Report Shows Gamers Want Microtransactions

There have been many new trends popping up in the video game industry over the past couple years, but one of the most prevalent and hotly debated ones is the use of microtransactions and paid content in games. Some critics say it encourages developers to focus on making games that make money as opposed to just making good games, while some gamers say it leads to “pay to win” situations. That’s what makes it all the more surprising that, according to Nielsen’s 2017 Games 360 report, more gamers actually want microtransactions in their video games.

On page 22 of the report, there is a graph indicating what gamers (aged 13+) find most important in games, comparing the results to last year’s findings. According to the survey, 57% of gamers participating in the survey agreed with the statement “Being able to purchase in-game content is important to me.” 57 percent may not be an overwhelming majority, but its up five percent from last year’s report, indicating that gamers might slowly be accepting and even welcoming this trend.

Of course, microtransactions still aren’t the biggest priority for gamers, as that was the least agreed upon statement. The biggest priority for gamers seems to be keeping up on recent gaming news and trends (73% agreed), with second and third most important being a tie between the social aspects of gaming and being able to play the most popular video games (67% agreed).

The Nielsen report also listed the top factors gamers take into consideration when buying games. The most important factor for gamers is the genre, with 80 percent of participants citing it as number one. 74 percent believed graphics were the most important part, and 71 percent were more focused on the game’s storyline.

Even though some readers may not care for microtransactions, everyone can agree its important to get the latest gaming news, so be sure to share this article with fellow gamers and keep checking in on mxdwn Games.

Luis Correa: A journalist for mxdwn's Games section, Luis graduated from CSU Northridge with a degree in Screenwriting. After trying his hand at making Let's Play videos on YouTube, he now concentrates on finding interesting new stories in the world of video games. Video gamer, movie-goer, comic book reader, cartoon watcher.
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