Tools
Tools
Gibson, E 
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1068-1036,
2024.
Exploring motivations for videogame micro-transaction use and their relationship with problem gaming and problem gambling.
PhD, Nottingham Trent University.
Preview |
Text
Erin Gibson 2025.pdf - Published version Download (2MB) | Preview |
Abstract
Micro-transactions are a popular form of monetisation in videogames, suggested to be a convergence between gaming and gambling. Following the implementation of micro-transactions into games, there has been debate about their psychological impacts, including their associations with problem gaming and gambling behaviour. However, there has been limited academic research concerning a broad range of micro-transactions, beyond the most discussed form, loot boxes. Of interest to the present thesis is the underlying motivations that drive micro-transaction use. Specifically, this thesis aims to explore motivations for micro-transaction use and their relationship to problem gaming and gambling behaviour.
An initial systematic review investigated existing findings relating to micro-transactions and their relationship to both problem gaming and problem gambling. Following a literature search, 19 cross-sectional studies were reviewed based on several inclusion criteria. The most consistent finding of the review was that frequency of micro-transaction use is a key factor in the relationship between micro-transactions, problem gaming and problem gambling. The review highlighted the need for more methodologically diverse and explorative research concerning micro-transaction use, providing justification for the empirical chapters within the present thesis.
The first empirical chapter of the present thesis, a qualitative investigation into the experience of videogame players with micro-transactions, utilised interpretative phenomenological analysis to analyse transcripts from 11 participants who use or had previously used micro-transactions. Six super-ordinate themes were identified. These were: (i) self-control vs. impulsivity, (ii) motivations for micro-transaction use, (iii) obligation to play after purchases, (iv) guilt and regret, (v) feeling tricked or cheated, and (vi) comparing micro-transaction use and gambling. Participant experiences were discussed in relation to motivation, utilising self-determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000a, 2000b, 2000c). The chapter highlighted the need for further investigation of the complex relationship between motivation, needs satisfaction and frustration, micro-transaction engagement and problem gaming and gambling behaviour.
Subsequently, the second empirical chapter of the present thesis utilised structural equation modelling methods to explore this complex relationship. Key findings were that frequency of micro-transaction use partially explained the relationship between extrinsic gambling motivations and problem gambling behaviour and fully explained the relationship between extrinsic gaming motivation and problem gambling behaviour. The findings were discussed with a focus on the rapid reward processes involved in the use of micro-transactions and the similarities between micro-transaction reward schedules and gambling. The chapter highlighted that a novel psychometric measure of motivations for the use of a broad range of micro-transactions was necessary to further explore the findings.
The final empirical chapter of the present thesis aimed to develop and validate the Motivation for Micro-transaction Use Scale (MMUS) utilising a mixed methods approach. The resulting 16-item MMUS consisted of five subscales: (i) achievement and advancement, (ii) social status, (iii) personality expression, (iv) fanship, and (v) non-motivation. The scale showed good reliability and validity overall, with subscales suggested to be related to self-determination theory concerning aspirations and goals.
This research has important implications for the future study of micro-transactions, as well as wider fields relating to online spaces. The research also has practical applications for videogame companies and developers, as well as in healthcare settings for the prevention of gaming and gambling related harm, or for the treatment of problematic behaviour. The research presented in the present thesis suggests that some micro-transaction users may have motivational profiles more associated with problem gaming and gambling behaviour. Consequently, the present thesis contributes to the dearth of academic literature concerning micro-transaction use and may be beneficial for the development of policy and regulatory measures to prevent potential harm from micro-transaction use.
| Item Type: | Thesis |
|---|---|
| Creators: | Gibson, E. |
| Contributors: | Name Role NTU ID ORCID |
| Date: | December 2024 |
| Rights: | The copyright in this work is held by the author. You may copy up to 5% of this work for private study, or personal, non-commercial research. Any re-use of the information contained within this document should be fully referenced, quoting the author, title, university, degree level and pagination. Queries or requests for any other use, or if a more substantial copy is required, should be directed to the author. |
| Divisions: | Schools > School of Social Sciences |
| Record created by: | Jeremy Silvester |
| Date Added: | 19 Dec 2025 15:18 |
| Last Modified: | 19 Dec 2025 15:18 |
| URI: | https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/54901 |
Actions (login required)
 |
Edit View |
Statistics
Views
Views per month over past year
Downloads
Downloads per month over past year
