How can you use psychology to increase in-game purchases?

1 The power of free

One of the most effective ways to attract and retain players is to offer them something for free. Free items, bonuses, or trials can create a sense of gratitude, curiosity, or obligation in your players, which can motivate them to reciprocate by buying something later. Free items can also act as anchors, making your paid items seem more valuable or reasonable by comparison. For example, you can give your players a free starter pack, a free trial of a premium subscription, or a free currency boost, and then show them how much more they can get or do with your paid options.

2 The scarcity effect

Another way to increase in-game purchases is to create a sense of scarcity or urgency in your players. Scarcity can make your items or offers seem more desirable, exclusive, or rare, which can trigger your players' fear of missing out or their competitive drive. Urgency can also make your players act faster, without thinking too much or comparing alternatives. For example, you can limit the availability of your items or offers by time, quantity, or access, and use countdown timers, pop-ups, or notifications to remind your players of the deadline or the demand.

4 The customization

A fourth way to increase in-game purchases is to offer your players more customization options for their characters, items, or environments. Customization can appeal to your players' need for self-expression, identity, or uniqueness, which can make them more attached to your game and more willing to spend on it. Customization can also create a sense of ownership, pride, or satisfaction in your players, which can increase their loyalty and retention. For example, you can let your players choose or create their own avatars, skins, weapons, or buildings, and charge them for the extra features or variations.

5 The gamification

A fifth way to increase in-game purchases is to use gamification, which is the application of game elements and mechanics to non-game contexts. Gamification can enhance your players' engagement, motivation, or behavior, by making your game more fun, challenging, or rewarding. Gamification can also create a feedback loop, where your players' actions lead to outcomes, which lead to more actions, and so on. For example, you can use points, badges, leaderboards, quests, or achievements to incentivize your players to buy or use your items or offers, and to track or compare their progress or performance.

6 The reciprocity

A sixth way to increase in-game purchases is to use reciprocity, which is the principle that people tend to return favors or kindnesses that they receive from others. Reciprocity can foster a positive relationship between you and your players, and make them feel more obliged or grateful to support your game. Reciprocity can also create a sense of fairness, balance, or exchange, where your players feel that they are getting something of value for their money. For example, you can thank your players for their purchases, give them rewards or discounts, or ask them for feedback or referrals.