microtransactions
Small digital purchases
Microtransactions are small purchases made within video games or apps, typically for cosmetic items, virtual currency, or gameplay advantages.
The model lets developers offer games cheaply or free while generating revenue from players who pay incrementally: The game is free but pushes microtransactions for skins and weapons.
Critics argue the model exploits players, especially when it creates pay-to-win dynamics or targets children.
Business income total
- profitGain exceeding expenditure
- freemiumHybrid monetization approach
- pay-to-winBuying competitive edge
- paywallFee-based content restriction
whale · spending · pricing · monetize · earnings · income · premium · subscription
Outer animal coverings
- cosmeticsSkin-applied beauty substances
- emotesActs with exaggeration
- avatarsDigital or divine incarnations
- DLCSupplemental game content
gems · coins · tokens · boosters · packs · accessories · outfits · dances
revenue
Business income total
- profitGain exceeding expenditure
- freemiumHybrid monetization approach
- pay-to-winBuying competitive edge
paywall · whale · spending · pricing · monetize · earnings · income · premium · subscription · recurring
skins
Outer animal coverings
- cosmeticsSkin-applied beauty substances
- emotesActs with exaggeration
- avatarsDigital or divine incarnations
DLC · gems · coins · tokens · boosters · packs · accessories · outfits · dances · stickers
pay-to-win
Buying competitive edge
cooldown · power-ups · boosts · unlocks · perks · abilities · buffs · upgrades · progression · timers
in-app
Within the software itself
- checkoutPayment completion process
- paymentFulfilling a financial obligation
- one-clickPurchase with single action
wallet · credit · debit · storefront · cart · bundle · pricing · refund · receipt · confirmation
- sports gamesMadden NFL, NBA 2K, NHL, NBA Live, Wii Sports
- digital economye-commerce, digital payments, online shopping, digital marketplace, digital markets
- Gaming Cultureesports, streamers, tournaments, Discord, Twitch
- gaming lingoNPC, HP, GG, AFK, PvP
- game monetizationin-app purchases, loot boxes, gacha, battle pass, season pass
- gaming businessloot boxes, DLC, pay-to-win, battle pass, season pass
microtransactionssubscription
Paid recurring access
one-time purchase · upfront payment · season pass · flat fee · subscription model
transaction, micro, transactions, transact, transactional, transacting, transacted, transacts, microcredit