F2P vs. Premium | A Start Developer Panel on VR Monetization
Choosing between Free-to-Play and Premium is one of the biggest decisions a VR developer can make.
In this session, we learn the unfiltered monetization strategies from the creators of hit games Moto X, Sail VR, Swordsman, UG, and Clay Hunt VR. Hosted by Scaled Partner Manager Rita Brennan Turkowski, this panel is a masterclass in navigating the path from initial idea to a thriving, monetized app on the Meta Horizon Store.
💡 In this session you’ll learn:
- When to choose a Free-to-Play (F2P) vs. a Premium pricing model.
- How to pivot your monetization strategy, even after launch.
- Proven techniques for building and leveraging a passionate community on Discord and beyond.
- Expert advice on Early Access, live ops, and creating viral social mechanics.
🎙️ HOST
Rita Brennan Turkowski, Scaled Partner Manager
🗣️ PANELISTS
Kyle Joyce (Enver Studio) - Moto X, Steal a Monkey
Spencer Cook (Continuum) - UG
Garett Cook (Red Team Interactive) - Sail VR
Almir Brljak (Sinn Studio) - Swordsman, Battlegrounds
Aleksi Rantonen (Shotgun Gaming Oy) - Clay Hunt VR
▶️ VIDEO CHAPTERS
đź‘‹ Introduction & Panelist Expertise
đź•’ 00:00 - Welcome & Panel Introduction
đź•’ 00:27 - Audience Poll: Free-to-Play vs. Premium
đź•’ 01:03 - Meet the Developers: Panelist Expertise & Games
🤔 Monetization & Concept Validation
đź•’ 03:37 - Icebreaker: How Game Genre Drives Your Monetization Choice
đź•’ 05:41 - Concept Evolution: Knowing When to Pivot or Quit
đź•’ 08:06 - Lessons from Launch: What We Learned from Our First Games
đź•’ 11:06 - Early Access Strategy: How Early is TOO Early?
đź“Ł Community & Marketing
đź•’ 15:35 - How to Gather Early Signals from TikTok, Discord & Social Media
đź•’ 17:19 - Techniques for Building Community & Acting on Feedback
đź•’ 22:22 - The Power of Social Mechanics & Creating Viral Moments
đź•’ 25:05 - Creating Your Own Content vs. Working with Influencers
âś… Final Advice
đź•’ 26:48 - "What I Wish I Knew Then": Key Advice for New Developers
đź•’ 27:40 - Closing Thoughts: Define Your Audience & Monetization Plan
đź“š RESOURCES
➡️ Premium Monetization Models: https://developers.meta.com/horizon/resources/monetization-premium-models/
➡️ Free-to-Play Monetization Models: https://developers.meta.com/horizon/resources/monetization-free-to-play-models/
➡️ New Monetization Tools for All Developers: https://developers.meta.com/horizon/blog/monetization-tools-meta-horizon-store-developers-quest/
➡️ Developers Blog: https://developers.meta.com/resources/blog/
➡️ Meta Quest Developer Hub: https://developers.meta.com/horizon/documentation/unity/ts-mqdh/
đź”— CONNECT WITH US
➡️ Meta for Developers: https://developers.meta.com/
➡️ Sign up to get the latest news from Meta Horizon: https://developers.meta.com/horizon/newsletter
đź’ˇ LEARN ABOUT THE META HORIZON START PROGRAM
The Meta Horizon Start program provides intermediate and advanced developers with the resources, hands-on support, and expert guidance needed to accelerate their app development. Join a thriving community to get the tools and go-to-market guidance you need to successfully deploy and grow your app on Meta Horizon OS.
Apply to Start today: https://developers.meta.com/horizon/discover/programs/start
