Research Framework

LicenseAudit Marketplace Transparency & Audit Methodology

Our independent research protocol for evaluating digital software marketplaces. Updated August 12, 2026.

Introduction

LicenseAudit is an independent research group, not a marketplace. Our mission is to provide transparency in the digital software market through evidence-based analysis of marketplace controls, seller governance, and transaction safeguards.

Recent applications of this framework: Regional Restrictions Guide · Game Key Activation Errors · Game Key Dispute Guide · Gaming Gift Card Audit · Steam Store Region Lock Guide · PlayStation Store Region Lock Guide · Xbox Store Region Lock Guide · Nintendo eShop Region Lock Guide · Game Key vs. Account.

The 4 Pillars of Our Audit

License Provenance

Investigating how marketplaces source keys and classify inventory origin, with a strict distinction between authorized distribution channels and gray-market acquisition paths.

Escrow & Security

Evaluating buyer protection architecture, transaction escrow controls, and hold-period enforcement that reduce fraud exposure and post-purchase risk.

Seller Transparency

Assessing merchant verification protocols, identity requirements, compliance thresholds, and account integrity checks used to onboard and monitor sellers.

Dispute Resolution

Analyzing support response-time reliability, evidence requirements, adjudication consistency, and compensation policies in failed or contested transactions.

Methodology workflow board showing security, provenance, and compliance validation layers
Methodology in practice: each marketplace is scored against provenance, protection controls, and dispute-handling performance.

LicenseAudit Trust Score

Each marketplace receives a composite score on a 1-10 scale based on control maturity, policy clarity, and user protection outcomes observed during review cycles.

To reflect operational risk, security and compliance are weighted 2.0x, while price is weighted 0.5x. This model intentionally prioritizes long-term transaction safety over short-term discount attractiveness.

Tier Score Range Interpretation
Tier 1 9-10 High-control marketplaces with robust security, verification, and dispute governance.
Tier 2 6-8 Operationally acceptable marketplaces with partial control gaps requiring user caution.
Tier 3 1-5 Elevated-risk environments with limited transparency or weak buyer-protection controls.