Game8 Store, In-Game Item D2C Platform, Introduces 8 New Payment Methods Including PayPay and Carrier Payments
Game8, Inc. is enhancing its in-game item D2C platform, 'Game8 Store,' by adding eight new payment methods starting April 2026, including PayPay, carrier payments, and post-payment options. This expansion aims to increase user convenience, attract younger demographics, and maximize publisher revenue by reducing cart abandonment and offering flexible payment choices.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 16, 2026 at 01:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 15, 2026 at 16:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 15, 2026 at 21:42 (5h 10m after Collected)
Tokyo, Japan – April 15, 2026 – Game8, Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Shunsuke Sawamura; hereinafter referred to as "Game8") is pleased to announce that its in-game item D2C platform, "Game8 Store," will introduce eight new payment methods starting April 2026, aiming to enhance user convenience and optimize the payment experience.
The expansion of diverse payment methods will enable Game8 Store to attract a broader user base, including younger individuals who may not possess credit cards and those who have been difficult to reach previously. By expanding user payment options, we aim to reduce cart abandonment (drop-offs just before purchase) and materialize the potential customer base for publishers, thereby strongly supporting the maximization of sales opportunities.
In parallel with improving convenience, we will rigorously enforce purchase amount limits linked to age verification information within each game title. By establishing a secure payment environment where younger users can confidently make purchases, we will support publishers' healthy revenue growth while mitigating brand damage risk.
This update will be handled entirely by Game8 Store, requiring no additional development or specification changes on the publisher's side.
Newly added payment methods (8 types in total):
| Category | Payment Method |
| :---------------- | :------------------------------------------------ |
| Online ID Payment | PayPay, Rakuten Pay, Merpay, PayPal |
| Carrier Payment | d払い (d-barai), au PAY, SoftBank Matomete Shiharai (SoftBank Deferred Payment) |
| Post-payment | atone |
*In addition to existing payment methods (credit cards / debit cards / prepaid cards), a total of 11 types will be available.
*Subject to screening by each payment provider.
Background of Implementation
The cashless payment ratio in Japan is rising year by year, and there is a particularly high demand for ID payments and carrier payments among game users.
While Game8 Store has historically focused on credit card payments, it has maintained an extremely high purchase completion rate through strong collaboration with strategy guides.
With this expansion, we will comprehensively cover the payment needs of a wider range of users, including younger demographics and casual players who do not hold credit cards. By combining diverse payment methods with our existing robust purchasing flow, we will further drive publisher revenue maximization.
Commitment to Safety – Purchase Restrictions Linked to Age Verification
With the expansion of payment methods, an increase in usage by younger users is anticipated. Game8 Store will be equipped with a purchase amount limitation system linked to in-game age verification information, in parallel with the enhancement of convenience, to provide a safe and secure payment environment.
【Specific Safety Measures】
* **Automatic Linkage with Age Verification Data:** Based on the age verification data from the game, monthly purchase limits for minor users will be automatically applied.
* **Flexible Policy Settings:** We respect the age classifications and usage restriction policies set by each publisher, allowing for optimal restriction settings for each title.
This allows publishers to comply with regulations and suppress the risk of excessive spending, enabling them to expand their sales channels with peace of mind while supporting sound revenue growth.
Benefits for Publishers
* **Reduction in Payment Abandonment (Cart Abandonment) and Improvement in Conversion Rate (CVR):** By covering major ID payments and carrier payments, we minimize drop-offs due to payment method shortages, connecting users with high purchasing intent to the checkout.
* **Expansion of Reach to Younger and Casual Users:** We offer payment methods commonly used in daily life to those who do not possess credit cards, enabling the acquisition of new customer segments that were previously difficult to reach.
* **Elimination of Purchase Hurdles with Post-payment Service "atone":** Introducing "atone," which allows payment even when users do not have cash or cards readily available, we provide flexible payment options to support the maximization of purchase opportunities.
* **Safe Sales Environment Minimizing Brand Damage Risk:** The age verification-linked restriction function allows for sales expansion to younger users and healthy operation, enabling safe revenue growth while complying with regulations.
* **Synergy Creation through Co-use with Own EC and Existing Channels:** Even if publishers have their own web shops, by using "Game8 Store" as a customer acquisition and payment platform, synergistic effects from mutual supplementation can be expected. Strong referrals from the strategy guide media "Game8.jp" will strengthen outreach to segments not fully covered by existing channels.
* **Zero Additional Development and Operational Costs:** The addition and maintenance of payment methods are entirely handled by Game8 Store, eliminating the need for any additional development or specification changes on the publisher's side. All payment methods will be activated immediately, maintaining the existing integration status.
