Work

Developer dialogues: a study of game creators to understand the potential for industry self-regulation of monetization

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Current scientific discourse on game monetization reflects strong ethical perspectives on the role of money in game production. The present study seeks to uncover the foundational principles and practices that shape how games are monetized. By interviewing 17 game creators directly involved in monetization, we uncover six principles and practices that might mitigate potential harms to player wellbeing associated with monetization. This research aims to inform ongoing efforts advocating for industry self-regulation concerning loot boxes and similar game elements.

Source: Information Communication & Society

DOI: 10.1080/1369118x.2025.2467343

Authors: Maarten Denoo, Elena Petrovskaya

Institutions: KU Leuven, University of Lincoln, University of York

Language: English

Topic: Digital Games and Media

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek

Award: Gam(e)(a)ble: Interdisciplinary research on the blurring lines between gaming and gambling among teenagers