It started out as a story detailing how the freemium model backed up by in-app purchases could top an established app store superstar, with Capcom's Smurfs' Village out-grossing Angry Birds.
However, it would appear Mobile Entertainment's revelation has quickly uncovered what many consumers believe is something of an in-app purchase scam.
Currency claims
As detailed over on PocketGamer, comments both in iTunes and on the website point to iPhone owners - or mainly their children - paying for the game's virtual currency Smurfberries without realising.
Accounts suggest making such purchases can be done without users having to enter any passwords, resulting in one reader Angry Jason claiming the game is a "rip off and a fraud".
"My child also racked up £110 without my authorisation or a password in sight," said user alleged in the comments section.
"Have complained to Apple, Capcom and put all transactions into dispute with my credit card company."
Freemium fears
Mobile Entertainment's original story reported Smurfs' Village's success with some surprise, with Capcom's release out-performing Angry Birds on both sides of the Atlantic.
However, regardless of any in-app purchase concerns, The Smurfs' run on iPhone is by no means the only free release stretching purse strings.
In total, half of the current top 20 grossing games on the App Store have adopted the freemium model.
News
With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.
Related Articles
Feature
Mar 18th, 2024
Hot Five: Monopoly GO’s next-level UA, Supercell’s psychological analysis, and AI use for NPC dialogue
Top Stories
News
2 hours, 43 minutes ago
Everyone loves Nintendo… Delta emulator hits 4.4 million downloads in its first week
Feature
2 hours, 51 minutes ago
"Gaming in MENA is just starting. Investment will bring more attention to the region and create more opportunities"
Feature
Apr 24th, 2024
48 top mobile games in soft launch: Squad Busters, CSR 3, Plants vs. Zombies 3, LEGO Hill Climb Adventures, and more
Events
App Promotion Summit London | Europe | Apr 25th |
Esports Future Summit | Middle East | Apr 27th |
Dubai GameExpo Summit 2024 | Middle East | May 1st |
The MENA Games Industry Awards 2024 | Middle East | May 2nd |
GameDev Atlantic 2024 | May 4th | |
Mobidictum Meetup Berlin May 2024 | Europe | May 7th |
Mobidictum Meetup Tallinn May 2024 | Europe | May 21st |
Israel Mobile Summit 2024 | Middle East | Jun 6th |
Popular Stories
News
Apr 23rd, 2024
Supercell’s Squad Busters soft launches today with over 100,000 Google Play downloads
Feature
Apr 24th, 2024