Video game monetization

In free mobile games, players' attention is often directed toward advertisements in exchange for payment. This usually involves interrupting the gameplay with full-screen banners or videos. These ads can also be intentionally viewed by players to earn in-game currency. Another method of integrating ads into a game is "in-game advertising," where advertisements are embedded within the game world itself, such as the billboards in FIFA or NBA games.

Until the mid-1990s, video games could only be sold or acquired through traditional retail sales. Discs were duplicated and offered in printed game cases in stores. The sale of second-hand games was also possible in this way. Since the advent of the internet, video games have also been offered for download online. This sales model has nearly completely replaced traditional retail sales. It was through this shift that concepts like "Early Access" games became possible. In "Early Access," a game is purchased in an early development stage and is improved and expanded through regular updates. With "DLC" (Downloadable Content), the game is also expanded with additional content for a fee.

Games based on the transaction model can be considered services that the user must pay for. This is especially true for arcade machines, where each individual game must be paid for separately. In-game purchases are also a form of transaction. These are made through so-called "micropayments" and, for example, accelerate the core loop of the game. Loot boxes and skins can also be included in this category.

The term "Freemium" is a combination of the English words "Free" and "Premium." In video games, the core product is available for free, and additional premium services can be purchased. Demo versions of games also fall under this concept.