What the Hell Happened to Game Monetization?

Is monetization necessary evolution in gaming or is it a slippery slope? From the humble beginnings of arcade coin slots to the billion-dollar ecosystem of microtransactions, loot boxes, and battle passes, the way games make money has reshaped the industry and how we play. In this video essay, I dive into the rise of gaming monetization, how it transformed from a simple business model into a power house of profit generation, and the impact it has on players today. Is gaming better for it, or have we lost something along the way? Drop your thoughts about monetization in the comments! #gamingmonetization #microtransactions #videoessay