I need your opinion on microtransactions in games for my current university study

[Hafnium]

Hello escapists! I haven't been in the forums of this site for a while, but I hope you're as friendly as I remember (just brown-nosing slightly).
I'm in the early stage of writing my bachelors degree project and the chosen subject is "how microtransactions in games affect the experience of play", well that's the closest I can get when translating. We've made this questionnaire to obtain some qualitative data, that's why I'm posting it like this and not linking to a survey, because we just need opinions and statements and don't aim to get representative attitudes.
Thank you very, very much if you decide to participate. If you get bored halfway, just post that part anyway, it still helps. If there's something you don't feel like answering, just ignore that or, even better, send your answers in a PM.

Please quote the questionnaire part of the post and fill out your answers. If you want to make a point on someone elses answer, agreeing or disagreeing, please go right ahead, it could be useful. Thanks a bunch and take care!

Questionnaire on microtransactions in games (computer/video-games)

You must have some experience with games to be able to participate and some questions can only be answered with some experience with microtransactions. If you don?t have that we still appreciate your answers for everything else.

FAMILIARITY
* In recent years (no more than 10 years ago), on which platforms have you played games: Computer (including browser- and facebook-games), game console, handheld gaming device or smartphone?

- On which platforms have you played games the most?

* How would you rate your overall amount of experience with games across the platforms?

* How familiar are you with microtransactions in games?

USE
* Which of these types of games do you mostly play?
1. Games bought up front
2. Games that don?t cost anything
3. Games that have optional payments for items/content
- Why these?

* Have you paid for something in a game (a microtransaction) besides purchasing the game itself and any expansion packs?

If yes to above, please answer these follow-up questions:
* How often have you used microtransactions? (examples: once, a few times, once in a while, many times)

* What amount of payment would be typical in those cases?

* If you have used microtransactions in free to play-games, would you say you have spent more time with these games than others?

* In general, have you used microtransactions early in a game, after having progressed very far or somewhere in between?

- Think of an example - What made you go through with the payment? (examples: an advantage in the game, difficulty in progressing, acquisition of something otherwise locked, other)

THE EXPERIENCE
* Can you point to some qualities that games have which other types of entertainment media don?t?

* How do you feel about microtransactions in games?

* Do you think microtransactions affect the gameplay? If so, how?

* What is your experience with the actual payment method of microtransactions?

* For the microtransactions you have seen in games, has the pricing seemed fair compared to what the player receives? There can be more than one answer, please give examples if possible.

* Can you name something good with having microtransactions as an option in games?

- Can you name something bad?

* Has it been or seemed to be easy to do purchases in games?

BACKGROUND
* What is your age and gender?

* What is your occupation and/or educational background?

 

[Zontar]

Familiarity

PS2, PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, 3DS, Wii, PC.

Most: PC

Overall rating: Proficient with games regardless of console.

Familiarity with Micro transactions: between moderate and high.

USE

Games I play the most: bought up front.

Why: most games that interest me use the module of it and DLC expansions.

Used micro transactions: yes

How many times: many

Typical payment: 5-20$. Rarely 30-50$ (all USD)

More time in games with micro transactions: yes for games within the genre (MMO, FPS), no for games overall.

When I used micro transactions: all levels (early, middle, end)

Reasons: unlocking optional content I want, faster xp acquisition, unboxing.

The Experience

Qualities games have other media doesn't: interactive experience either of the player alone or of groups of people.

Feeling of micro transactions: they can be used right, but far to many examples are of them being abused as a model.

Transactions effecting gameplay: situational. The less it does so, the better.

Pricing being fair: usually is when optional content prices are compared to non-transaction games. Some things (such as 500$ mechs in Mech Warrier Online) are inexcusable though.

Something good about micro transactions in games: allows you to only pay for content you want, and in quantity you want.

Something bad: some things are inexcusably priced.

Easy to do in-game purchases: overall, yes.

Background

19, Male

Part-timer in multiple jobs and summer jobs, former reservist, currently in CEGEP.

