Forge Unveils GameLink and PayLink: A Link-in-Bio for Game Developers
ByAinvest
Wednesday, Jun 4, 2025 9:25 am ET2min read
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GameLink serves as a dynamic, customizable landing and community hub for any game, connecting players to all vital aspects of a game’s ecosystem in one place. This centralized hub allows developers to manage their game’s ecosystem more effectively, offering a unified direct-to-consumer experience. PayLink enables developers to integrate payment processing directly into their in-app checkout experience, allowing them to bypass Apple’s 30% commission and boost revenue [2].
The integration of GameLink and PayLink into the recently announced Forge Direct suite provides a seamless upgrade path to a full-featured customizable community portal complete with quests, loyalty rewards, and direct-to-player commerce. Developers can now list their SKUs directly on their GameLink, enabling players to purchase in-app items directly from their preferred payment methods [2].
Forge GameLink and PayLink are free to use, with an optional Pro tier that unlocks advanced features such as hosting GameLink on a custom domain, access to additional analytics, and enhanced customization options. The platform is designed to be easy to set up, with developers able to integrate these tools within minutes [2].
The launch of GameLink and PayLink coincides with a broader shift in the app economy, driven by the Epic Games v. Apple ruling. This legal battle, which ended in 2024 with a landmark decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, allowed developers to direct users to alternative payment options outside the App Store, bypassing Apple’s 30% commission [3]. This ruling has significant financial implications for mobile game developers, enabling them to keep more revenue and invest in their games and communities.
The impact of these changes is already evident. According to industry research, companies implementing direct-to-consumer strategies outside the App Store are seeing revenue lifts of 14% to 16% on average, both because developers are keeping more revenue and players are spending more [3]. This additional revenue comes at a critical moment for the gaming industry, which has faced challenges such as layoffs and delayed funding.
Forge’s mission to make user acquisition and community engagement accessible and effective for all developers aligns with the broader industry trend toward open, direct-to-consumer ecosystems. By offering tools like GameLink and PayLink, Forge is helping game developers navigate this new landscape and capitalize on the opportunities it presents.
References:
[1] https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/06/04/fortnite-ceo-thought-hed-beat-apple-in-weeks-not-years
[2] https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250603414329/en/Forge-Launches-GameLink-and-PayLink-a-Link-in-Bio-with-Payments-Built-for-Games
[3] https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2025/05/29/game-changer-what-the-epic-v-apple-ruling-means-for-the-app-economy/
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Forge launches GameLink and PayLink, a Link-in-Bio with payments for games. GameLink is a centralized hub for purchase, content, community, and launch, while PayLink enables seamless payment processing, boosting revenue by up to 35%. Forge GameLink offers dynamic and customizable landing and community hubs, integrated into Forge Direct. The platform is free, with an optional Pro tier for advanced features.
Forge, a leading platform for community-driven game marketing and engagement, has announced the launch of GameLink and PayLink, two innovative tools designed to empower game developers and publishers. These new offerings provide a centralized hub for game purchases, content, and community engagement, as well as seamless payment processing, aiming to boost revenue by up to 35%.GameLink serves as a dynamic, customizable landing and community hub for any game, connecting players to all vital aspects of a game’s ecosystem in one place. This centralized hub allows developers to manage their game’s ecosystem more effectively, offering a unified direct-to-consumer experience. PayLink enables developers to integrate payment processing directly into their in-app checkout experience, allowing them to bypass Apple’s 30% commission and boost revenue [2].
The integration of GameLink and PayLink into the recently announced Forge Direct suite provides a seamless upgrade path to a full-featured customizable community portal complete with quests, loyalty rewards, and direct-to-player commerce. Developers can now list their SKUs directly on their GameLink, enabling players to purchase in-app items directly from their preferred payment methods [2].
Forge GameLink and PayLink are free to use, with an optional Pro tier that unlocks advanced features such as hosting GameLink on a custom domain, access to additional analytics, and enhanced customization options. The platform is designed to be easy to set up, with developers able to integrate these tools within minutes [2].
The launch of GameLink and PayLink coincides with a broader shift in the app economy, driven by the Epic Games v. Apple ruling. This legal battle, which ended in 2024 with a landmark decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, allowed developers to direct users to alternative payment options outside the App Store, bypassing Apple’s 30% commission [3]. This ruling has significant financial implications for mobile game developers, enabling them to keep more revenue and invest in their games and communities.
The impact of these changes is already evident. According to industry research, companies implementing direct-to-consumer strategies outside the App Store are seeing revenue lifts of 14% to 16% on average, both because developers are keeping more revenue and players are spending more [3]. This additional revenue comes at a critical moment for the gaming industry, which has faced challenges such as layoffs and delayed funding.
Forge’s mission to make user acquisition and community engagement accessible and effective for all developers aligns with the broader industry trend toward open, direct-to-consumer ecosystems. By offering tools like GameLink and PayLink, Forge is helping game developers navigate this new landscape and capitalize on the opportunities it presents.
References:
[1] https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/06/04/fortnite-ceo-thought-hed-beat-apple-in-weeks-not-years
[2] https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250603414329/en/Forge-Launches-GameLink-and-PayLink-a-Link-in-Bio-with-Payments-Built-for-Games
[3] https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2025/05/29/game-changer-what-the-epic-v-apple-ruling-means-for-the-app-economy/
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