As technology has advanced in the last decade, video game developers around the world have discovered more ways of monetising their products beyond the initial sale price. The most popular feature for developers to implement has been micro-transactions. These are additional payments that can be made within a video game by the player for real money in exchange for virtual goods relevant to that game.
What are Loot Boxes?
Arguably the most controversial type of micro-transaction is the loot box. Loot boxes are a package available within some video games that, once purchased, give the player a random selection of items. The items that the player receives are based purely on a probability percentage rating and as a result, it comes down to chance.
Whilst not all loot boxes demand that the player invests their own money, the majority of video games will push the player in that direction as much as possible; making it far more challenging and time-demanding should they choose not to spend their money.
Why are they Problematic?
The definition of gambling is to wager something of value on an event with an uncertain outcome. In the case of loot boxes, the player will pay, whether that be virtual currency or real money, to open a mystery item with no guaranteed outcome. Therefore, it is clear to see why loot boxes are seen as a form of gambling by many people.
On top of this, however, is the fact that many video games that contain loot boxes are targeted towards and played by children. Bear in mind that the lowest minimum gambling age in the world is 16 (UK National Lottery), it is easy to see how this can be considered as a major red flag.
Not only could children be exposed to gambling in their favourite video games, but the systems in place within those games mean that they are potentially being pushed into that direction; ultimately becoming addicted to buying loot boxes.
How can People Become Addicted to them?
A large part of it is down to dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical in the brain which plays a role in how we feel pleasure. Research has shown that dopamine cells are most active when there is maximum uncertainty. That is where gambling comes in.
With the rewards in loot boxes being based on chance and probability, the player has almost no idea what they are going to receive when they open one. It is an unpredictable outcome. Therefore, when someone opens a loot box, dopamine is released into the brain and the levels are raised, giving them a sense of pleasure.
Even if the outcome was not what they were looking for, they have experienced that rush of dopamine, and as a result, may feel a desire to do it again.
What are the Effects for People who are Addicted to Loot Boxes?
The most common consequence of people over-indulging in loot boxes is the loss of money, which in some cases, can be thousands of pounds.
Some parents entrust their kids with their credit/debit card details – and in some cases, have discovered that their children have withdrawn large amounts of money straight from their bank account; having forgotten that their details were stored on the device.
On top of the monetary loss, though, is the wider repercussions that could arise as a result of indulging in loot boxes.
For children, loot boxes could be a gateway into other forms of gambling. It can be very easy for kids who, perhaps do not know better, to be sucked into that area as a result of initially playing video games.
What is Being Done to Combat Loot Boxes?
After a petition in the UK for the Government to evaluate the position of loot boxes in video games, the House of Lords have called upon Parliament to address the issue. The Government has responded by stating that it will undertake a thorough review of the Gambling Act of 2005, with a focus on loot boxes.
Other countries are also beginning to take steps against loot boxes in video games. Belgium have been the first to act, as in 2018, the Belgian Government confirmed that loot boxes were ‘in violation of gambling legislation’. It stated that all loot boxes that can be purchased with real money must be removed from video games within the country.
For More Help and Information
Get Safe Online –
Get Safe Online offers a wide range of services and advice for all forms of safety measures online, including video gaming for children.
PEGI – https://pegi.info/
The Pan European Game Information (PEGI) company classifies all games in 38 different European countries. Visit their website, pegi.info, and search the title of any video game to see more information on the title, including age rating and whether it has in-game purchases.
UK Gambling Commission –
For people in the UK, they can stay up to date with the movement against micro-transactions in video games within the government through the UK Gambling Commission.
National Problem Gambling Clinic –
The National Problem Gambling Clinic is part of the National Gambling Treatment Service and is jointly commissioned by GambleAware and the NHS. It provides the most appropriate treatment for people who may be experiencing difficulties with gambling.
National Gambling Helpline – 0808 8020 133