What's Happening?
Jest, a new marketplace for messaging games, is challenging the traditional app store model by allowing users to play games directly within messaging apps. This approach eliminates the need for app store downloads, offering a more seamless gaming experience.
Jest has already seen significant engagement, with over 1 million games played and 300,000 messages exchanged within four months of its beta launch. The platform offers a favorable revenue model for developers, with a 90/10 earnings split, contrasting with the typical 30% commission taken by app stores. Jest's strategy leverages the growing adoption of Rich Communication Services (RCS), which enhances messaging with rich media and interactive features.
Why It's Important?
Jest's innovative approach to mobile gaming distribution could disrupt the dominance of traditional app stores, offering developers a more lucrative and flexible platform. By integrating games into messaging apps, Jest taps into a highly engaged user base, potentially increasing retention and reducing acquisition costs. This model could encourage more developers to explore alternative distribution channels, fostering innovation and competition in the mobile gaming industry. Additionally, Jest's success could prompt app stores to reconsider their commission structures and distribution strategies to retain developers.
What's Next?
As Jest continues to expand, it plans to onboard more gaming studios and scale its platform with the help of $7 million in seed funding. The company is also launching a dedicated Games Fund to support studios at various stages of development. As Jest gains traction, it may attract more developers and users, potentially leading to a broader shift in how mobile games are distributed and monetized. Other messaging platforms may also explore similar integrations, further diversifying the mobile gaming landscape.
