What Are “Loot Boxes” in Games, and Why Are They Controversial?

1. What's wrong with loot boxes?
2. What is a loot box in gaming?
3. What is game loot?
4. Why should loot boxes be banned?

What's wrong with loot boxes?

The link between gaming loot boxes and problem gambling has been "robustly verified", according to a new report. The report, carried out by researchers at the universities of Plymouth and Wolverhampton, found that loot boxes "are structurally and psychologically akin to gambling".

What is a loot box in gaming?

One of the most common techniques is offering in-game “loot boxes” that players can purchase — with real money — to obtain virtual weapons, unique digital outfits, or “skins,” and other goodies.

What is game loot?

In video games, loot describes valuable items picked up by the player character over the course of the game, such as in-game currency, spells, equipment and weapons. ... In multiplayer games, loot may be provided in such a manner that only one player may acquire any given item.

Why should loot boxes be banned?

Video game “loot boxes” should be banned for under 18s because they are a form of gambling, the Royal Society of Public Health has said. The features, which dispense randomised virtual rewards which can provide users with a competitive advantage, have become a central part of gaming.