The Dangers of Mobile Game Monetization and the Exploitation of Gamers

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Mobile games have become a major part of modern entertainment, with millions of players around the world enjoying a wide range of genres. From casual puzzle games to complex strategy titles, easy access to mobile gaming has led to its rapid growth. However, along with this surge in popularity, a troubling trend has emerged: game developers are using aggressive monetization strategies to make more money from players.

Mobile game monetization is about the different ways developers make money from their games. Unlike traditional games that you buy once, many mobile games are free to play but offer lots of in-game purchases and other ways to spend money. A big part of this strategy is targeting “whales,” which are players who spend a lot of money on the game and make up a large portion of the revenue. It’s important for both players and regulators to understand these monetization strategies and their effects.

The Monetization Strategies

In-app Purchases

In-app purchases (IAPs) are a primary monetization method in mobile games. These purchases enable players to buy virtual goods, currency, or other enhancements directly within the game. Here’s how it works and some notable examples:

• Candy Crush Saga: Players can buy extra lives or power-ups to progress more quickly. When a player runs out of lives, they can either wait for a recharge or purchase more lives instantly. Special power-ups, like the Color Bomb or Lollipop Hammer, can also be bought to ease difficult levels.
• Clash of Clans: Players purchase gems to accelerate building times, train troops instantly, or buy resources like gold and elixir. Gems serve as the premium currency, and their prices range from small bundles to large packs.
• Pokémon GO: Players can buy PokéCoins, which are used to purchase items like Poké Balls, Incubators, and Raid Passes. Special event tickets and limited-time bundles are also available for purchase.
  Sure, here are more examples of in-app purchases in popular mobile games:
• Fortnite: Players can buy V-Bucks, the in-game currency, to purchase skins, emotes, and other cosmetic items. V-Bucks can also be used to buy Battle Passes, which offer exclusive rewards as players complete challenges.
• PUBG Mobile: Players can buy UC (Unknown Cash) to purchase exclusive skins, outfits, weapon skins, and crates. UC is also used for seasonal Royale Passes that provide additional missions and rewards.
• Minecraft Earth: Players can purchase rubies, which are used to buy buildplates, boosts, and other items to enhance their gameplay experience. Rubies can also help speed up the crafting and smelting processes.
• Roblox: Players can buy Robux, the virtual currency, to purchase avatar items, game passes, and special abilities within games. Developers also use Robux to monetize their creations.
• Genshin Impact: Players can purchase Genesis Crystals, which can be converted into Primogems. Primogems are used to buy wishes (gacha pulls), which can unlock new characters and weapons. There are also special packs and bundles available for purchase.
• Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp: Players can buy Leaf Tickets, which can be used to speed up crafting, purchase exclusive furniture and clothing, and unlock special events. Leaf Tickets can also be used to buy fortune cookies that contain rare items.
• Marvel Strike Force: Players can buy Power Cores, which are used to open orbs containing characters and gear, refill energy, and purchase special offers. Power Cores are also used to speed up various game processes.
• Hearthstone: Players can buy card packs to build their decks, as well as arena tickets for special game modes. There are also expansion bundles and adventures available for purchase to unlock additional content.
• FIFA Mobile: Players can buy FIFA Points to purchase packs, which contain player cards, training items, and other resources to improve their team. Points can also be used to enter special events and tournaments.
  These examples highlight the variety of in-app purchases that players can make to enhance their gaming experience, from cosmetic items to gameplay advantages.

Price Ranges:

• In-app purchases typically range from $0.99 to $99.99, catering to various spending capacities.
• Small transactions (microtransactions) encourage frequent purchases. For instance, spending $0.99 on a few extra lives may seem insignificant, but over time these can accumulate.
• Larger transactions offer bulk benefits. For example, buying a $49.99 bundle might provide a significant discount compared to multiple smaller purchases.

Mobile games may seem like harmless fun, but they come with significant dangers that are often overlooked. The accessibility of in-app purchases (IAPs) makes it incredibly easy for players to spend money without even leaving the game, leading to unchecked spending habits. This often results in incremental spending, where seemingly small, frequent purchases accumulate into substantial amounts over time, draining players’ wallets without them realizing it. The convenience of bypassing waiting times or overcoming difficult challenges by spending money can create a dependency, making players feel they can’t progress without constantly paying.

