<b>Unveiling Research Frontiers in In-Game Purchases: A Bibliometric Approach</b>

The rapid advancement of digital technologies has significantly transformed the gaming industry, particularly through the integration of in-game purchases, which has impacted revenue strategies and player engagement. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the in-game purchase literature using data exclusively from the Dimensions database. Relevant publications were collected, categorized, and analyzed using search terms such as "in-game purchases," "microtransactions," and "virtual goods." The analysis addresses research questions designed to elucidate temporal trends, influential authors, key journals, and major contributing countries in the field. Bibliometric tools, notably VOS viewer, were employed to map co-authorship networks, citation patterns, and keyword co-occurrence clusters to facilitate the identification of thematic concentrations within the field. The results illustrate the evolution of in-game purchase research over time, highlighting prominent authors, collaborative networks and primary publication venues. The study also revealed significant international variations in publication volume and citation impact. Thematic mapping uncovered clusters focused on psychological and behavioral effects, economic and design models, and regulatory and ethical considerations. By systematically presenting these trends, this study offers a comprehensive overview of the intellectual landscape surrounding in-game purchases, contributing to a deeper understanding of the intersection between technological, psychological, and economic perspectives in shaping academic discourse and industry practice. These findings provide valuable insights for developers and policymakers and future research directions in the rapidly evolving fields of digital gaming and in-game monetization.