 

[bug_of_war]

FAMILIARITY
* In recent years (no more than 10 years ago), on which platforms have you played games: Computer (including browser- and facebook-games), game console, handheld gaming device or smartphone?

Console and handheld

* How would you rate your overall amount of experience with games across the platforms?

Pretty good, kinda like how some people love reading books.

* How familiar are you with microtransactions in games?

Very

* Which of these types of games do you mostly play?
1. Games bought up front
2. Games that don?t cost anything
3. Games that have optional payments for items/content
- Why these?

A tie between 1 and 3, most games come with optional payments included eg: Battlefield, Skyrim, Assassin's Creed etc. but they're not usually in the micro transaction category. I buy these types of games because I find them appealing and enjoy following a game series. Some games I prefer the gameplay to the story, vice versa, and some have a nice mixture of both.

* Have you paid for something in a game (a microtransaction) besides purchasing the game itself and any expansion packs?

Yes

If yes to above, please answer these follow-up questions:
* How often have you used microtransactions? (examples: once, a few times, once in a while, many times)

Once

* What amount of payment would be typical in those cases?

$10

* If you have used microtransactions in free to play-games, would you say you have spent more time with these games than others?

I spent the same amount of time on Team Fortress 2 as I have with other games that I have enjoyed.

* In general, have you used microtransactions early in a game, after having progressed very far or somewhere in between?

After playing TF2 for a while and beginning to amass too much weaponry but wanting to delve into the crafting (something that is mostly locked in the F2P version) I decided to put down 10 bucks on some in game items so as that I would be restriction free.

- Think of an example - What made you go through with the payment? (examples: an advantage in the game, difficulty in progressing, acquisition of something otherwise locked, other)

Acquiring the full version of the game so as that I could try out some of the locked options. I suppose the weapons I bought also gave me an advantage.

THE EXPERIENCE
* Can you point to some qualities that games have which other types of entertainment media don?t?

A more fluid experience. In a novel, film, painting and what not, there's really only 1 way it will all play out. A game, whilst following a structure, has deviations and many pathways that while still lead to the same conclusion can alter the experience of the game. An example is Mirrors Edge, the first time I played through it I used weapons every time I had a chance to do so, second time I didn't and it forced me to take advantage of the game's free running and environment to win. Sure the story all ended up being the same, but the experience was so much different.

* How do you feel about microtransactions in games?

I have nothing bad nor good to say about them, in general I find aesthetic micro transactions to be worse than gameplay advantage micro transactions, but I don't have any strong opinion either way on the matter.

* Do you think microtransactions affect the gameplay? If so, how?

Most definitely. Depending on what type it is can change games dramatically. A few examples:

Fable 3 selling black dye to get an achievement, plays on consumer's ego and emotions.

Dead Space 3 offering weapon parts and what not to make the game easier.

Team Fortress 2 making hats and weapons, thus the game is almost like a clothing simulator mixed with those who actually wanna play the game and win mixed with those who wanna just have fun. Hell, there are dedicated trading servers for people to trade clothes.

Metro Last Light, the hard mode difficulty setting was most definitely a micro transaction, and it was used to make money off of people who wanted more of a challenge.

* What is your experience with the actual payment method of microtransactions?

I had to pay money to get the full experience of a free to play game, I only had to pay a small amount and I don't regret it or have any ill will towards having to pay 10 dollars to fully unlock a game.

* For the microtransactions you have seen in games, has the pricing seemed fair compared to what the player receives? There can be more than one answer, please give examples if possible.

For Team Fortress 2 it was fair when I did it cause I was trying to unlock the full game, AFTER THAT no, most of the in game content was really over priced, ESPECIALLY the clothing which was purely aesthetic.

On the whole, I think most micro transactions are over priced as the time it would take for developers to make the content would in no way cost them so much as to force people to pay close to 10 dollars for a couple of tops and in game advantages.

* Can you name something good with having microtransactions as an option in games?

TF2's whole pay once, play forever is good. I wish DC Online was like that instead of still requiring subscription.

