Though a popular purchase
for many gamers, loot boxes may begin to be banned from video games. This move
may be seen as controversial due to the opposing views on whether they are a
fair purchase. Loot boxes can provide gamers advantages in their favorite
games, but at what cost?
What Are Loot Boxes?
Loot boxes are crates that
hold special items that can be used in video games. The special items range
from very basic to very rare. Users use real money to purchase the crate
without knowing what is inside. Once they have paid, they can see what is in
the box. Players make these blind purchases in hopes of retrieving an item that
gives them an advantage.
Loot boxes are available for
most video games on most platforms. This includes app-based games on cell
phones. They are purchased from general sites by finding the loot box that is
listed for your particular game. Since they are beginning to be banned or
phased out, many games now have the specific items available for
purchase.
Why Might They Be Banned?
Like many other industries,
users of the gaming world are pushing for more general oversight and
regulations. It is argued that the governing bodies have the responsibility to
protect their people, whether in person or online. Many countries have already
stepped in and banned loot boxes entirely, while others are still standing by.
Loot boxes have been likened
to gambling. When a gamer purchases a box, there is no guarantee that the box
is going to contain any useful item. According to gamers, it is very unlikely
that the box contains an item to be considered top of the line. It is often
lower-grade items, that, while useful, are not what the player hoped for. This
leads to the player buying more boxes in hopes of retrieving the desired item.
Like traditional gambling, real money is being spent with no guarantee of a
profitable return.
Loot boxes are particularly
problematic for players who live with gambling addictions. It is also a problem
for younger players who get lured into the trap. These young players may not
have the life experience to comprehend the true cost of what they are doing.
Additionally, since these are available through in-app purchases on mobile
phones, many parents have received exurbanite cell phone bills. Why? They
realize their 6-year-old purchased numerous loot boxes without understanding
that true money is being spent.
It is for these reasons that
loot boxes are beginning to be banned. Many people feel that countries, governments,
and the games themselves should be structured in order to protect the
vulnerable.
Final Remarks
While loot boxes are
seemingly straightforward, they are actually quite complex. The fact that
actual money is spent without knowing what product is being purchased is
arguably unfair. The advantage lies with the seller rather than the buyer. Even
if this prospect does not bother you, it may affect you as many countries have
already banned the selling of loot boxes.
