Unity IAP vs Essential Kit Billing Services: The Smarter Choice for Game Monetization

VoxelBustersVoxelBusters
3 min read

When you create mobile games in Unity, you've most probably known of Unity IAP on some level—it is the best known method for implementing in-app purchases. But for scalability, privacy-first design, and extended billing functionality, Voxel Busters's Billing Services from the Essential Kit will give you some good reasons to consider. Here's why:

Why Billing Services Are Ahead of Unity IAP

1. No Dependency on Unity IAP

Essential Kit V3 being developed from scratch enjoys an advantage: there is no dependence on analytics, it does not have partial platform support that creates barriers when Unity updates native support, and it does not require waiting for any updates.

2. Going Native in the Extreme

  • It is StoreKit 2 for iOS, the latest from Apple.

  • It is Google Billing Client v7 for Android, aligned with what the play-store expects.

3. One API to Rule Them All

Billing Services provide a uniform API that includes IsAvailable(), InitializeStore(), BuyProduct(), along with transaction callbacks; therefore, you provide a single codebase, which is then deployed everywhere.

4. Subscription Workflows Galore

Subscription flows, including introductory price and multi-offer flows, without resorting to complex third-party hacks.

5. Secure and Reliable Implementation

Full control over receipt flows, with no 3rd party analytics; enable yourself to conduct transactions responsibly. Error handling is explicit with error codes to make debugging easier.


Real-World Appeal for Game Developers

FeatureUnity IAPEssential Kit Billing V3
Platform IndependenceRelies on Unity IAP behind the scenesCompletely independent, no Unity IAP dependency
iOS SupportStoreKit 1 often, slow StoreKit 2 rolloutFull StoreKit 2 integration
Android SupportVaries by Unity releaseGoogle Billing Client v7 ready
Subscription HandlingBasic or limitedIntro pricing, multi-offers, renewals
API ConsistencyRequires platform branchingOne unified API across platforms
Receipt Validation & RestorePlatform-specificManual/server verification ready
Error ReportingGenericDetailed, code-included errors

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why consider alternatives to Unity IAP?
If a product delivers sophisticated subscription flows, cross-platform support, and a privacy-first perspective on control, Billing Services does just that without the headache of Unity IAP debugging or dependency conflicts.

Q: Can subscriptions be supported for a Unity game?
Yes, Billing Services natively support the subscription tiers, trial, renewals, and offer management, right out of the box.

Q: Will this plugin be viable for the future?
Yes, Essential Kit V3 is designed for future proofing, allowing for support of iOS 18 and Android API 35, build-time checks for proper setup having been automated.


Core benefits for your game

  • Simplify code via a unified API

  • Increase monetization with flexible billing options

  • Be more reliable with error codes and privacy-first focus

  • Updates come quick store SDKs get updated by Voxel Busters

  • Future-focused with latest platform APIs and compatibility checks


Get Started with Billing Services Now

  1. Read the Billing Services Usage Guide for setup instructions from A to Z.

  2. Exchange your Unity IAP logic for Essential Kit’s billing services.

  3. Release with secure subscriptions and simplified billing on all platforms.

This post goes after keywords like: — unity iap alternatives, unity subscriptions billing, and mobile game monetization. It explains why Essential Kit Billing is the wiser and future-proof alternative.


Take your Unity game's monetization pipeline to the next level: ditch dependency, be flexible, and monetize smart with Billing Services from Essential Kit V3.

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VoxelBusters
VoxelBusters