‘Emotional Harm’ Caused by Loot Boxes to Children, Study Finds

It’s an age-old debate that has split the community for many years: do loot boxes do more harm than good? For so long, gamers have been engaged in countless spirited discussions regarding the validity, need, and risks surrounding loot boxes. We’re a long way from the finish line.

'Emotional Harm' Caused by Loot Boxes to Children _

A recent university study completed by both the Loughborough and Newcastle Universities in the United Kingdom revealed that the concept of loot boxes is financially and emotionally harmful to children. Following an in-depth research period, the study seems to have confirmed many parents’ worst fears: loot boxes are harmful to children.

Should Loot Boxes Be Restricted to Over-18s Only?

It was a damning study that pulled apart the very nature of the loot box mechanic, ultimately condemning what is essentially a deeply addictive feature that exposes children to the act of gambling.

There was a single line taken from the core of the report that perfectly highlighted the findings of these two universities:

”Our study highlights the risks of in-game purchases, mainly when game designers actively use strategies from the gambling industry to persuade kids and teenagers to make in-game purchases.”

'Emotional Harm' Caused by Loot Boxes to Children _

At the heart of this study sat forty-two families, all of which had children aged five to seventeen. Reportedly, one child in the study managed to rack up a bill of £464 ($556) in a single week, with his parents apparently unaware of his spending spree.

Ultimately, following the revelation that loot boxes can cause financial and emotional harm to children too young to understand the value of money or to manage an addictive habit, actions (and demands) were set out by the researchers:

  • A new independent regulator has been established for the gaming industry.
  • Loot boxes and other chance-based mechanisms should be restricted to those over-18s
  • In-game currencies should be turned into local currency – e.g., Pounds, Euros, etc.
  • There should be standardized parental controls across games.

Where Will This Debate Go Next?

Recently, many changes have been made to the base nature of the loot box mechanic, with some developers and even some governments taking action to eradicate them. For instance, Overwatch 2 launched with a new free-to-play model, wiping out loot boxes in favor of a seasonal battle pass.

This decision was reportedly made to avoid ‘potential legal battles’ in certain jurisdictions.

'Emotional Harm' Caused by Loot Boxes to Children _

In July 2022, regulators in The Netherlands followed in the footsteps of the Belgian government, opting to put in place a blanket ban on loot boxes. In the United Kingdom, the government ruled that loot boxes harm children. Still, they opted not to include them as a part of the Gambling Act 2005, which regulates and governs gambling nationwide.

Ultimately, there’s still plenty of life left in this debate. Until a global standard is met, it’s likely to push ever onward.

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