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How Microtransactions Have Changed the Way We Play on Mobile

Once upon a time, mobile games were different. They had a simple dream to offer something fun, charge a small fee (for the game), and send players on their way. But fast-forward to today, and things are quite different.

The mobile gaming industry has evolved into something far more complex, and hugely influential. The entire concept of games have changed just because of the monetary aspect (how developers make money), and they’ve shifted from paid games to free games with microtransactions (thanks Fortnite).

Right now, it is almost impossible to find a game without microtransactions.
They’ve become the beating heart of the mobile gaming industry, which alters how we play, engage, and ever perceive our relationship with games.

So, what does this mean? Are games less fun due to microtransactions and pay-to-win problems? Well, let’s dive deeper into how microtransactions changed the way we play mobile games.

The Case For Mobile Casino Games

From card packs to bonus spins when you play mobile casino games, monetisation is now everywhere. These games have surged in popularity thanks to their accessibility—players can spin the reels, try their luck at blackjack, or join live dealer tables directly from their smartphones or tablets.

Many mobile casino games are designed to recreate the thrill of a real casino floor, complete with immersive graphics, interactive gameplay, and social features that allow you to compete with friends or other players worldwide.

Some even offer free-to-play modes, letting you enjoy the entertainment without risking real money, while others provide secure deposit and withdrawal options for those seeking a genuine wagering experience.

Whether you’re into fast-paced slot action or strategic poker hands, mobile platforms make it possible to enjoy the casino atmosphere anytime, anywhere.

From Pay-One-Time to Free Games With In-App Purchases

If we have a time machine to go back 15 years or more, we can find that mobile games often follow the “premium” model, where people download once, pay once, and enjoy. But the world began to shift around 2009, where developers recognized the power and money-making potential of in-app purchases. This is the time where they started layering extras onto free-to-play frameworks.

They didn’t receive much hate just because people who don’t want to spend any money can now play the games for free. But the majority of players were somehow forced to dive into in-app purchases just to unlock different things in games.

Hits like Angry Birds and Cut the Rope, have leaned into “free-to-try” mechanics, while Candy Crush Saga and other games, took it a step further with gamified energy bars, time-gated gameplay, and the tantalizing option to spend real money to keep playing.

At first, this doesn’t make any sense. Developers are purposefully limiting players to play their games, unless they pay more. But somehow it works.

After a few successful stories, what followed was a seismic shift. Almost all developers switched their strategies to offering microtransactions, which made the gaming industry grow significantly in revenue generation. Even if only a small percentage of players (often called whales) spend big money, the overall revenue generated from such popular games is staggering.

The Psychology of Microtransactions

Let’s get one thing straight: Microtransactions aren’t just about buying items. They have a much deeper psychological impact on players. They are all about emotional hooks.

Yes, game developers noticed a spike in purchases where games had psychological triggers. This is where they’ve used strategies like impulse buying, the fear of missing out, the satisfaction of progression etc. One study even suggests that delays or roadblocks in gameplay make players value the skip option more.

The microtransaction feature is so versatile. We have limited-time breaks, gaming sessions, cosmetics, and of course, loot boxes. These randomized rewards in games are one of their primary sources of income. People buy loot boxes hoping to get a rare item, which also involves psychology.

How did this change the way we play games? Well, first of all, cosmetics are valued more, and you can earn respect if you have a legendary outfit. Secondly, we shifted from casually played games to constant dopamine hits.

What Do The Numbers Tell?

Let’s look at the numbers. On one hand, we have paid games that don’t have microtransactions, but you need to pay for the game, and on the other hand, we have free-to-play games with in-app purchases.

In 2023, there was a study that unveiled that 82% of US gamers reportedly spend more money on so-called free games, which tells us how embedded microtransactions have become. This means that the games aren’t exactly free, but developers use tactics to make buying an in-game item.

We already have games like Call of Duty: Mobile, which has already surpassed $1.5 billion in revenue, propelled by microtransactions. So, games are now more focused on the items that are in such games, rather than the actual gameplay. Yes, they might have a better experience playing with a better skin, but that’s embedded by the industry, not the players.

Will Microtransactions Intensify In The Future?

It is no secret that microtransactions reshaped the entire mobile gaming industry. What were once simple games with a single purchase, now they’re ongoing experiences that are constantly being updated, continuously monetized, and personalized through optional purchases.

At the moment, it looks like both gamers and game developers are happy, but for how long? If this trend continues to rise at the same pace, most mobile games won’t even be playable anymore due to constant microtransactions.