Discord is introducing new commerce features to enhance the gaming experience for users and create fresh revenue streams for developers. This move comes as the platform prepares for a potential initial public offering, which would bring increased financial scrutiny. The new features allow users to purchase digital game items directly within Discord, eliminating the need to leave the app. Users can also create wishlists for game items and send in-game items as gifts through direct messages.
By enabling developers to sell digital goods directly on Discord, the platform helps them reach a wider audience beyond their own existing communities, which could significantly boost their revenue. This presents a new monetization opportunity for both Discord and game developers alike.
The initial rollout of these features is in partnership with the popular video game Marvel Rivals, which now has a dedicated store page within its official Discord server. Marvel Rivals is a strategic choice for this launch, having garnered 10 million players within 72 hours of its release last year. The game generated over $100 million in its first month and has built a community of more than 4 million members on Discord.
Players can now browse and purchase in-game items such as bundles, costumes, emotes, and emojis directly from the Marvel Rivals server. The wishlist feature allows friends to view and purchase items as gifts. With the holiday season approaching, this simplifies gift-giving for those looking to buy for gamer friends or family members. The ability to gift items through direct messages also means users can send gifts to friends even if those friends do not play Marvel Rivals themselves.
The shop currently accepts U.S. currency and is available only on the desktop app for players in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Oceania. The company is considering adding support for additional regions in the future.