Microtransactions

Can it be ethical to implement microtransactions in a video game? Let us consider, under the Utilitarian Approach, which action would do the most good and the least harm. The parties involved are the developers of video games and the video game players. Some harm comes while using microtransactions. Developers of games sometimes use predatory practices to milk the maximum amount of money out of players. Also, children sometimes unknowingly spend their parent’s money on in-game purchases. There is also good that can come from microtransactions. Players who don’t spend money on games have access to games that would otherwise be pay-to-download.

What would a less ethical microtransaction system look like? Let us consider The Common Good Approach. What would serve just some members, and not the community as a whole? To only serve some members, a less ethical microtransaction system would allow developers use loot boxes and other predatory practices to prey on players susceptible to gambling addition.

Should microtransactions be regulated? Yes. We should make sure that exploitative and harmful practices that use microtransactions are banned. Who should make the rules? The government should make the rules, of course. That is the purpose of the government.