(Reference) Comparison with Introducing Payment Methods Independently
If publishers were to build and operate a similar payment network themselves, it would require significant investment and ongoing maintenance. Utilizing "Game8 Store" minimizes the burden associated with expanding and operating the payment infrastructure, allowing more resources to be allocated to core game development and proprietary initiatives.
| Comparison Item | Independent In-house Introduction/Construction | Using Game8 Store |
| :------------------------ | :------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------ |
| Development/Modification Effort | Required for each payment integration (ties up engineer resources for months) | Not required (activated by simply applying to use, maintaining existing API integration) |
| Time to Introduction | 3-6 months or more (individual contracts, implementation, testing with each payment provider) | Available after screening by each payment provider only |
| Payment Fees | Requires individual negotiation with each company (can be high for small transaction volumes) | Individual negotiation not required (applies favorable rates negotiated by Game8 Store in bulk) |
| Operation and Maintenance Burden | Increases with the number of payment methods (response to API updates, fault monitoring from each company) | No additional burden (handled and managed collectively by Game8 Store) |
By introducing "Game8 Store," publishers are freed from the complexities of maintaining payment infrastructure. They can supplement their payment network without increasing management overhead, achieving efficient revenue maximization.
Regarding Application of This Update
For publishers currently using Game8 Store, the procedure for this payment method expansion is as follows:
* **For Publishers Already Using the Service:** No special system modifications are required. Simply submit the prescribed application, and your desired new payment methods will be sequentially activated from April 2026 onwards, while maintaining your existing system integration.
* **For Publishers Considering New Introduction:** From the initial setup, you can use all 11 types of newly added payment methods as a package. You can open your shop and start generating revenue in the shortest possible period with reduced development costs. For details, please contact us via the inquiry link below.
[https://partner.store.game8.jp/inquiry](https://partner.store.game8.jp/inquiry)
About Game8 Store
"Game8 Store" is one of Japan's largest D2C platforms for in-game items, supporting game publishers in maximizing their revenue.
* **Revenue Maximization (Direct Sales):** Quickly build your own web shop by simply integrating with existing game titles via API. The direct sales model, which bypasses app store platform fees, significantly improves profit margins.
* **Overwhelming Traffic (Media Integration):** Utilize the massive traffic of "Game8.jp," one of Japan's largest game strategy media outlets boasting hundreds of millions of PVs per month. Reach target audiences directly and strongly support effective sales promotion.
* **Seamless and Secure Purchase Experience:** By offering diverse payment methods and age verification linkage, we provide users with a highly convenient purchasing experience, and publishers with a safe, highly efficient revenue base that complies with regulations.
Company Profile
Founded in 2014 with the philosophy of "Making games more fun, sharing 'fun' through games," we are a leading comprehensive game information site in Japan with a track record of up to 500 million PVs and 42 million UU per month. In addition to the comprehensive game information site, we engage in IP business utilizing influencers, provide comprehensive payment services for entertainment through group companies, and various other businesses to revitalize the game industry through digital means.
The expansion of diverse payment methods will enable Game8 Store to attract a broader user base, including younger individuals who may not possess credit cards and those who have been difficult to reach previously. By expanding user payment options, we aim to reduce cart abandonment (drop-offs just before purchase) and materialize the potential customer base for publishers, thereby strongly supporting the maximization of sales opportunities.
In parallel with improving convenience, we will rigorously enforce purchase amount limits linked to age verification information within each game title. By establishing a secure payment environment where younger users can confidently make purchases, we will support publishers' healthy revenue growth while mitigating brand damage risk.
This update will be handled entirely by Game8 Store, requiring no additional development or specification changes on the publisher's side.
Newly added payment methods (8 types in total):
| Category | Payment Method |
| :---------------- | :------------------------------------------------ |
| Online ID Payment | PayPay, Rakuten Pay, Merpay, PayPal |
| Carrier Payment | d払い (d-barai), au PAY, SoftBank Matomete Shiharai (SoftBank Deferred Payment) |
| Post-payment | atone |
*In addition to existing payment methods (credit cards / debit cards / prepaid cards), a total of 11 types will be available.
*Subject to screening by each payment provider.
Background of Implementation
The cashless payment ratio in Japan is rising year by year, and there is a particularly high demand for ID payments and carrier payments among game users.
While Game8 Store has historically focused on credit card payments, it has maintained an extremely high purchase completion rate through strong collaboration with strategy guides.
With this expansion, we will comprehensively cover the payment needs of a wider range of users, including younger demographics and casual players who do not hold credit cards. By combining diverse payment methods with our existing robust purchasing flow, we will further drive publisher revenue maximization.
Commitment to Safety – Purchase Restrictions Linked to Age Verification
With the expansion of payment methods, an increase in usage by younger users is anticipated. Game8 Store will be equipped with a purchase amount limitation system linked to in-game age verification information, in parallel with the enhancement of convenience, to provide a safe and secure payment environment.
