Loot Box Ethics in Video Games

Description

This research project explored the ethical concerns surrounding loot box mechanics in modern video games, with a focus on their similarities to gambling and their potential impact on younger and vulnerable players. The project was split across two final research papers, a literature review and a research portfolio, allowing the topic to be examined through both academic research and practical game analysis.

The literature review investigated existing academic and industry discussion around loot boxes, gambling-like mechanics, psychological risk, player vulnerability, and current regulatory responses. This helped establish the main ethical concerns surrounding randomised reward systems, particularly when they are linked to real-money spending, unclear probabilities, and persuasive design techniques.

The research portfolio then built on this foundation through a qualitative content analysis of selected modern games featuring loot box or loot box-style mechanics. This involved examining how these systems are presented, accessed, monetised, and designed to encourage player engagement. Key areas of analysis included reward randomness, rarity systems, visual feedback, probability transparency, pricing clarity, and whether the systems created a gambling-like experience.

Overall, this project allowed me to critically evaluate how monetisation systems can affect player experience and ethical game design. It also strengthened my ability to conduct academic research, analyse game systems in detail, and connect wider industry debates to practical examples within modern games.