How mobile games are designed to SCAM you.

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[Mrwhosetheboss]

A few updates after having seen the response to this video:

1. From the feedback I've gotten, Pokemon Unite is one of the less malicious Free-to-Play games in this genre. I still stand by the fact that it employs manipulative strategies to earn more from players, but in hindsight there were a few things I could have done to save me spending quite as much as I did. That said, I don't want this to take away from the key message of the video, which still stands and is still incredibly important.

2. Most of the shots in the video and screen recordings were sourced by my editor on my editors account, and so are more to demonstrate the points being made, as opposed to being representative of my own gameplay.

3. I've been informed that it is currently possible to upgrade an item to level 30 without paying real money in Pokemon Unite - this hasn't always been the case and isn't made clear to the player - it seems to be a limited time thing - but nonetheless an oversight on my part!

4. I am completely happy to admit that I am far from the best Pokemon Unite player. That said, while it is true that people with more skill can certainly get away with paying less, for the vast majority of the player base, paying is still the key legitimate way to make progress.

[Habit]

You would NEVER expect a channel this big to go this HARD and effectively side with the consumer on such a personal level. You are very genuine. Thank you for what you do!

[randomteenwithwifi]

Whoa as a kid I honestly thought those energy bar things that run out when you play, is to make sure no kid can spend too much time on the game and go outside to socialize 💀

[billyork]

It's not just mobile games - so many apps have embraced this business model. From dating apps to language learning apps - it's the same techniques over and over again. They don't set out to deliver what the app promises - be that teaching you Japanese to finding a partner - they just want you to pay.

[ethstring]

There’s a mobile game I play, where there always seems to be some kind of special offer. There’s a banner that says *16 HOURS LEFT!*, the next day it says something like *18 HOURS LEFT!*

[penguincraft]

Normally when a game bombards me/spams me with in app purchases, I just uninstall the game.

[Sootmannn]

Me with no money : YOUR POWER IS USELESS AGAINST ME FOOL

[manuel]

Big red flag: when a game has like 10 different in-game currencies

[patrikmatousek]

It's not only purchases but also smaller mobile games being full of ads

[javiermartinezrossi]

I miss when you could just buy a game, enjoy a good story, and that was it

[ibbsterneo]

I already knew this, but when I was a child I was playing a game on my fathers mobile, I saw all the offers in the shop and all the great rewards, and i realized that my dad probably has money on his phone, so I bought 2 of the offers. When my dad came back home, he wasn't mad, instead he taught me about what this video is teaching. I've never spent money on any in-game purchases since.

[Nathanfx]

When I tried Pokémon Unite, I thought it was all bots because I never lost a match. However I also spent no money, maybe spending money triggers something now they know you're willing? Or maybe just poor matchmaking, I have no idea.

[jbmp]

I do appreciate it that despite the fact that Arun is a huge YouTuber in the tech space, he still CHOOSES to be honest about things like this. He could stay quiet, or make zillions from sponsors shilling mobile games and probably never have to work another day in his life. And that's what makes it respectable that he still tries to advocate for average consumers with regard to things like this or right to repair.

[NZOMV]

I'm guessing Arun isn't sponsored by Raid Shadowlegends.

[kofiAnkraAsareAttrams]

This is why I’ve gone back to play ‘retro’ games and avoid online gaming as much as I can. If I want to play games on my phone, I use emulators and just play classic games I loved growing up.

[AaradhyaPatel-cmfk]

And am also a big fan of you as your information is very valuable. I prefer your videos instead of a tech channel, honestly speaking. Your videos are very resourceful and I got to know many things that are very important for you

[zeroknight]

As a Pokemon Unite player I agree that the monetization is some of the worst things about the game, but the game is not pay to win, it's pray to win. As in pray that the trolls, afk and clueless players are on the enemy team instead of your team XD

[Nanagos]

This moment, when you don't play the game, but the game plays you.

[joshuadoxen]

I remember watching a video by a former developer, where she stated that the methods used to maximize profit and game play, are almost exactly the same as those that casinos employ.

[KrakeNBoss]

This is the sole reason, I love skill-based games. BGMI, CODM and other battle royales where you just can't be good by spending money. Spending in these kinds of games will only get you as far as good skins. Battle royales need your time in the game for you to actually be good. You can't just buy your way to 'Ace' or other high ranks. The currency of battle royales is time.