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5 Ways Video Games Trick You Into Spending More Money

5 Ways Video Games Trick You Into Spending More Money

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We live in a society.

“Why would you say something so controversial yet so brave?” You ask me.

The answer is simple: memes.

On a more serious note, let’s talk about the money-hungry video game industry. 

Now that we’re entering the rawring XD 20’s, we can look back at the past decade in gaming and marvel at how we’ve gotten from Red Dead Redemption to Red Dead Redemption II. We’ve seen massive improvements leading some people to say we’re living in the Second Golden Age of Video Games. 

But guess what? We’re also living in a capitalist hellscape. 

The advent of microtransactions has made studios filthy rich. In 2018 EA earned 2.2billion in microtransactions alone. The one and only Jim Sterling made the YouTube video The Addictive Cost Of Predatory Videogame Monetization about the psychological aspects of loot boxes, gambling, and their consequences.

While the Jimquisition did a great job exposing the ways gaming companies get you to spend money, let’s take a closer look at these practices and how to recognize them.

So, without further ado, here are the 5 most common ways the games you’re playing are tricking you into giving them your money.

1. “Let’s Go Whaling”

In his video, Jim references Tribeflame CEO Torulf Jernström’s presentation at the Pocket Gamer Presents conference in 2016. The name of this talk was “Let’s Go Whaling: Tricks for Monetising Mobile Game Players With Free-to-Play” and in the talk Jernström outlines a few different strategies for getting players to spend money on their games. 

Jernström calls the practice “Whaling” which refers to the practice of finding big spenders, or “whales”, and making sure they buy what your company is selling. During the talk, he explains that the best way to make this happen is through a process called Hook, Habit, Hobby. 

He starts his talk by saying, “The very best to get these guys to spend is to get two rich, competitive guys to fight each other and tell them ‘I’ll give you a slight upside if you pay.'”

2. Hook, Habit, Hobby

Jernström describes it like this: “It’s a model for how people progress in a game. The hook is what gets you into the game to try out free-to-play game, then you build it into a habit that you play multiple sessions every day, and then at the end, it’s the hobby phase where people see it as one of their main hobbies and they put lots of time and resources into it.”   

He also makes the point that once you’ve successfully onboarded a player into the hobby phase, there is no upper spend limit, meaning that a gaming company can continuously make more money off of you.

The video games that use the hook, habit, hobby strategy aren’t explicitly advertising products to their users, they’re using behavioral psychology to convince players to create a sense of identity that depends on their access to the gameplay, which depends on them spending money.

3. The Ikea Effect

In his talk, Jernström also refers to a well known psychological effect known as The Ikea Effect. The Ikea Effect posits that people will get more excited and/or value things more if they’ve played a part in its production.

The reason it’s called the Ikea Effect is pretty obvious, I mean who hasn’t been filled with pride after assembling a Billy Bookcase with a trusty allen-key!

So, what does this have to do with video game microtransactions? A lot.

When you’ve invested hours, maybe even days, of your life into a game you’re way more likely to invest your money in it too. One of the earliest and most influential examples of microtransactions was in 2006 when ‘The Elder Scrolls: IV’ Oblivion introduced the Horse Armor Pack, which cost between $2.50 to $1.99. This feature allowed players to customize small details of their gameplay, a model that is still prevalent to this day. 

This is where the Ikea Effect comes into play (literally), the more customizable options a game offers you as a player, the more you feel like you’ve crafted something truly unique, and the more likely you are to invest your time and money into the game.

4. The Insidious Nature of Microtransactions

Another way that video games can trick you into spending money is by creating a robust and complex economy based on in-game currency. Once a discrete currency has been integrated into the world of a video game it’s going to be an inescapable aspect of gameplay. 

Almost all video games involve some kind of in-game currency, and back in the day you’d get your V-bucks coins by finishing a quest, or being ultra agile with Donkey Kong on the mean streets of MarioKart. As companies start introducing the ability to convert real-world currency into virtual currency, you’re already a player in the economy, which makes it way easier to convince you to buy-in, so to speak. 

5. The Dark World of Loot Boxes

Last September the Guardian published an article titled, “Video Game Loot Boxes Should be Classed as Gambling, says Commons”. In the article, they go over how the practice of loot-boxing is ostensibly the same thing as gambling, which we all know is true. The article then goes on to cover why loot-boxes can’t be legally classified as gambling, explaining that “the items won are not considered to have monetary value.”

When you purchase a loot-box you’re winning specifically in-game prizes, and you can’t cash out the way you would be able to if you were actually gambling. This loophole means that video game studios can profit off of the human propensity for gambling without any accountability for leading people down a dangerous path that can, and often does, end in addiction.

Rage Against the Microtransactions

Or don’t. In the end, it’s completely up to you how you engage with microtransactions and video game currency. Some people love the convenience and customization made available through spending a couple of bucks here and there. 

That being said, there are ways you can manage your spending habits while gaming. For instance, we’ve invented a super cool tool that automatically saves you money while you play. Most importantly, knowledge is power. Staying on top of how the gaming industry turns a profit keeps you in a position where you’re making decisions with open eyes.

Check out our blog for more dank takes on the world of gaming and personal finance.

