Game Monetization Strategies: In-Game Purchase Types & Measures

When analyzing a game's monetization, I'd like to summarize the actual measures being taken. Based on this, I'd like to define how these measures are referred to within this article. In game analysis, we primarily discuss "in-game measures." Therefore, I'd like to list the types of in-game purchases. There are likely many more detailed classifications beyond what I've listed, but this is a general summary.

Ad-Related

In-App Ads

In-app advertising has been the main source of game revenue in 2020. Users can enjoy games for free, and development companies can earn advertising revenue. Non-paying or low-paying users can also earn in-game currency by watching ads.

Ad Removal

While rarely seen anymore, this type allows users to remove ads by making a purchase.

Random Boxes

These are often called gacha or loot boxes. It's a system where the acquired items or characters are determined randomly. There are quite a few variations if categorized finely, but I will only describe the representative ones.

Loot Box (Gacha)

We will refer to a system that allows users to acquire random items or characters upon purchase as a loot box on this site. There are various types of loot boxes:

Completion Type

Collect cards appearing from the gacha to receive a bonus (often the main prize). (Has legal issues in Japan)

Box Type

A virtual box with pre-determined probabilities. As items are drawn, the number of items in the box decreases, increasing the chance of drawing the desired item.

Step-Up Type

With each pull, the contents become more luxurious, or the probability of drawing the desired item increases.

Redraw Type

As the name suggests, this loot box allows for redrawing.

Probability Boost Type

Similar to the Step-Up type, but the probability of the desired item appearing increases with each pull.

Queue Box

Players can acquire random boxes by playing the game. The number of boxes that can be owned is pre-determined, and opening a single box requires time or a key item. Typically, players cannot acquire more boxes once they exceed the ownership limit. In-game currency can be used to shorten the time required to open a box.

Feature Expansion

This type involves expanding features through purchases. There is a wide variety of systems.

Additional Content

A system that allows players to access additional content (such as paid scenarios) by making a purchase.

VIP

Mainly, VIP points accumulate based on the amount spent, and functions that give an advantage in the game become available according to the VIP level. These include increasing character slots, increasing usage counts for limited-use content, boosting acquired experience and gold, and more.

Additional Reward Items

This type increases the rewards obtained through a purchase. Most are time-limited and require repurchase once they expire.

Feature Addition

Purchases add features, such as enabling 2x speed combat. These are usually time-limited.

Timed Bonuses

These are products that offer benefits for a limited period upon purchase.

Timed In-Game Currency/Item Distribution

In-game currency and items are distributed in installments daily. Although distributed in parts, you can acquire more in-game currency than through a regular purchase. Some distributions are based on character growth levels or quest progress, rather than daily.

Timed Additional Reward Items

This system grants rewards once a certain number of points, acquired through gameplay, are collected. In most cases, both rewards from regular play and additional paid rewards are offered.

Recurring Purchases

Recently, subscription products are also sold, which can lead to automatic monthly deductions if purchased without noticing. Most are packs of in-game items or in-game currency.

Limited-Time Effects

These are sales of items that provide benefits only during limited-time events. They can include temporary increases in experience gain or enhanced equipment drop rates.

Temporary Free Access

This mechanism allows newly added characters or other content to be used for free for a limited time.

Other Common Purchase Items

Stamina/Play Count Sales

Sales of items that replenish energy or other resources needed to play the game.

Time Extension

Seen in games with fixed clear times, such as puzzle games. Extends the clear time.

Character/Item Purchases

While mostly loot boxes, these allow direct acquisition of characters or items. They are usually high-priced.

Enhancement Packs

Sales of items needed to enhance characters or items.

Avatar/Costume Sales

Sometimes found in loot boxes, but these are purely cosmetic items that do not affect gameplay.

Revival Items

Items that negate death, often seen in roguelike games.