Buying In-Game Advantages in Online Games Decreases a Player's Status

PinoZino · September 2015

Tilburg University and UC Berkeley examined 532 active gamers and discovered that players who bought a competitive functional advantage are disliked by the other players.

The findings indicate how micro-transactions can be implemented so that they have fewer negative social consequences, demonstrate the value of social psychological theories in predicting online behavior, and provide several avenues for further theoretical exploration.

I reckon this study could be interesting, since we see some threads running about giving ESO+ members a competitive advantage.

You can download the complete paper (PDF) here:

The Hidden Cost of Microtransactions: Buying In-Game Advantages in Online Games Decreases a Player’s Status

Prof_Bawbag · September 2015

That assumes most people actually care what their in-game status is. Not saying there aren't any because there obviously are people who think games maketh the man, but I've yet to meet anyone like that in-game.

I've always been a firm believer in if i began to worry about what some random(s) thinks of me in a game, I have more pressing issues than, well, what some random(s) thinks of me in a game.

I mean, would you REALLY care if I (some person you don't know and never likely to meet irl) thought you were beneath me? It's the same on forums. People like to use put downs and I have never understood why people take those insults so personally. I've been called worse by people that matter more to me and if being looked down upon or being called an idiot on some forum or in a game is the worst thing that's happened to you in life, then you're living a charmed or isolated life.

PinoZino · September 2015

Prof_Bawbag wrote: »

That assumes most people actually care what their in-game status is. Not saying there aren't any because there obviously are people who think games maketh the man, but I've yet to meet anyone like that in-game.

I've always been a firm believer in if i began to worry about what some random(s) thinks of me in a game, I have more pressing issues than, well, what some random(s) thinks of me in a game.

I mean, would you REALLY care if I (some person you don't know and never likely to meet irl) thought you were beneath me? It's the same on forums. People like to use put downs and I have never understood why people take those insults so personally. I've been called worse by people that matter more to me and if being looked down upon or being called an idiot on some forum or in a game is the worst thing that's happened to you in life, then you're living a charmed or isolated life.

Same here, don't care much about what other people think about me. Unless it's family or close friends.
But that's anecdotal evidence and doesn't count.

Besides, there's also a difference between how you think you are and how you really act. Maybe we both feel it sometimes important what some strangers think about us. The context is probably important.

These guys tested it with 532 active gamers, their results are statistical significant or in more humanlike speak: it's no coincidence.

andreasv · September 2015

I've only had a quick glance at the paper. It's interesting that the "Tend to ignore players who bought items" has a p value of 0.8. So they don't like players buying digital advantages but on the other hand keep on paying attention to them. And the "Tend to like other players who bought items" is almost significant. Seems to be a strange sample that has been drawn for this study.

PinoZino · September 2015

andreasv wrote: »

I've only had a quick glance at the paper. It's interesting that the "Tend to ignore players who bought items" has a p value of 0.8. So they don't like players buying digital advantages but on the other hand keep on paying attention to them. And the "Tend to like other players who bought items" is almost significant. Seems to be a strange sample that has been drawn for this study.

They did 3 studies, you’re talking about Study 1. It's not that weird to have several studies about the same issue and combine the results in the conclusion.

Also take care that the table is split in Functional and Ornamental.

MrGrimey · September 2015

So, imperial players...

andreasv · September 2015

I know this paper consists of three conditions (studies). As you mentioned that, you should also mention that condition 1 only included 40 participants, condition 2 has 256, and condition 3 has 236 individuals. Bearing that in mind these numbers appear rather small for an online based research investigating an area that involves significantly more individuals.
I am not that interested in the conclusion but rather the individual statistical results as these tell you more about the findings of the research.

I'd also be concerned of the validity of a questionnaire base study where scores on a 7 point scale hoover around 3 to 4 with generally low standard deviation scores.

I admit it is an interesting paper (thanks for sharing) and I will have a closer look, but the methodology and analysis raise a few questions.

PinoZino · September 2015

andreasv wrote: »

I know this paper consists of three conditions (studies). As you mentioned that, you should also mention that condition 1 only included 40 participants, condition 2 has 256, and condition 3 has 236 individuals. Bearing that in mind these numbers appear rather small for an online based research investigating an area that involves significantly more individuals.
I am not that interested in the conclusion but rather the individual statistical results as these tell you more about the findings of the research.