- Can you name something bad?

Making cheats or difficulty setting cost money.

* Has it been or seemed to be easy to do purchases in games?

Yes

BACKGROUND
* What is your age and gender?

* What is your occupation and/or educational background?

19, male, finished year 12, currently working in retail and in the process of acquiring a trade

 

[Redlin5_v1legacy]

Spoiler: My response

[HEADING=2]FAMILIARITY[/HEADING]

In recent years (no more than 10 years ago), on which platforms have you played games:

PC, SNES, N64, Gameboy to 3DS consoles.

On which platforms have you played games the most?

Honestly its a tie between PC and Handheld. I swap between the two a lot.

How would you rate your overall amount of experience with games across the platforms?

Excellent.

How familiar are you with microtransactions in games?

I played my first game with microtransaction elements (WoT) for the first time in 2011.

Which of these types of games do you mostly play?

1. Games bought up front <- I like my physical copies of games and will never pay for a subscription. I like collecting the boxes and manuals.

Have you paid for something in a game (a microtransaction) besides purchasing the game itself and any expansion packs?

I have purchased gold (real world money) items in World of Tanks.

[HEADING=2]If yes to above, please answer these follow-up questions:[/HEADING]

How often have you used microtransactions? (examples: once, a few times, once in a while, many times)

Only once in a while. Maybe once every three months? Depends on promotions and just how much I care.

What amount of payment would be typical in those cases?

The purchase of in-game gold via Paypal before using that currency in the game itself. Usually within the realm of $13.

If you have used microtransactions in free to play-games, would you say you have spent more time with these games than others?

I have spent many hours playing World of Tanks. It's almost daily.

In general, have you used microtransactions early in a game, after having progressed very far or somewhere in between?

I began to purchase in-game assets when I had progressed to 7/10 of the tiers in the game. I was invested enough in the game to justify spending my real life money on it.

What made you go through with the payment?

A general easing on the amount of grinding required to progress through the tech trees of the game. With a premium vehicle[footnote]Which isn't inherently better than those you can get without spending real money mind you[/footnote] I made making the in-game currency and experience grind a lot easier on myself.


[HEADING=2]The Experience[/HEADING]

Can you point to some qualities that games have which other types of entertainment media don?t?

Your decisions in the moment can decide the course of a story. In other games it can be an experience where every small choice you make determines the outcome of victory or defeat. Games allow you to explore further into the worlds crafted by the creators in a way that is not possible for film or literature.

How do you feel about microtransactions in games?

In free-to-play games I have no issues with it if done correctly. Microtransactions in games you have paid up front for should never be acceptable and I would be disgusted if I saw that happening in a game I bought.

Do you think microtransactions affect the gameplay? If so, how?

It is purposely withholding content from the player, therefore denying someone who doesn't pay the ability to play the game in that way. In free-to-play models this can work but it must be done in a way that doesn't negate the value of hard work while playing the game for free. Any time microtransactions are required to make a game fun or to make your in-game inventory 'competitive' with others, it is basically greed on the part of the publisher.

What is your experience with the actual payment method of microtransactions?

Wargaming made it pretty painless. I just manage my Paypal and wait a few minutes. Then I get the gold in-game.

For the microtransactions you have seen in games, has the pricing seemed fair compared to what the player receives? There can be more than one answer, please give examples if possible.

The biggest packages can cost as much as a AAA title but if used regularly can translate to days of time saved spent playing the game. I guess its as valuable as your time is and that varies from person to person.

Can you name something good with having microtransactions as an option in games?

Keeping free-to-play games afloat.

Can you name something bad?

Pointlessly asking for more content which should be included in the pricetag of games bought up front.

Has it been or seemed to be easy to do purchases in games?

They make easy to prey on those with no restraint.

[HEADING=2]Background[/HEADING]

What is your age and gender?

22 year old male.

What is your occupation and/or educational background?

Unemployed, studying film right now.

 

[Maximum Bert]

FAMILIARITY
* In recent years (no more than 10 years ago), on which platforms have you played games: Computer (including browser- and facebook-games), game console, handheld gaming device or smartphone?

