Microtransactions in Games Bother People, But I’m Still Clicking Checkout

Ohhh I like, here take my money!

 I recently became aware that microtransactions in games bother people.

Also learned what a microtransaction is! LOL

But I'm still clicking CHECKOUT!

I play games on PC and my iPhone. So when a game tickles my fancy, I go full send and buy whatever they show me. I’m a marketing dream.

But I’m still clicking checkout.

I’ve played the Kardashian game.

I play Apple mobile games.

Call of Duty.

Palia.

Disney Dreamlight Valley.

And now Heartopia. This one just started, but there’s already been a small purchase.

What my bank sees a lot of with my addiction to gaming and buy extras.

Money, money and more money

So I’m not new to this. I just never knew what it was called. I swear the internet teaches me something every single day. Microtransactions.

I’ve been around long enough to know exactly what a game is doing when it flashes a cute outfit, a bundle, or a limited pack in my face. I know the goal is to make money. I know it’s not offered only to me.

But

I still click buy.

I’m Not Complaining.

I’m not here to yell about greedy companies or scream that gaming is ruined. Because honestly? I’m the dream customer.

I buy the game.I start to become obsessed with said game. Then a little window pops up and flashes something that hits that happiness in my head and heart.

Boom.

That’s literally the business model working exactly as intended. And I’m one of their dream targets.

And I don’t hate the developers for it. Respect the hustle.

Someone had an idea. Someone built a world. Someone designed characters, systems, outfits, colors, vibes. Someone paid employees, artists, coders, writers, testers. Then they released it hoping people would care enough to spend money.

I do. I will. I have. And I probably always will.

It's not being terrible.

It's business.

Microtransactions don’t bother me because here I am throwing money away.

Connect to PayPal ASAP.

Apple Pay got you, girl.

They bother me when I can’t even see what I’m doing with so many pop ups.

When prices don’t make sense.

When bundles aren’t complete the way I think they should be.

When five dollars somehow becomes fourteen.

That’s when I roll my eyes…

…and yet still check out.

Do I uninstall?

No.

Not until the game bores me.

But they already have my money.

Every Game Does It Just Differently

The Kardashian game? All about looks, energy, and keeping up. This game is WAY back.

Apple games? Timers, boosts, and remove advertisements.

Call of Duty? Skins, blueprints, tracers, operators, bundles that cost more than real shirts.

Palia? Cozy, cute, slow and still full of things I wanted not needed. I don’t even play anymore.

Disney Dreamlight Valley? Don’t even pretend you haven’t looked at the premium shop and said, Okay but that’s adorable. Mickey needs this outfit to match me.

More moonstones coming in hot.

Heartopia? New obsession. Haven’t spent more than $3 yet, so I consider that a win. But hold your hat I’m sure I’ll pay in the coming days.

Different games. Same result.

I’m still in the store.

I Don’t Feel Tricked

That’s the part people don’t like to admit.

Yes, you can hate it.

And yes, you can also choose not to buy.

I don’t feel bamboozled.

I know it’s about how I look in game. I know it doesn’t change gameplay. I know I could survive without it. i don't want to!

But gaming isn’t just about splaying. It’s about feeling happy in the space you’re spending hours in. That makes you happy.

My character is me.

If she looks good, I feel better playing.

That sounds silly.

I don’t care.

It’s true.

I’m the Developer’s Dream

I am exactly who developers want.

This bridge will make you look great!

if they told me this bridge would help me look better, I took seconds to hit check out and take a snapshot of my little person on it.

I support games I enjoy.

Not because I’m loyal to business but because it makes me happy.

Games are not free to make.

People forget that.

They want endless updates, events, fixes, patches, seasons, cosmetics, storylines, and content… but don’t want the game to earn money after launch.

That logic doesn’t work.

The Audacity Outrage

Online, everyone pretends they don’t want what’s offered.

In reality, their in game look is just how they see themselves.

People just love to complain.

I don’t pretend or complain. I just have little conversations with myself.

“Tina, you don’t need this. Stop spending money.”

Then I buy it.

When It Actually Crosses the Line

Microtransactions become a problem when:

Progress is blocked behind purchases.

You feel forced to buy.

The game stalls.

And all you have left is new gear to wear.

If the game still holds my attention, DLCs are released, glitches are fixed, and content keeps coming I’m all in.

Why I Keep Doing It

Because I like playing games.

Because it fills my happiness bar.

Because I’ve had a long day and need my fix.

Because I can.

Because I want to.

And no one else’s complaints are going to change that.

My Honest Ending

Microtransactions in games don’t bother me.

And I’m still clicking buy.

I understand how business works. I can see their side. I can roll my eyes and still give them my money.

And honestly…

Why are you mad?

If you go to the store and your favorite food costs more, you’re still buying it.

Because you like it.