I'd also be concerned of the validity of a questionnaire base study where scores on a 7 point scale hoover around 3 to 4 with generally low standard deviation scores.

I admit it is an interesting paper (thanks for sharing) and I will have a closer look, but the methodology and analysis raise a few questions.

When studying behaviour, you don't need a lot of participants. Behaviour is rather universal among people.

It's different when you study by instance 'taste' among people.

UltimaJoe777 · September 2015

Far as I'm aware ESO Plus members get nothing that gives them a serious edge over others. A little exp boost and quicker research plus the upcoming crafting bag is not anything that makes it pay to win. Odds are the discussions you referred to OP are those made by players not confirmed by Zenimax to be implemented and are therefore nothing to worry about.

andreasv · September 2015

I'm not sure whether the subject area matters that much. I've got two degrees in Psychology and would argue that the methodology is more important. You don't need a lot of participants when you conduct interviews or fMRI scans, but want more than a few hundred if you use a questionnaire.

What I'm also saying is that if you conduct two online questionnaire investigations and only 55% and 69% complete the survey you want to look at the questions a bit closer, which is not possible for study 1 as it's not in the Appendix.

Anyway, the ESO forum is not meant for interesting scientific discussions and I don't want to criticize the validity or impact of the study; I've been at the receiving end for 5 years and had enough of that.

It as an interesting read and maybe even more so for the developers of the Crown Store.

TequilaFire · September 2015

All we are is "Dust In The Wind" in the end.

DaveTheMinion · September 2015

People hate me because I bought a costume from the crown store???? so be it, but you have to admit...... I LOOK GOOD!!!! nothing else matters

PinoZino · September 2015

andreasv wrote: »

I'm not sure whether the subject area matters that much. I've got two degrees in Psychology and would argue that the methodology is more important. You don't need a lot of participants when you conduct interviews or fMRI scans, but want more than a few hundred if you use a questionnaire.

What I'm also saying is that if you conduct two online questionnaire investigations and only 55% and 69% complete the survey you want to look at the questions a bit closer, which is not possible for study 1 as it's not in the Appendix.

Anyway, the ESO forum is not meant for interesting scientific discussions and I don't want to criticize the validity or impact of the study; I've been at the receiving end for 5 years and had enough of that.

It as an interesting read and maybe even more so for the developers of the Crown Store.

Yes, you're right. For a questionnaire you need more people.

I'm not a big fan of a questionnaire either. It's very difficult to create 'good' questions and answers (even the order of the answers does matter). There's always a risk the participant is influenced by the scientists or the environment, or don't speak entirely the truth but rather unaware want to please the moderator.

It was better if they actual studied their behaviour by watching it. In the development of software you usually need 5 to 12 people, unless you have a lot distinct 'categories' of people.

Doesn't mean the study is invalid, of course.

Knootewoot · September 2015

Then just don't tell you bought something.

andreasv · September 2015

DaveTheMinion wrote: »

People hate me because I bought a costume from the crown store???? so be it, but you have to admit...... I LOOK GOOD!!!! nothing else matters

Nope, buy a fancy costume and people couldn't care less. Play as an imperial, however, and you're public enemy number one. I couldn't care less, as I only wanted that art book and statue

PinoZino · September 2015

UltimaJoe777 wrote: »

Far as I'm aware ESO Plus members get nothing that gives them a serious edge over others. A little exp boost and quicker research plus the upcoming crafting bag is not anything that makes it pay to win. Odds are the discussions you referred to OP are those made by players not confirmed by Zenimax to be implemented and are therefore nothing to worry about.

I have the impression that ZOS this one worked out very well.

However, some 'We, from Toilet Duck, recommend Toilet Duck'-people with an ESO+ subscription like to see more advantages for their own kind.

This study, at least, indicates that ZOS should be very careful with the demand of some ESO+ people.

PinoZino · September 2015

andreasv wrote: »

DaveTheMinion wrote: »

People hate me because I bought a costume from the crown store???? so be it, but you have to admit...... I LOOK GOOD!!!! nothing else matters

Nope, buy a fancy costume and people couldn't care less. Play as an imperial, however, and you're public enemy number one. I couldn't care less, as I only wanted that art book and statue

Me too. But it was sold out. So I had to buy the Crown version and upgraded it later (I wanted the free horse

) and now they all hate me

UltimaJoe777 · September 2015

PinoZino wrote: »

UltimaJoe777 wrote: »

Far as I'm aware ESO Plus members get nothing that gives them a serious edge over others. A little exp boost and quicker research plus the upcoming crafting bag is not anything that makes it pay to win. Odds are the discussions you referred to OP are those made by players not confirmed by Zenimax to be implemented and are therefore nothing to worry about.

