Video Game Payment Trends: A Comparative Study Of Traditional Transactions And Microtransactions

Tony Wibowo (Universitas Internasional Batam)
Victor Fernando (Universitas Internasional Batam)
Li Cen (Universitas Internasional Batam)

INSERT: Information System and Emerging Technology Journal
Vol. 7 No. 1 (2026)

Abstrak Industri video game telah mengalami perkembangan pesat dengan munculnya berbagai model monetisasi, termasuk pembelian langsung dan mikrotransaksi. Secara global, mikrotransaksi menjadi dominan, namun penelitian yang menyoroti persepsi gamer di Indonesia terhadap kedua model ini masih terbatas. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis preferensi gamer Indonesia terhadap pembelian langsung dan mikrotransaksi, dengan fokus pada persepsi nilai, pengalaman bermain, keadilan, serta pola pengeluaran jangka panjang. Metode penelitian menggunakan pendekatan campuran yang menggabungkan survei kuantitatif terhadap 300 responden dengan analisis kualitatif dari pertanyaan terbuka. Hasil analisis kuantitatif dengan uji Wilcoxon Signed-Rank menunjukkan bahwa pembelian langsung lebih disukai dibandingkan mikrotransaksi. Model ini dipandang lebih adil, transparan, memberikan rasa kepemilikan, serta kepuasan psikologis yang lebih besar. Sebaliknya, mikrotransaksi dinilai kurang menarik karena cenderung menimbulkan perilaku impulsif, penyesalan, dan kekhawatiran etis seperti sistem pay-to-win serta mekanisme eksploitatif. Namun demikian, analisis kualitatif menunjukkan adanya perspektif berbeda, di mana sebagian pemain tetap mengapresiasi fleksibilitas, aksesibilitas, serta faktor emosional seperti kesenangan, interaksi sosial, dan pengalaman aliran yang ditawarkan oleh mikrotransaksi. Temuan ini memberikan kontribusi terhadap pemahaman konteks lokal sekaligus menekankan pentingnya desain monetisasi yang etis dan transparan. Abstract The video gaming industry has experienced significant growth, particularly with the emergence of various monetization models, such as outright purchases and microtransactions. Globally, microtransactions have gained prominence; however, limited research has explored perceptions of these models within Indonesia. This study sought to examine Indonesian gamers' preferences between outright purchases and microtransactions, with a focus on value perception, gameplay experience, fairness, and long-term spending patterns. A mixed-methods approach was utilized, integrating quantitative survey data from 300 respondents with qualitative insights obtained through open-ended questions. Quantitative analysis, employing the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test, indicated a stronger preference for outright purchases, which are associated with greater fairness, transparency, ownership, and psychological satisfaction. Conversely, microtransactions are perceived less favorably, often linked to impulsive behavior, regret, and ethical concerns, such as pay-to-win systems and exploitative mechanisms. Nonetheless, qualitative findings revealed nuanced perspectives, indicating that some players appreciate the flexibility, accessibility, and affective drivers—such as enjoyment, social interaction, and flow experiences—provided by microtransactions. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of monetization strategies in the Indonesian context, while emphasizing the importance of ethical and transparent design in fostering positive player experiences.