In-game Content Purchase Intention Scale (ICPIS): Scale development and validation

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to develop and validate the In-game Content Purchase Intention Scale (ICPIS) to study the intention of Chinese online game players to purchase in-game content. The scale’s initial questionnaire items were developed by referring to the current literature and conducting interviews with six online game players. Specialists in the subject (n=5) were consulted to fine-tune the scale. The construct validation study (n=287) was undertaken after a pilot survey (n=10). Self-liberation and self-efficacy are the two dimensions that make up the final version of the scale. Overall, the ICPIS reported good convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity. Implications and future research directions are discussed. The scale provides a framework for future research in an increasingly vital field.