In-Game Store

The Context

Game developers implementing in-game stores need to balance multiple considerations: payment processing, user authentication, and transaction security. Players, on the other hand, often manage multiple game accounts and payment methods, which can create friction during purchases.

Traditional payment systems come with their own sets of requirements and integration complexities. Each has its trade-offs in terms of fees, regional availability, and implementation effort. Cryptocurrency payments, while offering new possibilities, can be complex for both developers and players to navigate.

How Funtico Fits In

Funtico offers TICO payments through a platform designed to make cryptocurrency accessible for gaming. By handling the complexity of crypto transactions through the Funtico Platform, games can offer TICO as a payment method without dealing with blockchain integration directly. Players benefit from a familiar checkout experience while using digital currency.

Player Flow

1. Authentication Players can log into your game using their Funtico account through the “Login with Funtico” feature, which uses standard OAuth 2.0/OIDC protocols.

2. Balance Display Once authenticated, your game can display the player’s TICO balance within your store interface using the SDK’s balance API.

3. Checkout Process When players make purchases with TICO, they’re already authenticated through the SSO system, so the checkout page recognizes them without requiring another login.

4. Transaction Processing Payments are processed through the Funtico Platform’s transaction system, providing quick confirmations for in-game purchases.

Potential Benefits

Alternative Payment Method

Cryptocurrency transactions can offer different fee structures compared to traditional payment methods, though costs vary based on network conditions and usage.

Cross-Border Payments

TICO payments work the same way regardless of geographic location, though local regulations may apply.

Integrated Authentication

The SDK combines payment processing with robust industry-standard user authentication.

Single Integration

One SDK provides both authentication and payment functionality, which may simplify implementation compared to integrating separate services.

How It Works in Practice

The Player Experience

A player launching your game can choose to log in with their Funtico account if they have one. If they do, your game can retrieve and display their TICO balance in the store interface.

When browsing your in-game store, players see item prices in TICO (if you choose to display them). They can purchase items using their TICO balance through the Funtico checkout system.

After completing a purchase, the Funtico Platform processes the payment and deducts TICO from the player’s platform balance. Your game receives a webhook notification (or can poll for status updates) to grant the purchased items to the player. This platform-based approach means faster transaction processing compared to traditional blockchain transfers.

Cross-Game Currency

Tip

TICO is designed to work across multiple games that integrate with Funtico, allowing players to use the same currency in different gaming environments.

TICO functions as a cross-game currency. Players can use their TICO balance in any game that has integrated the Funtico payment system. This means:

• Players who already have TICO from other games can spend it in your game
• Your players can use TICO earned or purchased in your game elsewhere
• The currency has utility beyond a single game ecosystem

Implementation Examples

Free-to-Play Mobile Game

A mobile puzzle game adds Funtico as a payment option. Players can log in with Funtico to access their TICO balance and purchase hint packages or remove ads. The integration provides an additional payment method for players who prefer using cryptocurrency.

Competitive Multiplayer Title

An esports game integrates Funtico for selling battle passes and cosmetic items. Players can authenticate with Login with Funtico and use TICO for purchases. If the game offers TICO as tournament prizes, winners can spend their earnings directly in the game store.

MMO Expansion Sales

An MMO adds TICO as a payment option for expansions and subscriptions. Players who use Funtico across multiple games might find it convenient to use their existing TICO balance for these purchases.

Security Considerations

Funtico implements several security measures:

• OAuth 2.0 and OIDC Standards: Authentication uses industry-standard protocols
• HTTPS Encryption: All API communications are encrypted
• Token-Based Authentication: Access tokens and refresh tokens manage session security
• Platform-Based Processing: Transactions are handled through Funtico’s secure platform infrastructure

When using Funtico, your game doesn’t handle payment credentials directly - these are managed through Funtico’s checkout system. The platform approach simplifies security compared to direct blockchain integration while maintaining the benefits of cryptocurrency payments.

Monetization Considerations

Adding TICO as a payment option creates some opportunities:

Pricing Flexibility

You can set prices in TICO for your items, either as fixed TICO amounts or USD-equivalent values that adjust based on current rates.

Additional Payment Option

TICO provides another way for players to pay, which might appeal to users who already hold TICO or prefer cryptocurrency payments.

Cross-Game Players

Players who use TICO in other games might be more inclined to spend in your game if they already have a balance.

Simplified Cryptocurrency Payments

While cryptocurrency can be complex, Funtico Platform handles the technical aspects. Players don’t need to understand blockchain or manage crypto wallets - they simply maintain a TICO balance on the platform and use it like any other game currency.

Getting Started

Integrating Funtico into your game store involves three main components:

1. Authentication Setup - Configure Login with Funtico for player authentication using OAuth 2.0/OIDC.
2. Balance Display - Use the SDK’s APIs to retrieve and display player TICO balances in your game.
3. Payment Integration - Implement transaction creation through the SDK and handle webhook notifications for payment status.

The SDK provides APIs for these functions, though you’ll need to implement the UI and business logic specific to your game.

Metrics to Consider

After integration, you might want to track:

• TICO Payment Adoption: What percentage of your players choose to pay with TICO
• Transaction Values: How TICO purchases compare to other payment methods
• User Overlap: How many players use TICO across multiple games
• Support Requests: Whether adding a new payment method affects support volume

Note

The impact will vary based on your player base. Funtico Platform aims to make TICO accessible even for players who aren’t familiar with cryptocurrency, by providing a user-friendly interface similar to traditional game payment systems.

Looking Ahead

The gaming industry is exploring various payment models and technologies, including cryptocurrency. By adding TICO as a payment option, your game can cater to players who prefer using digital currencies for their gaming purchases.

As more games integrate with Funtico, the network of games accepting TICO grows, potentially making it more attractive for players to maintain TICO balances.

Summary

Integrating Funtico adds TICO as a payment option for your game store, along with a single sign-on authentication system. By processing transactions through the Funtico Platform rather than requiring direct blockchain interaction, the system makes cryptocurrency payments more accessible for both developers and players.

The SDK handles the technical complexity, providing familiar APIs for authentication and payment processing. This approach can open your game to players interested in using digital currency without requiring them to be cryptocurrency experts.