Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
In-game currency
Virtual currency, as a practice in games, has been rising steadily. The basic premise being
that the game is generally free to play and uses some kind of in-game currency, which the
players can earn in the game. This currency usually takes two forms; the basic coin, which
can be earned in-game, and the premium coin, which can only be bought with cash (or for
completing rare and special events).
The idea is simple; play through the game slowly and normally. However, if you want to
advance quicker or get ultra-rare items, you need to buy and spend the premium coin for
those items. In some cases, you can also convert the premium coin to the basic coin to get
the in-game currency quicker.
Although this makes a steady profit in single player or offline games, it really comes into
its own with the multiplayer option online. It seems there is a growing market for people
to advance quicker than others or just to beat their friends quicker.
Practicing coin systems is generally harder than just practicing in-app purchases but
makes for an easier-to-manage ecosystem.
Also, see the warning about in-app purchases, as this applies heavily to in-game currency/
bitcoin systems as well, if not more.
