Amazon allows microtransactions in PC and Mac games

By Mariella Moon Published January 23, 2013

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Starting today, you’ll be able to buy in-app add-ons and virtual currencies if you play games downloaded from the Amazon Digital Games Store. The feature, previously only available for Android and Kindle Fire apps from the Amazon Appstore, is now also available for Mac and PC applications.

Amazon announced the new service Wednesday, citing the company’s desire to make monetization easier as the reason to expand to platforms other than Android. “Game developers build games that are used across multiple platforms and mediums. In-App Purchasing for Mac, PC and Web-based games is our latest service that helps game developers grow their business and increase their customer-base,” said Amazon Games Director, Mike Frazzini.

So what does this new development mean for you? It’s easier for you to spend cash on in-app purchases and virtual merchandise or currency for Mac and PC. You can use your credit card, an Amazon gift card you might have received during the holidays, or Amazon promotional credits you might have amassed from past purchases. The Amazon Digital Games Store has roughly 3,000 games ready for download.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Mariella loves working on both helpful and awe-inspiring science and technology stories. When she's not at her desk writing…

Computing

Acer is finally back in the gaming monitor fight

The Acer Predator X27 F3 sitting on a table.

Acer just announced three new OLED gaming monitors at Computex 2024, which isn't too surprising. Event after event, we see a range of new Predator monitors packing a recent panel, but for a price that just isn't competitive with the rest of the market. Pricing isn't changing, but one of Acer's new monitors might get it back to the legendary status is once held.

Let's back up. Several years back, Acer was at the top of the gaming monitor stack. Its Predator X34 was one of the best gaming monitors you could buy, packing the coveted 21:9 aspect ratio and a high refresh rate. It occupied a similar space in the market that the Alienware 34 QD-OLED does now. It was early on the scene, and it rode that wave for several years.

Computing

Acer has 3 new OLED gaming monitors, including one with a 480Hz refresh rate

The Acer Predator X34 X5 monitor over a light blue background.

Acer just opened up its metaphorical bag of goodies at Computex 2024, and a whole lot of monitors fell right out. There's a lot to sink your teeth into, but we've got our eyes on the OLED models -- one of them more than the others.

The Predator X27 F3 combines a WQHD OLED display with a 480Hz refresh rate, coming close to the best of both worlds for gamers. You won't have to choose between crisp visuals and high refresh rates here. However, its price is high enough to make your eyes water just as much as the lightning-fast gameplay might.