Microtransaction

Small in-game purchases made with real money, typically for cosmetic items, currency, or progression boosts. Microtransactions are the primary revenue model for free-to-play games and are also common in full-priced titles. When microtransactions affect gameplay (pay-to-win), they are controversial. Cosmetic-only microtransactions are more widely accepted, as seen in games like League of Legends and Fortnite. The term 'microtransaction' is somewhat ironic as individual purchases can cost $10–$20 or more.