Microtransactions require another ingredient.

In order for a mind to experience the reward of a micro transaction, the person has to feel an immediate benefit from the transaction.

Making large war armies still takes time with barracks boosted. You get less attacks in. The reward is lower, therefore your brain does not form any "addiction".

However, when one can use relatively cheap armies, and can experience faster gratification, micro transactions become heavily addicted.

This is why I cannot understand Supercell's recent move. It seems to me that they shot themselves squarely in the foot, then sat there and watched it become infected. Only recently did they put a cheap Kmart bandaid on it.

As long as they keep up the one gem boost, people will remain SOMEWHAT interested, as loot will look heavy, even in collectors.

I wonder what the future holds in this new Clash.

Source: I have a heavy addiction to the old style of Clash of Clans.

There is a great video on it. I'll see if I can find it