If you're on the App Store or Google Play, you're paying the platform tax: 30% on all your IAP revenue. But can you legally AND SAFELY escape that? Maybe yes. In this episode of Growth Masterminds, John Koetsier interviews Archie Stonehill, Head of Product at Stash Gigi, to discuss the digital games industry and the evolution of direct-to-consumer platforms. They discuss the rise of third-party app stores, Apple and Google's 'app store tax', the Digital Markets Act in Europe, and how developers can shift towards alternative distribution channels. Stonehill explains the motivation behind Stash.gg, a platform that supports gaming developers in becoming their own platforms and processing their own payments, and shares insights on how developers can engage with their users directly to optimize profitability and improve overall gaming experience. 00:00 Introduction to the Gaming Industry's Challenges 00:43 The Role of Third-Party App Stores 01:29 The Impact of the Digital Markets Act 02:23 The Three Vectors of Pro-Competitive Pushes 04:23 The Importance of Direct Relationships with Players 05:11 The Evolution of the Games Industry 12:36 The Role of Stash in the Gaming Industry 32:26 The Future of the Gaming Industry 36:36 Conclusion