E-commerce solution developer Digital River has announced the signing of a joint marketing agreement with Playxpert, a provider of in-game community management tools. By working with Playxpert, Digital River is to “offer game publishers, resellers and studios a way to engage players of PC-based games in a branded in-game experience that integrates e-commerce with their online communities.”

Using Playxpert’s True Overlay technology publishers, resellers and studios are to be able to configure, brand and deploy a “full-featured, in-game toolset” that appears as a translucent window inside a PC-based game. Through the toolset and a widget gallery, players can access the Internet to watch videos, research items, chat online, and take part in other community and content-based activities all without leaving the game experience.

Digital River are to deliver this solution in combination with its global e-commerce platform, allowing players to make purchases while in-game.

“Community is one of the strongest mechanisms used in gaming to promote adoption and commerce. Early efforts to combine community with commerce have proven successful and opened the door for further innovation,” said Charles Manning, president and CEO of Playxpert. “We are thrilled to be selected by Digital River as a partner in optimizing the in-game purchase experience and delivering a new best-of-breed solution for players and publishers alike.”