High-Stakes Gaming: 7 Most Lucrative Esports Games to Keep an Eye On

High-Stakes Gaming: 7 Most Lucrative Esports Games to Keep an Eye On

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The call of lucrative loot and a fat salary have made up your mind for you. Now is the best time to enter the fray of competitive esport games.

Last year, the top-grossing games paid out more than $100 million in prize pools. Players among the most popular games average $105,000 yearly salaries.

Here are seven of the top-grossing games that you can play your way to an early retirement.

7. Call of Duty

Each year, there’s a new Call of Duty pumped out of the Activision machine. Its sensational success every iteration is a risk-free investment. No matter the reviews, there will always be an audience.

New Call of Duty games, particularly this year’s, stray further and further from casual play. This year’s anticipated game is now gearing up to be quite a competitive blockbuster.

6. Overwatch

Blizzard’s masterpiece has yet to run out of steam since its release. Overwatch, time-after-time, has proven to be a fan favorite.

Its fresh sense of style and renovated take on competitive shooters is a proverbial goldmine. Even last year, the prize pool doubled over 2017’s. This year is looking to quadruple that amount.

5. Esport Games Classic: Starcraft II

This title’s popularity may not be as booming as others on this list, but it’s stable. The Starcraft franchise is a cult classic.

There will always be players for this game. By nature, it’s an extremely head-to-head type game. Because of its stability and play-style, it’ll forever be a popular esports game.

4. League of Legends

League of Legends, LoL for short, falls under the MOBA category. A MOBA is an acronym for “multiplayer online battle arena.”

MOBA’s are the strategy, fast-paced games that pit you against others. The fiery competition among players is a breeding ground for high stake games.

Prize pools in this category can collectively topple the sum of all of the games on this list thus far.

The scene for this genre will not die down. And this is only the second largest on this list.

3. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

A fan favorite. Counter-Strike is the sweetheart of many esport gamers. It’s where a lot of players began their journey.

Its nostalgic intrigue and infinitely fun game type are a popular choice for esports. Each round of Counter-Strike is a nail-biting fight to the death. Viewers and players alike love it.

Last year’s prize pool was a little under $25 million.

2. Fortnite

A game with such notoriety that even moms know of its existence. Fortnite wasn’t the first of its type. In fact, it got a lot of its inspiration from PUBG – another battle royale game.

But its free entrance fee surged its popularity and took the gaming world by siege. Just about anyone with an internet connection can play, making it vastly popular.

Fortnite’s producers have slated $80 million worth of prizes for this year.

However, the brightest flames die out the fastest. The large prize pool is more of a death scream than anything. The future of this game likely won’t be as bright.

1. Dota 2

It’s the mother of all MOBA’s. It has such a massive player-base and fandom that fuel its life.

Last year’s largest tournament, a whopping $25 million, was crowdfunded. Meaning, activists of the games supported its massive winnings. That’s how popular the game is.

Its year-over-year success may finally be overshadowed by Fortnite’s large cash pool, however.

An Armchair Hero’s Pursuit for Riches

There are seven games that topple the esport games industry.

MOBAs like League of Legends and Dota 2 are massively popular strategy battle games. Startcraft II is their classic grandfather.

Shooter games, like Call of Duty, Overwatch, and Counter-Strike will always be a staple. They offer timeless fun.

Fortnite, embracing the new genre of battle royale, has skyrocketed in fandom and prize loot.

Enjoyed reading this about these games’ loot? Check out our other posts, too!

Getting Started on Twitch: 5 Ways to Fund Your Streaming Career

Getting Started on Twitch: 5 Ways to Fund Your Streaming Career

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You’ve been playing video games for a long time, and it’s time you break out into the world of Twitch streaming. Maybe you want to share your experiences or want to make money, but getting started on Twitch is the first step to streaming domination.

Streaming on Twitch can be lucrative if you do it right, but it isn’t easy. You need to find ways to make money on Twitch to keep the bills paid. It might be best to start small and work your way to full time unless you’re lucky enough to have no living expenses.

Check out five ways you can fund your streaming career on Twitch.

1. Getting Started on Twitch Leads to Sponsors

Streamers spend hours a day online and over time you’ll gain fans, subscribers, etc. They’ll come back to you faithfully, especially if you’re entertaining, interactive and work on promoting yourself. As you gain popularity, you’ll earn sponsors that pay you either with cash or product to promote them on your streams.

There are also groups that help you find sponsors for your Twitch stream as well. Sponsors are one of the best ways to earn money by streaming.

2. Receive Donations from Viewers

When you’re a showman and provide a streaming experience that is entertaining, then viewers who like your shows can send you donations through Twitch or sites like Patreon. Why would someone send a donation? They want to keep you on the air, and they know to give you money can help.

Everyone needs to pay the bills. If streamers can’t do that, then they’ll have to 

3. Sell Merchandise to your Viewers

Being a streamer is a lot like owning a business. You have a brand that you’re promoting, and the goal is to make a good living. Your brand is everything about you and your Twitch stream. Many streamers have catchphrases, special names for their viewers, etc.

If you have a good fanbase, then you can create merchandise such as shirts, hats, etc. and sell them on your stream. If you have a likable brand, then your fans should want to buy them.

4. Subscribers Provide Recurring Income

As you gain popularity, you may begin earning subscribers to your stream. Unlike YouTube, subscribers on Twitch pay a monthly fee that you split with Twitch.

