microtransaction

noun

mi·​cro·​trans·​ac·​tion ˌmī-krō-tran-ˈzak-shən 

-tran(t)-ˈsak-

plural microtransactions

: an online transaction involving a small amount of currency

And each time a song is streamed on one of those platforms, a microtransaction occurs, ranging from around .001 to .005 cents per play.

—John Klyce

especially : such a transaction made within a video game (as to purchase exclusive content or competitive advantage)

The microtransactions that most mobile games are built on—$1 here, $5 there—can add up quickly.

—Seth Schiesel

Is it entirely legal for companies with business models based mainly on microtransactions to target young gamers who may not fully understand that they are incurring a charge when they purchase things with in-game currency?

—Eric Neigher

Blizzard [Entertainment] famously touted last week that "Diablo Immortal" made $24 million in its first two weeks purely from microtransaction purchases.

—Josh Rouse

Examples of microtransaction in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

By one count, there are more than 27,000 unique cards that can be played in the game; meanwhile, the game’s publisher continuously tries to push players to use an online platform that prioritizes microtransactions and robs the game of its human element. —Longreads, 17 May 2024

Such microtransactions are the main revenue source for live services in the gaming space, allowing brand partners new revenue streams for existing IP. —Kaare Eriksen, Variety, 16 May 2024

There is constant fight between players and publishers when a new single player game launches at full price and also contains microtransactions. —Paul Tassi, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024

Expect more theme park add-ons and microtransactions. —Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2024

Still, the controversial microtransactions aren’t the only reason for the review-bombing. —Michael Kan, PCMAG, 22 Mar. 2024

There’s no additional revenue there though past what Xbox paid in the first place, because there are no microtransactions. —Paul Tassi, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024

Will the game’s live-service focus screw with players’ enjoyment and try to whisper sweet nothings about microtransactions at every turn? —Aaron Zimmerman, Ars Technica, 30 May 2023

Blasting the game with even more microtransactions, even worse deals. —Paul Tassi, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023

Word History

Etymology

micro- + transaction

First Known Use

1995, in the meaning defined above