Pay to Win
A player can spend real money to purchase something that gives them an advantage in the game.
Many games have a system where you can purchase items by using in-game currency. This currency can be earned by performing certain actions, such as grinding and sometimes it can be purchased with real money, which makes it a premium currency. If earning the in-game currency through gameplay is so slow that it's almost impossible to realistically earn enough to buy the necessary items, then spending real money becomes necessary. The players who spend the most will have the biggest advantage and a free-to-play (F2P) player will be at a significant disadvantage.
If you can spend real money to give yourself an advantage over other players, then a game is exhibiting the "Pay to Win" dark pattern. In addition to accelerating the normal earning of in-game currency, you may also be able to purchase a "cheat" or unlock some otherwise unobtainable item that gives you an advantage.
Sometimes games give large incentives to be in the top ranks, but make it impossible to get into the top ranks unless you constantly spend money to purchase the latest items or upgrades. This dark pattern is sometimes called "Monetized Rivalries", and when its combined with another dark pattern, called depreciation, it can setup a player to be constantly needing to spend money to stay ahead of other players.
If you can spend real money to give yourself an advantage over other players, then a game is exhibiting the "Pay to Win" dark pattern. In addition to accelerating the normal earning of in-game currency, you may also be able to purchase a "cheat" or unlock some otherwise unobtainable item that gives you an advantage.
Sometimes games give large incentives to be in the top ranks, but make it impossible to get into the top ranks unless you constantly spend money to purchase the latest items or upgrades. This dark pattern is sometimes called "Monetized Rivalries", and when its combined with another dark pattern, called depreciation, it can setup a player to be constantly needing to spend money to stay ahead of other players.
Citations and Sources • Dark Patterns in the Design of Games
• What is a Dark Pattern in Video Games?
• What is a Dark Pattern in Video Games?
Examples
Merge Mayor - Idle Village"You can pay premium currency to spend on more energy and premium items, which boosts you forward. There is one (as fast I know) "PvP" event where you have to spend energy and merge items, the rewards are not really great, though. Possible to win as completely free-to-play."
Top Eleven Be a soccer manager"It's almost a requirement to progress"
Rise of Cultures"You can spend Gems to progress faster in Treasure Hunt mode, and there are prizes for the players that progress the furthest."
Ping Pong Fury"In the game, you'll encounter Loot Boxes known as 'Pods' available in various rarities. These 'Pods' grant equipment that enhances and slightly boosts your abilities during gameplay."
Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links"I hate DLM"
Art of Conquest"Nearly every progress you are able to make on a server is done with you paying."
Phobies"You can buy 'fears' for 100 USD"
A3! Actor Training Game"You can purchase more LP and SP refresh materials."
Ronin: The Last Samurai"Money can be spent to gain more armour and weapons to get an advantage on global leaderboards."
Doctor Who: Lost In Time"limited time packs and events"