Microtransaction

Microtransactions are purchases made inside a game, usually for relatively small amounts. They can buy cosmetic items, bundles of in-game currency, extra lives, faster progress, battle passes, new characters or random rewards. The word “micro” refers to individual price, not total spending – many small purchases can add up to a large sum.

Players often abbreviate the word to MTX. On phones and tablets, the same thing is commonly called an in-app purchase.

Types of microtransaction

It helps to separate them by what you get. Cosmetic purchases change appearance only and do not affect play. Convenience purchases save time, such as experience boosts. Power purchases give a direct advantage, which leads to accusations of pay-to-win. Random purchases, such as loot boxes, give a chance at an item rather than a known item. Many games use several types at once.

How to spot them before buying

In the UK and Europe, PEGI shows an “In-Game Purchases” descriptor on games where players can buy digital goods or services with real-world currency. PEGI’s description lists things like bonus levels, outfits, surprise items, music and virtual coins. A game can be free to download and still carry this descriptor, so it is worth looking for even on free titles.

Prices are often shown in a game’s own currency rather than pounds, which can make costs harder to judge. Converting a few typical purchases back to real money is an eye-opening exercise for anyone.

Practical steps for households

Every major console, phone and PC store has controls to require a password or parental approval for purchases and to set spending limits. Removing saved card details from a shared device, or using gift-card top-ups, is another simple way to keep spending visible. Ask About Games has platform-by-platform walk-through guides for parents.