Tatiana FerreiraTatiana BatistaPedro MalheiroTiago LopesJoão VitorinoSousa, João Paulo2026-04-012026-04-012025Ferreira, T.; Batista, T.; Malheiro, P.; Lopes, T.; Vitorino, J.; Sousa, J.P. (2025). Exploring Video Game Monetization: Analysis of Strategies, Trends, and Ethical Implications.In Z. Akmeşe & S. Erdem (Eds.), Societal Approaches to AI, Psychology, and Digital Culture. IGI Global Scientific Publishing. ISBN 9798337369723. p.345-374979833736970997983373697232327-04112327-042Xhttp://hdl.handle.net/10198/36444This study offers a comprehensive mapping of the scientific literature on video game monetization, addressing a significant gap in the systematic exploration of this multidimensional topic. Drawing on data from the Scopus database and analytical tools, the research highlights key themes, influential authors, and emerging trends shaping the field. The analysis reveals distinct waves of scholarly interest, correlating with industry innovations like freemium models and battle passes, and highlights the interdisciplinary nature of the field. Co-citation and bibliographic coupling analyses uncover robust intellectual and social networks, with prominent contributors advancing knowledge on monetization's ethical, psychological, and economic dimensions. Furthermore, the study explores the implications of monetization practices on player retention, engagement, and satisfaction, underscoring the balance between profitability and ethical considerations.engbook part10.4018/979-8-3373-6970-9.ch011