Powering the future of gaming with local payment methods

The global gaming industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, primarily driven by the explosive growth in emerging markets. By 2029, mobile play is projected to generate $426 billion in revenue, with regions like Africa, Asia, and Latin America playing a critical role. The increasing availability of affordable smartphones and expanding internet access has unlocked new opportunities for millions of gamers, presenting a significant chance for companies to expand their reach. However, to capitalize on these markets, it’s essential to go beyond creating engaging games—it requires an understanding of regional consumer behavior and payment preferences.

The primary challenge for businesses in this sector is navigating this complexity and ensuring a seamless gaming experience. Central to this is the need for localized, secure, and frictionless payment methods. Without these, even the best games can encounter friction at the checkout, preventing players from making purchases. The ability to cater to local payment preferences—from Lagos to São Paulo—is vital.

Press play on gaming's potential in emerging markets

Emerging markets are rapidly reshaping the global landscape, particularly with the rise of smart devices. In 2023, mobile play generated $92.6 billion in revenue, accounting for nearly half of the total global market. This shift towards mobile platforms highlights the increasing demand for easily accessible experiences on smartphones, which is especially relevant in regions with expanding internet infrastructure.

Key trends driving this transformation include:

• Mobile gaming dominance: Nearly 50% of gamers now prefer mobile platforms, signaling the need for mobile-friendly games and payment solutions.
• Expanding internet access: By 2024, two-thirds of the global population is expected to be online, extending the reach of mobile games, particularly in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.
• Diverse payment preferences: Payment methods vary greatly across regions. Mobile money is widely used in Sub-Saharan Africa, while digital wallets are preferred in Southeast Asia. In Latin America, local bank transfers and cash-based options remain the most common payment methods.

Gaming companies must adapt to these regional preferences to provide a seamless experience and effectively capture the emerging market audience.  _{*Sources: Newzoo, 2023 - PCGamer, 2024}

Unlocking gaming expansion with tailored payment methods

Localized payment solutions are essential for driving growth in emerging markets. Offering a variety of region-specific payment methods helps reduce friction in the purchasing process, boosting conversion rates and enhancing customer retention. In regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, mobile money options such as M-Pesa or Airtel Money provide accessible and trusted methods for gamers to pay. In Southeast Asia, digital wallets, such as GoPay and OVO, offer easy, secure transactions for players. Meanwhile, in Latin America, bank transfers and cash-based options like OXXO or Boleto Bancário are widely used, reflecting local payment preferences.

By aligning payment options with local habits, businesses not only increase customer trust but also ensure a frictionless, secure checkout experience. This tailored approach leads to higher sales and improved customer loyalty, which is vital for long-term success in emerging markets. 

Key takeaways 

To succeed in emerging markets, gaming companies should:

• Prioritize localization: Tailor payment solutions to fit regional preferences, ensuring a smoother customer experience.
• Offer multiple payment methods: Provide a variety of payment options, including mobile wallets, bank transfers, and cash, to cater to diverse needs.
• Ensure payment security: Build trust by implementing secure, reliable payment systems to protect customers' data.
• Stay agile: Continuously adapt to market changes and evolving consumer preferences to maintain competitiveness.

Adopting these strategies, particularly localized payment methods, will help them reduce friction, enhance player satisfaction, and foster growth across global markets.

How Eneba wins with localized payment power-ups

Integrating over 160 local payment methods and supporting 45 currencies has raised the bar for Eneba in digital gaming, creating smooth transactions worldwide. With more languages coming in 2025, the focus remains on accessibility and player-first experiences. Now active in 13 high-growth markets, it's paving the way for a truly global platform.

“Easy access to local payment methods is one of the most frequent requests from our customers and one of the main reasons they decide to buy on Eneba. This partnership enables us to better cater to our user’s needs and help everyone in Latin America discover the joy of gaming.

dLocal’s expertise in providing a seamless payments experience across the LATAM region gives us the confidence that our community can simply focus on playing their favorite games.”

- Mantas Eitutis, Head of Payments & Risk at Eneba

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