Yzabelle Mariel Catana | Cyril Ann Sacristan | Kirl Wenzriech Buaquiña |
April 21, 2026
Psychology
This study analyzed the moderating effect of impulsivity on the relationship between user engagement and microtransactions among Filipino emerging adult Genshin Impact players. The interaction between user engagement and impulsivity remains underexplored, particularly in the Filipino context. Using a quantitative design, data were gathered from 215 emerging adult players in the Greater Manila Area who made gacha-related purchases. Standardized scales measured user engagement (UES-SF), impulsive buying tendency (IBT), and in-game purchase intention (ICPIS). Moderation analysis showed that both user engagement (b = 0.538, p < .001) and impulsivity (b = 0.308, p < .001) predicted microtransactions, but their interaction was not significant (b = –0.213, p = .129). Simple slope analysis indicated that engagement predicted spending across all levels of impulsivity, although the positive effect was slightly attenuated at higher levels of impulsivity. These findings suggest that while both engagement and impulsivity independently influence microtransaction behavior, impulsivity does not significantly amplify engagement-driven spending.