# 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 venture funds are looking for in Gen Z startups - and what they are afraid of

One of the notable changes in the venture industry over the past five years has been the emergence of a new generation of founders. Young Gen Z entrepreneurs aren't just young faces on pitches. These are teams with new priorities, communication style, and attitude to business as a social, not just economic structure. They're already in the game - and it's a new reality.

But foundations are scared. How do you interact with someone who doesn't read the business press but instantly launches a TikTok campaign and gathers thousands of leads a night?

In this article, we take a real look at why some startups are exciting for funds and others are alarming. How pitching changes, what investors should retrain. We'll figure out exactly what they bring to the market - and what to do about it.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JCvs5_TJSXM?si=2JFZVGFIxPKxOtVf" 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>

## New optics: how Gen Z perceives business

Generation Z is those born after 1997. Today they are from 20 to 28. They haven't found a life without the internet, don't believe in the career ladder, don't expect stability, and have never seen it. According to the research platform [Morning Consult](https://pro.morningconsult.com/analysis/how-is-gen-z-doing-really), 53% of Gen Z are already freelancing or running their projects. More than a third of those surveyed (36%) say they would rather start their own business than work for hire.

This generation doesn't do "startup for startup". For them, business is a space for practical action. Create a project because nobody solves the problem in their neighborhood.

The [EY Future Consumer Index](https://www.ey.com/en_gl/newsroom/2025/03/ey-future-consumer-index-brands-fall-out-of-favor-as-pressure-mounts-to-win-back-faltering-customer-loyalty) study shows that 63% of Gen Z expect social position and transparency from brands. This is directly reflected in their business: they build companies that not only sell, but also talk with the market, users, and society.

### Real case: Glisten AI

The [Glisten AI](https://glisten-ai.vercel.app/) startup - an AI-based learning tool generation service - was founded by Yale student Lucas Lane in 2023. He was 21 and had already completed two accelerators (Antler and TinySeed). The Glisten team collected 2,000 active users in 4 months, without a marketing budget. Their presentation to investors consisted of Loom videos and screencasts in Notion.

They got $500k pre-seed from Lower Hippeau and Hustle Fund, and by summer 2024 they were out on MRR at $30k. Investors noted: the founders did not try to "sell" through the numbers - they simply showed how they simplified the routine for real teams. It worked.

## How pitching has changed: Now it's a story, not a model

A typical Gen Z pitch isn't 15 PowerPoint slides with linear logic. It's a set of tools, memes, community links, and real-time indicators. Instead of long introductions, API documentation. Instead of postponed forecasts, there is a Discord server with 5,000 subscribers who help set off the product.

They don't focus on turnover because they know how to organically get to early traction. Investors see it. According to Julia Howson, Lightspeed Venture Partners:

"We don't need a perfect business plan - we need a team that has the nerve and a real response from the market. Gen Z has it more often than not."

## What funds see in Gen Z startups

![](img/снимок-экрана-2025-05-20-153836.png)

[Moonhub](https://www.moonhub.ai/), a startup for AI recruiting, was founded in 2022 by Stanford graduate Nishita Shetty. She was 24. In its first year, the team conducted more than 10,000 AI interviews, received feedback from HR departments at Amazon, Netflix, and Stripe, and closed a seed round of $10 million from Khosla Ventures.

Shetty did not build a "loud brand",  but she made each demo session as product-centric as possible. Investors noted: she did not have a "background in business", but there was a lively response from clients. It's more fun than cases from previous jobs.

One of Gen Z's most valuable skills is the ability to quickly change strategy. They don't hold onto the hypothesis unless it works. They don't have long to explain why pivot. They read metrics, do AMA sessions with users, and test new features over the weekend.

But if the fund will require 40-strange presentations and quarterly reporting, the team can just go to another investor. Or even choose a bootstrap and no-code, so as not to be rejected by anyone.

The good funds understand that. They change the format of communication, shorten the cycle of making decisions, go to the pre-seed stage, and build trust not through the boards of directors, but through Telegram chats and quick calls.

## What does it mean for the market?

New teams create products faster. They don't ask for permission - they test. They don't copy Western models, they do theirs. They make business out of the pain they experienced.

And they have something that doesn't measure up to the table: Passion and energy. They believe in what they do. That belief is the fuel that can turn the market around.

Gen Z looks at the market as a flexible system, not a pyramid scheme. They're not about hierarchy - they're about ecosystems. Not about control - about joint creation.

