Video game revenues have been skyrocketing over the years; these games are going gangbusters thanks to microtransactions.
Back in 2006, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion offered downloadable horse armor for $2. Charging microtransactions for a single-player game was virtually unheard of at that time, so rightfully, there was valid uproar and complaints about that decision. These days, gamers are more desensitized toward additional purchases; microtransactions account for almost 60% of video game sales.
Microtransactions account for cosmetics and include subscription-based models like World of Warcraft, loot boxes, seasonal battle passes, live-service games, DLCs, expansions, and many more. These games generate untold riches for their companies when made well. In this article, we’ll look at some video game revenues that broke the bank for their companies through in-app purchases.
Video Game Revenues
Genshin Impact — $3 Billion
Genshin Impact, developed by HoYoverse (formerly miHoYo) has captured players’ attention with its breathtaking open world, anime-inspired visuals, and compelling character-driven narrative. The game’s exploration-focused gameplay allows players to traverse the fantasy realm of Teyvat, uncovering hidden secrets, solving puzzles, and engaging in real-time combat against a variety of foes.
Genshin Impact’s revenue model centers around its gacha system, where players use a premium currency (Primogems) to summon new characters and weapons. This randomized element has proven to be a significant revenue driver as players are enticed to spend real money for a chance to obtain rare and powerful characters. Frequent updates introducing new characters, story content, and events keep players engaged and motivated to invest in the game. Genshin Impact has surpassed $3 million in lifetime revenue.
GTA V Online — $7.7 Billion
Released in 2013, Rockstar Games’ open-world crime game Grand Theft Auto V recently became the second highest-grossing game of all time, second to Minecraft. Yet its massive commercial success and critical acclaim didn’t stop there, as it extended to GTA V Online. GTA V Online grants players an expansive sandbox in Los Santos City, free to roam around and engage in many activities, from heists, to races, casual activities with friends, or just the play sadistic fun of causing chaos in the server. According to the game’s publisher, Take-Two Interactive, GTA V Online has reportedly made over $7 billion since its release, with most of this figure made up through microtransactions.
PUBG Mobile — $9 Billion
Before Fortnite and Apex Legends existed, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) is credited with popularizing the battle royale genre. While the original PC release is still comfortably sitting near the top of Steam’s daily player count, it is PUBG Mobile that broke the bank, recently exceeding $10 billion in cumulative sales. PUBG Mobile exploded in success during the lockdown in March 2020, where it earned an estimated $270 million monthly.
Despite PUBG Mobile’s outstanding revenue, it’s not a pay-to-win game. Players spend money on battle passes, cosmetics, and gun skins to look good on the battlefield. Additionally, PUBG Mobile has an extremely lucrative esports industry, which is especially popular in China, India, the United States, and Japan.
Honor of Kings — $16 Billion
Honor of Kings (also known as Arena of Valor in its international adaptation) is a multiplayer online battle arena developed and published by Tencent Games. Honor of Kings holds the title of the highest-grossing mobile game, earning $1.65 billion in revenue in 2022, overtaking PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact. The prize pools in Honor of King’s frequent tournaments tower over most other esports, notably giving out $10 million during the 2022 International Championship.
Fortnite — $26 Billion
Fortnite, developed by Epic Games, has become a global cultural phenomenon with its battle royale gameplay and vibrant, constantly evolving world. The game’s free-to-play model allows anyone to jump in, but its success lies in its sale of V-Bucks, an in-game currency used to purchase cosmetic items, emotes, and battle passes. The regular introduction of new skins, limited-time events, and collaborations with pop culture franchises (such as Marvel and Star Wars) keeps players engaged and eager to spend. With all these big name collaborations, it’s no wonder Fortnite made an estimated $26 billion in revenue.
Fortnite’s engaging gameplay, dynamic building mechanics, and cross-platform compatibility have made it a social hub where players can connect with friends and participate in various modes, from casual play to competitive tournaments.
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