alk about micro-transactions in video games is always risky. This is indeed a very controversial topic. On the one hand we tend to point the finger at videogames developers for the lawful but not too correct way to earn, on the other we talk about naivety or lightness of the player who is willing to spend money (sometimes a lot of money) to buy not particularly significant additions.
Micro-transactions in video games: what are they?
But what are these micro-transactions? Micro-transactions are purchases that are made within a video game. These purchases involve decorations, items, additional characters, time savings in carrying out certain missions. Basically all things which in the end it is possible to give up without losing the quality and playability of the game in question.
Micro-transactions were born within free-to-play videogames, i.e. free games, but in recent times they are increasingly found also in paid video games, representing an additional cost to that of the purchase value of the game itself. .
Micro-transactions in video games: what are they for?
Why are these possible purchases present in video games? What are micro-transactions for? It is easy to come to the conclusion that they are basically for developers’ gain. As we said, micro-transactions were born in free games. These turn out to be the only source of compensation for creators. They prefer to make their creation freely available, focusing on in-game purchases rather than setting an initial purchase price. Many times the players, by buying the additional items, spend more than they would have done if the video game had had a base cost. This is stimulated by the often negligible figures of the single purchase (even less than one euro), which leads to making many and paying a good amount of money.
Micro-transactions in video games: how not to spend too much?
It is therefore evident that micro-transactions are a mechanism to exploit the theoretical naivety of the user, who, stimulated by the additions to his favorite game, begins to shop in a spasmodic way. How then to limit oneself?
There is no real recipe. Suggestions may be given to try to be more careful.
- Try to use a prepaid card rather than a credit card: recharging only the credit necessary for a single purchase will lead us to avoid spending a lot without even realizing it
- Buying packages or codes for additions and extensions directly in a physical store instead of doing it online: in this way you avoid buying in-game from the beginning and eliminating the danger of spasmodic purchases
- If children are the ones to carry out the micro-transactions, it would be advisable to activate parental control: parents will always be warned when the little ones try to buy