Moreover, games frequently feature special offers and limited-time discounts that push players into making impulsive decisions, driven by the fear of missing out. This has a profound psychological impact. The ease of making quick, small purchases fosters impulse buying, leading players to spend money they might regret later. Additionally, the sunk cost fallacy traps players, making them believe that since they’ve already invested money, they must continue to do so to justify their initial spending. The reward mechanics of receiving immediate benefits from purchases trigger a dopamine boost, which can lead to addictive spending behaviors, encouraging players to keep spending money for instant gratification.

These tactics are designed to exploit players’ psychological vulnerabilities, turning what should be a fun pastime into a potentially costly and damaging habit.

Key Points:

• Accessibility: IAPs make it easy for players to spend money without leaving the game.
• Incremental Spending: Frequent small purchases can accumulate to substantial amounts over time.
• Convenience: Players can bypass waiting times or difficult challenges by spending money.
• Special Offers: Games often present limited-time offers or discounts to encourage immediate purchases.

Psychological Impact:

• Impulse Buying: The ease of making small, quick purchases encourages impulsive spending.
• Sunk Cost Fallacy: Players who have already invested money may continue to spend to justify their initial investment.
• Reward Mechanics: Immediate rewards from purchases provide a dopamine boost, encouraging repeated spending.

Impact on Players:

• Financial Consequences: Regular spending, even in small amounts, can accumulate into a significant financial burden. Many players (known as whales) have reported spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars over time.
• Addiction: The ease and frequency of in-app purchases can lead to addictive behaviors, with players feeling compelled to keep spending to maintain their progress or status in the game.

Loot Boxes and Gacha Systems

Loot boxes and gacha systems are widely used in mobile games to make money. These systems give players random rewards when they spend real or in-game currency. It’s a lot like gambling because you never know what you’ll get until you make the purchase. Here’s a closer look at how they work and some well-known examples:

• Clash Royale: Players can buy chests that contain random cards, used to upgrade troops, spells, and defenses. The chests vary in rarity, with more expensive chests offering better odds of rare cards.
• Fire Emblem Heroes: Players spend orbs to summon heroes, each summon providing a random hero of varying rarity. The game frequently introduces limited-time heroes to entice players to spend more orbs.
• FIFA Ultimate Team: Players can buy packs with real money or in-game currency to get random player cards, which can vary in rarity and value. Special packs and promotional events often encourage more spending.
• Overwatch: Players can purchase loot boxes containing random cosmetic items like skins, emotes, and voice lines. Seasonal events introduce exclusive items to increase purchases.
• Apex Legends: Features loot boxes called Apex Packs, which contain random cosmetics, crafting materials, and occasionally rare items. Special events and limited-time items boost spending.
• Summoners War: Players use crystals or scrolls to summon monsters with different star ratings. The rarity of these monsters makes players spend more to get the best ones.
• Dragon Ball Z Dokkan Battle: Uses a gacha system where players spend Dragon Stones to summon random characters. Limited-time banners with powerful characters drive increased spending.

These examples show how various games use loot boxes and gacha systems to encourage players to spend money on the chance of obtaining valuable or rare items.

Deceptive and Misleading Mobile Game Ads

Many mobile game ads showcase gameplay that does not accurately represent the actual experience. These misleading previews attract players who may later feel disappointed by the difference. Games like Hero Wars and Gardenscapes have been criticized for showing ads with puzzle mechanics that are either minimal or nonexistent in the actual game. Similarly, Homescapes and Fishdom are known for promoting engaging puzzle gameplay in their ads, but the actual game focuses more on match-three mechanics rather than the advertised puzzles. Mafia City is another example, with ads that depict strategic mafia battles and city-building elements, but the real gameplay is often quite different from what is shown in the advertisements. These practices have led to numerous complaints and criticism from the gaming community and regulatory scrutiny.

