No Longer Just 'Support': How Microtransactions Changed Player Spending

There was a time when buying a game meant just that—buying it, playing it, and enjoying the full experience right out of the box. You didn’t think about spending more money afterward because there was nothing else to buy. 

Fast forward a bit, and microtransactions entered the scene. At first, they were positioned as a way to support developers—a small price to pay for some cool cosmetics or a little extra content. But today? It feels like microtransactions are everywhere, not just as an option but as a built-in expectation.

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For many players—myself included—the shift from purely optional microtransactions to a more persistent monetization model has been gradual but undeniable. There was a time when spending was more about appreciation, buying a battle pass or an expansion pack to support a game you loved. Now, in many games, microtransactions aren’t just available. They are kinda forced even when it doesn’t make sense. 

Take Call of Duty as an example. Anyone who has ever watched their kill cam knows that moment of curiosity—or frustration—when you replay how you died. Did your opponent land a sick shot? Did they outmaneuver you fair and square? Now, Call of Duty has taken that moment and turned it into a marketing opportunity. The kill cam doesn’t just show you how you lost; it now highlights the cosmetics your opponent uses, right down to their weapon skins. This “wishlist blueprint” system subtly encourages you to buy what you see, much like copying load-outs but with a clear push toward their in-game shop. 

Don’t get me wrong; this is my humble opinion as I express this example. But what does this mean for players? 

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Of course, game developers need to make money—it’s a business, after all. But constant exposure to in-game purchases is shaping player habits, particularly for younger ones. When microtransactions were first introduced, they were about choice—a way for players to enhance their experience if they wanted to. In many games, the idea of "needing" a skin, an emote, or a premium battle pass to keep up is being normalized.

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The concern isn’t just about spending but the mentality it cultivates. Microtransactions aren’t an extra for newer gamers—they’re an expectation. Seeing high-spending "whale" players dominate lobbies with flashy gear subconsciously reinforces the idea that you need to spend to stand out. And when games constantly remind you of what you don’t have—much like life itself—it stops feeling… fun. Or at least it starts feeling like an obligation.

Microtransactions aren’t inherently bad. Some games implement them in ways that feel fair and rewarding. The line between “optional” and “expected” is blurry at the moment, and I hope things settle slightly. If you have a problem with blurry or low res, especially when playing your favorite game, you can upgrade to the Xiaomi Monitor G27I! Sporting a lovely 27-inch, 165Hz IPS display that will keep your games looking sick.