Microtranslation as a form of monetization of gaming content

This study analyzes such a form of monetization of digital game content as microtransactions. Motives for starting the process of monetization of game content are investigated, which are connected with the growth of the number of information and communication technologies and, in connection with this, the increase in the number of new video game developers, which over time leads to the need to introduce various types of microtransactions into digital game content in order to to cover the cost of game production. A general overview of the forms of monetization of digital game content is carried out, including payment for the game itself, payment for access to the game, downloadable content, crowdfunding, in-game advertising, etc. Microtransactions, as relatively small in-game purchases of virtual items, characters, or content, are the most common among users. Attention is focused on the main types of microtransactions, which allows them to be classified into those that directly affect the gameplay, and purely functional ones, on which the outcome of the game does not depend. The first are negatively perceived by the social community of users - gamers, while the second can satisfy the aesthetic interests of both professional players and ordinary users. It is also noted that microtransactions themselves lead to the emergence of economic, social, legal and ethical issues. In general, the problem may be that in some games it will be impossible to progress without microtransactions; an economic injustice may be created between players who purchase game progress and those who spend hundreds of hours to achieve the same progress; transaction authorization problem, etc. It is concluded that the new data economy inevitably leads to the transformation of relations in the sphere of human rights and interests towards achieving the most acceptable balance between the interests of developers, users and the moral interests of society. And although business, being the most important type of economic activity, allows you to avoid poverty and change the stagnation of the economy, the gaming industry cannot be left alone.