You can’t start out charging for subscribers until you have at least 50 followers. This is when you become a Twitch affiliate and eventually a Twitch partner.

5. Selling Items Via Affiliate Links

Affiliate links are products from a third-party that you sell on your Twitch stream. There are many affiliate programs for all kinds of products, but Amazon is one of the most popular.

Since Amazon owns Twitch, it made it easy to add Amazon products as a widget to your streaming page. When someone clicks on the product and buys it, then you receive a percentage of the sale. It’s a popular way to make money on Twitch.

Hard Work Pays Off

If your dream is to make a living playing video games, then getting started on Twitch can get you on your way. Use these tips to earn money as fast as possible and make your dream a reality.


How Much Does it Cost to Make a Game? You’d Be Surprised

How Much Does it Cost to Make a Game? You’d Be Surprised

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In the past, videogames were often regarded as trivial ways to spend your time (and you were often criticized for enjoying them).

Today, with the addition of voice actors, storytelling with massive depth, and constant development in high-quality graphics, it’s easily argued that videogames have become works of art.

So, it’s no surprise that there are plenty of independent developers out there who’d like to try their hand at making their own game.

But, how much does it cost to make a game that’s AAA quality? Not everyone knows what to expect.

Let’s take a look at five things to keep in mind.

So… How Much Does it Cost to Make a Game?

The answer to this question is highly variable based on a handful of factors. Things like total man-hours spent, licensing, and the overall length of the project all contribute to the total price tag.

Put simply, though, it costs millions— often into the double digits.

Let’s dive into the elements that influence this number.

1. Labor ($3M – $5M)

This is the meat of the game budget. To make a game that’s AAA caliber, though, you’re going to need a team of some of the most talented developers out there.

Since people of this proficiency are hard to come by and constantly being tracked down by other companies, you’ll need to offer them a competitive salary. Depending on the size of your project, you’ll likely already be in the millions in terms of cost.

But, the reality is top-tier games require this level of investment.

2. Music ($500K-$1M)

Hiring session musicians (or even an orchestra, in some cases) can put a huge dent in your budget depending on how fleshed-out you want your games music to be.

In some cases, commissioned work can cost up to $2,500 per minute of composed music.

While stock music is typically an option for independent developers, the vast majority of AAA games all have original soundtracks that musicians were hired to compose, perform, and record.

Games that take place in fantasy or medieval settings tend to have higher budgets for original music than games in the Grand Theft Auto series.

3. Licensing ($1M-$5M)

Licensing can easily cost millions of dollars.

The developers of Grand Theft Auto V, for example, licensed nearly 250 songs for the game’s radio station that plays while you operate a vehicle. In some cases, licensing one song can cost thousands of dollars (depending on its popularity).

There are many other instances where licensing comes into play, too. This includes the use of trademark names, original characters (such as those from a film), and other forms of intellectual property. 

4. Complexity ($3M-$5M)

The more complex your game is (fleshed-out online play, overall content, etc.) the more code that will need to be written.

As your game’s code becomes more extensive, though, it becomes exponentially more complicated to work on and maintain. This often means more requiring more hours from your team (or even having to hire extra programmers).

This is especially true if you’re developing an original game engine (and not tweaking one like the Call of Duty games do). 

Grand Total: Approximately $10 Million

This number will vary depending on what you need for your game (especially when it comes to licensing requirements). But, $10 million is a fairly common number to see as the total budget of a AAA game.

Final Thoughts 

Developing a AAA game costs millions, so it’s out of reach for the majority of gamers.

But, those with a true passion for the industry still have the opportunity to make their own games on a smaller scale. In these cases, the answer to ‘how much does it cost to make a game’ will be far more reasonable.

Want to learn how you can save money while you game? This page has plenty of useful info about how we can help.

Most Played Video Games by Hours Played and Player Count

Most Played Video Games by Hours Played and Player Count

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From PlayStation to Xbox gaming is a huge industry, with millions of people spending hours and hours of game-play time on the console of their choice. Some would say gaming is a simple hobby, but those who spend the majority of their time playing would say it is a lifestyle. 

With a video game industry worth over $130 billion, we’ve compiled a list of the most played video games by player count and hours played.

Video Game Consoles

Video games can be played on a variety of platforms, let’s break this down before we head onto our list: 

  • PlayStation is owned by Sony, it consists of PS1 through to PS4, so four models of video game consoles, as well as a media center, online services and a variety of controllers. 
  • Xbox is owned by Microsoft with eight generations of consoles, it also represents applications and games, streaming services, an online service, and a gaming production brand. 
  • PC is one of the oldest platforms from MAC to Android, sold by different technology companies but the operating system is what counts towards the types of games playable. The most widely used system for PC gaming these days is Steampowered. 
    Steam is a video game digital distribution platform owned and developed by Valve Corporation.  

Most Played Video Games Ever 

This list is not sorted by console, brand or even genre of the game itself. The list if compiled of games that have impressive numbers when it comes to the number of players and hours played, so in no particular order: 

Crossfire 

CrossFire is an online tactical first-person shooter played on Windows. It is the most played game in the world according to player count of all time with 660 million players worldwide. Many players in forums online have estimated their gameplay time around 2000 hours. 

Dungeon Fighter Online

Dungeon Fighter Online, also known as DFO, is a multiplayer PC old school fight challenge video game. The game boasts 600 millions user worldwide.

