scholarly journals Video game loot boxes are linked to problem gambling: Results of a large-scale survey

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Zendle ◽  
Paul Cairns
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Real World ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Good Reason ◽  
Research Community ◽  
Problem Gamblers ◽  
Large Scale Survey

Loot boxes are items in video games that can be paid for with real-world money and contain randomised contents. In recent years, loot boxes have become increasingly common. There is concern in the research community that similarities between loot boxes and gambling may lead to increases in problem gambling amongst gamers. A large-scale survey of gamers (n=7,422) found evidence for a link (η2 = 0.069) between the amount that gamers spent on loot boxes and the severity of their problem gambling. There were strong differences in the amount spent by problem gamblers and non-problem gamblers (η2 = 0.377). It is unclear from this study whether buying loot boxes acts as a gateway to problem gambling, or whether spending large amounts of money on loot boxes appeals more to problem gamblers. However, in either case these results suggest that there is good reason to regulate loot boxes in games.

Only problem gamblers spend less money when loot boxes are removed from a game: A before and after study of Heroes of the Storm

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Zendle
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Real World ◽  
Complex Pattern ◽  
Problem Gamblers ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Gambling Severity ◽  
Reliable Correlation ◽  
Before And After Study

Loot boxes are items in video games that may be paid for with real-world money, but which contain randomised contents. There is a reliable correlation between loot box spending and problem gambling severity: The more money gamers spend on loot boxes, the more severe their problem gambling tends to be. However, it is unclear whether this link represents a case in which loot box spending causes problem gambling; a case in which the gambling-like nature of loot boxes cause problem gamblers to spend more money; or whether it simply represents a case in which there is a general dysregulation in in-game spending amongst problem gamblers, nonspecific to loot boxes.The multiplayer video game Heroes of the Storm recently removed loot boxes. In order to better understand links between loot boxes and problem gambling, we conducted an analysis of players of Heroes of the Storm (n=112) both before and after the removal of loot boxes.There were a complex pattern of results. In general, when loot boxes were removed from Heroes of the Storm, problem gamblers appeared to spend significantly less money in-game in contrast to other groups. These results suggest that the presence of loot boxes in a game may lead to problem gamblers spending more money in-game. It therefore seems possible that links between loot box spending and problem gambling are not due to a general dysregulation in in-game spending amongst problem gamblers, but rather are to do with specific features of loot boxes themselves.

Loot box spending in video games is linked to problem gambling severity

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Zendle ◽  
Paul Cairns
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Legal Status ◽  
Good Reason ◽  
The Self ◽  
Gambling Problems ◽  
Prior Work ◽  
Gambling Severity ◽  
Large Scale Survey

Loot boxes are items in video games that contain randomised contents and can be purchased with real-world money. Similarities between loot boxes and forms of gambling have led to questions about their legal status, and whether they should be regulated as gambling. Previous research has suggested a link between the amount that gamers spend on loot boxes and their problem gambling: The more individuals spent on loot boxes, the more severe their problem gambling. However, the generalisability of prior work may be limited by both the self-selected nature of the sample under test, and the fact that participants were aware of the study’s aims.A large-scale survey of gamers (n=1,172) was undertaken to determine if this link remained when these limitations of previous work were taken into account. These gamers did not self-select into a loot box study and were not aware of the study’s aims. This study found similar evidence for a link (η2 = 0.051) between the amount that gamers spent on loot boxes and the severity of their problem gambling. Previous research strongly suggested both the size and the direction of link between loot box use and problem gambling. This paper provides further support for this link. These results suggest either that loot boxes act as a gateway to problem gambling, or that individuals with gambling problems are drawn to spend more on loot boxes. In either case, we believe that these results suggest there is good reason to regulate loot boxes.

scholarly journals Problem gamblers spend less money when loot boxes are removed from a game: a before and after study of Heroes of the Storm

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e7700 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Zendle
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Real World ◽  
Complex Pattern ◽  
Problem Gamblers ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Gambling Severity ◽  
Reliable Correlation ◽  
Before And After Study

