What’s sparking debates among Fortnite fans? Why is The Verge asking readers to pay for news? And what does Cyber Monday tell us about how people actually spend on subscriptions?

The subscription world is full of exciting changes—and some tough questions. Are higher prices, product bundles, new models, and fierce competition giving subscribers what they want? 

This week, we’re diving into:

  • Fortnite’s Battle Pass price hike and what it says about gaming subscriptions

  • The Verge’s bold move to monetize independent journalism

  • What Cyber Monday revealed about how (and why) people subscribe

  • Trends shaking up the subscription space and what they mean for your strategy

Let’s explore what’s shaping subscriptions today—and what it means for tomorrow.

Fortnite Upsets Fans with Battle Pass Changes

Fortnite has raised its Battle Pass price for the first time ever, from 950 to 1,000 V-Bucks (around $8.99 / £6.99). Plus, they’re offering access to cool new game modes like Lego Fortnite with their Fortnite Crew subscription. Sounds like a win, right? Not everyone agrees. In a crowded gaming landscape where value is everything, fans are questioning if the extra content justifies the price hike. What’s your take? Read more here.

The Verge Dives into Paid Subscriptions

The Verge just launched its new subscription model. For $7 a month or $50 a year, users can enjoy ad-free reading, exclusive newsletters, and premium content. It’s a bold move to support independent journalism in a time when ads and algorithms aren’t cutting it. Get the full scoop here.

Cyber Monday: A Big Day for Subscriptions

Cyber Monday is still the king of online shopping days, with $12.3 billion in sales this year (Adobe). But what about subscriptions? Here’s what Recurly found when we crunched the numbers:

  • $41.9M spent by subscribers on Recurly merchants, up 18% from 2023.

  • $17.48 average spend per transaction, with plenty of upsells and add-ons.

  • 252,149 new subscribers, a 13% jump compared to November’s daily average.

  • Apple Pay transactions soared 80%, leading the charge for alternative payments.

  • 153,380 coupons redeemed, with Publishing seeing a massive 189% spike in signups.

What’s the big takeaway? Personalization, seamless payment options, and irresistible offers win every time.

Check out the full breakdown here.

Trends That Are Reshaping Subscriptions

The subscription economy keeps growing (faster than the S&P 500!), but the way it’s growing is shifting. Here’s what’s bubbling under the surface:

  • It’s not just about getting new subscribers anymore—it’s about keeping the ones you have.

  • Personalization isn’t a “nice to have” anymore. It’s the secret to loyalty.

  • People want control—flexible pricing, payment options, and tailored experiences are non-negotiable.

Subscription businesses that adapt to these shifts are the ones that will thrive.

Read more about these trends here.

Ready for What’s Next in Subscriptions?

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From the Recurly blog