Are you showing signs of in-game purchase addiction?

Many of us have turned to video games for entertainment as we stay home to fight COVID-19. The more time we spend on gaming, the more likely we are to make in-game purchases. Gaming is a form of entertainment, and there is nothing wrong in paying an affordable amount for it. Yet, excessive in-game purchases may affect your financial situation, and may even become an addiction.

The Junior Chamber International North District, the Sunshine Lutheran Centre and the Felizberta Lo Padilla Tong School of Social Sciences of the Caritas Institute of Higher Education conducted a survey from March to June in which some 400 internet gamers with the habit of making in-game purchases were interviewed. The survey revealed that nearly 90% of the respondents paid for these purchases with their credit cards; more than 40% made in-game purchases every month and spend $2,141 on average. Some gamers exhibit addiction problems or are even in debt, while one respondent had spent more than $100,000 for games.

Source: Sunshine Lutheran Centre

While it is a personal choice to make in-game purchases and decide on the amount spent on them, it is paramount to properly control in-game expenses. If you are showing signs of addiction to in-game purchases, the situation must be handled seriously. You should also seek help from your family, friends or a social worker (Sunshine Lutheran Centre "Gaming Control Hotline"/ WhatsApp: 6460 3933).