Loot boxes are virtual items that you can buy or earn in some video games. They give you random rewards, such as cosmetic items, weapons, or characters. But they also have some drawbacks, such as being a form of gambling, exploiting your psychology, and affecting game design. In this article, we will explain what loot boxes are, why they are controversial, and how you can deal with them.
What are loot boxes and how do they work?
- Loot boxes are inspired by random loot drops in MMORPGs, where you can get rare and powerful items by playing the game.
- These are not part of the game’s mechanics, but part of the game’s monetization model.
- You can access loot boxes in different ways, depending on the game:
- Some games give you loot boxes as rewards for playing the game.
- Some games let you buy loot boxes with real money or with in-game currency that you can also buy with real money.
- Some games use both methods.
- You don’t know what’s inside the loot boxes until you open them. The items inside have different rarity and value, and some items are exclusive to loot boxes. The odds of getting certain items may or may not be shown by the game developers. Some games let you trade or sell the items you get from loot boxes, while others don’t.
Why are loot boxes controversial?
- These have some advantages, such as:
- They provide excitement, variety, and customization for players.
- They generate revenue for game developers and publishers.
- They can extend the lifespan and replay value of games.
- But loot boxes also have some disadvantages, such as:
| Argument | Explanation |
|---|---|
| They are a form of gambling. | These are like slot machines or lottery tickets, as they involve spending money for a chance to win something of value. They can be addictive and harmful, especially for children and vulnerable people who may develop gambling problems. Some countries have banned or regulated under their gambling laws, while others have not. |
| They exploit players’ psychology. | Loot boxes use various techniques to manipulate players’ emotions and behavior, such as creating scarcity, urgency, social pressure, and fear of missing out. They also use operant conditioning and variable ratio reinforcement schedules, which are known to create strong and persistent habits. Some players may feel compelled to buy more loot boxes than they need or want or to chase after rare or exclusive items. |
| They affect game design and quality. | Loot boxes hurt the game’s design and quality, as they incentivize developers to create artificial barriers, grindy mechanics, pay-to-win scenarios, or cosmetic-only content. They also reduce player agency and choice, as they depend on luck rather than skill or effort. Some players may feel frustrated or dissatisfied with the game’s balance, progression, or aesthetics. |
What are some examples of games with loot boxes?
These have become more common in the video game industry in recent years. Here are some popular games that feature loot boxes:
- Overwatch: A team-based shooter game that offers loot boxes for playing the game. They have cosmetic items for the characters, such as skins, emotes, voice lines, and sprays. The odds of getting each item are not shown by the game.
- Star Wars Battlefront II: A sci-fi shooter game that used to offer loot boxes that could be bought with real money or earned through gameplay. These had items that affected the game’s performance, such as weapons, abilities, and star cards. The game faced a huge backlash from players and media for its pay-to-win system and low drop rates. The game later removed the option to buy loot boxes with real money and changed its progression system.
- FIFA 19: A soccer simulation game that offers loot boxes in its Ultimate Team mode, where you can build your teams with cards representing real-life players. These can be bought with real money or earned through gameplay. The cards have different ratings and attributes that affect the team’s performance. The odds of getting each card category are shown by the game.
- Apex Legends: A battle royale game that offers loot boxes for playing the game. They have cosmetic items for the characters and weapons, such as skins, banners, poses, and finishers. The odds of getting each item rarity are shown by the game. The game guarantees at least one legendary item for every 30 loot boxes.
How can you deal with loot boxes?
These are not bad or good by themselves, but they can have different effects on different players. Some players may like them and some players may hate them. Some players may spend a reasonable amount of money or time on them, and some players may overspend or overplay.
Here are some tips for you if you want to deal with loot boxes healthily and responsibly:
- Set a budget and a limit. Decide how much money and time you are willing to spend on loot boxes, and stick to it. Do not spend more than you can afford or more than you planned. Do not use loot boxes as a way to cope with stress, boredom, or other negative emotions.
- Be aware of the risks and rewards. Understand how this works and what they offer. Do not expect to get the items you want or need from loot boxes, as they are based on chance. Do not let loot boxes affect your self-esteem, happiness, or satisfaction with the game.
- Enjoy the game for what it is. Remember that these boxes are not the main goal or purpose of the game. Focus on the gameplay, the story, the graphics, the sound, the community, or whatever else you like about the game. Do not let loot boxes distract you from having fun and enjoying the game.
Loot boxes are a controversial trend in video games that have both pros and cons. They can provide you with excitement, variety, and customization, but they can also create frustration, addiction, and exploitation. You should be aware of the effects of loot boxes and make informed and sensible decisions about them.
