Capstone Project Proposal – Video Game Loot Boxes & Gambling

Posted on by

For my Capstone Project, I would like to look at loot boxes in video games, and whether or not they constitute gambling. This has been a hotly debated issue in the video game community for some time now- the main concern is if children are being exposed to gambling in games, and if there should be a warning on the age rating of games with loot box systems.

I plan to make an infographic discussing the brain’s reactions to gambling and comparing/contrasting the reactions to loot boxes (I believe there are a few recent studies.) For my second media object, I plan to do an animation that can maybe serve as a sort of PSA and also explain what loot boxes are, as I feel a lot of parents likely don’t know. This would tie in with the infographic as both will be explaining loot boxes and gambling, and the effects those things have on our brains. The animation will go further in depth about the monetization video games have begun to employ post-initial purchase. I might swap these concepts around though and do the animation on the brain effects, and the infographic on the post-game purchase monetization model. I might also explore what actions have been taken around the world concerning regulating loot boxes globally.

Personally, I don’t have an issue with loot box systems in general, but I believe that it’s important for parents to know what their kids are doing in games, and for there to be a labeling of games with loot box systems for potential players who are sensitive to gambling problems.

Leave a Reply