Money illusion in free-to-play games

Arbeitspapier

Regularly, free-to-play games use their own virtual currency for in-game store purchases. We analyze the money illusion phenomenon by examining free-to-playgames and their virtual currency exchange rate policies. We find that above pari exchange rates and advertising bonus packs instead of price discounts lead to money illusion on the side of the customer. Based on our findings, we derive managerial and policy implications.

Object Details

• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: Discussion Paper ; No. 422

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft ; Consumer Protection ; Industry Studies: Services: Government Policy ; Advertising ; Sports Economics: Policy
• Subject: Money illusion ; free-to-play games ; virtual currency exchange rate ; price incentives ; bonus pack versus price discount

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Benti, Behailu Shiferaw ; Haß, Dominik ; Stadtmann, Georg
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): European University Viadrina, Department of Business Administration and Economics
• (where): Frankfurt (Oder)
• (when): 2021

Further information

• DOI: doi:10.11584/opus4-1028
• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/231495
• Last update: 10.03.2025, 11:45 AM CET