microtransaction
Tiny in-app purchase
A microtransaction is a small digital purchase within a video game or app, typically ranging from cents to a few dollars.
Players buy cosmetic items, power-ups, or in-game currency: The game is free but relies on microtransactions.
Though individually minor, microtransactions generate enormous revenue and draw criticism when they create pay-to-win dynamics or exploit compulsive spending.
Hybrid monetization approach
- paywallFee-based content restriction
- free-to-playNo-cost base game model
- monetizationConverting something into revenue
- revenueBusiness income total
subscription · premium · in-app purchase · whale · spending · pricing · predatory · recurring
Buying competitive edge
- cosmeticSurface-level appearance enhancer
- skinBody's outer layer
- emoteExpress with theatricality
- in-gameOccurring during play
booster · currency · DLC · expansion · skins · gems · coins · tokens
Exploiting the vulnerable
- exploitativeUnfairly using others' vulnerabilities
- gamblingBetting on uncertain results
- addictionCompulsive substance reliance
- childrenYoung human beings
regulation · pay-to-win · whale hunting · FOMO · manipulation · dark pattern · disclosure · backlash
Surface-level appearance enhancer
- vanityExcessive pride in oneself
- addonsOptional extra components
- accessoriesSupplementary items or adornments
- emotesActs with exaggeration
customization · personalization · non-essential · aesthetic · decorative · convenience · time-saver
freemium
Hybrid monetization approach
- paywallFee-based content restriction
- free-to-playNo-cost base game model
- monetizationConverting something into revenue
revenue · subscription · premium · in-app purchase · whale · spending · pricing · predatory · recurring · mobile gaming
pay-to-win
Buying competitive edge
in-game · booster · currency · DLC · expansion · skins · gems · coins · tokens · credits
predatory
Exploiting the vulnerable
- exploitativeUnfairly using others' vulnerabilities
- gamblingBetting on uncertain results
- addictionCompulsive substance reliance
children · regulation · pay-to-win · whale hunting · FOMO · manipulation · dark pattern · disclosure · backlash · EA
cosmetic
Surface-level appearance enhancer
- vanityExcessive pride in oneself
- addonsOptional extra components
- accessoriesSupplementary items or adornments
emotes · customization · personalization · non-essential · aesthetic · decorative · convenience · time-saver
- game developmentgame engine, game design, game engines, game designer, rendering
- game termslevel, score, player, win, lose
- gamingvideo games, buff, games, PlayStation 4, gameplay
- digital economye-commerce, digital payments, online shopping, digital marketplace, digital markets
- gaming lingoNPC, HP, GG, AFK, PvP
- gaming commercein-app purchase, loot box, battle pass, premium currency, virtual currency
microtransactionone-time purchase
Single payment acquisition
upfront payment · flat fee · lump sum payment · premium pricing · complete edition
micro, transaction, transactions, transact, transacts, transacted, transacting, transactional, microscope