【Specific Safety Measures】
* **Automatic Linkage with Age Verification Data:** Based on the age verification data from the game, monthly purchase limits for minor users will be automatically applied.
* **Flexible Policy Settings:** We respect the age classifications and usage restriction policies set by each publisher, allowing for optimal restriction settings for each title.
This allows publishers to comply with regulations and suppress the risk of excessive spending, enabling them to expand their sales channels with peace of mind while supporting sound revenue growth.
Benefits for Publishers
* **Reduction in Payment Abandonment (Cart Abandonment) and Improvement in Conversion Rate (CVR):** By covering major ID payments and carrier payments, we minimize drop-offs due to payment method shortages, connecting users with high purchasing intent to the checkout.
* **Expansion of Reach to Younger and Casual Users:** We offer payment methods commonly used in daily life to those who do not possess credit cards, enabling the acquisition of new customer segments that were previously difficult to reach.
* **Elimination of Purchase Hurdles with Post-payment Service "atone":** Introducing "atone," which allows payment even when users do not have cash or cards readily available, we provide flexible payment options to support the maximization of purchase opportunities.
* **Safe Sales Environment Minimizing Brand Damage Risk:** The age verification-linked restriction function allows for sales expansion to younger users and healthy operation, enabling safe revenue growth while complying with regulations.
* **Synergy Creation through Co-use with Own EC and Existing Channels:** Even if publishers have their own web shops, by using "Game8 Store" as a customer acquisition and payment platform, synergistic effects from mutual supplementation can be expected. Strong referrals from the strategy guide media "Game8.jp" will strengthen outreach to segments not fully covered by existing channels.
* **Zero Additional Development and Operational Costs:** The addition and maintenance of payment methods are entirely handled by Game8 Store, eliminating the need for any additional development or specification changes on the publisher's side. All payment methods will be activated immediately, maintaining the existing integration status.
(Reference) Comparison with Introducing Payment Methods Independently
If publishers were to build and operate a similar payment network themselves, it would require significant investment and ongoing maintenance. Utilizing "Game8 Store" minimizes the burden associated with expanding and operating the payment infrastructure, allowing more resources to be allocated to core game development and proprietary initiatives.
| Comparison Item | Independent In-house Introduction/Construction | Using Game8 Store |
| :------------------------ | :------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------ |
| Development/Modification Effort | Required for each payment integration (ties up engineer resources for months) | Not required (activated by simply applying to use, maintaining existing API integration) |
| Time to Introduction | 3-6 months or more (individual contracts, implementation, testing with each payment provider) | Available after screening by each payment provider only |
| Payment Fees | Requires individual negotiation with each company (can be high for small transaction volumes) | Individual negotiation not required (applies favorable rates negotiated by Game8 Store in bulk) |
| Operation and Maintenance Burden | Increases with the number of payment methods (response to API updates, fault monitoring from each company) | No additional burden (handled and managed collectively by Game8 Store) |
By introducing "Game8 Store," publishers are freed from the complexities of maintaining payment infrastructure. They can supplement their payment network without increasing management overhead, achieving efficient revenue maximization.
Regarding Application of This Update
For publishers currently using Game8 Store, the procedure for this payment method expansion is as follows:
* **For Publishers Already Using the Service:** No special system modifications are required. Simply submit the prescribed application, and your desired new payment methods will be sequentially activated from April 2026 onwards, while maintaining your existing system integration.
* **For Publishers Considering New Introduction:** From the initial setup, you can use all 11 types of newly added payment methods as a package. You can open your shop and start generating revenue in the shortest possible period with reduced development costs. For details, please contact us via the inquiry link below.
[https://partner.store.game8.jp/inquiry](https://partner.store.game8.jp/inquiry)
About Game8 Store
"Game8 Store" is one of Japan's largest D2C platforms for in-game items, supporting game publishers in maximizing their revenue.
* **Revenue Maximization (Direct Sales):** Quickly build your own web shop by simply integrating with existing game titles via API. The direct sales model, which bypasses app store platform fees, significantly improves profit margins.
* **Overwhelming Traffic (Media Integration):** Utilize the massive traffic of "Game8.jp," one of Japan's largest game strategy media outlets boasting hundreds of millions of PVs per month. Reach target audiences directly and strongly support effective sales promotion.
* **Seamless and Secure Purchase Experience:** By offering diverse payment methods and age verification linkage, we provide users with a highly convenient purchasing experience, and publishers with a safe, highly efficient revenue base that complies with regulations.
Company Profile
Founded in 2014 with the philosophy of "Making games more fun, sharing 'fun' through games," we are a leading comprehensive game information site in Japan with a track record of up to 500 million PVs and 42 million UU per month. In addition to the comprehensive game information site, we engage in IP business utilizing influencers, provide comprehensive payment services for entertainment through group companies, and various other businesses to revitalize the game industry through digital means.