Issue Integrating Cybersource Payments for Mobile Game API – Need Guidance

[avalynn]

Hi everyone,

I’m currently integrating Cybersource payment processing into a small mobile game project that has an online item-purchase system. The backend handles requests normally, but I’m running into issues during the payment flow:

• The authorization request succeeds on sandbox.

• But the capture/settlement response is inconsistent — sometimes delayed, sometimes not returned at all.

• Webhooks seem to fire late, and occasionally not at all.

To test the API behavior with simple gameplay and purchase triggers, I’ve been using a lightweight demo APK on my device. If anyone wants context about the type of game flow I’m working with, you can click here: virtuallifeapk.com

[oliverhaven]

Are you asking for virtuallifeapk.com? As it is not clickable

[aurden_amily]

Make sure your webhook endpoint is public, uses HTTPS, and responds quickly. Sandbox can be slow or inconsistent, so test small transactions in production. Handle capture and settlement responses properly in your backend.

[jadewilder · Accepted solution]

This is pretty normal for Cybersource sandbox. The capture step and webhooks often come in late or sometimes don’t trigger at all. In production the timing is much more consistent.

A few quick tips:

• Stick to REST only — it’s more stable than mixing SOAP + REST.

• Add simple retry logic on your backend for checking transaction status.

• If a webhook doesn’t come, use the Transaction Search API to confirm the final state.

Your setup with a mobile game test flow is fine — just make sure your server can handle pending transactions without breaking the purchase.

[avalynn]

I’ve already checked everything you mentioned. The webhook endpoint is public, it’s running over HTTPS, and the server responds almost instantly. But the callbacks are still delayed or sometimes don’t arrive at all in the sandbox. Even small test transactions behave the same way.

It feels more like a sandbox inconsistency rather than an issue in my setup. If anyone has seen this before or found a workaround, I’d appreciate the advice.

[Grace1]

It sounds like your main challenge is the timing of capture/settlement responses and delayed webhooks. This is common when using sandbox environments, as they don’t always perfectly mimic live processing behavior. Make sure your backend is properly handling asynchronous responses and retries, and consider logging all webhook events to catch missed or delayed notifications. For testing interactive features and simulating real user flows, lightweight tools can help streamline debugging. You can also check Blooket join for additional resources and tools that may assist with game and payment testing workflows.