1. Puzzle Solving Ads: These ads for games like Homescapes and Gardenscapes often show characters in perilous situations, where players must pull pins in the correct order to save them. The visuals include obstacles like lava, water, or wild animals that must be avoided or redirected to solve the puzzle.
   Reality: The actual gameplay focuses mainly on match-three puzzles to renovate and decorate a house or garden. The pin-pulling puzzles are rare or non-existent in the real game.
2. Strategy and Building Ads: Mafia City ads typically feature dramatic sequences of characters engaging in mafia wars, making strategic decisions, and upgrading their bases. These ads often include high-stakes negotiations, planning attacks, and defending territories with cinematic flair.
   Reality: The real gameplay involves more incremental base-building, resource management, and less cinematic strategy than depicted in the ads. The emphasis is more on time-based tasks and less on dramatic mafia confrontations.
3. Hero Collection Ads: Ads for Raid: Shadow Legends show epic battles with detailed animations of heroes using powerful abilities. The visuals highlight collecting a diverse range of heroes, each with unique skills and impressive appearances, to form a formidable team.
   Reality: The actual gameplay involves turn-based combat and character management. While collecting heroes is a part of the game, the battles are less dynamic and visually impressive than those shown in the ads.
4. Survival Scenario Ads: Last Shelter: Survival ads depict intense post-apocalyptic scenarios where players must make quick decisions to survive. These ads often show building defenses, scavenging for resources, and fighting off zombie hordes with realistic graphics and action-packed sequences.
   Reality: The real gameplay focuses more on base management, resource gathering, and strategic planning. The survival scenarios are less immediate and action-oriented than depicted in the advertisements.
5. Bizarre Gross-Out Ads: Ads for games like Hero Wars or Kings Throne show disturbing and bizarre scenarios, such as characters trapped in unhygienic situations or performing gross tasks to escape or solve puzzles.
   Reality: The actual gameplay is often standard RPG or strategy-based with none of the bizarre or gross scenarios depicted in the ads. These ads are designed to grab attention through shock value rather than reflecting the true gameplay.
6. Barrel Shooting Ads: Ads for games like Pirate Kings or Coin Master often show players shooting at barrels or spinning wheels to earn rewards, with explosions and exciting visuals.
   Reality: The real gameplay usually involves more mundane tasks like spinning slot machines or simple resource management, without the constant action and excitement shown in the ads.

Deceptive mobile game ads are a widespread issue, often showcasing gameplay that is dramatically different from the actual experience. These ads display intricate puzzles, dynamic battles, and intense survival scenarios that rarely or never occur in the game itself. Strategy games and barrel shooting ads also mislead players with exaggerated visuals. These practices not only lead to player disappointment but also attract regulatory scrutiny, highlighting the need for honest advertising in the gaming industry.

Ad Removal Systems in Mobile Games

Advertisements are a significant revenue stream for mobile games. Players frequently encounter various types of ads, including video ads, banner ads, and full-screen ads, during gameplay. Developers earn money based on ad impressions and clicks, making ads a lucrative monetization method.

1. In-App Purchases: Players can pay a one-time fee to remove ads permanently. This provides a smoother and uninterrupted gameplay experience.
2. Subscription Models: Some games offer subscription services that include ad removal along with other benefits, such as exclusive content or in-game currency.
3. Benefits for Developers: Ad removal purchases provide a direct revenue stream for developers, compensating for the loss of ad-generated income.

Notable Examples:

• Candy Crush Saga: Offers an ad-free experience through in-app purchases.
• Subway Surfers: Allows players to pay a fee to remove ads permanently.
• Words With Friends: Offers a subscription model that includes ad-free gameplay along with additional features.

Removing ads can significantly enhance the player experience by eliminating interruptions, leading to increased player satisfaction and potentially longer game sessions. For developers, offering ad removal options helps balance monetization strategies, ensuring revenue through both ad impressions and direct player payments.

FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

Developers leverage the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) to pressure gamers into spending money. They create limited-time offers and exclusive items that induce a sense of urgency, making players feel compelled to spend money to avoid missing out. This tactic taps into players’ fear of missing rare opportunities, driving them to make purchases they might otherwise avoid. Examples include:

• Pokémon GO: Special events with exclusive Pokémon or bonuses available for a short period, pushing players to purchase event-related items.
• Fortnite: Limited-time skins and emotes, making players feel they must buy them quickly before they disappear.
• Clash Royale: Seasonal challenges with exclusive rewards to entice players to participate and spend.
• FarmVille: Limited-time events and seasonal rewards, urging players to spend on in-game currency or special items to avoid missing out on unique opportunities.
• Summoners War: Special summoning events with rare monsters available only for a short period.
• Fire Emblem Heroes: Limited-time hero banners and special events to encourage spending on summoning orbs.
• AFK Arena: Limited-time events and exclusive heroes that encourage players to spend on in-game currency to participate.
• Merge Dragons!: Special events with unique dragons and items available only during the event period.
• Love Nikki-Dress UP Queen: Seasonal outfits and limited-time events that push players to spend on in-game currency to collect exclusive items.
• DragonVale: Limited-time dragons and seasonal events that encourage players to purchase in-game currency to obtain rare dragons.
• Tap Titans 2: Time-limited tournaments and special equipment sets that are only available for a short duration, prompting players to make in-game purchases to stay competitive.