[b/] PS2, Xbox, Gamecube, GBA, DS, PSP, PS3, 360, Wii, WiiU, PS4, Xbox One, Smartphone, PC (few browser based games mostly full downloaded games)[/b]

- On which platforms have you played games the most?

[b/]PS2, PS3, 360[/b]

* How would you rate your overall amount of experience with games across the platforms?

[b/]Fairly experienced I try and play a broad amount of games and genres.[/b]

* How familiar are you with microtransactions in games?

[b/]Familiar[/b]

USE
* Which of these types of games do you mostly play?
1. Games bought up front
2. Games that don?t cost anything
3. Games that have optional payments for items/content
- Why these?

[b/]1. I like my games to be complete im ok with content added later if it fits the game i.e Little big planet or if its being released for a game after a few months to revitalise it.[/b]

* Have you paid for something in a game (a microtransaction) besides purchasing the game itself and any expansion packs?

[b/]Yes[/b]

If yes to above, please answer these follow-up questions:
* How often have you used microtransactions? (examples: once, a few times, once in a while, many times)

[b/]Rarely probably about 8 times in the last gens life cycle so once a year ish. I am using the purchase of new Characters and costumes in fighters as microtransactions here as thats basically what I buy. I never ever purchase things like booster packs in card games or more gold for MMOS etc if I can acquire something in game without paying for it I will always take that option. I suppose you could say what I purchase are mini expansions but we may be getting into semantics a bit them[/b]

* What amount of payment would be typical in those cases?

[b/] Few pounds never pay above 5 pounds [/b]

* If you have used microtransactions in free to play-games, would you say you have spent more time with these games than others?

[b/] I never use microtransactions in F2P games I hate the business model in most cases I also dont like that they market it as F2P which though technically correct it leaves off the `but` at the end[/b]

* In general, have you used microtransactions early in a game, after having progressed very far or somewhere in between?

[b/]I only use them in games I am still playing after a month or two[/b]

THE EXPERIENCE
* Can you point to some qualities that games have which other types of entertainment media don?t?

[b/]Interaction and a good story sense (although not necessarily a good story)[/b]

* How do you feel about microtransactions in games?

[b/]While I evaluate them on a case by case basis if I had to give one overall opinion it would be I detest them[/b]

* Do you think microtransactions affect the gameplay? If so, how?

Yes if they are not (purely) cosmetic then they can affect the gameplay, a new character will affect gameplay giving you more bullets or a better gun will allow you to approach the game differently as well

* For the microtransactions you have seen in games, has the pricing seemed fair compared to what the player receives? There can be more than one answer, please give examples if possible.

[b/]I only buy it if I think it is fair so usually no I dont think that it is fair and I think a lot is cut from the game in many cases purely to sell back to you as microtransactions.[/b]

* Can you name something good with having microtransactions as an option in games?

[b/]Some games can be constantly expanded upon as part of their structure and microtransactions allow players to cherry pick content to do that with their game Little big planet and its sequel are good examples[/b]

- Can you name something bad?

[b/]Its generally used aggressively and so it punishes the player for not buying microtransactions i.e by making you grind for hours on end instead to get something that you can just purchase. If its not purely cosmetic items pay to play also gives those who pay a bigger advantage in games how much is dependant on the game in some it can be minimal but in others it is purely pay to win[/b]

* Has it been or seemed to be easy to do purchases in games?

[b/]Most games arent to bad they want you to purchase stuff so they dont want to make it a pain in the ass to do so[/b]

BACKGROUND
* What is your age and gender?

[b/]30 Male[/b]

* What is your occupation and/or educational background?[/quote]

[b/]College but have picked up self study in the last 3 years. I work part time so I can keep studying suppose my occupation would be best described as carpenter[/b]

 

[zumbledum]

FAMILIARITY
* In recent years (no more than 10 years ago), on which platforms have you played games: Computer (including browser- and facebook-games), game console, handheld gaming device or smartphone?

