Shopify enables devs to sell physical merchandise in-game

Shopify, a e-commerce specialist that helps companies create digital storefronts, has released a new tool that will help developers sell real-world goods through their video games.

Venturebeat reports the firm's Custom Storefront dev kit enables games studios to create in-game stores that can be used to sell merchandise, such as T-shirts. Mobile hit Alto's Adventure is already using this to offer items themed around its characters.

Storefronts can also be customised to be integrated into the game, as if buying virtual items, rather than as a separate store, allowing devs to ensure its merchandise sales are in keeping with the game's universe.

Merchandise is already a growing area in which smaller developers can find new revenue and build their brand, but typically this is handled through the studio's website or a third-party storefront. Being able to promote and sell such items directly in-game could raise awareness of these offerings to more than just a game's most dedicated fanabse.

The dev kit includes the Unity Buy SDK, meaning any Unity devs will be able to introduce various payment options, including Apple Pay for iOS users. A Javascript Buy SDK is also available.