Sunk Cost Fallacy

The sunk cost fallacy is when people keep investing in something because they’ve already spent time or money on it, even if it no longer makes sense to continue. Mobile games take advantage of this by encouraging players to spend more to avoid feeling like they’ve wasted their previous investments. For example:

• The Sims Mobile: Players who have spent money on home upgrades and special items may feel compelled to keep spending to improve their virtual homes.
• Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes: Players who have invested in upgrading their characters may continue spending to keep their teams strong.
• Final Fantasy Brave Exvius: After investing in rare characters, players might keep spending on enhancements and new character pulls to maintain their team’s competitiveness.

These games leverage the sunk cost fallacy to keep players spending, as they don’t want their past investments to go to waste.

Developers Have Categorized Their Players

In mobile games, players are often categorized based on their spending habits, which helps developers tailor their strategies to maximize revenue. Here are the main player types:

Whales: These are the big spenders in mobile games, often making frequent and substantial in-game purchases. These players contribute the most to a game’s revenue, sometimes spending thousands of dollars on virtual items, currency, and upgrades. Whales are identified by their high spending patterns, consistent engagement, and willingness to invest heavily to gain advantages or exclusive content. Game developers often target whales with personalized offers, exclusive deals, and special events to encourage continued spending, as their financial contributions are crucial to the game’s profitability.

Dolphins: Players who spend moderately but consistently in mobile games. Unlike whales, their individual purchases may not be as large, but their regular spending habits make them valuable to the game’s economy.

Minnows: These players make small, occasional purchases, contributing less overall but representing a large portion of the player base.

Freeloaders: Also known as Free-to-Play (F2P) players, these individuals do not spend any money and rely entirely on free content and in-game rewards.

Targeting Whales

Developers of mobile games often use sophisticated methods to identify and target high-spending players, known as whales. These whales contribute a significant portion of a game’s revenue. Here’s how developers identify and target these players:
Behavior Analysis: Developers use special programs to look at how much time players spend in the game, what they buy, and how quickly they level up. For example, if someone plays a lot every day and advances quickly, they might be a big spender.
Spending Patterns: By watching how much money players spend and how often they do it, developers can spot the big spenders. If a player buys virtual items or in-game currency frequently, they’re likely a high spender.
Engagement Levels: Developers track how often players log in, participate in events, and complete challenges. Players who are very active are usually more willing to spend money, making them important targets for special offers and promotions.

Personalized Offers

Whales often receive exclusive deals and discounts tailored to their spending habits. These personalized offers make further spending more attractive by providing better value or unique items. For example, a whale might get special bundles that include rare items at a discounted price or receive early access to new content. These offers are designed to keep high spenders engaged and encourage them to continue spending more on the game. Developers can maximize their revenue from whales by making these players feel special and valued.

The Financial Impact on Players

Excessive spending on mobile games can lead to serious financial issues, affecting players’ financial stability and overall well-being. Here are some real-world examples:

Examples and Stories:

• Transformers: Earth Wars: A man reportedly spent over $150,000 on in-game purchases, highlighting how addictive game mechanics can lead to financial ruin. Read the story here
• Hidden Artifacts: A father in the UK discovered that his disabled son had spent over £3,000 on the game without his knowledge, showing how easy it is for young players to make substantial purchases unknowingly. Read it here
• Fortnite: Numerous reports have surfaced of players, particularly younger ones, spending hundreds to thousands of dollars on skins, emotes, and battle passes, resulting in regret and financial strain. Learn more here
• Game of War: One player admitted to spending $1,000,000 on the game, while the average paying player spent around $550 due to the addictive nature of the game. Read about it here
• Clash of Clans: The game generated over 359 million dollars from in-app purchases. It’s companion game, Clash Royale, also generated over 166 million dollars. Read it here
• PUBG Mobile: A teenager in India reportedly spent over $21,000 using his parents’ bank accounts to buy in-game items, causing significant financial distress for the family. Read the story here
• Clash Royale: A teenager in Belgium spent $46,000 of his father’s money on the game over several months, leading to financial hardship for the family. Read it here
• Smurfs’ Village: A young child in the US racked up $1,400 in charges within a few hours, highlighting how easily kids can make purchases in games. Learn more here
• The Battle Cats: A child in the UK spent £1,200 on in-app purchases, including £792 on virtual cat food, showing how the lack of CVC security measures can result in excessive spending by children. Read about it here
  

These cases illustrate the potential for financial harm due to unchecked spending in mobile games, underscoring the need for better parental controls and spending limits within games to prevent financial harm.

