Casino mechanics in video games have emerged and expanded their reach, appealing to the same psyche as gambling but adding an interactive element. In this article, we will examine the mechanics found in online casinos (loot boxes, spins, and drops) to see how they enhance player engagement in video games and mimic the gambling experience.
Understanding loot boxes
Loot boxes are virtual treasure chests — you buy or earn them while playing, and inside, they are stuffed with random goodies. Loot boxes in video games draw players in with the unknown; they pay actual or in-game currency for a chance to acquire an item, which might be anything from something purely cosmetic to rare in-game items. Like the online casino mechanics found in many games, this randomness means players need to spend money if they want a shot at winning prizes.
It becomes an even more interesting comparison, as players will often just spin on a slot machine hoping to hear the familiar tune signalling a jackpot and open loot boxes hoping for new rare items. The retroactive effects of loot boxes are psychological; they take the casino mechanics to engage the players — all that sweet, sweet anticipation of a win followed by the bitter taste of a loss. Read here about how games like EA Sports FC use loot box mechanics, and whether they’re worth it.
Spins: The casino experience
Another casino mechanic that made its way from slots into video games is spins, which most people associate with slot machines. So many games have this spin mechanic in which you spin a wheel or something similar to a slot machine and earn a prize. This mechanic not only adds to the experience of gameplay but also instils a feeling of anticipation one would get in a real-life casino.
Spins within video games are usually a mix of colourful animations and sound effects that further pump up the excitement of video games. for example, when a player spins to receive rewards, the visual feedback is similar to classic slot machines, and celebration graphics come when a win occurs. This sensory stimulation keeps players playing and replicates the casino experience.
Drops: Rewarding engagement
Drops are items or rewards players obtain after completing certain tasks or challenges in the game, usually found in what are known as battle passes or season passes. They can be completely arbitrary and are frequently associated with an accomplishment or milestone in the game. Like loot boxes, drops can be made to give players different types of rarity and value, encouraging players to keep playing to get better drops.
Drops are often influenced by algorithms that dictate the chances of obtaining certain rewards, such as how online casino mechanic odds work for payouts. This random element can result in “entrapment,” where players spend more time and money to “recoup” what they spent in time or dollars. All this is to make their pre-existing investment worth it. Drops’ thrill maintains player retention and helps create a competitive space where players can compare their drops to others.
When it comes to casino mechanics in video games, elements such as loot boxes, spins and drops, present in video game design clearly show they have been heavily influenced by mechanics found in online casinos. This makes user engagement higher and mimics the thrill linked to gambling. Understanding this trend’s psychological impact can help stakeholders mitigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving landscape.
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