In-game Purchases
Ongoing coverage on In-game Purchases.
Latest coverage
EA Sports FC 27 gets a PEGI 16 rating in Europe because of loot boxes
European game rating agency PEGI has begun increasing age ratings for games containing "paid random items," leading to EA Sports FC 27 receiving a PEGI 16 rating due to its loot boxes and in-game purchases. This contrasts with EA Sports FC 25, which retains a PEGI 3 rating. North America's ESRB will not follow suit, maintaining an E rating for EA Sports FC 27.
GTA Online Money Traps: Worst Things You Should Never Buy
This guide highlights the worst money traps in Grand Theft Auto Online, warning players against purchasing expensive but ultimately useless items like $10 million gold jets and inefficient MC businesses. It advises players to avoid these costly purchases to better manage their in-game currency.
Dutch consumer group files lawsuit against Epic for misleading young players on Fortnite, seeking more than €100m in compensation
A Dutch consumer group, Stichting Massaschade & Consument (SMC), has filed a class action lawsuit against Epic Games, seeking over €100 million in compensation for allegedly misleading young Fortnite players. The group claims Epic deliberately designed the game to pressure minors into purchases and is also seeking damages for collecting children's data without parental consent. This action follows previous fines levied against Epic by Dutch regulators for unfair commercial practices.
Gold Miner vs. Smart Casual: Why Buying Your Way Through WoW Is Just Time Management | Invision Game Community
This article analyzes the economic strategies within World of Warcraft, comparing 'gold miners' who grind for in-game currency with 'smart casual' players who purchase it. It argues that for the modern player base, buying gold is a more efficient use of time, akin to outsourcing tasks in real life, and that the game's design often treats progression like a second job.
Lord of the Rings Online changes up its final schedule for the progression servers and sells a new patron’s coffer
Standing Stone Games has revised the schedule for Lord of the Rings Online's Angmar and Mordor progression servers, extending the level 130 cap and allowing free player transfers until the end of March. The servers will now reach level 140 by early February. Additionally, new 'Promised Allies' patron's coffer bundles featuring cosmetic items and a loyal hound dog are now available for purchase.
Once Human offers refunds to players who bought a swimming pool they couldn’t swim in
Starry Studio is offering refunds for a swimming pool item in Once Human after players discovered it was not functional as advertised. The studio acknowledged the pool's limitations and plans to make it swimmable in a future update, which is expected to take at least three months.
Pixels Turns On USDC Checkout as “Just-in-Time” Purchasing Ends Stored Store Balances
The game Pixels has implemented USDC checkout, a change that ends its previous "just-in-time purchasing" system which relied on player balances stored within the game. Founder Luke Barwikowski stated this overhaul allows players to purchase vPIXEL directly with USDC, streamlining the process between earning rewards and spending them. This update is part of a larger financial system rebuild for the game.
The Elder Scrolls Online is struggling with "team bandwidth" after Xbox layoffs hit Bethesda and ZeniMax, leading devs to limit a store for in-game items
The Elder Scrolls Online developers are facing "team bandwidth" issues following layoffs at Bethesda and ZeniMax, impacting the game's features. To manage the workload, the Web Crown Store has been removed from the official website, though in-game purchases remain available. Changes are also being made to the Crown Store blog due to capacity limitations.
Why Bonus Buy Slots Divide Players
Players now evaluate video games based on a wide range of factors beyond the initial price, including time investment, ongoing costs, social value, and the clarity of incentives. This shift means that even free-to-play titles like Valorant or established franchises like Grand Theft Auto VI must offer perceived value through cosmetics, community engagement, and fair gameplay to retain player interest and spending.
Premium Budget Entertainment at Modern Entertainment Platforms in New Zealand
Modern players evaluate games beyond their upfront price, considering factors like time investment, updates, social value, and ongoing costs. Free-to-play titles like Valorant and established franchises like Grand Theft Auto VI demonstrate how pricing models and player expectations for value have evolved. Players now scrutinize incentives, terms, and the perceived fairness of digital offers before committing.
How Video Game Platforms Can Use iGaming Payment Processing - Walkthrough, Tips, Review
Video game platforms can leverage iGaming payment processing infrastructure to handle high volumes of small, real-time transactions efficiently. This approach offers benefits such as improved approval rates, robust fraud screening, simplified compliance across jurisdictions, and support for local payment methods. By adopting these proven systems, game studios can enhance player experience, protect revenue, and build more scalable in-game economies.
How To Start The GTA Online Kortz Center Heist
This guide explains how to start the Kortz Center Heist in Grand Theft Auto Online, which requires purchasing a mansion and renovating it to include an Art Studio for a total cost of over $16 million. After completing five setup missions, players can undertake the heist, with subsequent playthroughs costing around $100,000.
The KIDS bill moving through Congress prompts concerns about stifled speech and intrusive age verification
The Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act (KIDS Act) has passed the House of Representatives, proposing new regulations for online video games concerning child safety and communication. Opponents raise concerns about mandatory age verification, potential stifling of free speech, and the removal of a 'duty of care' provision, despite the bill's stated aim of protecting minors.
Pokémon GO: Road of Legends Event Lets Players Prepare for Pokémon GO Fest 2026 Global
Pokémon GO is hosting the Road of Legends event from July 6-10 to help players prepare for Pokémon GO Fest 2026: Global. The event features various raid times for Legendary Pokémon and Ultra Beasts, along with bonuses like no Remote Raid Pass limits and increased Premier Ball effectiveness. Players can also purchase GO Passes for additional rewards and bonuses.
What To Buy First In GTA Online
This guide for Grand Theft Auto Online provides recommendations for new and returning players on the best initial purchases to maximize in-game currency. It details essential items like the Armored Kuruma, Acid Lab, The Agency, Buzzard Attack Chopper, CEO Office, Special Carbine, AP Pistol, and the importance of snacks and armor for survival and income generation.
DK Online Offers 30% Discount on Season 4 Limitless Boost Pack 3 During Steam Summer Sale
Masangsoft is offering a 30% discount on the Season 4: Limitless Boost Pack 3 for its PC MMORPG DK Online during the Steam Summer Sale 2026. The sale runs from June 25 to July 9, 2026, providing players with a cost-effective way to enhance their characters with progression items and exclusive rewards.
Is gaming better value than movies? New study shows US gamers think it's a better use of their cash
A new study by the Entertainment Software Association reveals that a majority of Americans believe video games offer superior entertainment value for their money compared to other media. The report also highlights that 67% of Americans play games weekly, with significant engagement from parents playing with their children and spending on in-game content across various age groups.
How to Top Up in Ragnarok: The New World Genesis Test / CBT
This guide explains how players can top up in Ragnarok: The New World during its Genesis Test/CBT, particularly for iOS users on TestFlight. Players need to use the official top-up website as in-app purchases may not function correctly. Topping up during CBT is encouraged due to a potential rebate system that may return or even multiply the purchased amount upon the game's official launch.
Midday Safety Dance
The US Federal Trade Commission has been urged to investigate Roblox concerning allegations of inadequate child safety measures and aggressive in-game spending practices. The BBC reported on the watchdog's potential involvement.
Is Digital Currency Changing the Way We Review and Play New Games?
Digital currency and microtransactions are fundamentally changing how games are reviewed and played, shifting focus from physical discs to in-game economies and instant purchases. This trend influences everything from early reviews, which now often analyze currency systems and value, to player engagement with early access, season passes, and cosmetic upgrades. The article highlights how transparency in pricing and fairness of digital currency models are becoming as crucial as gameplay and graphics for player satisfaction and critical reception.
