# Gaming as new start-up platforms: How Roblox, Fortnite, and UEFN's in-game economy works

Today, gaming platforms are no longer just entertainment. These are full-fledged ecosystems where products are created, business models are built, and new entrepreneurs appear.

Startups that launch inside these worlds no longer look like toys. These are businesses with a team, investments, an understandable audience, and even marketing strategies. Generation Z and Alpha don't just spend time in virtual worlds - they live there. And they pay. This means the business has a new market that cannot be ignored.

In this article, we will analyze how the in-game economy works and what makes it attractive to startups, developers, and investors. Let's see how monetization works at Roblox, why Epic Games is developing UEFN, and how Fortnite is becoming a platform for brands and creators. We will answer the main question: is it possible to build a sustainable business in the game, and if so, how?

## Why have gaming ecosystems become interesting to entrepreneurs and investors?

Traditionally, entrepreneurs have been looking for customers offline or on classic digital platforms - sites, marketplaces, and social networks. But in the past few years, the trajectory has changed: increasingly, the entry point is the playing environment. Not because it is fashionable, but because it is effective.

Gaming ecosystems have one obvious advantage: they gather a gigantic audience. Roblox has over 70 million daily active users. Fortnite - about 250 million players per month. These users are not just playing. They're involved, they're spending, they're creating the content themselves. It's the audience that keeps the laptop on after purchase - it comes back again and again.

Investors are watching, too. Roblox entered the IPO with an estimated $41 billion, even though many of its creators are teenagers. For foundations and business angels, this is a signal: if there is a market and it is growing, it is worth going there. Especially when the entry threshold is lower than that of classic startups.

Games offer a unique business environment: fast start-up, real-time user feedback, flexible monetization tools, and ready-made infrastructure. Everything a funder needs to test an idea at no extra cost.

### Roblox: how teenagers create businesses on their platform

In Roblox, entrepreneurs often do not look the way it is customary to represent funders. These are not graduates of business schools and not former CEOs of corporations. These are schoolchildren and students who have learned to create worlds inside Roblox Studio and turned their games into a sustainable source of income.

Roblox is not just a game - it is a constructor of ecosystems. On its basis, you can create your product, build monetization, establish analytics, and scale. Successful developers get millions of views, make money on in-game purchases, and get a cut from a Roblox Premium subscription.

According to the reports of the company itself, in 2023, more than 2,000 creators on the platform earned over $30 thousand per year. Some are hundreds of thousands. They launch studios, hire teams, communicate with investors, and develop their projects as a full-fledged business. All this is inside the game, which was originally considered by many to be "just a game".

Why does it work? Roblox relied on user-generated content. This means that every user is a potential developer. And if the game goes to the audience, it takes off organically. No investment in marketing, no complex CRM, no long customer acquisition cycle.

In addition, Roblox supports developers through foundations, guides, events, and access to analytics. This is no longer a platform - it is a full-fledged business environment. Only focused on the new generation: those who grew up with a tablet in their hands and learn to build businesses from the age of 12.

### Fortnite and UEFN: When AAA tools fall into the hands of founders

If Roblox is a constructor with simple visual code and cartoonish aesthetics, then Fortnite and UEFN (Unreal Editor for Fortnite) are already about adult graphics, advanced tools, and those who are ready to treat in-game creation as a full-fledged development on Unreal Engine.

What is UEFN? This is an editor with which you can create your games right inside Fortnite. At the same time, developers use the same engine as in large AAA projects. The difference is the speed of entry and access to the huge Fortnite audience.

Epic Games has created a unique environment: a platform where you get both tools and market at the same time. UEFN allows you to publish your games (or "experiences") directly to Fortnite, and if they become popular, you make money. And not only on donations. Epic shares revenue with authors based on user engagement.

Why is this important? Developers who used to look for an investor for the first prototype can now assemble a team, make an MVP, launch a game, and test hypotheses right inside Fortnite. This makes it cheaper and faster to launch. At the same time, the creators receive feedback from the audience, analytics, and the opportunity to profit without external funding.

For entrepreneurs, this is a game-changer. Now, a studio with 2-3 people can compete for attention with large players. And if experience shows, not only does the audience come in, but also the interest of investors.

UEFN is a bridge between game production and the startup approach. Where quick launch, hypothesis testing, scaling - all this is possible in a familiar environment where users are already ready to spend money.

## Why should startups pay attention to gaming platforms?

Gaming platforms are no longer just a place for entertainment. Today, these are full-fledged digital ecosystems with millions of active users who are ready not only to play, but also to interact, create content, buy, and sell within the platform.

