Oncade Secures $4M to Disrupt Game Distribution With Direct Model
▼ Summary
– Oncade raised $4 million to build a community-driven platform that helps game studios increase revenue by strengthening player engagement and bypassing traditional 30% platform fees.
– The platform offers a direct-to-consumer game store model, enabling studios to reclaim control over margins and leverage communities as sales channels for pre-sales and wishlist growth.
– Oncade provides tools like real-time payments, branded storefronts, and LiveOps engagement features, while allowing players to earn as affiliates or creators of in-game items.
– The company is backed by a16z CSX and targets PC/mobile platforms, aiming to democratize player economies previously accessible only to large studios like those behind CS:GO and Fortnite.
– Founded by industry veterans with AAA game experience, Oncade positions itself as “Shopify for games,” offering a 2.5% fee structure and instant payouts to foster a participatory ecosystem.
The gaming industry is undergoing a transformation as startups challenge traditional distribution models. Oncade, a community-driven platform, recently secured $4 million in funding to empower game studios with direct-to-player sales, bypassing the steep fees imposed by conventional app stores.
Unlike traditional platforms that take 30% of revenue, Oncade offers an off-platform store solution where developers retain more earnings while leveraging their communities as sales channels. The platform targets PC and mobile games, providing tools to boost pre-sales, wishlist growth, and player engagement without relying on costly ads or restrictive algorithms.
“The current system fails to reward the people who truly drive value—studios, players, and creators,” says Stavros Lee, Oncade’s founder. The funding round, led by a16z CSX, includes backing from industry veterans who recognize the need for change.
Why Oncade Stands Out
The gaming market faces major inefficiencies—rising customer acquisition costs, platform gatekeeping, and unsustainable content demands. Oncade tackles these issues by:
- Eliminating 30% platform fees with modern payment rails and stablecoins for instant payouts.
- Enabling branded storefronts where studios sell directly to players.
- Turning communities into sales engines through affiliate programs and creator economies.
- Providing LiveOps tools to keep players engaged with real-time events and rewards.
Players also benefit by earning as affiliates, selling in-game items, and receiving instant payouts—features previously limited to major studios.
The Timing Is Right
Two key trends make Oncade’s model inevitable:
- The rise of stablecoins enables instant, borderless payments, removing financial barriers.
- Proven player economies in games like Fortnite and Roblox show that engaged communities drive long-term success.
Founders with Industry Clout
Oncade’s team brings 35+ years of combined experience from EA, Activision, and Meta, with expertise in live-service games and payments. Greg Reisdorf, co-founder, previously led multiplayer for Call of Duty, overseeing $10B+ in revenue.
“We’re not just building a platform—we’re building a movement,” the founders state. By democratizing tools once reserved for gaming giants, Oncade aims to shift power back to studios and their communities.
How It Works
Think of Oncade as Shopify for games—anyone can become an affiliate, promote games, and earn commissions. Studios set their own rates (e.g., 20% for affiliates) and still out-earn traditional store fees. Affiliates create custom storefronts, fostering a self-sustaining ecosystem where players and developers profit together.
With no payout thresholds and a 2.5% transaction fee, Oncade removes friction, ensuring communities are rewarded immediately. This model could redefine how games grow—not through ads, but through passionate players.
(Source: VentureBeat)
