Predatory Monetisation? A Categorisation of Unfair, Misleading and Aggressive Monetisation Techniques in Digital Games from the Player Perspective

Abstract Technological shifts within the video game industry have enabled many games to evolve into platforms for repeated expenditure, rather than a one-time purchase product. Monetising as service is challenging, and there concern that some monetisation strategies may constitute unfair or exploitative practices which are not adequately covered by existing law. We asked 1104 players of describe time when they had been exposed transactions were perceived be misleading, aggressive unfair. found 35 separate techniques over eight domains: dynamics designed drive spending, product meeting expectations, basic quality life, predatory advertising, in-game currency, pay win, general presence microtransactions other . Notably, several these reported seem align with UK consumer protection regulations. discuss this potential misalignment, well implications identifying what believe problematic techniques.