- On which platforms have you played games the most?

* How would you rate your overall amount of experience with games across the platforms?

* How familiar are you with microtransactions in games?

Last ten years Pc and PS2
Pc most played, extensive daily use, console was for 2 games total.

USE
* Which of these types of games do you mostly play?
1. Games bought up front
2. Games that don?t cost anything
3. Games that have optional payments for items/content
- Why these?

Bought games, theres more of them , honestly the payment plan rarely affects my decision to play.

* Have you paid for something in a game (a microtransaction) besides purchasing the game itself and any expansion packs?

If yes to above, please answer these follow-up questions:
* How often have you used microtransactions? (examples: once, a few times, once in a while, many times)

* What amount of payment would be typical in those cases?

* If you have used microtransactions in free to play-games, would you say you have spent more time with these games than others?

* In general, have you used microtransactions early in a game, after having progressed very far or somewhere in between?

- Think of an example - What made you go through with the payment? (examples: an advantage in the game, difficulty in progressing, acquisition of something otherwise locked, other)

Yes, though rarely, 3 games in total infact. roughly once or twice a year. i would have to be interested in and playing a F2P game for a while before i would consider microtransaction so yes i have spent far longer in the two i have spent money on than any others. Amount £1-£10 an example? Warframe had been playing for a while really good game intended on playing a lot more so decided to buy some in game currency to buy some quality of life upgrades (inventory space character slots etc) if the game offered MT's for difficulty or to get to content its going to fall into the bad game not worth playing category for me. MT's have to be entirely optional for me.

THE EXPERIENCE
* Can you point to some qualities that games have which other types of entertainment media don?t?

* How do you feel about microtransactions in games?

* Do you think microtransactions affect the gameplay? If so, how?

* What is your experience with the actual payment method of microtransactions?

* For the microtransactions you have seen in games, has the pricing seemed fair compared to what the player receives? There can be more than one answer, please give examples if possible.

* Can you name something good with having microtransactions as an option in games?

- Can you name something bad?

* Has it been or seemed to be easy to do purchases in games?

games are interactive, at there simplest they are simply a procession of choices all of the other things we call media are simply consumed through sensory input.
Microtransactions are a tool and like any tool they can be used well or badly. they wont affect game play if done right. though they are often done badly. star wars TOR is a great example of a game that wasnt bult for and adapted poorly to the f2p model, League of legends is a great example of it done right and not affecting gameplay.
i have generally found the actual paying to be a fairly simple matter of putting in details, like buying anything on line really.
good things? the main benefit has to be the removal of teh barrier of the initial purchase so you can try and evaluate before spending a dime
the bad? well as we see the trap of pay to win, or the hideous practices of facebook and mobile device games that ask you to pay to skip time ahead.

BACKGROUND
* What is your age and gender?

* What is your occupation and/or educational background?

40 , male and retired

 

[DikkieDik]

AMILIARITY
* In recent years (no more than 10 years ago), on which platforms have you played games: Computer (including browser- and facebook-games), game console, handheld gaming device or smartphone?

computer
laptop
facebook
xbox
playstation
nintendo ds



- On which platforms have you played games the most?

xbox

* How would you rate your overall amount of experience with games across the platforms?

10

* How familiar are you with microtransactions in games?

good



USE
* Which of these types of games do you mostly play?
1. Games bought up front

- Why these?
used to it

* Have you paid for something in a game (a microtransaction) besides purchasing the game itself and any expansion packs?

yes

If yes to above, please answer these follow-up questions:
* How often have you used microtransactions? (examples: once, a few times, once in a while, many times)

a few times

* What amount of payment would be typical in those cases?