I have the impression that ZOS this one worked out very well.

However, some 'We, from Toilet Duck, recommend Toilet Duck'-people with an ESO+ subscription like to see more advantages for their own kind.

This study, at least, indicates that ZOS should be very careful with the demand of some ESO+ people.

Despite popular belief Zenimax doesn't do only what people suggest. A small portion of the feedback received actually has a chance to make it in as is and the rest is pretty much considered and then used for their tweaks. Zenimax wouldn't actually add something without a good reason, and before anyone says anything yes they have regretted some of their choices and aim to rectify them (such as Vet Ranks) but trial and error is what helps shape a game after all. As far as ESO Plus goes though, and the Crown Store as well, they are careful not to add anything that proves pay 2 win.

Funkopotamus · September 2015

If you think I give a flying rats -POW- what some neckbeard thinks about my spending habits you and those UC Berkeley folks are crazy.

If you do not want to endure playing a game that people are going to actually spend money and maybe get an advantage then you might want to NOT PLAY A FREE MMO that survives on people buying fro ma cash shop..

andreasv · September 2015

PinoZino wrote: »

andreasv wrote: »

DaveTheMinion wrote: »

People hate me because I bought a costume from the crown store???? so be it, but you have to admit...... I LOOK GOOD!!!! nothing else matters

Nope, buy a fancy costume and people couldn't care less. Play as an imperial, however, and you're public enemy number one. I couldn't care less, as I only wanted that art book and statue

Me too. But it was sold out. So I had to buy the Crown version and upgraded it later (I wanted the free horse ) and now they all hate me

I totally get that hate. If you approach a keep on that horse I can totally see enemies committing suicide. I mean just look at how white it is! How dare you have such a white horse.

I had someone having a go at me when I called my senche tiger. He yelled at me thinking this is the Clouded Senche-Leopard mount. I corrected him explaining the difference, left the scene and switched my mount to the evil Clouded Senche-Leopard to see if he finds me again later.

I think mounts are the least worrying thing in a cash shop.

Egonieser · September 2015

I think of it this way.
If someone spends a lot of money on a game, I salute them. Means i feel less guilty for spending less myself as ZoS gets they money either way. The other people compensate for what I don't provide, (Though i'm a subscriber atm, but that could change anytime) and keeps the game afloat.
Games need people with thick wallets and I have no problem with it, never have done, be it in a F2P or B2P game.

PinoZino · September 2015

Funkopotamus wrote: »

If you think I give a flying rats -POW- what some neckbeard thinks about my spending habits you and those UC Berkeley folks are crazy.

If you do not want to endure playing a game that people are going to actually spend money and maybe get an advantage then you might want to NOT PLAY A FREE MMO that survives on people buying fro ma cash shop..

You don't have a big functional advantage, so we don't care to hate you.

It would be different if the gap was too big. People would start to dislike you and dislike the game. In the end they would leave and then you're here alone with your bought 'Wohaa Uber Sword of Death' you used to kill all with one slash.

As long the functional advantages are low and/or you're just able to ride around on your fluorescent purple My Little Pony, you don't have to worry.

grumlins · September 2015

PinoZino wrote: »

Tilburg University and UC Berkeley examined 532 active gamers and discovered that players who bought a competitive functional advantage are disliked by the other players.

The findings indicate how micro-transactions can be implemented so that they have fewer negative social consequences, demonstrate the value of social psychological theories in predicting online behavior, and provide several avenues for further theoretical exploration.

I reckon this study could be interesting, since we see some threads running about giving ESO+ members a competitive advantage.

You can download the complete paper (PDF) here:

The Hidden Cost of Microtransactions: Buying In-Game Advantages in Online Games Decreases a Player’s Status

That would be great and all but there is no such microtransactions in this title. Microtransactions are items which give a distinct advantage in the game that cost real money. There's not a single purchase in this title that gives you an advantage over another player and if people don't like it that I have a skin for my mount because I got tired of seeing the same white horse all the time that's their problem not mine.

