The popular messaging service used by gamers, Discord, is looking for new revenue opportunities by opening up its virtual goods and digital customization marketplace to all users, not just subscribers.
The company previously launched an in-app store called “Shop,” which allowed Nitro premium subscribers to customize their accounts and digital avatars with virtual items like hats or colorful animated graphics.
Peter Silvis, Senior Vice President of Product at Discord, stated, “Non-Nitro subscribers currently have no form of avatar customization, this is changing as we open up the store to non-Nitro subscribers, a large group of users.”
Nitro memberships come in two tiers, either $3 or $10 per month, depending on specific features, and make up the majority of the company’s revenue.
Discord has avoided the digital advertising model, in contrast to social media companies like Meta, Snapchat, and Twitter, instead attracting users willing to pay for exclusive features, such as the ability to share large files and stream high-definition video.
Silvis explained that the company allows users to customize avatars in the new marketplace for $8, while Nitro members receive a 30% discount.
Discord does not dive into digital commerce like gaming platform Roblox, where users can create and sell their own decorations and clothing, sharing in the revenues.
Silvis mentioned, “All the Nitro products we sell are made by us,” emphasizing that digital goods have gained increasing popularity among gamers. Discord prices its digital goods at a level similar to those in other games due to the perceived value they represent for some consumers.
Many users of the platform may not wish to pay for a subscription but might be willing to pay for a one-time customization to stand out in Discord.
Additionally, the platform is introducing a way for qualified developers in the UK and Europe to share in the revenues by creating platform-dependent applications that users can subscribe to. The service allows developers to retain 70% of subscription sales.