60 euros


* In general, have you used microtransactions early in a game, after having progressed very far or somewhere in between?

all of the above

- Think of an example - What made you go through with the payment? (examples: an advantage in the game, difficulty in progressing, acquisition of something otherwise locked, other)

an advantage in the game

THE EXPERIENCE
* Can you point to some qualities that games have which other types of entertainment media don't?

longtime engagement

* How do you feel about microtransactions in games?

sux

* Do you think microtransactions affect the gameplay? If so, how?

depends on balance

* What is your experience with the actual payment method of microtransactions?

easy

* For the microtransactions you have seen in games, has the pricing seemed fair compared to what the player receives? There can be more than one answer, please give examples if possible.

nope, example is wartune, they r so pricey

* Can you name something good with having microtransactions as an option in games?

can save time if u dont wanna go to the hassle of farmin

- Can you name something bad?

can give people an unfair advantage, they didnt earn it but paid for it

* Has it been or seemed to be easy to do purchases in games?

yes

BACKGROUND
* What is your age and gender?

36 male

* What is your occupation and/or educational background?

entrepreneur / self made man

 

[Stu35]

Spoiler: Answers contained within

snip

* In recent years (no more than 10 years ago), on which platforms have you played games: Computer (including browser- and facebook-games), game console, handheld gaming device or smartphone?

PC, Laptop, XBox 360, Playstation 3, Playstation 2, Xbox, Playstation, Mobile Phone, PS Vita, Gameboy Colour...

- On which platforms have you played games the most?

Top 3? Beginning with most hours spent playing...

Xbox 360, Mobile Phone, Laptop.

* How would you rate your overall amount of experience with games across the platforms?

Highly.

* How familiar are you with microtransactions in games?

Very familiar with the concept. Do not partake in Microtransactions ever.

USE
* Which of these types of games do you mostly play?
1. Games bought up front
2. Games that don?t cost anything
3. Games that have optional payments for items/content
- Why these?

Mostly games bought up front and games that don't cost anything. Generally because these are the ones that are mostly sold for the two main mediums I prefer (Xbox 360 and Laptop), and on Mobile phones games that dont' cost anything tend to be the ones I want for playing on trains, planes, and in the shitter.

* Have you paid for something in a game (a microtransaction) besides purchasing the game itself and any expansion packs?

No.

If yes to above, please answer these follow-up questions:
* How often have you used microtransactions? (examples: once, a few times, once in a while, many times)

* What amount of payment would be typical in those cases?

* If you have used microtransactions in free to play-games, would you say you have spent more time with these games than others?

* In general, have you used microtransactions early in a game, after having progressed very far or somewhere in between?

- Think of an example - What made you go through with the payment? (examples: an advantage in the game, difficulty in progressing, acquisition of something otherwise locked, other)

THE EXPERIENCE
* Can you point to some qualities that games have which other types of entertainment media don?t?

Interactivity.

* How do you feel about microtransactions in games?

Negatively.

* Do you think microtransactions affect the gameplay? If so, how?

Yes. Negatively.

* What is your experience with the actual payment method of microtransactions?

Nil.

* For the microtransactions you have seen in games, has the pricing seemed fair compared to what the player receives? There can be more than one answer, please give examples if possible.

N/A

Can you name something good with having microtransactions as an option in games?

Potential to allow developers to introduce new content (a la expansion packs of old) as it is developed.

- Can you name something bad?

Naked profiteering

* Has it been or seemed to be easy to do purchases in games?

It seems so.

BACKGROUND
* What is your age and gender?

* What is your occupation and/or educational background?

27, Male, Military, Bachelors Degree (BA Hons History).

 

[Ed130 The Vanguard]

Spoiler: Spoilered for size

FAMILIARITY
* In recent years (no more than 10 years ago), on which platforms have you played games: Computer (including browser- and facebook-games), game console, handheld gaming device or smartphone?
Everything except for handhelds.

- On which platforms have you played games the most?
PC

* How would you rate your overall amount of experience with games across the platforms?
Pretty good, but my console experience was with the first playstation that my brother dug out of storage.

* How familiar are you with microtransactions in games?
I know of them.

USE
* Which of these types of games do you mostly play?
1. Games bought up front
2. Games that don't cost anything
3. Games that have optional payments for items/content
- Why these?
1, because there is more gameplay and less skinners boxes.

