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[Discussion] - Lifting the Lid on Loot-Boxes

Started By:
Bridger, Sun 04 Apr, 2021 10:56 AM
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    Reply With QuoteQuote
    #1
    Chance-Based Purchases in Video Games and the Convergence of Gaming and Gambling

    https://www.begambleaware.org/sites/...port_Final.pdf
    Bridger
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    “He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes;
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    • Bridger
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    #2
    I agree with the notion but don't see a solution any time soon until the electronic gaming industry sets its own regulations and that i cant see happening the main issue with lootboxes is the different gambling laws per country all being different so until it becomes an industry standards thing you are always going to have this and always have it where people will take part.
    Jestersmith

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    #3
    Chance-Based Purchases in Video Games and the Convergence of Gaming and Gambling

    https://www.begambleaware.org/sites/...port_Final.pdf
    Thanks for the link Bridge! It's an interesting reading.
    Miles
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    #4
    Lootboxes are absolutely gambling. I don't care for the nonsense arguments about it only being virtual items, or using pretend in game currencies, or for there being consolation prizes like Lobi crystals. They are absolutely encouraging players and young children that it's ok to gamble for things they want; and they are often doing so in ways that mask the true costs involved or make it all seem like a bit of fun.

    It's also scary I think that just 5% of players are generating around 50% of revenue from lootboxes. That is a pretty disturbing statistic I feel as it clearly shows there's a portion of gamers with a considerably lax control of their finances.

    There are many, many stories of STO players blowing thousands on $/£/€ of keys for lockboxes each month, there are people who literally do nothing but open boxes to get virtual items to sell for pretend EC money. There's players who do it for that minute "rush" of winning when they feel a little down, or who cannot control their financial spending.
    Might only be $1.25 for a single key but there's always that feeling of "oh one more won't hurt the bank" until you've blown through hundreds in a few mins for effectively nothing in reward.
    And STO is not even the worst offender by a LONG way.

    Honestly if the only solution is for countries to ban games with these mechanics until producers come up with alternative ways to make them legal then I'm all for it. I'd rather miss out and not play a game that's clearly so predatory in its practices than have it be ruining the lives of fellow gamers and young children by sending them down the path towards other gambling.
    If that meant something like STO shutting down here then so be it; it's become a mockery of the very thing it is trying to portray with it's gambling, and greedy "micro"-transactions.
    SulMatuul
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