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Discussion

Maybe use item shop for trading instead?

Epic Games could potentially earn more revenue by incorporating player-to-player trading within the item shop rather than removing it altogether by using the trades as direct sales. This approach would involve several strategic steps and considerations:

1. Understanding the Current Model Currently, Epic Games’ decision to remove player-to-player trading is driven by their overall approach to game cosmetics and item shop policies, where items are not tradable, transferable, or sellable. This aligns with their broader strategy seen in other games like Fortnite.

2. Revenue Streams from Direct Sales In the existing model without player-to-player trading, all transactions occur through the item shop, ensuring that Epic Games receives a cut of every sale. This model simplifies revenue tracking and ensures consistent income from cosmetic sales.

3. Potential Benefits of Player-to-Player Trading Allowing player-to-player trading within the item shop could open up new revenue streams:

Transaction Fees: Epic Games could charge a transaction fee for each trade conducted between players. This fee could be a percentage of the item’s value or a flat rate. Increased Engagement: Player-to-player trading can increase user engagement and retention as players spend more time in-game to acquire desired items through trades. Market Dynamics: A dynamic marketplace can drive demand for rare items, potentially increasing their value and leading to higher transaction volumes.

4. Implementation Challenges While incorporating player-to-player trading could be lucrative, it also presents challenges:

Regulation and Monitoring: Ensuring fair trades and preventing fraud would require robust monitoring systems. Economic Balance: Maintaining balance in the game’s economy to prevent inflation or deflation of item values. Technical Infrastructure: Developing a secure and efficient platform for player-to-player transactions within the item shop.

5. Case Studies and Comparisons Looking at other games with successful player-to-player trading systems can provide insights:

Steam Marketplace (CS:GO): Valve’s Steam Marketplace allows for player-to-player trading with transaction fees benefiting Valve. MMORPGs (World of Warcraft): Many MMORPGs have thriving in-game economies with regulated marketplaces that contribute to long-term player engagement.

6. Conclusion By integrating player-to-player trading within the item shop and implementing transaction fees, Epic Games could tap into an additional revenue stream while maintaining control over transactions. This hybrid model leverages the benefits of both direct sales and a dynamic marketplace, potentially leading to increased overall revenue.