* Have you paid for something in a game (a microtransaction) besides purchasing the game itself and any expansion packs?
Yes

If yes to above, please answer these follow-up questions:
* How often have you used microtransactions? (examples: once, a few times, once in a while, many times)
a Few times

* What amount of payment would be typical in those cases?
however much a TF2 crate key goes for

* If you have used microtransactions in free to play-games, would you say you have spent more time with these games than others?
hell no

* In general, have you used microtransactions early in a game, after having progressed very far or somewhere in between?
late game, I think it was when Steam trading really got off the ground

- Think of an example - What made you go through with the payment? (examples: an advantage in the game, difficulty in progressing, acquisition of something otherwise locked, other)
acquired funds in my Steam wallet

THE EXPERIENCE
* Can you point to some qualities that games have which other types of entertainment media don't?
interactivity, spontaneity, control.

* How do you feel about microtransactions in games?
They can go fuck themselves

* Do you think microtransactions affect the gameplay? If so, how?
It makes the devs try to turn the game into a skinners box

* What is your experience with the actual payment method of microtransactions?
Steam wallet transfer

* For the microtransactions you have seen in games, has the pricing seemed fair compared to what the player receives? There can be more than one answer, please give examples if possible.
For the most part no, the few games the microtranactions are either cosmetic or sidegrades that can be acquired by other means.

* Can you name something good with having microtransactions as an option in games?
No

- Can you name something bad?
gameplay being altered and removed in order to force you to pay

* Has it been or seemed to be easy to do purchases in games?
I don't play those types of games

BACKGROUND
* What is your age and gender?
25, Male

* What is your occupation and/or educational background?
AV tech

 

[rofltehcat]

I started typing a response but the chosen form isn't very helpful and gets in the way a bit. It'd also reveal some private information.

May I suggest using an anonymous (and often free) service like surveymonkey.com? It'd probably also unify formatting etc. so you can analyze the data more easily.

 

[BeeGeenie]

Familiarity: PC, X 360, X box, PS2, PS1
* Most Played: PC
* Overall exp: good
* Micro: middling. I avoid them generally.
Use: Mostly purchased upfront.
* Because I'm old school. Don't want to pay a subscription for something I might only play every once-in-a-while. Have done a few free-to-play, but don't like feeling pressured/manipulated to buy stuff in game.
* Paid for microtransactions? Yes
* Rarely
* $1-$5
* I have never used microtransactions in Free-To-Play games. I never felt it was worth it.
* I only pay microtransactions after I've played a while.
* to further enhance an already good experience.
Experience: Games provide more immersion and engagement than other media.
* Microtransactions: in general, are a bad thing.
* Affecting gameplay:If microtransactions are done properly, they are completely avoidable and optional, and never interfere with gameplay. (There can be something in the options or start menu or something, but if something pops up during gameplay, they can F*** right off.) If they cause a balance issue, then they are doing it wrong.
* Payment methods: They're going to make it as easy as possible to get your money.
* Is it worth it? Almost never, but it depends on the individual and the case. I've never spent more than $5, and that was for a lot of (cosmetic) content. I would never support the pay-to-play model made popular by zynga/facebook.
*Something Good: It helps stupid people stimulate the economy
*Something Bad: It helps stupid people stimulate bad business practices
*Easy to do?: Yes
Background: 32, Male, Enjoy romantic candlelight dinners and walks on the beach.
*College graduate, partially self-employed (contractor), partially employed in hospitality industry.

 

[Hafnium]

I appreciate all the responses, it's more than I hoped for.

I started typing a response but the chosen form isn't very helpful and gets in the way a bit. It'd also reveal some private information.

May I suggest using an anonymous (and often free) service like surveymonkey.com? It'd probably also unify formatting etc. so you can analyze the data more easily.

Sorry about the format. You're welcome to leave stuff out or send me a PM with your answers. We won't have a massive amount of data, so I didn't think there was a need for using that sort of services. In retrospect it may have been a good idea, but I won't change it now (would split the data anyway). Thanks for your comment.