Audience scale. For example, Roblox, Fortnite, and other platforms collect several tens of millions of active users per month. This is a huge market where you can immediately test your ideas on a live audience without high marketing costs.

Economics within games. Inside these platforms are full-fledged economies with virtual goods, services, and currencies. Startups can offer solutions related to the sale of digital goods, subscriptions, advertising, and even financial services.

Low entry. Creating projects within game ecosystems has become easier with convenient tools and SDKs. This allows you to quickly launch a prototype and test the concept at no cost.

Monetization opportunities. In-game purchases, subscriptions, advertising, sponsorship - all this already works and brings real money. For startups, this is a chance to start making money from the very beginning.

Investor interest. Venture funds are already paying attention to gaming projects and metaverse. Startups that know how to work in these environments are given additional opportunities to attract funding.

Thus, gaming platforms today are a new space for business, where creativity and technical skills are transformed into real products and revenues.

### Examples of businesses and economics within Roblox, Fortnite and UEFN

For many entrepreneurs, this has become a launching pad for business. The creators receive income from the Roblox in-game currency, which players buy for real money. Developers earn a percentage of each transaction, and the most successful projects bring in hundreds of thousands and even millions of dollars.

Fortnite was originally just a battle royal, but now it is a platform with its own item store, events and opportunities for creators. Epic Games allows third-party developers to create content through Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN), which opens up new horizons for startups. You can create your own game modes, branding collaborations and even virtual concerts, attracting millions of users.

In such ecosystems, the economic model includes the sale of skins, items, combat season passes, and monetization through advertising and partnerships. For entrepreneurs, this is not only an opportunity to create entertainment, but also to build a full-fledged business with sustainable income.

The main thing is to understand that this is not just the development of games, but the construction of an entire ecosystem with an active audience and its own market rules. It is important for startups to study the features of platforms, use the tools provided, and create products that will be in demand in specific gaming communities.

### Tips for startups starting out in gaming ecosystems

The first steps in the world of gaming platforms require understanding and adaptation to the specifics of the market. First of all, it is important to study the audience of a particular platform - who these players are, what formats and topics they are interested in, how they interact with content. The gaming ecosystem is not just code and graphics, it is a living community with its own rules.

Startups should start small: create prototypes, test ideas on a narrow audience, quickly respond to feedback. Flexibility and speed are key success factors. Don't be afraid to experiment with monetization formats and models.

The technical part also requires attention. Platforms such as Roblox and UEFN provide tools for product development and integration, but mastering these tools takes time. It is important to have a team of specialists who understand how games are built within these systems and how to better integrate the business model.

Finally, partnerships and collaborations are worth paying attention to. Joint projects with already known developers or brands help to quickly gain trust and expand the audience. Gaming ecosystems actively support such initiatives, which creates additional opportunities for growth.

As a result, success depends on the ability to combine player understanding, technological knowledge and entrepreneurial approach. Gaming platforms today are a new territory for business, where startups can not only survive, but build scalable companies.

## Successful startup cases inside gaming ecosystems

One notable example is Adopt Me! - a game inside Roblox that has grown into a business with millions of users. The creators initially focused on simple, intuitive mechanics and constant content updates. Through community engagement and regular events, the game has become a platform for monetization through virtual goods and premium access.

Another example is FNCS (Fortnite Competitive Series), where entrepreneurs and organizations build businesses around esports, tournaments, and content making. The Fortnite platform provided opportunities for large-scale competitions with a large prize pool, which attracted the attention of sponsors and advertisers.

Also worth noting are projects using UEFN (Unreal Editor for Fortnite). Startups create unique game worlds and social spaces that offer users new formats of interaction and entertainment. Such projects become a kind of metaverse, where you can simultaneously play, communicate and make purchases.

These examples show that gaming ecosystems are not just entertainment, but full-fledged business platforms with a variety of opportunities for earning and development.

## Final thoughts

Gaming platforms today open up new horizons for entrepreneurs. They combine technology, community, and economy in a single space where you can create unique products and build a business from scratch. For startups ready to adapt and learn, these ecosystems provide ample opportunities.

The main thing is to understand the specifics of each platform, work with the audience, and use the tools they offer. Then, business within games will cease to be a niche direction and will become a full-fledged part of the modern economy.

Gaming ecosystems are the next step in the development of digital entrepreneurship, and today, it is here that the trends of tomorrow are formed.

What's behind the popular gaming platforms?

Games as next-gen platforms for startups: economy inside Roblox, Fortnite, UEFN

# What games are coming out in June 2025?

Summer is traditionally a calm season for the industry, but June 2025 breaks this rule. The release calendar turned out to be surprisingly eventful: here are ambitious sequels, unexpected indies, and controversial returns of old series. We studied all the announcements and chose the main thing: what is really worth spending time and money on.

