RNG reward systems are present in many games nowadays, and many players aren’t too happy about it. When someone invests time and effort into a game, they would like for it to lead to the desired outcome. Moreover, it often feels unfair that someone who has played for months doesn’t get the in-game assets that they want, and yet these same assets can drop for someone on their first day. However, RNG is a big part of monetization which is why it’s going to stick around for a long time. Since RNG is an integral part of loot boxes, many feel that games are starting to resemble gambling entertainment. So, let’s examine if there is any truth to these claims.
How Gambling Sites Operate
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Each game has its own RTP and that RTP can sometimes be based on the house edge. Meaning, whenever a player spends money on a game a portion of it goes to a casino for hosting while the rest is kept in the prize pool for other players. Since casinos take on the responsibility to compensate the victors they will use the house edge to calculate their cut. At this platform, we selected, you can also go over
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Gambling-like Features in Video Games
Many computer games, like MTGArena and other card games, award packs/boosters, or loot boxes where you don’t know what you will get. You might end up with a really valuable and rare card, or something that isn’t meta-relevant at all. However, in MTGArena you cannot actually trade these cards with other players. So, there is no way for players to make money from these boosters. In other words, there is no clear incentive to keep spending real money in hopes of financial benefits, like there is in an online casino game.
You could make an argument that the physical version of Magic the Gathering is like gambling. Many TCG players actually make a living through buying and re-selling cards, and some of the rare cards that have high collector value go for dozens of thousands of dollars. However, this doesn’t make them the same as gambling. There are a few reasons why these hobbies aren’t regulated in the same way:
- When buying booster packs you always get something of value. The cards are always usable and even have a small monetary value.
- There is a limited number of printings for cards, unlike in the digital version. Meaning, players cannot get the most expensive cards if they are no longer in circulation.
- In casino games, there is no limit to the number of jackpots.
- Digital loot boxes also contain items useful items, and not all games with loot boxes allow players to trade items. This removes the financial gain incentive to buy these products.
It’s also important to note that many of these games have a sort of crafting system. This allows players to gather materials, and generate the items or cards they want. So, even when they don’t get what they like it still helps them achieve their goal because they can salvage those items and get materials.
Games That are Considered Gambling
However there are games that do allow players to trade items or other assets, and some of these assets are almost exclusively obtained through spending money on loot boxes. Many players use third-party websites to sell specific in-game goods which means they can technically, get a valuable item from a loot box and exchange it for money. In this instance, it’s easy to see how games can be considered gambling.
CS: GO, and Fortnite have many different skins and some of these are quite rare. Since players want to show off, it’s easy to see what they would want to have rare skins. However, many are chasing these rare skins in order to sell them. To make matters worse these players are minors who are likely spending their parents' money. So, parents have been vocal about their
issue with loot boxes, and how they trick kids into chasing these valuable items. After all, casinos are regulated, and they aren’t allowed to offer their product to minors.
Is it Okay to Have Loot Boxes if There is No Trading System?
Of course, just because there is no in-game trading system doesn’t mean that loot boxes are off the hook. Games like Overwatch, FIFA and Mario Kart also have these same digital purchases. Some of the rewards players get directly translate to an increase in power, so there is still an incentive for kids to buy them and chase these rare items. Even if there is no financial gain, these assets are still considered valuable in that digital environment, as they are not always mere cosmetics.
From that perspective, a case can still be made that loot boxes are akin to gambling. Developers usually address this by having these assets obtainable through other means that do not include payment. However, it’s clear that better oversight is necessary, and that companies need to confirm that it is an adult who is making a purchase.