Gaming has been something that we have loved for a long time now and many of us still enjoy it even today. It has always been an interesting topic to talk about and many people have tried their hand at monetising games and making them more interactive, but how are gamers feeling about the tough decisions that must be made regarding monetisation in gaming? We decided to ask some gamers this question!
What’s the perspective of other gamers?
In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of game monetisation techniques by gaming companies. Some of these techniques can be seen as controversial, with some gamers believing that they are intrusive and unfair. How do other gamers view these techniques?
A recent study reveals that up to 1/3 of all gaming players have been subjected to one or more shady monetisation tactics
A recent study has revealed that up to one-third of all gaming players have been subjected to one or more shady monetisation tactics.
The study was carried out by Harris Interactive and it interviewed 2,000 adults across the US. It found that monetisation tactics such as in-game microtransactions (read: small purchases that can be made in order to improve a player’s experience) are widespread and unpopular among gamers.
Microtransactions are controversial because they can feel like a way for game developers to extract money from players without giving them the full benefit of their investment. Players who are constantly being asked to make small purchases can quickly lose interest in a game, which could lead them to stop playing altogether.
Harris Interactive believes that developers should be transparent about the costs associated with microtransactions and should offer players a choice between paying for content or not having access to it. If developers go ahead with monetisation tactics that are unpopular among gamers, they could end up losing customers rather than gaining them.
How do these shady tactics differ from when they are deployed in a physical store?
When it comes to game monetisation, there are a few different ways that developers can try to make money from their players. Some of these tactics may be familiar to those who have worked in the physical retail industry, while others may be new to the scene. Here is a look at some of the more common game monetisation tactics and how they differ:
In-App Purchases: In-App Purchases are a common way for developers to make money from their players. This involves users making small purchases within an app, usually for items like coins, power ups, or extra levels. This type of monetisation is often considered controversial because it can lead to users becoming addicted to the app and spending more money than they would otherwise.
Microtransactions: Microtransactions are another common way for developers to make money from their players. This involves users making small payments for items or features within an app. This type of monetisation is often seen as less controversial than in-App Purchases because it doesn’t lead to users becoming addicted to the app.
Advertising: Advertisements are another common way for developers to make money from their players. This involves displaying ads within an app
Deception tactics can be used on both gamers and the customer
In this blog, we will be discussing some of the deceptive game monetisation tactics that are frequently used in the world of analogue gaming. By understanding these tactics and how to avoid them, you can keep your customers and yourself happy.
Firstly, let’s take a look at one of the most common deceptive game monetisation tactics: forced gifting. This is where a game developer requires you to gift their game to friends in order to receive rewards or progress. While this tactic may seem harmless, it is often used in conjunction with other deceptive tactics such as repeat purchase schemes or microtransactions. The reason why these schemes are so harmful is because they can erode trust between the customer and the developer. After all, why would someone want to spend money on a product if they don’t trust that it will be worth their while?
Another common deceptive game monetisation tactic is the use of misleading advertising. For example, ads may claim that a game is free to play, but in reality you will need to spend money in order to progress. This tactic is often used in mobile games where people are more likely to impulse buy. Another common example is ads that claim you can get unlimited resources or items for
Monetisation is tricky, and it takes time to perfect
In an effort to make money from your gaming hobby, you may have come across a number of game monetisation tactics that you now use regularly. Here are a few of the most common:
-Free-to-play: This is the most common type of monetisation in gaming, where players can access the game without having to pay anything up front. In return for this freedom, players are usually offered in-game rewards or bonuses.
-Microtransactions: These are small payments that players can make in order to speed up the process of gaining rewards or advantages in the game. They can also be used to purchase additional features or content.
-Paid subscriptions: This is another common form of monetisation, where players are required to pay a monthly fee in order to continue playing the game. This money is then used to support the development and upkeep of the game.
Conclusion
As a game designer, you will inevitably find yourself facing the question of how to monetise your games. After all, it’s one of the key ways in which developers make money and support their creative endeavours. In this article, we have compiled a list of some common game monetisation tactics that you may encounter in your analogue gaming career. Hopefully, by reading through this list you can start to recognise and avoid some of these methods if they don’t feel right for your own games or projects. Do you have any ideas or suggestions on how we could improve this article? Let us know in the comments below!