A new joint report from Comscore and Anzu reveals key insights into US gamers' habits, preferences, and spending trends. The study, "Comscore's 2024 State of Gaming Report," examines gamer behavior across various platforms and genres.
US Gamers Embrace In-Game Purchases
Freemium Gaming's Rise in Popularity
The report highlights the remarkable success of the freemium model, with a staggering 82% of US gamers making in-app purchases in these games last year. Freemium games, combining free access with optional paid features, have become a dominant force, exemplified by titles like Genshin Impact and League of Legends.
The freemium model's origins can be traced back to games like Nexon's Maplestory, an early pioneer of in-game purchases. This model, allowing players to buy virtual items with real money, has since become an industry standard.
The continued success of freemium games has benefited developers and major platforms like Google, Apple, and Microsoft. Research from Corvinus University attributes this success to factors such as utility, self-indulgence, social interaction, and competition within the game, motivating players to spend to enhance their experience.
Comscore's Chief Commercial Officer, Steve Bagdasarian, noted the report's significance in understanding the cultural impact of gaming and the valuable insights it offers to brands seeking to engage this audience.
The rising cost of game development has also been cited as a factor driving in-game purchases. Tekken 8 producer Katsuhiro Harada previously stated that revenue from in-game transactions will directly support the game's ongoing development.
