What does pay-to-win mean and what are micropayments?
The term pay-to-win (abbreviated P2W) describes an aspect of the game in which players can gain an advantage by using real money to purchase virtual items, accessories or add-ons.
The pay-to-win structure is widespread both in online multiplayer games through the presence of downloadable content (DLC) and in mobile games through in-app purchases.
How do pay-to-win games work?
Pay-to-win games typically offer players better weapons, character abilities, or internal game currency and give the opportunity to purchase them through in-game microtransactions.
Pay-to-win benefits make it difficult for other players to compete if they cannot afford them or are unwilling to purchase the same accessories. As the name suggests, players essentially pay for the win in the game.
Games that allow you to download free gameplay software are the most popular type of pay-to-win games. Many F2P (free-to-play) games offer optional microtransactions to generate revenue for developers, making it similar to P2W model, which could anger current and potential players.
To combat the negative perception of the pay-to-win model, some game developers only offer cosmetic items or other accessories that do not provide a gameplay advantage but enhance the general player experience.
What are micropayments?
In the early 80s and 90s, players were mostly required to pay to play (the “pay-to-play” concept). This was the dominant monetisation model for video game publishers.
However, since the birth of the Internet, video companies have adopted a new “free-to-play” approach, in which certain in-game amenities had to be paid for in several smaller transactions.
The introduction of micropayments in gaming has enabled game publishers to connect with players on a deeper emotional level and improve each user's gaming experience.
For example, one widely accepted mobile gaming model allows individual gamers to enhance their gaming experience by customizing it to their individual needs. Players can choose between free, default game models with no customisation, or they can pay a small fee for any enhancements they wish.
Popular pay-to-win game titles:
- Clash of Clans: You can join one of many clans and build your own village. However, if you want to build buildings faster or train more soldiers faster, you have to pay for in-game “gems”.
- Diablo Immortal: Fight an ancient evil and discover the untold story of events happening between the stories shown in Diablo II and Diablo III in this all-new multiplayer action role-playing game. Everything is for sale in Diablo Immortal - from items and cosmetics to game currency and XP boosters.
- Warframe: Was released in 2013 on PC and PlayStation 4, and in 2014 on Nintendo Switch and Xbox One. Currently, it is one of the most downloaded titles on Steam. The game includes elements of shooting, parkour and other classic RPG themes. Similar to the Monster Hunter series, the player engages in fast-paced combat and acquires equipment.
How can PaysafeCard help you pay for virtual purchases in a pay-to-win game?
If you want to improve your gaming experience, but without having to reveal your personal and banking details, you can purchase in-game items using PaysafeCard. It is a convenient and private form of online cash payment.
With PaysafeCard you can pay at 1000+ online stores, including the Microsoft Store and PlayStation Store. Just log in to your account and select PaysafeCard as your payment method, and then enter your PaysafeCard voucher code to finalise the transaction.
You can conveniently buy a PaysafeCard voucher from your PaysafeCard account or in the nearest in-store location (e.g. local store or petrol station).
P2W games are great fun that give you the opportunity to shape your gaming experience through the option of microtransactions. PaysafeCard is a convenient way to pay for additional content or virtual items in the game.
You can easily purchase PaysafeCard voucher online or at a nearby physical location.