TYPES AND FORMS OF VIDEO GAME MONETIZATION MODELS

Modern video games have long transcended the classical «buy–and-play» model. The industry has undergone revolutionary changes, moving to the «Games-as-a-Service» (GaAs) model, where constant support, updates and content development become key success factors. This transition is due to several reasons: increasing competition, increasing the cost of developing AAA projects, and changing con­sumer expectations. Players now want to receive not just a finished product, but an ever-evolving world with new events and opportunities. The article discusses current trends in the field of video game monetization, including free-to-play games with microtransactions and subscriptions. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of each model. For example, microtransactions allow studios to earn stable income, but they can cause a negative reaction from players if they disrupt the balance or are perceived as «pay-to-win». The classification of monetization methods has been carried out, and the key features of game services have been identified: mandatory online connectivity, regular updates, active interac­tion with the community, and flexible monetization systems. Statistics confirm that microtransactions remain one of the main trends in the video game industry. The phenomenon of Fortnite, which has become a benchmark for commercial gaming success due to cross-platform, regular events and a well-thought-out battle pass system, is considered separately. Thus, the video game industry continues to evolve, offering new ways to interact with the audience and monetize content, which opens up great opportunities for developers and publishers.