If you want a great example of microtransactions actually affecting gameplay look to games like Archeage, GW2 (which is based on the currency conversion real money auction house model), Star Trek Online etc there are plenty of other examples of this but this game isn't in that category.

PinoZino · September 2015

grumlins wrote: »

That would be great and all but there is no such microtransactions in this title. Microtransactions are items which give a distinct advantage in the game that cost real money. There's not a single purchase in this title that gives you an advantage over another player and if people don't like it that I have a skin for my mount because I got tired of seeing the same white horse all the time that's their problem not mine.

If you want a great example of microtransactions actually affecting gameplay look to games like Archeage, GW2 (which is based on the currency conversion real money auction house model), Star Trek Online etc there are plenty of other examples of this but this game isn't in that category.

The context is the same for people who buy functional upgrades via the Crown Store or via their ESO+ subscriptions.

If these 2 categories of players would have a significant functional advantage the result would be the same.

But currently they don't, so there's no problem. Most of the 'upgrades' are cosmetic and that's fine.

Rapthorne · September 2015

I'm amused that it took a university study to confirm that people do not like pay to win or "whales" paying to max out. This has been one of the most hated aspects of the F2P MMO market since the creation of digital item purchases

PinoZino · September 2015

Rapthorne wrote: »

I'm amused that it took a university study to confirm that people do not like pay to win or "whales" paying to max out. This has been one of the most hated aspects of the F2P MMO market since the creation of digital item purchases

Science is not about what many people 'feel', it's about evidence.
You would be surprised how much common 'knowledge' known by all is just false.

Many people have claimed that drinking alcohol through a straw gets you drunk faster than drinking it regularly.
Countless people swear it's true and testified it with own experiences. Some are even capable to produce a scientific sounding explanation why straw-drinking gets you drunk faster.

And you know what? It's not true. Scientists examined this one and debunked it.

Besides, it's not that they don't like pay to win, it's more that they don't like that others do.

Elsonso · September 2015

.

PinoZino wrote: »

Rapthorne wrote: »

I'm amused that it took a university study to confirm that people do not like pay to win or "whales" paying to max out. This has been one of the most hated aspects of the F2P MMO market since the creation of digital item purchases

Science is not about what many people 'feel', it's about evidence.
You would be surprised how much common 'knowledge' known by all is just false.

This is why we will never know whether people really hate stepping in manure until some government or university steps up and studies it.

andreasv wrote: »

Play as an imperial, however, and you're public enemy number one.

I have never seen any indication of this in the game.

Junglejim82 · September 2015

This study was clearly p2w

lMythl · September 2015

Ahh yes, I see and I am an expert I have 293 PHDs in "insert fake credentials that pertain to this conversation"

"Long angry explanation of why I am right and you're all wrong in some way goes here."

"closing statement"

In short PIE>Cake

PinoZino · September 2015

lMythl wrote: »

Ahh yes, I see and I am an expert I have 293 PHDs in "insert fake credentials that pertain to this conversation"

"Long angry explanation of why I am right and you're all wrong in some way goes here."

"closing statement"

In short PIE>Cake

I see no one using 'authority' to makes his point. Maybe @andreasv a bit, but not in an annoying style. After all, his remarks are correct.

And I see certainly no angry people in this thread.

EQBallzz · September 2015

grumlins wrote: »

PinoZino wrote: »

Tilburg University and UC Berkeley examined 532 active gamers and discovered that players who bought a competitive functional advantage are disliked by the other players.

The findings indicate how micro-transactions can be implemented so that they have fewer negative social consequences, demonstrate the value of social psychological theories in predicting online behavior, and provide several avenues for further theoretical exploration.

I reckon this study could be interesting, since we see some threads running about giving ESO+ members a competitive advantage.

You can download the complete paper (PDF) here:

The Hidden Cost of Microtransactions: Buying In-Game Advantages in Online Games Decreases a Player’s Status

That would be great and all but there is no such microtransactions in this title. Microtransactions are items which give a distinct advantage in the game that cost real money. There's not a single purchase in this title that gives you an advantage over another player and if people don't like it that I have a skin for my mount because I got tired of seeing the same white horse all the time that's their problem not mine.

If you want a great example of microtransactions actually affecting gameplay look to games like Archeage, GW2 (which is based on the currency conversion real money auction house model), Star Trek Online etc there are plenty of other examples of this but this game isn't in that category..yet.

FTFY