaling efforts to prepare for its potential initial public offering (IPO). Learn more about Discord's future plans
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
- 1,000 unique business ideas for women created
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.