What is it about?
This study explores why players often make spontaneous in-game purchases. It focuses on how a gamer’s desire to win (competitive spirit) leads them to buy game items on impulse, not because they need them but because they want to stand out or feel popular. The research also indicates that people with strong social skills are less likely to make these impulse purchases for popularity reasons. This finding means that while competition and social factors play a big role in game spending habits, personal social abilities can act as a protective factor.
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Why is it important?
Understanding why gamers make impulse purchases helps game developers and policymakers create healthier gaming environments. This research highlights the psychological triggers behind buying decisions in digital games, especially the need for popularity and competition. By recognizing these factors, game companies can design more ethical monetization strategies that prioritize player well-being. It also offers insights for parents and players themselves, making them more aware of the social and emotional pressures that lead to overspending in games.
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Linking gamers’ competitive spirit and in-game impulse purchase: The need for popularity as a mediator and social competence as a moderator, Computers in Human Behavior, February 2025, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2024.108479.
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