Mobile games can be real gold mines for developers. For example, one player spent $150,000 on the relatively unknown mobile game Transformers: Earth Wars!
What kind of game is this? In Transformers: Earth Wars, you assemble the ultimate Transformers team on the side of the Autobots or Decepticons on Android or iOS. You collect more than 100 characters, including Optimus Prime, Grimlock, and Bumblebee, as well as Megatron, Starscream, and Soundwave.
With these Transformers, you enter real-time battles, trying to destroy the enemy’s headquarters while protecting yours. You form alliances with other players and must strategically use the abilities of your characters.
$150,000 for Transformers
How much did a player spend on microtransactions? As Henry Fong, CEO of the publisher Yodo1, explained during the Melbourne International Games Week, one player alone has spent $150,000 on Transformers: Earth Wars.
In the game, it is possible to speed up the production of your base’s buildings with Cyber Coins. You can earn these coins or buy them.
What is special about it? Henry Fong explained that in another game from the company, Rodeo Stampede, players usually only pay a few hundred dollars. The amount that this particular player invested in Transformers: Earth Wars is, therefore, essentially an outlier.
Is this really so extraordinary? There are occasional reports about so-called “whales” (big spenders who have a lot of money) spending larger amounts for online games and mobile games.
Just recently, there were controversial discussions about a player who spent €50,000 on the MMORPG RuneScape.
Whales should not be favored
What does this mean for Transformers: Earth Wars? Henry Fong explains that tools have been developed to identify these whales in games. These tools could find the most willing spenders based on player behavior to offer them special deals.
However, according to Henry Fong, this does not work so simply. Because when whales receive special offers, regular players would feel disadvantaged. This could lead to unpleasant situations where the game suffers.
What lesson does the publisher take from this? Henry Wong explains that the mere possibility of integrating such tools shows that regulation of the gaming market is sensible. Publishers and developers need to work more closely with governments to ensure meaningful regulations.
There is a concern that free-to-play and mobile games could be regulated in a way that harms the industry. Therefore, it is more sensible for game companies to work closely with authorities on this matter.
How do players react to this? There is a sense of disbelief in the Reddit community about how one person can spend so much money on a game. Most people still accept paying a small amount for an in-game item now and then, but $150,000 is an incredible amount of money.
Furthermore, many worry that tools, like those Henry Fong described, are possible and will probably be used at some point.
What do you think about the situation? Spending $150,000 on a mobile game, would your hobby be worth that to you?
