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Nearly half of gamers call for restrictions on Microtransactions

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Nearly half of gamers call for restrictions on Microtransactions
Nearly half of gamers call for restrictions on MicrotransactionsReading Time: 3 minutes

 

  • 33% of gamers purchased a microtransaction (MTX) or loot box at least once a week, with 25-34 year olds most likely to purchase (45%) 
  • Xbox users are slightly more likely to make in-game purchases than PlayStation owners 
  • Call of Duty was labelled the worst offender for MTX by almost a third (29%) of gamers
 
Almost half (49%) of gaming fans agree that an 18+ age limit should be set for pay-to-access content, according to new research.

The survey, commissioned by gaming publisher, WePC, reveals how gamers are feeling since the pandemic and follows the recent investigation on loot boxes in Belgium, as more European authorities consider banning them altogether.

Microtransactions and gambling 

Over a third (33%) of UK gamers purchase a microtransaction or loot box at least once a week, with nearly 1 in 10 (8%) spending over £100 on each purchase occasion. Younger gamers aged 16-24 admitted to spending £17 above the national average of £36. Nearly two-thirds (60%) of this age group also claimed their gaming expenditure in general has seen an increase during the pandemic.

Although a large majority of respondents (69%) agreed that loot boxes promote gambling to younger gamers, only 19% called for them to be banned altogether. Users felt that along with the age limit, a cap on the amount that could be spent (43%) and restrictions on the impact paid content has on core gameplay (26%) would be more effective. Call of Duty was ranked the nation’s least favourite microtransaction offender (29%), followed by FIFA (28%) and Candy Crush (26%)

But some gamers claim it depends on the game in question.

“In COD, your MTX are based around gun skins and animations, so it doesn’t directly affect your abilities to play,” says Leeds-based gamer, Josh Allen.

“FIFA, on the other hand, makes multiplayer experiences so much worse. You can play against someone who has paid to have a better team, which makes them impossible to beat, even if they’re less skilled at the game. That’s why I’ve given up playing FIFA altogether. COD, on the other hand, you can pay for aesthetic but winning is still based on skill.”

Leeds was revealed to be the capital city of microtransactions too (42%), followed closely by Brighton (41%) and London (39%).

Plymouth’s gaming community were the least likely to make in-game purchases (21%), along with Glasgow (23%) and Southampton (24%).

Post-pandemic gaming  

Whilst restrictions may have started easing in the UK, reduction in social interaction has had both a financial and emotional impact on gamers.

Nearly half (47%) have admitted their gaming expenditure has increased during the pandemic, with the majority of money going to new video games (38%), online subscriptions (19%) and gaming equipment (19%).

Around 1 in 5 Xbox, Mobile, Nintendo and PC gamers say they spend most of their gaming expenditure on microtransactions.

However, it was Nintendo users that spent the most on loot boxes compared to any other console, with an average of £56 spent per purchase. PC gamers followed closely behind, spending an average of £51 per MTX.

Sophie, an avid Animal Crossing fan and regular Nintendo gamer, has doubled her gaming expenditure since restrictions first came into place last year.

“I’m playing more games so making my way through my library quicker. I’m also buying games so that I can play online with friends and fill in that social gap.”

Will Blears, Marketing Director at WePC said:

 “As gamers ourselves, we understand that gaming is skill-based experience and it’s clear from the research that gamers are currently forced to buy into MTX and loot boxes to gain advantages within that experience.” 

“The European laws coming into place highlight the concern that is clear, from our survey data, is echoed around the gaming community. Loot boxes could definitely be a gateway into the darker side of gambling and creators need to factor in safety to make sure gaming continues to be enjoyable for all.” 

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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Play’n GO games now live with Ivy Casino in the UK

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Swedish gaming giant’s industry signals commitment to the UK regulated market by launching it leading portfolio of games with Ivy Casino 

Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, has today announced that its industry leading portfolio of games is now live with Ivy Casino in the UK. 

Ivy Casino’s players in the United Kingdom can now access global smash hits from Play’n GO, including Book of Dead, Legacy of Dead, and Rise of Olympus 100 among many others. 

Ivy Casino is a UK-facing online casino brand that launched in 2024 with a focus on delivering a premium, player-centric experience tailored specifically for the UK market. 

The brand operates alongside two sister sites, Rose Casino and O’Reels, which also serve UK audiences and share the same commitment to high-quality entertainment, strong user experience and robust responsible gaming standards. 

Play’n GO has been one of the leading game suppliers in the UK for many years and is steadfast in its commitment to regulated markets globally. 

