حامد نصیری

Mobile games are getting a lot of attention as a content-based sector of the digital economy. Especially considering "Free with In-App Purchase" as the mainstream business model of these games, designing the right economic structure to monetize the content of mobile games is crucial. However, there is limited knowledge about the mechanisms of persuading users to pay for in-game content and most of the studies are merely focused on the revenue models. Due to this knowledge gap, this study attempts to aggregate the game monetization methods into a multi-level classification and focus on identifying the main content monetization mechanics of five genres: Arcade, Sport, Puzzle, Racing, and Platformer/ Runner. For this purpose, interviews were conducted by game design and economics experts about successful mobile games. As a result, a new multi-level classification for mobile games revenue models is proposed which includes monetization via selling core items, selling performance items, and providing supplementary services in addition to retailing and in-game advertising. It also became clear that monetization mechanics for each of these methods vary in different genres and change depending on the type of game. The results of this study can be useful for digital game researchers, designers, and marketeers to structure a better revenue stream.

Objective: The present study aimed to explore the process of meaning formation in adolescents. Methods: The research method was qualitative and utilized a grounded theory approach. The research population consisted of adolescents aged 12–20 years in Isfahan, Iran. Sampling was conducted theoretically. Nine participants were included in the study, and data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews. The data analysis process followed Glaser's (1987) methodology. At the end of the coding stages, the final model of the study was presented. Findings: The results revealed that meaning formation in adolescents occurs through five stages: the occurrence of conflict (a triggering event), expression of conflict (problematic coping with a painful and damaging context, emotional confusion, and protesting against meaning), confrontation with conflict (addressing unclear feelings, focusing on core pain (self-awareness), and developing acceptance capacity), processing conflict (recalling the experience, exploring, expanding and deepening, gaining insight into unmet needs, and processing and accepting one's and others' experiences), and the emergence of resolution and achieving integration (softening and adopting a new perspective, manifesting agency (decision-making), generating experience, and integrating with prior experiences). Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be inferred that meaning formation in adolescents occurs as a process. Therefore, it can be concluded that the journey toward finding meaning is not a fixed or instantaneous event but a continuous and evolving process shaped by various experiences and reflections. This process unfolds as a series of interrelated stages, reflecting a dynamic and transformative approach to navigating and understanding significant life changes. This structured delineation of stages provides valuable insights into how individuals actively engage with and create meaning when encountering transformative moments.