Loot sounds like a term ripped directly from the dock of a pirate ship. And in a way, that’s not entirely inaccurate. Loot boxes are a staple in the gaming world. They get players hype. They make gaming companies money. They reward folks. However, loot boxes are also controversial in the gaming community.
We’ll explain what they are, why people get testy over them, and more.
What Are Loot Boxes?
Beginning with the obvious, loot boxes are virtual items in video games that players can earn or purchase. They contain randomized rewards. For example, you might get new character skins or a much more potent weapon. Depending on the game, these loot boxes can be highly impactful to you dominating the game.
Gamers love them because not only do they enhance their gaming potency, but they are also unpredictable and offer a bit of excitement. Players never know what they might get.
How They’re Acquired: Loot boxes can be earned through gameplay achievements, purchased with in-game currency, or bought directly with real money.
Types of Rewards: Rewards often fall into categories of rarity, with some items being highly sought after due to their limited availability.
Why Are Loot Boxes So Insanely Popular?
As we mentioned, they are unpredictable and often cause initial excitement. The randomness makes opening loot boxes feel like playing a mini-game within the larger game. But there is more to it than that.
Rare items obtained from loot boxes can become status symbols among players.
Loot boxes are a lucrative monetization strategy for game companies, especially in free-to-play models.
As an example, in the free-to-play battle royale game Apex Legends, loot boxes (called Apex Packs) are a big money producer. And these are dope.
In games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), rare weapon skins obtained through loot boxes, such as the AK-47 | Fire Serpent or AWP | Dragon Lore, have become highly coveted. Your top of the popularity chain when you got those.
Watch this YouTuber open packs after each win, getting various skins, crafting materials, and eventually heirlooms.
The Controversies
So, why all the hate? This all sounds great, right?
Not so fast.
The chance-based nature of loot boxes has drawn comparisons to gambling, especially when real money is involved. This has caused a lot of social scrutiny. Critics argue that loot boxes cause people to desire gambling.
And some countries have taken them to task. For example, countries like Belgium and the Netherlands have banned loot boxes deemed to be gambling, while others require transparency about drop rates.
Adult Games with Loot Boxes
These loot boxes typically focus on rewards that align with the mature themes of the game. Here’s a few examples:
HuniePop 2: Double Date
This adult puzzle-dating game incorporates a loot-like mechanic where players earn gifts and items for their characters. While not traditional loot boxes, the randomized nature of unlocking these items resembles the experience, adding an element of chance to the game’s progression.
3DXChat
In this adult MMO, loot box-style mechanics are used to provide players with new customization options for their avatars, including clothing and furniture for private spaces. These boxes can be purchased with real money, appealing to players seeking to enhance their in-game experience with unique items.
Conclusion
Loot boxes are highly popular gaming assets that are typically based on randomness. There not appreciated by everyone and every government due to their likeness to gambling.