Research Shows Loot Boxes on the Rise Despite Addiction Concerns

Loot boxes have become increasingly prevalent in computer video games despite rising alarm over the early exposure of children to gambling, according to a new research.

Research by academics at the University of York indicates that the prevalence of loot boxes is continuing to grow on desktop games. In the group of top games studied, the presence of loot boxes has increased from about 4–71% over the past nine years.

The preprinted study charts the introduction of loot boxes within the 463 most played desktop games on the site Steam from 2010 to 2019. It also reported a rise in microtransactions, where specific items are purchased, from 8–86%.

“A common line amongst industry representatives is that loot boxes are a niche feature in modern video games. In contrast to this, these results suggest that loot boxes have become a common presence in the lives of many gamers. In 2010, loot boxes appear to have been almost unheard of in desktop games. However, this is no longer the case. We appear to have reached a point where the majority of gamers on Steam play games with loot boxes,” David Zendle, the author, said.

Spending money on loot boxes, which originated in Japan, has been linked to problem gambling since they involve a high degree of chance and a risk-reward factor, mimicking slot machines and roulette. Cognitive psychologists have said they are “designed to exploit potent psychological mechanisms associated with the development and maintenance of gambling-like behaviours.”