If they don't need a fund tomorrow, they'll go the other way. But if the fund gives not only money, but also the opportunity to develop, it will be a partnership.

What ventures are looking for in Gen Z startups

How is pitching changing in 2025?

# Games you might have missed in April

April 2025 has become a real holiday for video game lovers. This month surprised us with a variety of new products that came out on various platforms. We have collected for you the best games that could pass your attention. In our list you will find atmospheric horror games, creative platformers and exciting strategies. Each of these games offers a unique experience and is capable of attracting both veterans and newcomers to the video game world.

Whether you're looking for something new to occupy your time or want to broaden your gaming horizons, this roundup is just for you. We will look at the key features of each of the games, their plot, gameplay and what distinguishes them from others. Do not miss the opportunity to find out what is happening in the world of video games. Let's get started!

## 1. Stygian: Outer Gods

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Genre: Action, RPG, Horror

Platform: PC

Release Date: April 14, 2025

Stygian: Outer Gods is a game that takes you into a world inspired by the works of Howard Lovecraft. The plot takes place in a gloomy port town full of secret cults and madness. Players take on the role of a character who tries to understand what is happening around and survive among evil creatures.

One of the key features of the game is non-linear location exploration. Players can choose how to act in different situations: save the blacksmith or leave him in trouble, explore the dark corners of the city or avoid them. These decisions influence plot development, creating a unique experience for each player.

Graphics and atmosphere: The game features dark and detailed graphics that create an eerie atmosphere. Sound design also plays an important role, adding tension at moments of clashes with enemies.

## 2. PEPPERED

Genre: Platformer, Puzzle

Platform: PC, Mac

Release Date: April 7, 2025

PEPPERED is an existential platformer that poses complex moral dilemmas for the player. The protagonist must prevent the return of the god of death, but his path is full of difficulties and unexpected turns. The game explores the themes of life and death through irony and social satire.

Gameplay: Players face various pitfalls and must die to advance. This creates a unique mechanic where death becomes part of the gameplay. Each level requires the player to be quick and accurate to activate checkpoints and avoid pitfalls.

Plot: The game is full of references and jokes, which makes it interesting for a more mature audience. There is room for both humor and serious reflection on life.

## 3. Bionic Bay

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TVfT3hBlM9A?si=tvd-UNg5pdMGED_m" 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>

Genre: Platformer, Puzzle

Platform: PC

Release Date: April 17, 2025

Bionic Bay is a creative platformer often compared to Limbo and Inside. In this game, players will have to solve puzzles and avoid dangers in a dark and stylish world. The main character, a scientist, has unique abilities that help to overcome difficulties.

Physics and mechanics: The game actively uses physics, which makes interaction with the environment more realistic. Players can jump, grab objects, change gravity, and control time. Each new mechanic is presented on time and causes a wow effect among players.

Plot: Bionic Bay offers players an interesting and mysterious plot, where the main character faces a secret threat. Players will not only have to solve puzzles, but also unravel what is happening around them.

## 4. Age of Wonders 4: Giant Kings

Genre: Strategy, 4X

Platform: PC

Release Date: April 1, 2025

Age of Wonders 4: Giant Kings allows players to control giants with unique abilities. These creatures can freeze the earth, forge unique weapons, and summon fire swords. The ability to modify biomes and create new artifacts makes the game deeper.

Gameplay: Players can create different clans, each of which has its own characteristics. It adds diversity to the strategy and makes each batch unique. Exploring new regions and interacting with other players also play an important role.

Aesthetics: The visual style of the game attracts attention, and the variety of factions and their unique abilities make the game fun and interesting.

## 5. Crashlands 2

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ib7fzLf59vo?si=xebhX-adA3Z3zgNR" 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>

Genre: RPG, Survival

Platform: PC, iOS, Android

Release Date: April 10, 2025

The sequel to the successful RPG Crashlands continues the tradition of the original, but with improved graphics and mechanics. Players will have to explore new worlds, build bases and interact with colorful characters.

Plot: The main character, intergalactic trucker Flux Dabes, finds herself on an unfamiliar planet and must improve life for the locals. Humor and vivid characters make the game fun, and elements of crafting and exploration add depth.

Gameplay: Players can gather resources, learn recipes and build their bases, making the game look like a farm simulator with RPG elements. This creates interesting gameplay that holds attention.