Loot boxes are items in video games that may be paid for with real-world money, but which contain randomised contents. There is a reliable correlation between loot box spending and problem gambling severity: the more money gamers spend on loot boxes, the more severe their problem gambling tends to be. However, it is unclear whether this link represents a case in which loot box spending causes problem gambling; a case in which the gambling-like nature of loot boxes cause problem gamblers to spend more money; or whether it simply represents a case in which there is a general dysregulation in in-game spending amongst problem gamblers, nonspecific to loot boxes. The multiplayer video game Heroes of the Storm recently removed loot boxes. In order to better understand links between loot boxes and problem gambling, we conducted an analysis of players of Heroes of the Storm (n = 112) both before and after the removal of loot boxes. There were a complex pattern of results. In general, when loot boxes were removed from Heroes of the Storm, problem gamblers appeared to spend significantly less money in-game in contrast to other groups. These results suggest that the presence of loot boxes in a game may lead to problem gamblers spending more money in-game. It therefore seems possible that links between loot box spending and problem gambling are not due to a general dysregulation in in-game spending amongst problem gamblers, but rather are to do with specific features of loot boxes themselves.

scholarly journals Adolescents and loot boxes: links with problem gambling and motivations for purchase

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. 190049 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Zendle ◽  
Rachel Meyer ◽  
Harriet Over
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Real World ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Gambling Problems ◽  
Large Magnitude ◽  
Text Data ◽  
Monetary Rewards ◽  
Older Adolescents ◽  
Large Scale Survey

Loot boxes are items in video games that can be paid for with real-world money but contain randomized contents. Many games that feature loot boxes are played by adolescents. Similarities between loot boxes and gambling have led to concern that they are linked to the development of problem gambling in adolescents. Previous research has shown links between loot boxes and problem gambling in adult populations. However, thus far, there is no empirical evidence of either the size or existence of a link between loot box spending and problem gambling in adolescents. A large-scale survey of 16- to 18-year-olds (n= 1155) found evidence for such a link (η2= 0.120). The link between loot box spending and problem gambling among these older adolescents was of moderate to large magnitude. It was stronger than relationships previously observed in adults. Qualitative analysis of text data showed that gamers bought loot boxes for a variety of reasons. Several of these motivations were similar to common reasons for engaging in gambling. Overall, these results suggest that loot boxes either cause problem gambling among older adolescents, allow game companies to profit from adolescents with gambling problems for massive monetary rewards, or both of the above. Possible strategies for regulation and restriction are given.

scholarly journals Adolescents and loot boxes: Links with problem gambling and motivations for purchase

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Zendle ◽  
Rachel Meyer ◽  
Harriet Over
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Real World ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Text Data ◽  
Monetary Rewards ◽  
Large Scale Survey ◽  
The Relationship

Loot boxes are items in video games that can be paid for with real-world money but contain randomised contents. Many games that feature loot boxes are played by adolescents. Similarities between loot boxes and gambling have led to concern that they are linked to the development of problem gambling in adolescents. Previous research has shown links between loot boxes and problem gambling in adult populations. However, thus far, there is no empirical evidence of either the size or existence of a link between loot box spending and problem gambling in adolescents. A large-scale survey of adolescents (n=1155) found evidence for such a link (η2 = 0.120). The link between loot box spending and problem gambling amongst adolescents was more than twice as strong as the relationship observed in adults. Qualitative analysis of text data showed that adolescents bought loot boxes for a variety of reasons. Several of these motivations were similar to common reasons for engaging in gambling. Overall, these results suggest that loot boxes either literally cause problem gambling amongst adolescents or allow game companies to profit from problem gambling amongst adolescents for massive monetary rewards. In either case, these results suggest that regulation is appropriate.

Gambling-like video game practices: A cross-sectional study of links with problem gambling and disordered gaming

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Zendle
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Significant Degree ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Video Gaming ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Streaming Services ◽  
Clinically Significant