## The main high-profile premieres

### Dragon Age: The Veilguard (June 20th, PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S)

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The eight-year pause between releases and the departure of key developers raised a lot of questions: Can BioWare return to the top? The Veilguard is a new chapter not only in the series, but also in the history of the studio. The emphasis has shifted from party micromanagement towards dynamic combat, and the plot is built around relationships in the team. In some places, the game resembles Mass Effect 2: allies are not just NPCs, but full-fledged heroes with their own stories. Finding a balance between the old and the new here is everything: if fans accept the updated formula, Dragon Age can again become a cult RPG series.

### Slitterhead (June 6th, PC, PS5, Xbox Series X'S)

This is not just a game "from the creator of Silent Hill". Keiichiro Toyama in Slitterhead goes from psychological horror to something more corporeal and hyper-realistic. The fights resemble action from the early 2000s, with transformations, jumps, and not always logical dialogues. The city in which the events unfold is inspired by Hong Kong and Tokyo, but at the same time, it feels like a separate character. The atmosphere is on the verge between anxiety and grotesque. This is not a game for everyone, but these are the releases that later become cult.

### Still Wakes the Deep (June 18th, PC, PS5, Xbox Series X'S)

The Chinese Room again does what they do best - a game in which fear grows not from an external threat, but from the inside. The hero is not armed. He's not saving the world. It's just trying to survive in the confined space of an oil platform where something has gone wrong. Plot elements are transmitted through the environment: the hum of pipes, the flicker of light, scraps of recordings. This is an interactive film, where the main thing is not actions, but sensations. And yes, players are still not used to this format.

## Sequels and remakes that may surprise

### Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance (June 14th, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox, Switch)

Atmospheric turn-based battles, richly prescribed mythology, and social philosophy - all this was in SMT V. But Vengeance goes further: the storyline "Vengeance" adds new characters, revises moral choices, and offers a different ending. Atlus also improved the visuals and added more save points for those who find the series too hardcore. Now it is not just a JRPG for fans, but one of the main tactical releases of the year.

### Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble (June 25th, Switch)

Someone will say: "These are just balls in the labyrinths". But for arcade fans, this return is like a long-awaited meeting with old friends. Banana Rumble adds 16-person multiplayer, new levels, and a track editor. The complexity has grown, and the mechanics have become a little more manageable. Unlike previous parts, there is an emphasis on competitiveness. A niche but robust release for Switch fans.

### Luigi's Mansion 2 HD (June 27th, Switch)

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Re-release of the game, which many missed due to being tied to the 3DS. The HD version has improved textures, an updated interface, and a local cooperative. It's a slow but thoughtful adventure with an emphasis on exploration. Luigi here is not just Mario's brother, but a hero with his fears and insecurities. The game balances between comedy and light horror, while remaining family.

## New and niche

### Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom (June 14th, PC)

A game without dialogue, but with a story that you read from the details. Aarik is a puzzle about restoring order: by moving objects, the player returns harmony to the ruined kingdom. The levels are built on the principle of a visual story, where each scene is like a comic book page. Meditative pace, minimalism, good music - a rare combination that is suitable not only for gamers, but also for those who usually do not favor games.

### Times & Galaxy (June 21st, PC, PS5, Xbox Series X'S)

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W2hPVACLb6A?si=zxTreNmwvCXfP7_p" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

You are given the task of finding news in a futuristic city, talking to eyewitnesses, collecting facts and writing material. Yes, you are a robot journalist. At Times & Galaxy, it's not just the choices that matter, but how you frame the headlines. This is a profession simulator with an unexpected pitch angle. Catastrophic reports, interviews with aliens, analysis of political scandals - everything here is presented in an ironic, but not superficial form. A great option for those who are tired of heroic quests and want to feel like an intern at Reuters of the future.

## June without AAA games

The main feature of June 2025 is the lack of obvious dominance of large publishers. There are no releases from Rockstar, Ubisoft or EA. But we see dozens of projects from independent studios, niche Japanese publishers, and even small Kickstarter teams. This creates a sense of variety: everyone will find the game to their liking. It doesn't matter if you like turn-based RPGs, slow adventure games or hyperactive battle pianos - there is a choice.

## Final thoughts

June 2025 is a month that illustrates well the shift in the industry. Gone are the times when summer meant a lull. Today, players are waiting for releases all year round, and developers are adjusting to demand. Fewer big names - more freedom. This month shows what an industry without mainstream pressure can look like. And perhaps that's even for the best.

June 2025 is packed with game releases you won’t want to miss — from nostalgic sequels to fresh new titles across all platforms. Here’s what’s worth your time.

