Between Profit and Player: Behavioral Monetization and the Reconfiguration of Player Agency in Free-to-Play Economies

Abstract

Free-to-Play (F2P) monetization has evolved from a simple economic model into a sophisticated behavioral design system embedded within the core gameplay experience. This paper investigates the ethical boundaries of monetization through the lens of player agency. Drawing on the theory of surveillance capitalism and behavioral psychology, the author argues that contemporary models—such as loot boxes, battle passes, and temporal constraints—systematically exploit cognitive biases to create a state of "managed autonomy." The study proposes an ethical design framework based on transparency and respect for user volition, asserting that the long-term sustainability of the industry depends on restoring trust between players and platforms.