The cultural leisure sector, such as video games, is not exempt from generating unhealthy behaviours. One of the issues that has raised the most alarm in recent years is the so-called “loot boxes”. A practice very similar to other gambling mechanics and one that can cause addiction. The Spanish Government is already beginning to take action due to the possibility of increasing youth gambling addiction.
Loot boxes or loot boxes (in English) are a very common mechanic in video games nowadays to keep the user interested in the game. They are a kind of random bonus that rewards the user with items they can use within the content. For example, better weapons, more lives, advantages for the character, etc. Although they can be obtained by playing for several hours, they are regulated so that their frequency of appearance is very low. As a result, the player must pay money for them in order to obtain those items that make it easier to achieve their objective in the game. Their resemblance to gambling has already created controversy in several countries, to the point of being made illegal. Now, it is Spain’s turn.
The conflict generated by loot boxes lies in the fact that they have been considered a typical casino game mechanic and are aimed mainly at minors. According to Alberto Garzón, Minister of Consumer Affairs, “they promote impulsive consumption that can lead to addictions”. He also adds that they are designed so that, both visually and audibly, they generate addiction, in the same way that slot machines do.
When a user receives a loot box, it comes with visual effects and sounds linked to victory and celebration. At an unconscious level, they associate them with a reward for their positive behaviour in the game. As a result, it reinforces the need to repeat that behaviour over and over again, never reaching satiety.
Currently, there is no regulation of any kind for these addictive practices. However, Spain’s new Government has already assured that measures will be taken following the latest precedents. Loot boxes have gradually become a very high potential risk for the main consumers of video games: both children and adolescents, who may end up developing dependence and, in the long term, a gambling disorder.
Belgium has been one of the first countries to ban these abusive practices. Others, such as China, continue to maintain this mechanic, but with certain legal requirements. They require companies to indicate the percentage chance of obtaining loot boxes in the game—something that has already been adopted by major companies in the sector, such as Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony.
The possibility of eliminating this type of element in video games to prevent gambling addiction still seems a long way off. It is very common content, especially in mobile games. Devices that are often within reach of minors and that place them at the centre of addiction.
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