June 2025: game releases

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# That moment when a "Coming soon" GIF excites more than the game itself

We all love AAA games. They are beautiful, loud, and expensive. Such projects create stars, elevate storytelling to an art form, and energize trailers at presentations like new Marvel movies.

But there’s a catch. Each year, we expect AAA games more than they deserve. And when they finally release, excitement often turns to disappointment. It becomes increasingly difficult to reconcile budgets, graphics, gameplay, expectations, and reality.

## Inflated expectations: Media, hype, and FOMO

AAA games are no longer just games. They are events. Social media buzzes with trailers, and YouTubers analyze announcements even when the video shows just a logo. Show a beautiful cosmic night and ray-traced rocks. That's it, we expect a potential Game Oscar.

### Problems with hype

With each new announcement, a wave of anticipation is created that often bears little resemblance to reality. When trailers showcase an idealized version of a game, players begin to form unrealistic expectations that are hard to meet. Often, after release, many promised features are missing, leading to disappointment and anger within the community.

## The realities of production: Budgets, labor, and burned-out teams

AAA games cost as much as Hollywood blockbusters. They require hundreds of employees, years of development, and still don’t guarantee profit.

Add to this crunch time, burnout, and teams that abandon ship after release, and you get a production where everyone does everything, but no one guarantees success.

![Image by Pexels](img/imgonline-com-ua-dexifbvftjhzyl6lq.jpg "Image by Pexels")

Image by Pexels



### Workforce issues

The situation regarding labor in the gaming industry is becoming increasingly concerning. Working hours are increasing while compensation remains stagnant. Developers often face burnout, which not only affects their productivity but also the quality of the final product. Teams that should be creative and inspired end up exhausted and demoralized.

### Lack of innovation

Instead of experimenting and implementing new ideas, studios often prefer to follow tried-and-true formulas. This leads to games that feel like repeats of familiar concepts. Players begin to lose interest in games that don’t offer anything new or exciting. The market becomes saturated with sameness, leading to dissatisfaction.

## Consequences for the industry: Player exodus and erosion of trust

With each failed release, trust in AAA games diminishes. Players become more skeptical, and expectations begin to fall. This creates a vicious cycle: less trust leads to fewer sales, and studios inflate their marketing budgets to win back customers.

### Impact on indie games

Alongside the crisis in AAA games, there is a growing interest in indie projects. Games from smaller studios often offer original ideas and unique gameplay without massive budgets. They provide an alternative for players tired of disappointments from major releases. These games often focus on creativity and innovation, allowing them to stand out against standard AAA products.

### Return to basics

Some developers are beginning to rethink their approach to game creation, focusing on simpler but deeper mechanics. This allows for the creation of an engaging gaming experience without the need for huge budgets and teams.

![Image by Pexels](img/12-aaa-to-watch-out.png "Image by Pexels")

Image by Pexels

## How to exit the crisis?

### Rethinking the development approach

The industry must reconsider its approaches to game development. This includes revising timelines, reducing the number of delays, and adequately planning resources. It’s essential to create a more sustainable work environment where developers can work without overload while maintaining their creativity.

### Focus on quality, not quantity

Companies should concentrate on producing quality products rather than simply increasing their output. This may mean fewer releases but with greater depth and attention to detail. Players will appreciate this and will be willing to wait if the results live up to expectations.

### Openness and transparency

Studios should be more transparent about the development process and the real capabilities of their games. Transparency in communication with players can help rebuild trust and lower expectations. Players are more likely to support projects if they understand how challenging their creation is.

![Image by Pexels](img/imgonline-com-ua-dexif3hpeeixfoeal.jpg "Image by Pexels")

Image by Pexels

## The future of AAA games

AAA games are on the brink of crisis, but this also presents an opportunity for change. If the industry can adapt, it can not only regain player trust but also occupy new niches in the market. Reevaluating expectations, improving working conditions for developers, and focusing on quality could be key factors in restoring the popularity and success of AAA games. Players are not just waiting for another game—they want to experience something unique that touches their hearts and minds.

Ultimately, the future of AAA games depends on the industry's willingness to learn from its mistakes and strive for higher standards, both in production and in community engagement. Only in this way can we create games that not only meet expectations but become true masterpieces.

Explore the crisis facing AAA games as the gaming industry grapples with inflated expectations and production challenges. Discover how rising costs, burnout, and a lack of innovation are eroding player trust, while indie games offer fresh alternatives. Learn how the industry can adapt to regain confidence and deliver unique, quality experiences.

AAA games on the brink of crisis: How the gaming industry is destroying itself with overblown expectations

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