At AviaGames GDC 2026, held during the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, the company joined PayPal for a panel session focused on an important part of the player journey: what happens between winning a game and receiving the payout. The AviaGames team is also meeting attendees at its Booth 656 located near Tencent Games and Keywords Studios , where visitors can stop by to discuss partnerships, business opportunities, and open roles.
The session, “From Win to Wallet: Rethinking Player Experience in Skill-Based Gaming,” took place on March 11 at Room 2009, West Hall. The discussion explored how payment systems, product design, and trust all play a role in shaping the overall experience for players in skill-based real money games.
The panel brought together speakers from AviaGames and Justin Butler, Vice President of Digital Money & Commerce Solutions at PayPal , who shared insights on how payment infrastructure supports the player experience.
AviaGames shares insights on payments and player experience during a panel with PayPal at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2026.
AviaGames Team at GDC Booth 656
Why Payments Matter in Skill-Based Games
In skill-based real money games, the player journey does not end when the match finishes. The process of receiving winnings is also part of the experience.
During the discussion, the panel explored how reliable payment systems, transparent transactions, and clear payout processes can help build player trust. When payments work smoothly, players feel more confident returning to the platform.
The conversation also touched on how payment design connects directly to gameplay. From entering tournaments to withdrawing winnings, each step needs to be simple and dependable.
From Gameplay to Payout
A key focus of the panel was the idea that payments should not be treated as just a technical backend system. Instead, they should be seen as part of the full player journey.
The session looked at how companies can design payment systems that support both operational reliability and a positive user experience. This includes faster processing, clear transaction information, and payment flows that feel natural within the game environment.
By connecting gameplay with payout systems, developers can create a smoother experience from the moment a player competes to the moment their reward reaches their wallet.
AviaGames at GDC 2026
The PayPal panel was one of the highlights of AviaGames’ first official appearance at GDC. As the company approaches its 10-year milestone, AviaGames CEO Vickie Chen and co-founder Ping Wang highlighted the importance of collaboration across the gaming industry, using the conference as an opportunity to connect with developers, partners, and the wider gaming community.
In addition to the panel, the AviaGames team is meeting with attendees at Booth 656, located near Tencent Games and Keywords Studios. The team is available throughout the conference to discuss partnerships, business opportunities, and open roles.
Continuing the Conversation
While the PayPal session focused on payments and player experience, AviaGames will also join Meta on March 12 for another GDC panel discussing how brand storytelling and performance marketing strategies can work together to support long-term growth in skill-based gaming.
Top comments (0)