How Some Countries Are Regulating Loot Boxes and Gacha Systems

Several countries have taken action in response to the concerns about loot boxes and gacha systems in mobile games, addressing their potential financial and psychological impacts:

1. Belgium:

In 2018, Belgium became one of the first countries to classify loot boxes as gambling. This decision led to a de facto ban on games containing loot boxes unless they obtained a gambling license, a highly restrictive process. While this stance initially resulted in some game developers removing or altering loot box mechanics in their games for the Belgian market, subsequent studies have indicated that the ban’s effectiveness in preventing players from accessing loot boxes is limited. Many games continue to feature loot boxes, suggesting that enforcement challenges or circumvention strategies are prevalent. You can read about it here: Belgium’s Gambling Law

2. Netherlands:

The Netherlands has been at the forefront of regulating loot boxes. The Dutch Gaming Authority initially ruled that certain loot box systems constituted gambling, leading to legal action against several game publishers. However, the legal landscape has become more complex. While some loot boxes remain under scrutiny, recent court decisions have overturned previous rulings in favor of game developers, arguing that certain loot box mechanics do not meet the criteria for gambling.
Dutch Government seeks to ban loot boxes

3. United Kingdom:

The UK has taken significant steps to address concerns about loot boxes. Following recommendations from the House of Lords to regulate loot boxes under gambling laws, the government conducted extensive consultations with the public and experts. While the UK ultimately decided not to extend the Gambling Act to cover loot boxes, it has imposed strict regulations on the industry. These include:

• Age restrictions: Purchases of loot boxes are prohibited for individuals under 18 unless authorized by a parent or guardian.

• Spending controls: All players, including adults, must have access to spending controls and transparent information to promote responsible gaming.

• Industry self-regulation: The gaming industry has implemented new guidelines to enhance player protection, such as technological controls to restrict loot box purchases for minors. New Principles and Guidance on Paid Loot Boxes

4. China:

China has implemented strict regulations on loot boxes to protect players, particularly minors. Game developers are required to disclose the exact probabilities of obtaining specific items within loot boxes. Additionally, there are limitations on how many loot boxes players can purchase within a given period. These measures aim to prevent addictive and exploitative gaming practices. Content Restrictions and Requirements For Publishing Games In China

5. South Korea:

South Korea has enacted stringent regulations requiring developers to disclose the probabilities of obtaining items from loot boxes. This move aims to increase transparency and protect consumers from misleading practices. In addition to requiring probability disclosures, the South Korean Fair Trade Commission (FTC) has imposed significant fines on companies that fail to comply. For example, Nexon faced an $8.7 million fine for providing false information about the odds of obtaining certain items. For more details, you can read about the regulations on Korea JoongAng Daily.

6. Australia:

Australia has introduced new regulations to address the concerns surrounding loot boxes and gambling-like elements in video games. Starting in September 2024, any video game featuring in-game purchases linked to elements of chance, such as loot boxes, will automatically receive a minimum classification of M (Mature – not recommended for children under 15 years of age). Games that include simulated gambling will be classified as R18+, restricting their sale to individuals over 18 years old.

This move is part of the Australian Government’s effort to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly children, from the potential harms associated with these gaming mechanics. The changes were prompted by growing community concerns and research indicating a link between loot boxes and gambling-related harms.

For more details, you can read about the regulations on Kotaku.

Why All the Regulations?

Loot boxes and gacha systems are highly effective monetization strategies, leveraging psychological principles to drive player spending. However, they also carry significant risks, including potential financial harm and addictive behaviors. Awareness of these mechanics is crucial for players to manage their spending and avoid negative consequences.

Key Points:

• Random Rewards: Players are attracted by the chance to obtain rare and powerful items or characters.
• Collection Completion: Many players are motivated by the desire to complete their collections.
• Repeated Spending: The randomness of rewards encourages players to make repeated purchases to get what they want.