Pac-Man Doodle 

We’re all familiar with Pac-Man from our visits to the arcade as children. Pac-Man Doodle is an online maze game similar to that one. Pac-Man Doodle has recorded a daily user count of 505 million. There’s an estimated gameplay time of 500 million hours. 

Candy Crush Saga

Candy Crush Saga is a free-to-play matching-three puzzle video game released on April 12, 2012. Versions are available for Facebook, iOS, Android, Windows Phone, and Windows 10. The game has 500 million registered players globally. To date, 350 trillion candies have been swiped. 

Tetris

Tetris was one of the first games available on Windows and has been around since 1984. It now boasts over 500 million users around the world, some users report online that they’ve accumulated 12 hours of gameplay without stopping. 

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds was released in December 2017, so it is a relatively newer game compared to others on this list. With a whopping 400 million users! The top 30 users on SteamLadder have over 10,000 hours of gameplay time each. 

Microsoft Solitaire

Released in 1990, Microsoft Solitaire is another of the veterans on our list. There are 400 million users who actively play Microsoft Solitaire. It’s even been inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame! 

Fantasy Westward Journey 

Fantasy Westward Journey has a registered user amount of 310 million. It was number one in the top ten highest grossing games worldwide in September 2017. 

Fortnite

Fortnite boasts 250 million registered accounts. The average gameplay time? A player will spend between 6 and 10 playing Fortnite per week. Between May 2018 and June 2018 the total Fortnite playing time was 2.7 billion hours.

Video Games Overview 

Although this list is impressive it doesn’t include hours of play on smartphones or tablets, who knows? The stats from mobile developers may far surpass the stats based on our consoles of choice for this list. 

The most played video games list is certainly impressive and the numbers speak for themselves! 

If you classify yourself as this category gamer, you should learn more about the ways to play and save money at the same time. Sign up for a Beta program.

Want a Professional Gamer Salary? Here’s What the Top Gamers Make

Want a Professional Gamer Salary? Here’s What the Top Gamers Make

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Gaming is a hobby enjoyed by over 2.4 billion people across the globe.

But for some, gaming is more than a hobby. It’s a great way to make money!

Curious to find out what a professional gamer salary looks like? Then keep reading as we break down how much your favorite stars earn.

Tyler ‘Ninja’ Blevins: $16.1 Million

Love him or hate him, it’s impossible to ignore Ninja’s popularity. The former Twitch-streamer turned Mixer star has amassed an audience of millions and has a bank account to match it.

Earlier this year, Blevins stuck a $1 million deal with EA Games to push Apex Legends. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Blevins brings in an estimated $500,000 per month from streaming alone, earning millions more through endorsement deals and merchandising.

Felix ‘PewDiePie’ Kjellberg: $15 Million

Not far behind Ninja is PewDiePie, one of the original YouTube game streamers, starting his pro gaming career around 2012. PewDiePie’s videos reach a massive audience, with his current subscriber base totaling just over 102 million.

Like Ninja, most of PewDiePie’s income comes from endorsement deals.

However, publicity stunts like the “Subscribe to PewDiePie” campaign helped the 30-year-old gaming icon generate a wider audience this year.

Jesse ‘JerAx’ Vainikka $3.16 Million

While the streamers are raking in serious cash, eSports players aren’t too far behind. Take DOTA 2 pro JerAx, for instance, who has earned his annual salary of $3 million from competing in some of gaming’s biggest tournaments along with his OG teammates.

But that’s just the start of it. Over his career, JerAx has earned almost $6.5 million off of his DOTA 2 skills.

Johan ‘N0tail’ Sundstein: $3.15 Million

Technically speaking, N0tail has one of the largest earning rates of all time. Throughout his gaming career, N0tail has earned nearly $7 million.

And while he isn’t earning as much as he used to, he’s still making a killing in DOTA 2 competitions.

Currently, N0tail serves as the team captain of OG, along with fellow teammate and top-earner JerAx.

Lee ‘Faker’ Sang Hyeok: $897 Thousand

Faker is an absolute legend in the world of gaming. The 23-year-old has already won almost half a dozen worldwide competitions playing League of Legends.

In his off time, Faker makes a living off of endorsements and streaming. His popular Twitch channel has accumulated almost 69 million views.

So why the huge disparity between Faker and everyone else on this list? Remember, this only takes into account annual earnings. And while League of Legends is a massive game, DOTA 2’s tournament sponsorships and YouTube’s video monetization likely bring higher earning potential.

And let’s face it, $897 per year is a pretty sweet salary.

Want to Earn a Professional Gamer Salary?

While not everyone gets to play on a major stage like JerAx or Faker and make a professional gamer salary, you can still make a decent living off of gaming. And best of all, all you have to do is save!

To find out how you can start saving through Lootfeed, click here.

Is Gaming Good for You? 7 Surprising Facts

Is Gaming Good for You? 7 Surprising Facts

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Did you know that nearly 70% of Americans play video games? Rightfully so since not only are they fun but have many surprising benefits as well.

Is gaming good for you? Read on to find out the hidden benefits of video gaming, and relax knowing you’re not just having a good time but enjoying the benefits to gaming as well. 

Video Games and Your Brain

Your right hippocampus decides how to process and consolidate information for the long term and short term memory. Video games can help grow this part of the brain. 

