[merloen]

What's the difference between in-app purchases, and what Quake did (the first episode free, pay for the other three)?

There is a big difference between in-app purchases for extra content (paid DLC, basically) and the model that Candy Crush is such a despicable example of, i.e. pay for access.

Although you could even argue that pay for access IAP is no different than the coin-operated arcade games from last century.

[venomsnake]

Quake was one time fee. Which is fine for me. Arcade coins - they were roguelikes all of them and the fee was per game and there was no savegames.

If CCS you pay 1 cent per play it is ok. but they should charge it directly and transparently.

[wlesieutre]

Not to mention in an arcade you're playing on someone else's machine, using their electricity, their space, their air conditioning, and occupying a spot that could be used by another customer. It's very much not the same thing as playing a game on my own phone.

Comparing that to IAPs is like justifying a coffee maker that makes me put in $4 for every cup because that's what it costs at Starbucks.

[Ologn]

From what I have read, and from what I know of my limited experience, most of the money on IAP games are made from "whales". Most people will download and just play the free levels. Others will spend a little. Some people spend a lot, and from what I know, many of them can afford it. If you offer a $100 super sword they will buy it. This is something to bear in mind as to how these companies structure pricing.