Magnus Olsson, Chief Commercial Officer of Play’n GO, said:

“We are delighted to launch with Ivy Casino in the UK who, like us, are focused on all the key elements of operating within a regulated market framework. I’m sure this is just the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership.” 

Mark Good, representing Ivy Casino, said:

“This partnership with Play’n GO forms part of Ivy Casino’s ongoing strategy to enhance its content offering for UK players by collaborating with leading studios known for creative, engaging gameplay.” 

Play’n GO is a proud sponsor of the Moneygram Haas Formula 1 team, and recently launched a fashion brand, Play’n GO Shop, to sit alongside its existing Play’n GO Music brand to give fans more ways to connect with Play’n GO. 

In October, Play’n GO set a world record by launching everyone’s favourite slot character, Garga, into space reaching a height of over 35,500m as part of the launch campaign for Reactoonz 100 which instantly became one of the biggest game launches of the year for the company. 

The post Play’n GO games now live with Ivy Casino in the UK appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

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Esportes da Sorte strengthens brand presence during New Year’s Eve celebrations across four Brazilian capitals

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Esportes da Sorte, one of Brazil’s leading online betting platforms, will be the official sponsor of New Year’s Eve celebrations in four Brazilian capitals: Salvador, Recife, Natal and Maceió. The initiative reinforces the brand’s growing presence in the national cultural calendar and its strategy to connect with large-scale public celebrations beyond the digital environment.

New Year’s Eve is one of Brazil’s most significant annual moments, marked by intense domestic travel, international tourism and mass public participation. By supporting celebrations in four key destinations, Esportes da Sorte aligns its brand with tradition, culture and shared experiences that resonate deeply with local communities.

“Sponsoring New Year’s Eve celebrations in four capitals reflects our commitment to being present in moments that bring people together,” said Marcela Campos, Vice President of the Esportes Gaming Brasil Group, owner of the Esportes da Sorte brand. “Supporting these cities means valuing their cultural identity, strengthening local ecosystems and celebrating the people who keep these traditions alive year after year.”

Across all four capitals, the brand will activate its presence through immersive experiences, public-facing activations and the distribution of branded giveaways — a hallmark of Esportes da Sorte’s engagement strategy at major events. The activations are designed to enhance the festive atmosphere while reinforcing the brand’s connection with culture, entertainment and responsible enjoyment.

The New Year’s Eve sponsorships build on Esportes da Sorte’s broader cultural engagement strategy, which includes long-standing support for large-scale events such as Carnatal, in Rio Grande do Norte — a key fixture in the state’s tourism and cultural calendar. Together, these initiatives reflect the company’s commitment to expanding its footprint in cultural sponsorships nationwide.

Esportes da Sorte’s participation also mirrors a wider trend within Brazil’s regulated betting market, as operators increasingly diversify their sponsorship portfolios beyond football. Music, festivals and cultural celebrations have become strategic platforms for brands seeking broader visibility, deeper community ties and more sustainable engagement with the public.

The post Esportes da Sorte strengthens brand presence during New Year’s Eve celebrations across four Brazilian capitals appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

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Holi Primed For Emerging Markets Via New QTech Games Partnership

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Emerging-markets leader expands its live-games offering with new games from rising star supplier

 QTech Games, the leading game aggregator for all emerging markets, has announced its latest partnership with live-games provider Holi, allowing its platform clients access to another positively delineated portfolio.

Integrating content from one of the more colourful and creative digital slots providers adds yet more variety to QTech Games’ premier platform, which is taking the widest range of online games to emerging territories with established names sitting alongside the industry’s most exciting up-and-coming providers.

Holi is the absolute embodiment in the latter rising-star category, reimagining the live-gaming experience through the power of aesthetics in content which delivers a unique and simplified gambling experience, underscored by reliability. Colourful-yet-familiar “light” table games, such as roulette and baccarat, are now overcoming local obstacles to engagement in emerging markets, like handset quality limitations, restricted access to fast networks, and high data costs.

Philip Doftvik, QTech Games’ CEO, said: “We will continue to add fresh content to the platform, prioritising suppliers who provide unique, localised content – and Holi’s light, colourful live games fit the bill perfectly. Their content brings a new level of energy and engagement that we’re thrilled to share across our growing network.”

Inga Vakulcika, Chief Product Officer at Holi, added: “Holi is artfully fusing craft and technology to create more aesthetically pleasing live games that turn local players’ heads – that means captivating, colourful graphics for a top-notch gaming experience. We look forward to seeing how our unique games perform when placed in front of new audiences via QTech’s emerging-market operators.”

The post Holi Primed For Emerging Markets Via New QTech Games Partnership appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

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