The cerebellum is also activated while playing video games. It controls muscular activity and fine motor skills. This part of the brain helps you respond to what’s happening around you. 

The prefrontal cortex controls social behavior, cognitive planning, decision making, and your personality. Of course, the more involved you get in your video game the more you’ll experience these benefits. 

If you’re looking to experience these benefits, it’s not just Super Mario 64, but think of fast-paced action games. Great examples are first-person shooters and sports games. 

Problem Solving in Games

Video gaming can teach strategy and problem-solving. Minecraft shows you how to use objects to solve problems and explore environments. SimCity you plan and layout a city. It also has you consider different factors such as how taxes could help or hurt your city. 

It also teaches you planning and resource management, which you can then connect to your own life. Certain games out there are about historical events, so it could make you curious about learning historical facts. 

1. Exercise Your Brain

A study done at the Max Planck Institute found that playing video games actually increases the grey matter in your brain. This helps refine hardwired and learned skills. It also positively impacts the part of your brain used for memory, fine motor skills, and spatial orientation. 

The study chose 2 groups of adults. The first group played Super Mario 64 for 30 minutes a day for 2 months, and the 2nd group didn’t play anything. They used magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) to measure the sizes of the brains for the groups. 

They measured their brains before the study and at the 2-month mark. It showed a link between brain increases and video gaming. 

2. Slows Down Aging

Aging is inevitable, but what if there was a way to slow it down? A study that was done in Iowa showed gaming can actually slow down aging. There were 681 healthy people who were aged 50 and older playing video games for 10 hours for 6-8 weeks. 

It was found that 10 hours of video gaming slowed down the aging process by many years. They saw a range, with a minimum of a year and a half to six and a half years of improvement or recovery. 

3. Great Workout

Games like Dance Dance Revolution and Wii Fit have been popular throughout the years, and are great exercise games for weight loss. You don’t have to worry about going to the gym, you can just turn on your video game and get a good workout. 

When you’re up and moving it helps your joint flexibility, balance, coordination, and circulation. Many of these games track your progress as well. You can also set goals. Ring Fit Adventure is a new workout for the Wii that can help with weight loss and setting goals as well.

4. Better Decision Making

C. Shawn Green at the University of Rochester ran a study to see how video games affect decision making. He tested to see if games that make us keep track of moving peripheral images will improve our receiving of sensory data and make better decisions. 

Young adults that had no gaming experience played an action game for 50 hours. Another group played a slower-paced strategy game. It was shown action games can enhance our low-level perceptual functions. 

5. Improved Focus

When you’re needing to be more attentive and have more focus on school or work, video games can help with that. Video gaming has been shown to improve attention, cognition, and perception. 

6. Could Help Depression

In New Zealand, a study was done to see if video games could help with mental disorders such as depression. A game called SPARX was invented to provide therapy for teens that’s more enjoyable than traditional therapy. 

Over 168 teens with an average age of 15 who previously showed signs of depression, were part of this study. Half of the group got to play SPARX, and the other half did traditional counseling. 

The game allows you to create avatars to get rid of enemies in the virtual world. The enemies represented negative and gloomy thoughts. Each stage of the game had facts about depression including ways to deal with it effectively and relax. 

It was found that this video game could be beneficial in treating depression as an alternate route for counseling. 

7. Become Social

Most gamers play with others online, which makes you befriend others near and far. If you’re a gamer who partakes in live social environments, you’re more likely to be communicative and friendly. You can also form stronger bonds with fellow gamers than those who don’t play games.

Answering the Question Is Gaming Good for You

Is gaming good for you? Not only can it have positive mental effects, but physical as well. So, don’t feel bad playing your games for hours having a blast. If you’re looking to save money while playing games, join us today and decide how much you’d like to save.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Discount Gaming: Finding the Best Game Deals Online

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Discount Gaming: Finding the Best Game Deals Online

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Over 150 million Americans actively play video games, with 60 percent of these people playing each day. If you love gaming, but dislike the high prices associated with this activity, then the information here is written for you.  

When it comes to discount gaming, we have all the tips and tricks you have been hoping to find. With the help here, you can be gaming in no time – without breaking the bank!

Be Patient

When a new game comes out, you may be tempted to purchase it right away. However, games drop in price rather quickly.

While it’s great to purchase a game the day it’s released, if you can be patient – even for a week – then you can get it for a significantly lower price. If you can wait an entire month, you can scoop up the game for a fraction of what it originally cost.

For example, in 2014, when the PS4 was introduced by Sony, the price was $399. Today, you can get it for $299 or less, depending on the retailer. Patience is a virtue when it comes to games and gaming systems. 

Buy Second Hand

If you go to a game store, you can find popular games, second-hand, for a price that’s very close to what it originally sold for. However, if you shop smart, you can likely find the game second-hand for a much lower rate.

There are some people who purchase a game, beat it, and then sell it. This is a great way to get an amazing deal on popular games.

Think about it – you can purchase the popular game Red Dead Redemption II for $59.99 new. However, if you visit sites such as eBay or others that have second-hand games available, you may wind up paying $40 or less for the same game. That’s a significant savings!

Search for Coupons and Discounts

Gaming is a huge, and lucrative, industry. In 2018, this industry generated right under $135 billion.

While this is true, it doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities for you to save a few bucks or more. The key is to know where and how to find these discounts.

