The Role of In-App Purchases in Competitive Mobile Gaming

Most mobile games make money in two ways. The first is through external advertising, where third party companies pay to place ads. The game producer will also earn a percentage if the player clicks through and makes a purchase.

The second money source is via in-app purchases. These are voluntary options, and while some are purely cosmetic, others can give the player a competitive advantage.


Two Types of Purchase


Many in-app purchases won’t affect the outcome of a game. Maybe there will be an option to buy a new costume or a different avatar. They will change the look of your character, but they won’t give you an edge when it comes to gameplay. Other acquisitions can, however, change the pattern of play. There can be advantages in competitive play such as eSports titles, or in casino games where there is real money on the line. When heading to a casino online Philippines, for example, players should be aware of any potential upgrades. If a purchase can give you an edge, it’s worth exploring.



There are, on occasion, other in-app purchase options, and some will allow you to turn off ads. These, however, are the main choices for gamers. The challenge for games developers is to make sure there is a balance, and that gaming remains as fair as possible.


A Casino Edge



As mentioned, one of the areas in which in-app purchases can affect gameplay is the online casino. The trend is for more games to be played on mobile devices, and the producers consider the many add-ons available to them.



Many casino games are solo affairs, with slots as the perfect example. In blackjack, the battle is between player and dealer, while poker games see several players taking each other on.



There is scope for entry level purchases, and around the poker table, it’s possible to scroll through a list of avatars and choose which one suits your style. Other purchases are about player progression and the potential for pay-to-win methods.



In slot machines, for example, it’s possible in certain games to buy into a tournament. This purchase will allow you to play slots competitively, and at the end of a specified period of time, the players with the best records win additional prizes.



Buying into tournaments is a regular occurrence in poker, and it may also be an option for roulette and blackjack. Members of an online casino platform can also buy access to exclusive games that cannot be played anywhere else.



In general, the in-app purchase options for casino players are there for progression and to grant access to tournaments and exclusive games. Once inside those games, there is still a level platform. It’s essential that results are randomly generated and the element of chance remains. No casino player should be able to buy themselves a competitive advantage.



Sporting Advantage


Competitive video gaming has emerged from the fringes to become a core sport. Huge prize money is put up for the biggest professional tournaments in games such as Fortnite, DOTA 2 League of Legends, and the eSports World Cup.


In-app purchases are also available in eSports titles, and many have no influence on the game. Turning off ads, buying a new costume or avatar are all part of the fun. When it comes to enhancing gameplay, however, it’s harder to keep a level playing field.



In some video games, it’s possible to buy extra lives, which would obviously keep you in contention for longer, thereby giving you an advantage over your opponent. Stronger weapons can also be exchanged for funds.



In the professional world where there is so much at stake, organizers have to ensure that players cannot simply buy their way to the top. The gameplay has to be about skill and who performs best on the day.



On an amateur level, there is that possibility of buying an advantage, and that’s something that could discourage players. Game developers must get that balance right.



In-App purchases should always be a part of gaming and the add-ons involved can be fun. Buying a new costume or a different avatar helps to keep players engaged and maintains interest in the game.



There is no obligation to make a purchase, and many players happily continue, tolerating those ads when they come along. The obvious challenge for game producers is to keep things fair. In games where there is real money at stake or when opponents are battling it out, it’s not ideal that the player with the most funds has an advantage.



There will always be a role for in-app purchases, but is that balance of fairness being matinained in every title?