Every week the EFG staff will be defining a gaming term that is either confusing or ill-defined. Please leave a comment with any terms you are confused by and we will try to include them in future editions!
The gaming definition this week is a term that is applicable to many mobile games and some video games: Microtransactions
Microtransaction: A piece of content, either cosmetic or gameplay related, set at a very low price point. Players typically purchased these pieces of content individually. Frequently there is the option to purchased similar content repeatedly or bundled together as a part of larger collections. You will find Microtransactions typically in games that are free-to-play. These Microtransactions offer an improved quality of game experience or entirely different types of play.
Microtransactions, primarily in PC and console games may also include Loot Boxes, Loot Crates, or in card based games Booster Packs. Gachas are another term used in mobile games for Loot Boxes.
Examples of Microtransaction in Mobile Games:
- Candy Crush Saga: Players can purchase more live, so they do not have to wait for them to refresh. Boosters, which make levels easier can also be purchased.
- Pokémon Go: Players buy Pokecoins to buy in game items such as more Pokeballs or Lucky Eggs.
Examples in Console/On-line Games
- Fortnight: Players purchase V-Bucks to buy Skins, Skin packs, and other cosmetic items.
- Overwatch: Loot boxes may be purchased or earned in game. They include four items which may include alternate skins, emotes, and lines of dialogue, or other items.
What do you think? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!
You can also look at our other video game definitions from previous weeks here!
What do you think? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!
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Linda Wrobel 
Stephen Duetzmann