EU rules force Meta’s WhatsApp changes and open direct‑to‑consumer paths for game studios

The European Union’s Digital Markets Act has designated Meta Platforms as a gatekeeper, obliging the company to make WhatsApp interoperable with rival messaging services. Meta is building a technical architecture that would let third‑party apps exchange encrypted messages while contesting the scope of the requirement in court. Failure to comply could trigger substantial fines based on a share of the firm’s revenue.

At the same time, the same regulatory shift is enabling mobile‑game developers to sell directly to players outside traditional app stores. Companies such as Xsolla are offering turnkey web‑shop solutions that combine storefronts, payments, live‑ops tools and data‑driven loyalty features, allowing studios to retain a larger share of transaction value and build ongoing player relationships.