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We asked João from Portugal to describe in-game currency in their own words

What are in-game currencies?

In-game currencies are virtual coins, gems, or tokens used to make purchases within games. While they may seem convenient, they are often designed to obscure the real cost of items and encourage overspending. By detaching purchases from actual money, developers create a psychological disconnect, making players less aware of how much they are spending.

Examples

• Currency bundles: Games often sell currency in uneven bundles, ensuring players must purchase more than they need to afford items, leaving leftover currency that incentivises further spending.
• Dual-currency systems: Some games use multiple currencies (e.g., free vs. premium) to create confusion and push players toward purchasing the premium option.
• Artificial scarcity: Items priced in high amounts of premium currency force players to spend real money to acquire enough to make purchases.
  By using in-game currencies, developers create an ecosystem that encourages repeated spending while hiding the true financial impact from players.