Lesson plan

Microtransaction

A microtransaction (MTX) video game business model is one where users can purchase in-game virtual goods with micropayments. Microtransactions are often used in free-to-play games to provide a revenue source for the developers. While microtransactions are a staple of the mobile app market, they are also seen on PC software such as Valve's Steam digital distribution platform, as well as console gaming. Free-to-play games that include a microtransaction model are sometimes referred to as "freemium". Another term, "pay-to-win", is sometimes used pejoratively to refer to games where purchasing items in-game can give a player an advantage over other players, particularly if the items cannot be obtained through free means. The objective with a free-to-play microtransaction model is to involve more players in the game by providing desirable items or features that players can purchase if they lack the skill or available time to earn these through regular game play. Also, presumably the game developer's marketing strategy is that in the long term, the revenue from a micro transaction system will outweigh the revenue from a one-time-purchase game. Loot boxes are another form of microtransactions. Through purchasing a loot box, the player acquires a seemingly random assortment of items.…

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Article summary

A microtransaction (MTX) video game business model is one where users can purchase in-game virtual goods with micropayments. Microtransactions are often used in free-to-play games to provide a revenue source for the developers. While microtransactions are a staple of the mobile app market, they are also seen on PC software such as Valve's Steam digital distribution platform, as well as console gaming. Free-to-play games that include a microtransaction model are sometimes referred to as "freemium". Another term, "pay-to-win", is sometimes used pejoratively to refer to games where purchasing items in-game can give a player an advantage over other players, particularly if the items cannot be obtained through free means. The objective with a free-to-play microtransaction model is to involve more players in the game by providing desirable items or features that players can purchase if they lack the skill or available time to earn these through regular game play. Also, presumably the game developer's marketing strategy is that in the long term, the revenue from a micro transaction system will outweigh the revenue from a one-time-purchase game. Loot boxes are another form of microtransactions. Through purchasing a loot box, the player acquires a seemingly random assortment of items.…

Key claims

  1. date of formation: 2006 — source: Wikipedia · confidence 0.95
  2. release date: 2006 — source: Wikipedia · confidence 0.95
  3. release date: 2006-04-03 — source: Wikipedia · confidence 0.95
  4. release date: 2006 — source: Wikipedia · confidence 0.95

Discussion questions

  1. Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
  2. The record states that the date of formation is "2006". What evidence would count against this claim?
  3. The record states that the release date is "2006". What evidence would count against this claim?
  4. The record states that the release date is "2006-04-03". What evidence would count against this claim?
  5. The record states that the release date is "2006". What evidence would count against this claim?
  6. Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
  7. If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?

Bibliography

  1. Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=1376142805

Key claims and bibliography are generated from the same tracked claims and sources as the article page.