Number X vs Xsolla

Xsolla has earned its reputation as one of the leading commerce platforms for the video game industry. From PC and console games to mobile titles and live-service games, it provides publishers with the infrastructure needed to sell games, virtual currencies, downloadable content and in-game items around the world.

For game developers, Xsolla is a well-established name.

The question becomes more complicated when your business isn't exclusively a game studio.

Today's digital economy extends far beyond gaming. SaaS companies introduce AI features, AI platforms launch subscription plans, creator platforms sell digital content and mobile applications combine recurring subscriptions with one-time purchases. Many businesses need a Merchant of Record that supports several digital business models rather than focusing on a single industry.

Both Xsolla and Number X operate as Merchants of Record, but they were designed with different audiences in mind.

What both platforms provide

At their core, both Number X and Xsolla simplify international digital commerce.

Instead of requiring merchants to register for VAT around the world, process payments directly and manage indirect-tax compliance internally, both platforms become the Merchant of Record for customer transactions. They process payments, collect applicable taxes and assume many of the operational responsibilities associated with selling digital products internationally.

For businesses, that means less time spent dealing with payment infrastructure and more time focused on product development and growth.

Feature comparison

Xsolla is purpose-built for the gaming industry

Everything about Xsolla is designed around the needs of game developers and publishers.

Its platform includes features for selling virtual currencies, downloadable content, game keys, founder packs, season passes and in-game purchases across multiple regions. It also provides tools for player accounts, game stores, launcher integration, live operations and other capabilities that are highly relevant to studios operating successful online games.

For companies whose primary business is publishing games, that specialised focus is one of Xsolla's greatest strengths.

The platform understands the commercial challenges unique to gaming because gaming has always been its core market.

Number X supports the entire digital economy

Not every digital business is a game studio.

Many companies operate SaaS platforms while introducing AI-powered features. Others build productivity software, subscription-based mobile applications, creator platforms, education products or marketplaces for digital content. Some businesses combine several of those revenue models within a single product.

Those companies don't necessarily need infrastructure built specifically for game publishing. They need a Merchant of Record capable of supporting digital commerce regardless of the product category. Number X was designed with that broader objective in mind.

Rather than focusing on one industry, the platform supports SaaS companies, AI businesses, mobile applications, online games, virtual goods, digital content and other forms of digital commerce within the same Merchant of Record framework.

As products evolve, businesses can introduce new pricing models and digital products without replacing the underlying commerce infrastructure.

Choosing infrastructure that matches your business

Specialisation can be a significant advantage.

If your roadmap revolves around online games, player economies and virtual items, choosing a platform built specifically for gaming often makes sense because many of its capabilities directly support those workflows.

The same logic applies outside gaming.

A SaaS platform selling enterprise subscriptions doesn't necessarily benefit from commerce infrastructure designed primarily around game publishing. An AI company introducing usage-based pricing has different operational requirements than a studio managing virtual currencies across multiple titles.

The best Merchant of Record is therefore the one designed for your business—not simply the most established provider in another industry.

Pricing and operational simplicity

Number X offers a transparent pricing model of 5% plus $0.50 per successful transaction, covering the complete Merchant of Record service.

That includes payment processing, indirect-tax management, tax remittance, compliance responsibilities and the operational infrastructure required to sell digital products internationally.

Instead of combining specialised vendors as business models evolve, merchants continue using one platform capable of supporting different categories of digital products from the same infrastructure.

Which businesses should choose Xsolla?

• Xsolla is an excellent choice for businesses that:
• Develop PC, console or mobile games.
• Sell virtual currencies or in-game items.
• Operate large player communities.
• Need commerce infrastructure specifically designed for game publishing.
• Want gaming-specific capabilities beyond traditional payment processing.

For game studios and publishers, it remains one of the strongest Merchant of Record platforms available.

Which businesses should choose Number X?

Number X is often the better choice for businesses that:

• Sell SaaS products.
• Build AI platforms.
• Operate mobile applications.
• Combine subscriptions with one-time purchases.
• Sell digital content or virtual goods outside the gaming industry.
• Need one Merchant of Record platform capable of supporting several digital business models as the company grows.

Rather than specialising in a single vertical, Number X is built for the broader digital economy.

Your Merchant of Record should reflect where your business is going

Xsolla has become a market leader by solving the complex commercial challenges faced by game developers and publishers. For businesses whose entire strategy revolves around gaming, that industry focus is a major advantage.

Number X takes a broader approach. It applies the same Merchant of Record model across SaaS, AI, mobile applications, games, creator platforms and other digital businesses, allowing merchants to scale internationally without adopting infrastructure designed primarily for a single industry.

If you're building games, Xsolla remains one of the most capable Merchant of Record providers available. If you're building across the wider digital economy—or expect your business model to evolve beyond gaming—Number X offers a Merchant of Record platform designed to grow alongside your business rather than alongside one specific industry.