Believe it or not, with a simple online search, you may be able to find online coupons for any game you are interested in buying. This is going to help you save a significant amount of money while getting the game you want.

You can use various discount apps to find coupons automatically as you go to purchase a game. In fact, with a bit of digging, you may be able to find discounts of 25 percent off or more.

Discount Gaming: Save a Little or Save a Lot

It is possible to save money on the latest and greatest games, across all platforms. However, if you want to make the most out of discount gaming offers, you have to know where to look. The tips and information here should help you get started.

To learn more about saving money on gaming, be sure to check out our deals and steals. We can guarantee that you won’t be disappointed with the results you achieve and the money you can save. Visit today and visit often to see the latest deals and money-saving opportunities we have available.

Gaming By the Numbers: 5 Interesting Video Game Statistics

Gaming By the Numbers: 5 Interesting Video Game Statistics

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The video game industry continues to rise in both popularity and sales each year. In 2018, about 66% of the U.S. population played some video games in some way, shape, or form. That is up 8% from 2013!

Video games aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. And as technology advances, so will the video game industry! 

There are a lot of things about the video game industry that may surprise you. Keep reading to discover some of the most fascinating video game statistics you may not have known!

Crazy Video Game Statistics

Video games have been available commercially since the early ’70s. That means they’ve been around for almost 50 years, and that’s not even one of the craziest statistics! Keep reading for some interesting facts about video games and the video game industry!

1. Gaming Is More Equal Than You Think

When most people who aren’t part of the community think of video games, they think of 1 thing. They imagine a nerdy guy in his 30s still living in his mom’s basement drinking mountain dew and eating pizza rolls. And while this stereotype isn’t always wrong, it certainly isn’t the majority as it used to be.

As of this year, the gaming population is made up of 46% women and 54% men. That is a fairly equal split, and it shows that video games can be for anybody. Not just middle-aged nerdy men.

2. Video Game Revenue Has Almost Doubled Since 2013

In 2013, the video game industry brought in over $76 billion in revenue. That seems like a lot of money for video games, right? Think again!

By the end of 2019, it is estimated that video games will bring in over $150 billion in revenue! That is nearly double what it was 6 years ago. And it doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.

3. PC Gaming Is the Most Active Platform

If you are not into video gaming, you might think PlayStation or Xbox is the most popular gaming platform. However, that is not true in the least.

At the 2019 Game Developer’s Conference, it was discovered that about 66% of developers were working on projects for PC, with second place being smartphones and tablets at 38%. PlayStation was the highest console at 31%.

The benefit of developing games for PC is that creators don’t have to worry about any kind of licensing fees or purchasing devkits (game development kit). That means pretty much anybody can create a game for PC if they have the tools and resources to do so.

4. the U.S. Is the 2nd Largest Video Game Market in the World

The United States brought in over $25 billion in revenue in 2018. This is only second to China’s $32 billion. But when you consider the U.S. population is a little over 300 million and China is over 1.3 billion, that number becomes a bit more impressive.

That means that if every single U.S. citizen spent money on video games they would spend a little over $76/year. Whereas in China, every citizen would only be spending about $25/year. Pretty crazy when you realize only 66% of the US population purchases video games.

5. Video Games Aren’t Just For Kids

Contrary to belief, video games are not an adolescent dominated hobby. The average gamer is 34 years old, with almost 40% of gamers falling between the ages of 18 and 35. 

That’s right, video games are not just for children anymore. Adults, both male and female have fallen in love with gaming, and this is a trend that is likely to continue.

Make Gaming Work For You!

After hearing those crazy video game statistics, wouldn’t it be awesome if you could make your favorite hobby work for you? Well, you can with Lootfeed!

As we get older, saving for retirement and for our future becomes increasingly more important. Sign up for our email list today, and see how you can start saving for your future while playing your favorite video games! 

3 Pro Gamers Who Are Winning the Game of Life and How You Could Join Them

3 Pro Gamers Who Are Winning the Game of Life and How You Could Join Them

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Is it possible to earn hundreds of thousands as a Cyber athlete?

Gaming has become so mainstream and so popular that competitions are becoming international events and prize money is climbing ever higher.

Gaming could even become an Olympic sport in the near future. Here are three pro gamers and tips on achieving their level of fame.

1. The Team Newbee Pro Gamers

It seems unfair putting a full team in an article about pro gamers, but this team broke all world records when it received 5 million dollars for winning the Dota 2 international tournament.

It made each of them a millionaire, (until the Chinese tax system took its slice).

2. Lee Jae Dong (Jaedong)

He has already won over $500,000 and has won three major championships playing StarCraft II and StarCraft Brood War.

He is a professional gamer who plays as if he were playing chess by trying to anticipate threats before they even appear.

3. Johnathan ‘Fatal1ty’ Wendel

He has won over $450,000 in 36 tournaments by playing Quake and Painkiller.

He is one of the very few Western players to earn more than $100,000 from gaming. Though to be fair, there are far more people in the East than in the West.

You Have To Play Against Other People Online All The Time

Playing on your own against the computer is not going to make you a pro gamer. Even old games from 20 years ago like Dungeon Keeper 2 now have online functions where you can play other people. Jaedong himself made his money playing a game that is over a decade old.

