Microtransactions: How kids make games companies rich – The Wall Street Journal

I'm the type of mother they warn you about on television news stories that put the spotlight on bad parenting: I allow my son, age 12, to spend many hours on his xBox – far more than the recommended daily maximum of two hours. Tim lives in a virtual world; he is a respected assassin, in demand for group killing sprees. When he's not at school, he can usually be found in the living room with a headset on, discussing battles with his friends who are scattered in various suburbs. I succumbed some time ago to giving him digital vouchers to buy in-game tokens he believes will help him ratchet his performance to a new level. I've resisted the temptation to buy these treasures using my debit or credit card, because I learnt the hard way after a nephew clocked up charges in quadruple digits on his mother's credit card without even realising that the tokens he was buying cost real money. This week, Tim opened his first bank account. His card is on its way. This article, from The Wall Street Journal, is a timely reminder that I must remind Tim to avoid ever using his card details for in-game purchases – because it's so easy to lose track of the small amounts, and these quickly build. – Jackie Cameron

___STEADY_PAYWALL___