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Game Development vocabulary · Monetization & Live Ops

Microtransaction

Meaning in game development, with examples

/ˌmaɪkroʊtrænˈzækʃən/nounCommon term

In game development, microtransaction means: A small purchase made inside a game with real money, for example for a character skin, in-game currency or extra lives.

In Turkish: mikro ödeme, oyun içi satın alma, mikro işlem

How it is used

Common in free-to-play games and also found in many full-price games, where it is often criticized. People talk about cosmetic and pay-to-win microtransactions; on mobile stores the same idea is called an in-app purchase (IAP).

Example sentences

  1. All our microtransactions are cosmetic, so nobody can buy a competitive advantage.

  2. The reviews focused on the microtransactions instead of the gameplay.

Common collocations

  • cosmetic microtransactions
  • in-app purchase
  • in-game currency
  • microtransaction store
  • monetizationThe way a game earns money from players, for example by selling the game itself, in-game purchases, subscriptions or ads.
  • free-to-playDescribes a game that anyone can download and play for free, which makes money from optional purchases, ads or a battle pass instead of an upfront price.
  • loot boxA virtual box or pack that gives random items when opened. It can be earned in the game or bought with real money, and players don't know what they will get.
  • battle passA reward track that lasts for one season: players unlock items by playing and earning experience, and a paid premium version gives extra rewards.

More terms: Monetization & Live Ops

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