Conceptualising problematic in-game microtransactions and their effects through a player-centric perspective

This thesis leverages player perspectives to understand problematic microtransactions in video games. Microtransactions are uncapped, repeated in-game purchases, and their conceptualisation as being problematic refers to instances where they have the potential to have a negative effect on players in any way. Their inclusion in games has raised concerns around whether they might be linked to harm for players who interact with them. However, there is no comprehensive evidence base which works with players to understand the landscape of problematic microtransactions and their prevalence. Likewise, there is no understanding of possible effects of microtransactions beyond loot boxes.

The first study, a large-scale survey, asks players about problematic microtransactions which they have encountered in mobile and desktop games. The result is a categorisation of 35 types of microtransactions. The second study analyses player reviews of top-grossing games for mentions of these microtransactions to assess their prevalence, and finds they are present in 88% of mobile games and 28% of desktop games. The following two chapters aim to understand whether there could be links between playing games that include certain types of microtransactions and problems for player wellbeing. The third chapter is an interview study to define what such problems could be and who could experience them. The fourth chapter statistically tests the findings of chapter 3. I find no significant links between player psychological or environmental traits, game type, investment of time or money into the game.

The work presented contributes by showing the breadth of problematic microtransactions and their concerning prevalence in top-grossing games. It also indicates there are possible harms linked to playing such games, although they may not be a cause for concern when it comes to an average player. Taken together, it points to a need to incorporate player perspectives when studying microtransactions further.