Pay-to-Win Gaming and its Interrelation with Gambling: Findings from a Representative Population Sample

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Behavioral Economics
• Digital Media Studies

Background:

• Pay-to-Win (P2W) gaming allows players to pay for in-game advantages, with unlimited payment frequency and value.
• P2W mechanics share similarities with gambling, potentially fostering problematic behavioral patterns.
• Understanding the overlap between P2W gaming and gambling is crucial for player well-being and game design ethics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the demographic and socio-economic profiles of P2W gamers, heavy P2W users, and gamers who also gamble.
• To assess motives behind P2W payments and examine gambling participation, frequency, and spending among P2W gamers.
• To investigate the predictive relationship between P2W gaming behaviors (participation, payment frequency, problematic behavior) and gambling, and vice versa.

Main Methods:

• A large-scale survey of 46,136 adult internet users in Germany.
• Analysis of demographic and socio-economic data of P2W gamers and gamblers.
• Statistical testing to assess the predictive power of P2W engagement on gambling behavior and vice versa.

Main Results:

• P2W gamers represent a distinct consumer group with a notable propensity for gambling.
• High engagement and problematic behaviors in P2W gaming correlate with increased involvement in gambling.
• Recurring payment facilitation is a common characteristic shared by both P2W gaming and gambling activities.

Conclusions:

• P2W gaming and gambling share common psychological mechanisms, particularly concerning recurring payments and potential for problematic engagement.
• Interventions and responsible design practices should consider the interconnectedness of P2W gaming and gambling behaviors.
• Further research is warranted to explore the long-term implications of P2W mechanics on player behavior and well-being.