Psychological Impact

• Gambling-like Mechanics: Loot boxes and gacha systems mimic gambling, leading to similar addictive behaviors.
• Variable Rewards: The unpredictability of rewards keeps players engaged and eager to try again.
• Social Proof: Seeing others get rare items can drive players to spend more, hoping for the same success.

Impact on Players

• Financial Consequences: Players may spend significant amounts of money, sometimes facing financial difficulties as a result.
• Addiction: The gambling-like nature of these systems can lead to addiction, making players feel compelled to keep spending.
• Regret and Frustration: Players often feel regret or frustration after spending money without getting the desired items but may continue spending due to the sunk cost fallacy.

Preventative Measures and Advice

To avoid financial pitfalls from excessive spending on mobile games, players and parents can take several proactive steps:

Monitoring Spending on Mobile Games Using Phones

To effectively monitor in-game spending on mobile devices, follow these steps:

1. Check App Store Purchase History:

• iOS: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iTunes & App Store > View Apple ID > Purchase History.
• Android: Open the Google Play Store app > Menu > Account > Purchase History.

1. Enable Notifications: Set up notifications for purchases to receive immediate alerts for any transactions.
2. Use Expense Tracking Apps: Apps like Mint or YNAB can help track spending across different games and provide a comprehensive view of your financial activity.
3. Review In-Game Purchase Logs: Many games offer in-game logs or purchase history features within the settings menu. Regularly review these logs to stay aware of your spending habits.
4. Set Purchase Restrictions: Use your device’s parental control settings to limit or require approval for in-game purchases. This can be done in:

• iOS: Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases.
• Android: Google Play Store > Menu > Settings > Parental controls.

By utilizing these tools and features, you can effectively monitor and manage your in-game spending on mobile devices.

Additional Tips

Disabling One-Click Purchases

Disabling one-click purchasing options on mobile devices can help prevent impulsive buys. Here’s how you can do it:

iOS (Apple Devices):

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap on Screen Time.
3. Select Content & Privacy Restrictions.
4. Tap on iTunes & App Store Purchases.
5. Set Require Password to Always Require.

Android (Google Play):

1. Open the Google Play Store app.
2. Tap the Menu (three horizontal lines) and select Settings.
3. Under User Controls, tap on Require Authentication for Purchases.
4. Choose For all purchases through Google Play on this device.

By following these steps, you can add an extra layer of protection to prevent accidental or impulsive purchases on your mobile device.- Educate Yourself and Family: Understand the game’s monetization strategies and discuss the potential financial impact with family members.

Using Prepaid Cards

Using prepaid cards instead of linking credit cards to game accounts is an effective way to control spending. Here’s how it works and why it’s beneficial:

1. Purchase Prepaid Cards: Buy prepaid cards from retailers or online. These cards have a set amount of money loaded onto them.
2. Add Funds to Game Account: Redeem the prepaid card on your game account or app store (e.g., Google Play or Apple App Store).
3. Limit Spending: Since prepaid cards have a fixed balance, you can only spend what is loaded onto the card. This prevents overspending and keeps you within a budget.

Benefits:

• Controlled Spending: Limits the amount you can spend, avoiding unexpected charges.
• No Risk of Debt: Reduces the risk of incurring debt since you can’t spend more than the card’s balance.
• Ideal for Gifts: Suitable for parents to control their children’s spending on games.

Steps to Redeem Prepaid Cards:

iOS (Apple Devices):

1. Open the App Store.
2. Tap on your profile picture at the top right.
3. Select Redeem Gift Card or Code.
4. Enter the code from your prepaid card.

Android (Google Play):

1. Open the Google Play Store app.
2. Tap the Menu (three horizontal lines) and select Redeem.
3. Enter the code from your prepaid card.

Using prepaid cards is a practical way to manage and limit in-game spending, ensuring you stay within your budget.

Final Thoughts

The monetization strategies in mobile games can cause serious issues, particularly when they target heavy spenders, known as whales. These tactics can lead to financial hardship and mental health problems, especially for minors and those prone to addiction. To combat this, some countries have started regulating in-game purchases, like loot boxes. Game developers should adopt fair practices, such as disclosing item odds and implementing spending limits. Players can protect themselves by setting budgets, using parental controls, and staying informed. Together, these actions can create a safer and more ethical gaming environment.