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Should You Spend Money On Digital Items In A Game?

Spending money on digital items in a game is quite frequent nowadays. While some players love to buy exclusive skins and cosmetics for their characters, many also spend money to upgrade their gameplay passes.

In short, digital games are now gaining real money because of their lucrative items and a shortcut to upgrades. Be it is a casual player or a professional gamer, everyone is now blindly buying such upgrades to stay ahead in the race.

However, is spending real money on these digital items really worth it or just an illusion to force gamers to spend money? Well, it might seem like a tricky question for many, but after reading this blog, you will definitely get an answer. Let’s decode its benefits, cons, and mindset behind such a rush purchase that will save you a lot of trouble!

Mindset Behind Spending Money On Digital Items In A Game

When we talk about “digital items” in a game, we’re referring to things purchased (or unlocked) that exist purely in the game environment, like skins, avatars, mounts, different types of weapons, battle passes, or other character enhancements. Gamers who are obsessed with their gameplay or want to win levels in their favorite games often tend to go for buying digital items because –

1. Personal satisfaction/enjoyment: Playing games is all about fun and enjoyment. That’s why it is a major reason for such purchases. Players often get tempted with exclusive skins, avatars, weapons, etc., and to get them, readily pay money!
2. Speeding progression: To further tempt players, online games offer not just digital items but also upgrades with them. That’s why many players buy items to unlock gaming content faster.
3. Social/competitive signalling: Who doesn’t love to look exclusive or own rare items? The same logic also applies in the gaming world. Having rare skins or items may mark you as invested, experienced or high-status among peers.

To purchase these, many games deploy a proprietary currency system where you buy game-specific currency with real money, then exchange it for items. For example, in the Call of Duty game, many of you might have purchased COD points to unlock skins, bundles or other items for any of the above reasons. These types of currenBuy CoD Points Cheap | Eldorado.ggcies create a layering between real money and in-game value.

Perks Of Spending Money On Digital Gaming Items

When it comes to spending real money on digital items, there are some benefits that might be a bit different for both a new gamer and a professional player. Some of the major benefits that you get while buying such cosmetics and accessories are-

1. Freedom to personalize gaming experience – While new players buy in-game items to personalize their gaming experiences, professionals go for custom skins or high-tier items to enhance their brand or streaming persona and to attract audience attention.

1. Early access to exclusive gaming content – Another benefit is indeed the early access to new levels or exclusive gaming content that new users can have without much effort. While professionals use this opportunity to speed through progression, free up time to practice, refine skills or prepare for tournaments, rather than wasting in-game time for weeks for an unlock.

1. Thrill of owning rare collections – It gives users a sense of thrill and pride to own exclusive collections. New gamers become more invested in the game to own such rare collections. However, professionals invest in high-quality skins or bundles to gain intangible returns like sponsorships, strong presence, exclusive gameplay, etc.

Cons Of Spending Money On Digital Games 

While buying digital items does have some benefits, we cannot rule out the con perspective that affects both new players and professionals. Major shortcomings of such purchases are-

1. Irrelevant or no guaranteed success in some time – The skin or item may lose relevance when seasons change, when a new game update arrives, or when you move on to another game. So, without a guaranteed return, you risk spending on items that you can’t trade or make a profit from.

1. Bad impact of microtransacting – Microtransactions can negatively impact and lead to impulsive spending. Players don’t realize that spending money occasionally adds up to the overall cost. Many microtransaction items are cosmetic and do not impact gameplay.

1. Wastage of money due to peer-pressure –  When players obsessively buy skins, avatars, or other cosmetics, just to show off, they keep purchasing virtual items recklessly and get trapped in mindless purchases just for their reputation building. It affects both new and veteran players because instead of focusing on the game, they struggle to maintain their virtual images.

Different Currencies Of Popular Games Among The Gaming Community

Here are some popular gaming currencies –

Final Words

There are several motivations for spending money on digital items in games. While some pay to get rare items or upgrade characters, others use it to access content early.

If you’re a non-professional player, the decision to spend money on digital items should be based on your goals rather than an investment perspective. Whereas professionals can make decisions based on their gaming strategy, branding, or business investment.

Also check out these other articles about money in video games-

Why do people spend real money on virtual items in video games?

Money in Video Games: It’s Virtually Everywhere!

Why I Never Spend Money on In-Game Cosmetics