Microtransactions
Contents
Loot Boxes
Main Article: Loot Box
Loot boxes are a form of digital wares sold within an online video game. The purchase of loot boxes are a from of microtransaction. Each box can be used once to receive randomized in-game items that either provide cosmetic changes to the game and player, or provide advantages over other players. Depending on the game, loot boxes may also be referred to as packs, bundles, crates or chests. Loot boxes are typically found only in games with a multiplayer aspect, marketed by the visual feedback from opening a loot box as well as the benefit provided by the items. Due to the randomized nature of loot boxes, they can be seen as a form of digital gambling that brings ethical issues into consideration.
Ethical Issues with Microtransactions
The growing popularity of mobile games through the iOS and Android Playstore have allowed many smaller developers the opportunity to put out content either paid or free-to-play. The Micro-transactions model is more appealing for developers because of the fact that it allows a player base to develop before they start selling products when compared to an upfront cost that oftentimes drives away players unless the game has an established reputation already. This brings up the paradox in many mobile games being marketed as free-to-play when in fact a lot of the higher level content is made available to newer players through micro transactions. This in the eyes of players who have advanced through the game by traditional means devalues their accomplishments. Many of these free-to-play games are made to be played passively, in which the player comes back periodically to check on the game. This leaves players with two options for progressing, investing a substantial amount of time or advance through purchasing virtual products that allow for speed ups or higher tier items that would normally require lots of grinding to obtain the higher level items.
Common Terms and Shortcuts
Add terms as they come up Free-to-play games - Games made available to all players without an upfront cost Grinding - Repetitive actions that allows for substantial progress in a game
See Also
External Links
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References
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