Playable streams platform Azarus has enhanced its digital gaming store by adding the ability to purchase titles using crypto. The web3 platform has integrated Coinbase Commerce, allowing users to access the latest games on demand.
Azarus is best known for its web3 layer for streams that unlock new fan engagement opportunities. But part of its business model also centers around a store where hundreds of games can be purchased. These include popular titles for Steam, Xbox Live, Rockstar Games, and PSN. Now, these titles can be acquired using digital currency.
From Card to Crypto
Until now, gift cards were widely used to purchase games from the Azarus store, using vouchers issued by Google Pay, Amazon, and Steam. While this formula has proven effective in bootstrapping Azarus up until now, the requirement to purchase and then redeem a card adds an extra hurdle.
Crypto, in comparison, is already held by the majority of Azarus users in a web wallet and is a more convenient option than a gift card. The Azarus store’s payment options update was recently announced in a short video by its team, complete with a walk-through of the checkout process.
Azarus is on a mission to enhance video gaming by complementing streaming with web3-based overlays and the introduction of crypto payments aligns with this goal. The Azarus store allows players to search for games based on platform, category, region, and price. They can also select games that are on special offer. Popular titles include Helldivers 2, Starfield, and Last Epoch.
Making a Move in the Metaverse
Azarus is set on conquering greater territory than merely the video gaming market. As a web3 project, it’s also applying its technology to the metaverse, the digital realm where virtual worlds and environments unfold. So far, streaming has yet to infiltrate the metaverse seriously but since being acquired by Animoca Brands, Azarus has positioned itself as the likeliest streaming-adjacent service to succeed here.
Animoca, which now has a majority stake in Azarus, is regarded as a metaverse leader, having invested heavily in the sector. By integrating Azarus’ in-stream wallet into metaverse worlds, Animoca subsidiaries will be able to drive greater engagement between content creators and fans and deliver richer experiences.
One of the many areas in which Azarus believes its technology is ideally suited concerns esports, which can be hosted in metaverse virtual stadiums. The integration of Azarus’ stream overlay will provide greater opportunities for viewers to participate in these live contests and earn rewards for participation with fellow community members.
Streaming With Stream
Azarus has been busy sealing a number of partnerships recently to cement its status as a leader in web3 streaming. The latest agreement was enacted with Stream, another Animoca Brands-backed company that operates a complementary streaming business. Stream will use Azarus’ technology to develop new use cases that extend beyond playable ads and leverage this to connect numerous streaming networks.
Azarus currently has a foothold on Twitch, where its patented playable ads technology has seen viewers and creators collect more than $2M in rewards. Its stream overlay is now a regular fixture on Twitch, where it’s been used to enhance esports competitions such as the Capcom Pro Tour. With crypto payments now integrated into the Azarus store, the platform is able to offer viewers a complete web3 experience from streaming to playing the latest video games.