Methods for Gaming
Rise in Developer Royalties Boosts Browser-Based and Social Network Gaming Segments
In the first half of 2025, browser-based and social network video game platforms have witnessed a significant increase in developer royalties. According to a recent survey by "Kommersant", this surge is primarily driven by successful game launches, licensing agreements, and growth in emerging markets with high player engagement and spending.
One of the key factors contributing to this trend is the launch of highly successful games with strong support for subscription platforms. Remedy Entertainment's self-published game, FBC: Firebreak, launched in June 2025, benefited from deals with Xbox Game Pass and PS Plus, attracting over 1 million players within the first 10 days. This boost in player numbers resulted in increased royalties and revenues, despite a weaker PC launch on Steam.
Another significant factor is licensing agreements that provide steady royalty streams. Hasbro's licensing agreement with developer Scopely for Monopoly Go! generated $44 million in royalty revenue in Q2 2025 and is currently generating $12–14 million monthly. This exceeds initial expectations and underscores the potential of hybrid monetization models.
Moreover, rapid monetization growth in emerging regions such as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has played a crucial role. In 2024, the MENA region saw an 18% year-over-year increase in mobile gaming player spending, driven by deep player engagement, localization, and expanded payment options. This rising regional revenue potential supports higher royalties for games targeting these markets.
The positive impact of these factors on revenue is evident. Remedy's revenue surged 43.4% to €30.3 million in H1 2025, turning an operating loss into a profit, largely due to royalties and game sales from Firebreak and other titles. Licensing royalties from IP-driven games also contribute significantly to steady revenue streams for toy companies entering gaming, reinforcing the hybrid model of internal development and licensing.
The success of projects transitioning from advertising models to hybrid monetization, the focus on improving quality over quantity, and the progress made by companies like "Yandex" and "Vimpelcom" in metrics despite less active integration of new games, all point towards a promising future for the browser-based and social network gaming segments. As these platforms continue to innovate and expand, they are likely to attract more developers and publishers, further fueling growth and sustainability in the industry.
[1] Remedy Entertainment's Financial Report H1 2025 [2] Firebreak Launch Announcement [3] MENA Mobile Gaming Market Report 2024 [4] Hasbro's Q2 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
Gadget enthusiasts might be intrigued by the increasing royalties in browser-based and social network gaming segments, thanks to the launch of successful games like FBC: Firebreak and licensing agreements that boost earnings. The significant revenue surge observed in the MENA region, driven by increased player spending and expanded payment options, could mean exciting growth opportunities for technology companies in the gaming industry.
