Who Needs Microtransactions? Video Games Need Tipping Jars!

In modern AAA gaming, there is one particular issue that continues to crop up across so many titles. That issue is how to further monetize games in a way that pays amply for their often expensive budgets, while still providing the value that players expect. Publishers have tried things like loot boxes or additional player skins or expansions in order to gain extra funds, but some games have been going about them all wrong, taking pages from more unsightly designs that are typical of the mobile gaming market or by exploiting player psychology. So, with all of these possible monetary systems, there is one that surprisingly hasn’t been implemented much, a donation option or what could be called a tip jar.

Now the study of if loot boxes are gambling still continues as even state politicians have gotten involved. Some countries have even taken measures against these systems. That’s not really what will be discussed here, rather the system that should get further exploration that has the potential of gathering money without the need for traditional microtransactions. We’re not here to say microtransactions are inherently bad, just some games do them much better than others. This is an alternative solution.

Let’s examine some pros and cons to offering a tip jar in modern games.

If there’s one thing that could be taken by publishers and developers from Twitch, it’s the idea that those consuming game-related content are apt to spend money in the name of supporting a person/persons they enjoy. The often talked about Fortnite star Ninja is bringing in way more money than he probably would have expected, all because his viewers have agreed to support him and this comes without really anything of real gain (maybe some special emotes and a way to differentiate from the crowds), but really it’s all for the cause of helping Ninja out.

According to Twitch’s Year in Review 2017, which was portrayed a cute comic, more than 30 million dollars was raised for charity. This doesn’t even count for the money being brought in through direct donations to streamers or subscribers. Of course, there is a lot more money surrounding Twitch with things like ads, sponsorships, and such, these are astronomical numbers for users giving money without much being expected in return.

What if this same principle was attached to games?

Sure a tip jar could arguably be worse than a loot box due to the idea of it solely being a donation, however, the language and presentation of the system could be what truly sets it apart as being something worth the attention of players. Imagine opening up the PlayStation Marketplace, buying a full game for a retail price without all of the extras that been a part of AAA gaming for last decade, and then once the game is finished, the option to donate to that team for further game development is pointed out. This would have to be described as what is exactly, so if the money goes straight to the devs, than that needs to be at the forefront.

This is the sort of concept that would truly benefit indie developers who may be making a single full game without any additional ways to earn funds. They could find more success by allowing whatever crowd they have enjoying their game to support the team directly. Granted, some smaller studios already have this option on their respective websites, but it would be interesting to see this in a system’s marketplace or directly in the game.

Now, the main opposition to a tip jar is the fact that it’s all based on good faith. Someone who donates five dollars would expect that to go to the developers, but in actuality it’s a system that could be exploited for other means. This and the fact that nothing comes out of a donation in return. There could be a special item given for donating, but then in principle it becomes just another piece of DLC with a different name. Again, this is a base idea that could be altered depending on the game.

Because of the ease of a tipping jar though, it might be just the option that games need to get out of this endless loop of poorly designed monetary systems.

Would it be difficult to convey this to players? It would certainly take time, but with the rate of consumers donating to their favorite creative people through Twitch or YouTube it seems worth looking into at the very least. Again, clear and concise language paired with a non-intrusive option to get to the donation in the game would be the seemingly best method.

Do game companies really need more money to warrant extra systems to begin with? That’s debatable and honestly seems to vary from company to company. Some companies hide their earnings through clever tax manipulations, while others backpedal when called out about unfair practices. Yet, some do honest business. Like people, the game industry is made up of all sorts. At the end of the day though, it’s up to players to vote with their wallets and voice their opinion where applicable.

Enjoy Resident Evil games? Buy Resident Evil games. Add reviews on game marketplaces or create a video or send an email. Learn a speedrun to make a mark on a leaderboard.  Let the developers know what was enjoyed in the game or what could be better. This also applies to services in games or organized events. Didn’t care much for how a particular element of EVO played out? Let the organizers know.

A tipping jar would, if created honestly, be a direct way to show appreciation to those spending so much time, money, and energy creating some of the best entertainment around.

(Editor Note: An earlier version of this article included an image of Ninja getting a donation from a scammer AC Royale. It has since been removed and changed.)