Pro gamers have earned their skills playing online. Take the example of the Rocket League game. Playing against the computer even on an intermediate (not hard) level is very tricky and playing on hard mode against the computer is diabolically difficult. However, it is a walk in the park when compared to online pro gamers who can intercept a ball in mid area and score.

Tactics are changing so often in Rocket League that tricks that people thought were useless, such as the mid-air back-flip boost are becoming staples of the game. Playing against online players is the only way you will ever reach the heights you need in any online pro-gaming situation.

Build A Website And Promote Yourself

You need a professional website that you bought (not a cheap free one). It needs to show your achievements first, which includes your position in competitions and things such as your official speed run scores. It needs a biography, and maybe a short inspiring story about how you started on the SNES, or how you worked every weekend to buy your first PlayStation.

It also needs a page for your schedule that shows where and when you will be playing next. You can show off your trophies and hours played statistics too, all of which you can harvest from Microsoft, Sony, Steam, etc. You also need numerous “good” pictures of yourself playing or at sponsored events.

Finally, you need to have your own Facebook fan page, Instagram profile, Twitter profile, and any others that are relevant, like Tik Tok if you want attention from China and Japan. All of this is needed so you can build a fan base, and so that sponsors can find you and see how amazing you are.

You Need To Dedicate Yourself Daily

To become a pro gamer, you need to go to work eight hours per day, then come home and play for at least six hours every day, and then put in eight to twelve hours over the weekend.

You need to play online, and you need to start promoting yourself so that you get sponsorship. People with sponsors can dedicate themselves fully and finally reach the top as pro gamers.

If you want to save money while you play on your Xbox, sign up to Lootfeed. It’s a unique way to save as you “pay yourself” for your gaming time. 

Virtual Economy: A Look Inside the World of In-Game Currency

Virtual Economy: A Look Inside the World of In-Game Currency

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The virtual economy is booming.

There’s no better proof than Massive Multiplayer Online (MMO) and mobile games. They represent burgeoning virtual economies brimming with lucrative potential.   

More and more gamers exchange virtual goods in-game. Some do it to supercharge their progress and others are after profit (real money).

Game companies have taken notice and refined their monetization strategies.

They turned free-to-play titles into cash-generating machines. Valuable property can be any virtual resource, from player avatars to weapons. Gamers are more than willing to substitute real money and time for these items.

Here are some of the most prominent digital ecosystems to this date.

1. Linden Dollars (Second Life)

Life simulation games have ventured further than any other genre did.

Take the example of Second Life, which allows players to do pretty much anything they want. The game also bridged the gap between real and virtual economy. Namely, players can generate Linden Dollars (L$) by completing tasks and jobs.

It’s also possible to trade real money for them.

The game is unique for embracing laissez-faire policy toward currency transactions on third-party websites. It even recognized the intellectual property rights of in-game assets. The result is one of the most player-centric virtual economies ever to emerge.  

2. Interstellar Credits (EVE Online)

Interstellar Credits (ISK) are the economic bloodstream of EVE Online. 

They differ from L$, as they aren’t freely convertible to real currencies. One can only use cash to buy certain items from non-player characters (NPCs).

The reverse process doesn’t work. This means you can resell possessions within the EVE economy, but only for L$. 

Another interesting feature is none of the resources are finite in amount. Laws of supply and demand apply to their full extent. This level playing field gave rise to market manipulation and confidence schemes. 

CCP Games was even forced to hire a real economist to monitor in-game transactions. 

3. Gold (World of Warcraft— WoW)

Gold is hands-down the most common of all virtual currencies.

The one from WoW still shines the brightest for many gamers. Blizzard’s megahit launched MMORPG into the mainstream and attracted swarms of devout gamers. At the peak of the gold rush, there were dozens of websites for purchasing the currency.

As years rolled by, the economy became more regulated. The powers-that-be imposed trade restrictions (for real cash purchases). Still, nothing would prevent black markets from popping up.

Blizzard could only hope to steer players away from them.  

4. Gold (Runescape)

Before the WoW craze, there was a fantasy MMORPG called Runescape.

It was one of the first games to enable real-money trading between players. This level of virtual economy is known as the global secondary market.

For a time, its growth was unhinged, as there were no trade restrictions. Many individuals amassed wealth over the years via the method of gold farming. Some amass gold to escape starvation https://kotaku.com/the-runescape-players-who-farm-gold-so-they-dont-starve-1819720013

Then, the game studio suddenly decided to start removing unbalanced trades. Many players protested and many of them unsubscribed for good. As for diehard fans, they continued to fill up their gold treasuries.  

5. Project Entropia Dollar (Entropia Universe)

A space-themed MMO Entropia Universe has a highly-sophisticated economy.

It employs a micropayment business model. Project Entropia Dollar (PED) is the official game currency. It can be exchanged for hard money at a fixed rate of $1USD for 10PED.

The company makes income by charging a transaction fee. In return, it offers a stable and reliable system. One standout feature is the ability to deposit money to the bank account.

This all means a plethora of virtual items are infused with real value. And we’re not talking about meager sums. Believe it or not, one space nightclub was sold for $635,000.

This is the largest virtual purchase ever recorded.

6. Multiple Currencies (Clash of Clans)

More developed mobile economies tend to have multiple currencies.  

Clash of Clans is a prime example, a game that has been dominating top-grossing charts. Three available currencies are Purple Elixir, Gold Coins, and Green Gems.

