5 ways iOS games are linking U.S. players to webshops after the Epic ruling

Andrew Dubatowka - Marketing @ Neon
Andrew Dubatowka
Marketing @ Neon
·3 min read
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5 ways iOS games are linking U.S. players to webshops after the Epic ruling

On April 30, 2025 the Epic v. Apple contempt ruling lifted Apple’s 27% fee and let developers place direct links to external webshopsand checkouts for iOS players in the U.S. Apple’s stay request was denied on June 4th, so the door is wide-open today, and leading mobile studios have already moved fast to steer players to higher-margin webshops.

Below are live, in-game examples every studio can study and borrow from, followed by quick guidance on deciding who should see these prompts and when. In all of the following examples, developers do a great job of using pre-authenticated links, so the player is already logged in to the webshop when they land there.

1. Persistent button in game shop

Pokémon GO

Niantic uses a persistent banner that sticks to the side of the screen as you scroll through their in-game shop. They also use a banner touting "exclusive offers and bonus rewards” at the top of the shop.

Image for 5 ways iOS games are linking U.S. players to webshops after the Epic ruling

2. Full-screen takeover modal

Clash Royale

Supercell greets players on launch with a bold modal that features “Get Your Special Offer on the Supercell Store.” Similar to Pokémon GO, they also have a banner in their in-game store promoting their webshop.

Image for 5 ways iOS games are linking U.S. players to webshops after the Epic ruling

Farm Ville 3

Zynga uses a pop-up takeover featuring “A Royal 10% Bonus on Every Purchase” on their Royal Circle webshop.

Image for 5 ways iOS games are linking U.S. players to webshops after the Epic ruling

3. Item in offers menu

Disney Heroes: Battle Mode (Neon client)

PerBlue added a dedicated webshop deal in their offers & events menu, featuring their “Web Shop Weekly Gift,” and "exclusive offers and exciting bonuses.”

Image for 5 ways iOS games are linking U.S. players to webshops after the Epic ruling

4. Hero banner/tile in the store

Clash of Clans

A prominent, featured tile says “Get more from the Supercell Store” with further messaging about bonus items and gems, best value offers, and gold pass stamp card.

Image for 5 ways iOS games are linking U.S. players to webshops after the Epic ruling

5. Inbox messages

Dorian: Interactive Dramas Hub (Neon client)

Dorian sends targeted inbox messages that link to their webshop with messaging about their daily free gift.

Image for 5 ways iOS games are linking U.S. players to webshops after the Epic ruling

Think through the player journey before you launch

  • Audience – Many studios limit the prompt to players who have bought at least one IAP, while others show it to everyone to seed future interest.

  • Timing – Trigger on high-intent moments such as low currency, store visits, or first session of the day.

  • Measurement – Track click-through, checkout starts, and web purchase rate against a control group.

  • Clarity & value – Keep messaging simple (“More gems for less”) and explain web-only benefits to incentivize players.

Personalizing by spend history or session context adds a bit of engineering work, but reduces noise for non-payers, while maximizing conversion from your best customers.

Game teams are still experimenting, and best practices will evolve quickly. Use the examples above as inspiration, test ruthlessly, and share what works.