Traditionally, Facebook game developers have exclusively made money through in-app purchases on games that can be played for free. But soon, those same developers will be able to charge for their games.
As part of the company's
announcement that it will feature its apps in a newly designed storefront-like destination called the App Center, the company quietly revealed that it will also be rolling out the option for flat-rate payments.
The company says the move was made to encourage a higher variety of apps on its platform, potentially allowing game developers to publish titles that do not necessarily have an in-app purchase scheme attached to them.
Facebook downplayed the announcement today, insisting that this is not a major business push for the company.
"We don't think it's going to be a major revenue driver for us, a representative tells us. "We just want to throw it out there if developers are interested in it."
Combined with the App Store-like App Center, the move could raise interesting concerns as the line blurs between the way users interact with both companies' marketplaces on their iOS devices.
Those interested in signing up for the Paid Apps beta program may do so
here.