## 6. Into the Dead: Our Darkest Days

Genre: Action, Horror, Survival

Platform: PC, Mac

Release Date: April 10, 2025

Into the Dead: Our Darkest Days is a zombie survivalist that immerses players in the atmosphere of 80s Texas. Players choose characters and must cope with the survival routine by repairing barricades and gathering resources.

Plot: The game offers an interesting plot that unfolds in a zombie apocalypse. Each character has a different backstory, which adds depth and makes players more attached to them.

Gameplay: The game combines elements of strategy and action. Players need to plan their actions and decide when to take risks and when it is better to retreat.

### Final thoughts

April 2025 was the month when many games were released, each of which offers a unique experience. From atmospheric horror to creative platformers, there's something for everyone on this list. These games are not only fascinating, but also raise important questions, make you think about life and death, about moral dilemmas and the choices that each of us makes. If you haven't tried these new items yet, be sure to give them time. Each of them can give you unforgettable impressions and emotions.

Discover underrated and overlooked video games released in April 2025. From story-driven adventures to creative puzzles and survival simulators—explore hidden gems you may have missed.

Interesting games you could have missed in April

## Introduction

With plans to equip future astronauts on Artemis III, the upcoming mission to the Moon, this innovative camera aims to revolutionize lunar photography and videography. Let's delve into the details of this remarkable collaboration and the features that make this camera a game-changer.

## Partnership for Lunar Camera Development

NASA and Nikon have joined forces through a Space Act agreement to create a custom handheld camera capable of withstanding the challenging lunar environment. Initial testing has been conducted using an off-the-shelf Nikon Z 9 mirrorless camera to gather essential data for developing a modified version specifically designed for lunar exploration.

## Key Features and Modifications

![Image from thenational.shorthandstories](img/key-features-and-modifications.jpeg "Image from thenational.shorthandstories")

Image from thenational.shorthandstories\
\
The handheld universal lunar camera (HULC) will incorporate several crucial modifications to ensure its functionality on the Moon's surface. The camera will utilize Nikkor lenses known for their exceptional optical quality. To safeguard the camera from the elements, a NASA-made thermal blanket will provide protection, while a custom grip will allow astronauts to operate the camera while wearing spacesuits.
Moreover, the camera's internal electrical components will undergo modifications to minimize the impact of radiation, a significant concern in space environments. These enhancements will result in increased durability and reliability, allowing astronauts to capture high-quality images and videos during their lunar missions.

## Enhanced Capabilities for Lunar Photography

Compared to the cameras used during the Apollo program, the new Nikon mirrorless camera offers a significant advancement in capabilities. The inclusion of a viewfinder ensures precise framing and composition, while the ability to capture both still photos and videos adds versatility to the astronaut's documentation efforts.
The handheld universal lunar camera aims to provide astronauts with greater flexibility and ease of use, eliminating the need for separate units for video and photography. This streamlined approach will enhance efficiency and enable astronauts to focus more on their scientific objectives.

## Testing and Future Endeavors

![Image from Evening Standard](img/testing-and-future-endeavors.avif "Image from Evening Standard")

Image from Evening Standard\
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To ensure its suitability for lunar exploration, the camera is undergoing rigorous testing. Thermal, radiation, and vacuum tests are being conducted to simulate the harsh conditions of space. Additionally, suited astronauts have performed simulated spacewalks and geology training while using the camera in Arizona and Spain, respectively.
Artemis III, scheduled for September 2026, will mark the first time in over 50 years that Americans will set foot on the Moon. The handheld universal lunar camera will play a vital role in capturing the historic moments and documenting the scientific discoveries made during the mission.
Furthermore, NASA plans to demonstrate the camera's capabilities on the International Space Station before its deployment to the Moon. This pre-mission demonstration will provide valuable insights and further validate the camera's performance in space-like conditions.

## Conclusion

The collaboration between Nikon and NASA to develop the first mirrorless camera for lunar exploration is an exciting milestone in space photography and videography. The handheld universal lunar camera will empower astronauts with enhanced capabilities, durability, and ease of use. With its advanced features and modifications, this camera promises to revolutionize the way we document lunar missions and capture breathtaking images and videos from the Moon's surface.

Discover the groundbreaking collaboration between Nikon and NASA to develop the first mirrorless camera for lunar exploration. Explore the key features and modifications that make this camera a game-changer, and learn how it will revolutionize lunar photography and videography.

Nikon Collaborates with NASA to Develop the First Mirrorless Camera for Lunar Exploration

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