This study explores the psychological and behavioral factors influencing player
purchase intention in gacha games, a genre characterized by free-to-play mechanics
and randomized reward systems. With the rise of mobile gaming and the
widespread adoption of microtransaction-based models, understanding player
motivation has become increasingly important for game developers and marketers.
Grounded in flow theory, this research examines the effects of enjoyment, skill,
challenge, and telepresence on flow and how flow subsequently influences purchase
intention. A quantitative approach was employed, using a questionnaire distributed
via purposive sampling to 201 respondents in Indonesia who had experience
playing gacha games and engaging in their microtransactions. The data were
analyzed using SmartPLS 4.0. The results demonstrate that skill and telepresence
significantly influence flow, which in turn significantly affects players’ intention to
make purchases. These findings provide insights into how game developers and
marketers can optimize player experience and engagement to enhance monetization
strategies within gacha-based game ecosystems.