Windows Store devs 'can keep 100% of their revenue', unless they're making games

(Image credit: Microsoft)

In last night's Windows 11 reveal, Microsoft also announced some major changes to the Windows Store. Starting July 28th, developers will keep 100% of the revenue earned through in-app purchases—unless, for whatever reason, that app happens to be a game.

Microsoft confirmed the exception to The Verge, explaining that while app developers will have the option to offer in-app purchases via their own or third-party platforms (which won't require paying Microsoft a fee), games have been excluded from this option. Sales made through games will always give Microsoft a 12% split.

The tech giant didn't disclose why, exactly, apps and games are treated differently. Figuring out that distinction has been key to ongoing legal fight between Epic and Apple that infamously began when Epic tried to bypass Apple's payment platform in Fortnite. One bizarre side-effect of the arguing over "what is a game" even saw Roblox completely obliterate any mention of being a game from its platform.

The Verge notes that Microsoft's distinction may come down to just how heavily the company relies on games—noting that while Xbox Hardware has always been sold at a loss, the revenue split for game sales and subscriptions more than makes up for it.

Outside the store, Windows 11 is taking some important steps for games at a system level—from faster load times with DirectStorage, to automatically enabled HDR on any game developed using DirectX 11 or above.

20 years ago, Nat played Jet Set Radio Future for the first time, and she's not stopped thinking about games since. Joining PC Gamer in 2020, she comes from three years of freelance reporting at Rock Paper Shotgun, Waypoint, VG247 and more. Embedded in the European indie scene and a part-time game developer herself, Nat is always looking for a new curiosity to scream about—whether it's the next best indie darling, or simply someone modding a Scotmid into Black Mesa. She also unofficially appears in Apex Legends under the pseudonym Horizon.