Economies like this always feature a hard currency (Green Gems). This is a premium asset that can only be purchased via a real money balance. On the other hand, soft currencies (Elixir and Coins) are purely a virtual resource.

To obtain them, a player has to spend enough time and effort.

A mobile studio has to consistently create new content and track player progress. This is the only way to keep the economy going.

Virtual Economy Is a Real Deal

A virtual economy is becoming a very real phenomenon.  

Thanks to the growing video game sector, it’s a multi-billion dollar industry already. And that’s just the beginning. We are poised to reach new heights in 2019 and beyond.

The landscape is also getting increasingly diverse. The virtual economy encompasses all games loops, genres, and platforms. Players seek all kinds of objects and items with in-game utility.

Bear in mind this state of affairs is the product of game design, but also game monetization. It’s a double-edged sword one has to wield carefully.

If you want to save money while playing on Xbox, reach out to us for more info!

5 Best Ways to Make Money Playing Video Games – Ranked!

5 Best Ways to Make Money Playing Video Games – Ranked!

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Since civilizations took shape, parents have been telling their children to find something they enjoy doing and get paid for it. It’s the basis of an economy and lauded as the core of a fulfilling life.

In spite of some misgivings and warnings from fuddies in the ’80s and ’90s, the ability to make money playing video games continues to grow. Like any industry that makes money, there are ways to get in on that cash.

As a gamer, you know that putting in the work is key to getting the reward. Whether that takes the form of honing skills, learning strategies, or farming the best gear and items, the principle is the same. 

Check out this list of ways to get paid to play video games.

Make Money Playing Video Games (with Caution)

This list ranks the difficulty of getting into each avenue, which, as is often the case, also reflects the earning potential of each position. 

No matter which path you pursue, remember that learning to save money is always a part of making money. Using capital and resources wisely beats splurge and regret every time. 

1. eSports Athlete

As 2019 winds down, projections that the eSports industry will break a billion dollars appear to hold true.

There’s a lot of money in the pot for advertising and revenue from spectacular events, like the upcoming League of Legends World Championship. 

Getting a piece of that for yourself takes some dedication, skill, and a bit of luck — but less than in other professional sports leagues. 

One of the big advantages of breaking into the world of eSports is that you don’t have to be discovered. Most of the eSports games have a ladder built-in to put the best players toward the top, where they can form teams and get prizes.

Still, if you intend to make money through eSports, you have to take practicing seriously and commit to learning the meta of your given game.

Even if you don’t hit it big by being recruited in a team, its’ possible to win tournaments and contests from the comfort of your home. The purse on some events reaches hundreds of thousands of dollars.

2. Streaming

It doesn’t matter if you go through YouTube, Twitch, or an emerging service. Getting into streaming is a tough field.

As a way to get paid to play video games at home, it has a lot of potential. Some streamers rack up six figures or more a year even before the endorsements and side deals come into play.

The difficulty you find is in finding and growing an audience. This takes careful attention to your presentation and image. The wrong word in the wrong stream can be the end of your career.

Streaming also takes a lot of additional skills outside of the game. Some streamers even specialize in bad gameplay, making the stream itself entertaining through personality or gimmicks. 

Consider building yourself a careful plan before starting on the streaming path.

3. Quality Testing

Gaming and quality testing are two slightly different jobs. They are, however, jobs. You show up to a building and put in the hours, often getting paid hourly but sometimes with a salary.

Unlike everything else in this ranking, this method of how to get paid to play video games involves a direct exchange. There is no non-game time or additional work that you’re getting paid for.

You aren’t getting paid for your personality or ability; you get money to brute force through the game and complain about the bits that don’t go well or argue about which bits are best. Those elements are essentially perks of gaming, so it’s easy to include them as job duties that are technically gaming.

4. Selling Currency

Different games have different legality attached to what can and cannot be sold. Third-party sites for selling currency, items, and accounts all carry their own risks but are viable options.

If you enjoy ripping your way through the hordes of mobs to get that just-so piece of loot or currency, it’s not impossible to cash in on the effort.

More and more gamers find themselves with less time to play and more money form other jobs. They’re willing to pay for your time to save theirs.

It serves you to get a good grip on the meta of the game and the item effects before you start. Consider watching prices carefully, and don’t fall into the undercutting to sell temptation that hurts your bottom line.

5. Create a Community

A bit different than streaming but also containing video releases, community creation is about building.

This is the last item on the list because it generates currency the slowest and contains the least ratio of gaming to side work.

To build a community, start by gaining as much knowledge as you can in a game. Build and write strategy guides and walkthroughs. Delve into the lore and make some sensible guesses at future developments.

Once you strike on an interest, pursue it. You generate money by monetizing your pages with ads and asking for donations to keep you going.

Many players are more than willing to put up with a few ads to find a secret or puzzle answer they’ve been struggling with. The more niche your community, the more likely someone will want to chip in and appreciate the work you do to keep a particular game interesting for others.

This method of making money playing video games often lays the groundwork for a streaming career.

Put in the Time

These aren’t the only ways to make money playing video games; they’re just the most common with a proven track record. If you don’t feel ready for any of these, find your own path. Several of these methods have only existed for a decade, so there’s time to build your own niche.

In the meantime, you can always learn more about saving through gaming. Check out our FAQ to get a clearer understanding of what Lootfeed does for you.