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Abstract

Psychology and Psychotherapy: Research Study

Case Report: Internet Addiction Associated with In-App Purchases and Microtransactions

Submission: March 07, 2022;Published: March 17, 2022

DOI: 10.31031/PPRS.2022.05.000614

ISSN: 2639-0612
Volume5 Issue3

Abstract

Gaming disorder is now recognized as a psychiatric disorder by the WHO. We present a case report of the patient who spent $20000 (AUD) over a four-month period on “in-app purchases” or microtransactions on two mobile phone video games. The report documents the mental distress and history of a patient with a disorder which appears to represent a hybrid of a video gaming disorder and a gambling addiction. The present case report reviews aspects of a novel internet addiction associated with microtransactions utilised by “freemium” funded mobile phone games. Such disorders are relatively new to psychiatry and their nosology and treatment is not well established. Our case report suggests that there may be a subcategory of addictive behaviours related to the larger category of internet addiction. Further research into the area of microtransaction related addictive behaviours is warranted.

Keywords:Internet; Addiction; Gambling; In-app purchase; Freemium; Microtransactions gaming; Internet gaming disorder

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