PETALING JAYA: The lure of gacha mechanics, loot boxes and microtransactions in mobile and online games is driving some players to spend significant sums, often starting with small top-ups that quickly add up.
Industry observers said the appeal lies in how these systems are designed, offering randomised rewards, rare items and limited-time events that trigger anticipation, excitement and repeated spending.
While such mechanics are now common in gaming, financial planners warn that without clear limits, they can disrupt personal savings and long-term financial goals.
The general manager of the Financial Planning Association of Malaysia, Alice Wong, said many gamers underestimate their spending because purchases are small and frequent.
“Spend RM5 here, RM10 there. But when you add it all up at the end of the month, the total can be quite surprising,” she said.
Wong advised gamers to review their spending over the past three months to better understand the true scale before setting limits.
A simple framework, she said, is the 50/30/20 rule, where gaming falls under the “wants” category and must compete with other discretionary spending.
“One key step is removing saved payment details. When it becomes a one-click purchase, you lose the moment to pause,” she added.
Wong said a strict monthly gaming budget works for most players, but may not be enough for those who repeatedly overspend.
“In some cases, deleting the game or removing payment access may be necessary because the system itself is designed to create urgency through rare drops and time-limited events,” she said.
She added that the so-called “sunk cost” mindset – continuing to spend because of past investment – is one of the most common traps.
“Money already spent is gone. The real question is whether future spending still makes financial sense,” she said, adding that walking away can sometimes prevent greater losses.
Licensed financial planner Rafiq Hidayat Mohd Ramli echoed similar concerns, saying gaming platforms are often designed to normalise small, frequent spending.
“Many players start because the games are free, but over time, the psychology shifts. Small purchases feel harmless, but they accumulate quickly,” he said.
He suggested using prepaid e-wallets, turning off auto top-ups and avoiding purchases during emotional moments such as stress or frustration.
“For those who repeatedly overspend, reducing exposure by deleting the game or removing payment methods may be necessary,” Rafiq said.
He said warning signs of unhealthy spending include using credit cards or loans for in-game purchases, hiding transactions and neglecting essential expenses.
“Once gaming starts affecting savings, bills or relationships, it is no longer just entertainment – it becomes a behavioural issue,” he said.
Rajen Devadason, a licensed financial planner, said the risk is not universal but concentrated among those with addictive tendencies.
He said most gamers can manage their habits with time and money limits, but those with stronger compulsions may need external support.
“For some, going cold turkey may not work. It is better to replace gaming with healthier real-life activities like exercise or structured hobbies,” he said.
Devadason said the “house always wins” principle applies even in virtual economies, where probabilities are stacked against players.
“Intervention becomes critical when gaming begins to interfere with education, work or leads to borrowing or stealing to fund purchases,” he said.
