Discord users can now buy in-game items without leaving the platform | TechCrunch

As Discord prepares for a potential IPO, the platform is launching new commerce features to enhance the gaming experience for users while also generating new revenue streams for developers.

Announced on Tuesday, the features allow users to purchase digital game items directly within Discord, eliminating the need to leave the platform. Users can also create wishlists for game items and send in-game items as gifts through direct messages.

If Discord becomes a public company, it will face financial scrutiny, so these additions also present a new monetization opportunity for both Discord and game developers. By enabling developers to sell digital goods directly on Discord, the platform helps them reach a wider audience beyond their own communities, potentially boosting revenue.

The initial rollout of these features is in partnership with the popular video game Marvel Rivals, which now has a dedicated store page within the game’s official Discord server.

Marvel Rivals is a smart choice for this launch, as it garnered 10 million players within 72 hours of its release last year, generated over $100 million in its first month, and has built a community of more than 4 million members on Discord.

Players can now browse and purchase in-game items directly from the Marvel Rivals server, which includes items such as bundles, costumes, emotes, and emojis.

Additionally, users can create wishlists that friends can view and purchase as gifts. With the holiday season approaching, this feature is particularly timely, as it simplifies gift-giving for those looking to buy for gamer friends or family members. Plus, the ability to gift in-game items through DMs allows users to send gifts to friends even if they don’t play Marvel Rivals themselves.

The shop currently accepts U.S. currency and is available only on the desktop app for players in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Ireland, and Oceania. The company is considering adding support for additional regions in the future.