Chapter 6: Purchasing In-Game Items and Advertisements

In this chapter, we will continue with building our shop scene by adding functionality such as introducing the player's in-game currency and looking at how to deduct and increase it.

Monetization is when a game is free to download (typically titled free-to-play) and the developer encourages or offers the player to buy items, such as the latest weapon, extra art modification visuals, and more, with the player's real money (with a bank/debit card). Another way of creating profit from a free-to-play game is by offering adverts that are incorporated into the game. For example, if the player wants a new ship or an extra life, they can watch a 30-second advert at no real monetary cost to them, but as the developer, we can receive revenue when an advert is watched. Of course, a balance must be considered when a game is made, and some companies will use all sorts of addictive psychology to encourage the player to buy upgrades...