What Is A Whale in Gaming?

by  John Uke Last update: December 19, 2024

Hey there, game enthusiasts and curious cats! Today we’re diving into a term that’s making waves in the gaming industry: Whales. No, we’re not talking about majestic sea creatures – we’re talking about a special breed of gamers who are making a big splash in the world of microtransactions. Let’s dive in and see what all the fuss is about!

What Is a Whale in Gaming?

In the gaming world, a “whale” is a player who spends an extraordinarily large amount of money on a game, especially in free-to-play games with microtransactions. These big spenders are the players who buy all the skins, unlock all the characters, and aren’t afraid to drop some serious cash to get ahead or look cool in the game.

Whales are a small percentage of players, but they often account for a huge chunk of a game’s revenue. They’re the VIPs of the virtual world, the high rollers of the digital casino, if you will.

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The Origins of The Term

The term “whale” actually comes from the casino industry. Casinos use it to describe their highest-spending gamblers – the ones who might drop millions at the tables. The gaming industry borrowed this term as free-to-play games with microtransactions became more popular.

Just like how casinos roll out the red carpet for their big spenders, game companies often design special features and promotions to attract and retain their whales. It’s all about hooking that big fish!

How Much Do Whales Usually Spend on Games?

Now, you might be wondering, “Just how much do these whales spend?” Well, hold onto your controllers, because the numbers might shock you!

According to a report by Swrve in 2016 (which is still widely cited in the industry):

• The top 10% of spenders (whales) accounted for 48% of mobile game revenue.
• The average whale spent $24.66 per month on in-app purchases.

However, these are just averages. Some whales go way beyond this. There have been reports of individual players spending thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars on a single game!

For example, a 2019 study by deltaDNA found that in some free-to-play games, whales could spend over $100 per month. In fact, they reported that the top 5% of paying players in strategy games spent an average of $276 per month!

Note:

Remember, though, that the definition of a “whale” can vary between games and studies. Some might consider a whale to be anyone spending over $100 a month, while others might set the bar much higher.

Most Popular Games That Have Their Whales

Whales can be found in many games, especially those with microtransaction models. Here are some popular games known for their whale-friendly ecosystems:

1. Genshin Impact: Known for its gacha system where players spend on character and weapon pulls.
2. Fortnite: While mainly cosmetic, its skins and battle passes attract big spenders.
3. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang: This mobile MOBA has a significant whale population.
4. Clash of Clans: One of the earliest mobile games to popularize the whale model.
5. FIFA Ultimate Team: Players spend big on card packs to build their dream teams.
6. Candy Crush Saga: A seemingly simple game with a surprisingly high-spending player base.
7. Pokémon GO: AR meets whale spending with rare Pokémon and items.
8. Star Citizen: This crowdfunded game has some of the biggest whales in gaming, with some pledging thousands for virtual ships.

Other Related Terms

When swimming in the sea of gaming economics, you might encounter these related terms:

1. Microtransactions: Small purchases within a game, the bread and butter of whale hunting.
2. Freemium: A business model offering the game for free but charging for additional features.
3. Gacha: A monetization mechanism similar to loot boxes, popular in many mobile games.
4. Dolphins: Mid-level spenders, not quite whales but still significant.
5. Minnows: Players who spend very little or nothing at all.
6. Pay-to-Win (P2W): Games where spending money gives significant advantages.
7. Loot Boxes: Randomized rewards that players can purchase, often criticized for being similar to gambling.
8. Battle Pass: A type of recurring microtransaction that rewards players for playing more.

So there you have it, gaming economists! Now you know all about the big spenders making waves in the gaming world. Whether you’re a whale, a dolphin, or just happy swimming along as a minnow, remember that games are meant to be fun, not a competition of who can spend the most. Game responsibly, and may your drops be ever in your favor!