A variety of practices have recently emerged which are related to both video games and gambling. Most prominent of these are loot boxes. However, a broad range of other activities have recently emerged which are also related to both gambling and video games: esports betting, real-money video gaming, token wagering, social casino play, and watching videos of both loot box opening and gambling on game streaming services like Twitch.Whilst a nascent body of research has established the robust existence of a relationship between loot box spending and both problem gambling and disordered gaming, little research exists which examines whether similar links may exist for the diverse practices outlined above. Furthermore, no research has thus far attempted to estimate the prevalence of these activities.A large-scale survey of a representative sample of UK adults (n=1081) was therefore conducted in order to investigate these issues. Engagement in all measured forms of gambling-like video game practices were significantly associated with both problem gambling and disordered gaming. An aggregate measure of engagement was associated with both these outcomes to a clinically significant degree (r=0.23 and r=0.43). Engagement in gambling-like video game practices appeared widespread, with a 95% confidence interval estimating that 16.3% – 20.9% of the population engaged in these activities at least once in the last year. Engagement in these practices was highly inter-correlated: Individuals who engaged in one practice were likely to engage in several more.Overall, these results suggest that the potential effects of the blurring of lines between video games and gambling should not primarily be understood to be due to the presence of loot boxes in video games. They suggest the existence of a convergent ecosystem of gambling-like video game practices, whose causal relationships with problem gambling and disordered gaming are currently unclear but must urgently be investigated.

scholarly journals Correction: Video game loot boxes are linked to problem gambling: Results of a large-scale survey

PLoS ONE ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. e0214167
Author(s):  
David Zendle ◽  
Paul Cairns
Keyword(s):  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Large Scale Survey

scholarly journals Video game loot boxes are linked to problem gambling: Results of a large-scale survey

PLoS ONE ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. e0206767 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Zendle ◽  
Paul Cairns
Keyword(s):  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Large Scale Survey

scholarly journals Paying for loot boxes is linked to problem gambling, regardless of specific features like cash-out and pay-to-win: A preregistered investigation

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Zendle ◽  
Cade McCall ◽  
Herbie Barnett ◽  
Paul Cairns
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Real World ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Correlational Analysis ◽  
Common Element ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Related Harm

Loot boxes are a common element of many video games. The defining feature of loot boxes is the element of chance. Players can buy loot boxes for real-world money, but they do not know a loot box’s content or value until they have opened it. Due to similarities between loot boxes and gambling, various countries are considering regulating them to reduce gambling-related harm. Indeed, prior research demonstrates a robust correlation between loot box purchases and problem gambling. However, loot boxes differ from each other in significant ways. For example, some loot boxes contain items that can be re-sold to other players, whilst others do not; some loot boxes contain items which give a gameplay advantage to players, whilst others do not. A key problem facing regulators is determining which types of loot boxes should be regulated to mitigate gambling-related harm. In this study, we specify a variety of different features that loot boxes may have. We then use a large-scale preregistered correlational analysis (n=1200) to determine if any of these features strengthen the link between loot box spending and problem gambling. Our results indicate that some loot box features may weakly strengthen the relationship between loot box spending and problem gambling. However, our main conclusion is that regardless of the presence or absence of specific features of loot boxes, if they are being sold to players for real-world money, then their purchase is linked to problem gambling.

Waltzing on Rooftops and Cobblestones

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 34-55
Author(s):  
Ailbhe Warde-Brown
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Real World ◽  
World History ◽  
Interaction Model ◽  
Virtual Space ◽  
Open World ◽  
Integrated Approaches ◽  
The Relationship

The relationship between music, sound, space, and time plays a crucial role in attempts to define the concept of “immersion” in video games. Isabella van Elferen’s ALI (affect-literacy-interaction) model for video game musical immersion offers one of the most integrated approaches to reading connections between sonic cues and the “magic circle” of gameplay. There are challenges, however, in systematically applying this primarily event-focused model to particular aspects of the “open-world” genre. Most notable is the dampening of narrative and ludic restrictions afforded by more intricately layered textual elements, alongside open-ended in-game environments that allow for instances of more nonlinear, exploratory gameplay. This article addresses these challenges through synthesizing the ALI model with more spatially focused elements of Gordon Calleja’s player involvement model, exploring sonic immersion in greater depth via the notion of spatiotemporal involvement. This presents a theoretical framework that broadens analysis beyond a simple focus on the immediate narrative or ludic sequence. Ubisoft’s open-world action-adventure franchise Assassin’s Creed is a particularly useful case study for the application of this concept. This is primarily because of its characteristic focus on blending elements of the historical game and the open-world game through its use of real-world history and geography. Together, the series’s various diegetic and nondiegetic sonic elements invite variable degrees of participation in “historical experiences of virtual space.” The outcome of this research intends to put such intermingled expressions of space, place, and time at the forefront of a ludomusicological approach to immersion in the open-world genre.

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