Former lead singer of the Sex Pistols, John Lydon, knows what it’s like to get sucked into addictive mobile games.
In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Lydon, better known for his stage name “Johnny Rotten,” was asked whether he’s made any extravagant purchases.
As it turns out, he’s spent quite a bit on his iPad.
I wasted – you’re the first to know this – 10,000 f‑‑‑‑‑‑ pounds [about $15,671] in the last two years on apps on my iPad. I got into Game of Thrones, Game of War, Real Racing, and I just wanted to up the ante. And like an idiot I didn’t check myself. I’ve been checked now. But there’s a kid in me, see? A bit of my childhood was taken from me and I’m determined to bring it back.
While “Game of War” is free and “Real Racing” only costs $2.99, both apps follow the so-called “freemium” business model, allowing users to advance in the game by making small in-app purchases.
Clearly, these in-app purchases can quickly add up, and Apple even paid around $100 million to settle a case with the FTC this year after parents realized their children were spending thousands of real dollars without their permission. (Business Insider)