Designing for monetization: A taxonomy of dark patterns in top-grossing GaaS video games

This article examines the highest-grossing free-to-play video games of 2024 to identify the use of dark design patterns as core monetization strategies. Drawing on a taxonomy organized around temporal, monetary, and social dimensions, the study analyses nine representative GaaS titles on mobile and console platforms. The findings reveal a denser and more aggressive deployment of these practices in mobile games, where mechanics such as daily rewards, opaque virtual currencies, loot boxes, and socially driven incentives converge. Several of these tactics closely mirror gambling dynamics, raising ethical concerns over compulsive spending, particularly among younger audi­ences. This research underscores the need for enhanced digital literacy, stronger regulatory frameworks, and further research into user self-regulation mechanisms within increasingly monetized play environments.