Free-to-play game a huge success with 82% of players making in-game purchases

A newly released joint report by reputable media and analytics company, Comscore, and well-known in-game advertiser, Anzu, has provided a look into US gamers' behaviors and preferences, and current trends in the gaming landscape.

Majority of US Gamers Fine with Shelling Out Extra Money on In-Game PurchasesFreemium Games Become Increasingly Popular

image (c) Research Gate

Titled "Comscore's 2024 State of Gaming Report," it is a newly released joint report by media and analytics company, Comscore, and in-game advertiser, Anzu, that covers US gamers' gaming habits, preferences, and spending patterns. It likewise delves into the popular genres among gamers across different platforms.

According to the report, 82% of US gamers made in-game purchases in freemium games last year. Freemium is a portmanteau of the words free and premium. Freemium Games are downloadable and playable for players completely for free while offering optional in-app purchases for additional features and benefits, such as extra coins, health points, and exclusive items. Popular examples of freemium games include miHoYo's global hit Genshin Impact and Riot Games' League of Legends.

The freemium model has seen widespread adoption and success, particularly in the mobile gaming scene. Nexon Korea’s MMORPG Maplestory, which was released in North America in 2005, is known for being one of the first games that pioneered the freemium game concept. In Maplestory, players were able to buy virtual items, such as pets and rare weapons, using real money—a concept that has since been widely embraced by developers and online retailers.

Leading game developers and renowned online retailers like Google, Apple, and Microsoft have achieved great success as freemium games continue to flourish and captivate. Research from Corvinus University, a prestigious research university, has illuminated that the allure of freemium games stems from a symphony of factors such as utility, self-indulgence, social interaction, and in-game competition. These elements inspire players to make in-game purchases to elevate their gaming experience, unlock new content, or eliminate interruptions from ads.

Steve Bagdasarian, Comscore's distinguished Chief Commercial Officer, commented on the findings, stating, "Our 2024 State of Gaming Report highlights the profound cultural significance of gaming and the critical role of gamer behavior for brands seeking to connect with this dynamic and engaged audience."

In February, Tekken's esteemed Katsuhiro Harada weighed in on in-game purchases and transactions as they introduced paid items in Tekken 8, the latest in the fighting game franchise. Harada said that, especially with the rising cost of game development, profit made from such transactions will be allocated to Tekken 8’s development budget.