The relationship between videogame micro-transactions and problem gaming and gambling: A systematic review

Gibson, Erin; Griffiths, Mark D.; Calado, Filipa; Harris, Andrew

doi:10.1016/j.chb.2022.107219

Cited by 35 publications

(31 citation statements)

References 49 publications

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“…In response to the necessity to better investigate the relationship between LB use, video gaming, and gambling ( Gibson et al, 2022 ; Montiel et al, 2022 ), our findings indicate that LB use (that comprehends having found a loot box, having opened it, and having bought it) affects problem gambling through the intermediary role of video gaming frequency and problem video gaming, and gambling frequency. That means that as adolescents become more familiar with the LBs, they become more at risk of developing symptoms of problem gaming by spending more time on the video games.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 91%

“…Two recent reviews ( Gibson et al, 2022 ; Montiel et al, 2022 ) clearly indicated that relatively scan research currently exists about LB use in adolescents. Moreover, the association between LB use and gambling behavior is still not clear ( Hing et al, 2022 ), especially the relationship between LB use and problematic gaming and gambling ( Montiel et al, 2022 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, despite some research, relatively few studies have been conducted on LB use in general with adolescents, as highlighted by recent reviews ( Gibson et al, 2022 ; Montiel et al, 2022 ), and, specifically, on the association between LB use and gambling behavior ( Hing et al, 2022 ), with an open controversy on the nature of the relationship between LB use and problematic gaming and gambling ( Montiel et al, 2022 ). Instead, a better understanding of this link would be essential for more effective interventions both for prevention and treatment.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Loot boxes use, video gaming, and gambling in adolescents: Results from a path analysis before and during COVID-19-pandemic-related lockdown in Italy

Primi

Sanson

Vecchiato³

et al. 2022

Front. Psychol.

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Loot Boxes (LBs), i.e., virtual items embedded within video games with numerous features reminiscent of gambling, are increasingly widespread among adolescents. LB use is associated with problem gambling in youth, but few studies have been conducted on the association between LB use and gambling behavior considering adolescents. Thus, the mechanisms underlying this relationship are not clear. As LB use is a significant and positive risk factor for video gaming severity, and video gaming is associated with problem gambling, we hypothesized that LB use would be related to gambling frequency and problem gambling through the intermediary role of video gaming frequency and problem video gaming. We tested our hypothesis before COVID-19-pandemic-related lockdown and during COVID-19-pandemic-related lockdown, in Italy. Study 1 was conducted with 1,078 high school students (39% boys, mean age = 16.46, SD = 1.28) before COVID-19-pandemic-related lockdown, and Study 2 was conducted with 1,204 high school students (57% boys, mean age = 15.62, SD = 0.64) during COVID-19-pandemic-related lockdown. A path analysis was carried out to analyze the significance of indirect effects from LB use to gambling behavior and problem gambling through video gaming and problem video gaming. In both the studies, results showed that LB use exerted significant and positive direct effects on video gaming frequency, problem video gaming, and gambling frequency. Moreover, LB use had indirect significant and positive effects on problem gambling through video gaming frequency, problem video gaming, and gambling frequency. Findings attest that LB use can be related to problem gambling through a greater involvement in videogames. Thus, a specific subtype of young gamblers can develop Gambling Disorder symptoms from the use of LBs and through an intense use of video games. Practical implications for prevention and treatment are discussed.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 91%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Loot boxes use, video gaming, and gambling in adolescents: Results from a path analysis before and during COVID-19-pandemic-related lockdown in Italy

Primi

Sanson

Vecchiato³

et al. 2022

Front. Psychol.

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“…As research into loot boxes, micro-transactions and cryptocurrency trading has shown, it is possible that these games may be attractive to people who already have an interest in higher risk gaming or speculation ( Gibson et al., 2022 ). One hypothesis is that people who are already highly invested in gaming and who are willing to spend money on in-game assets will be more likely to view these new gaming models as attractive ( Delfabbro, King, & Arthur, 2021 ; Delfabbro, King, Arthur, & Georgiou, 2021 ; Li et al., 2019 ).…”

Section: Understanding the Benefits And Risks To Consumersmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although most research into ‘Pay-to-Play’ (P2P) has shown that only a minority of gamers purchase loot boxes and tend to spend only a modest amount ( Zendle, Cairns, Barnett, & McCall, 2020 ), these features appear to be attractive to higher risk gamblers. For example, studies consistently show that those who purchase loot boxes are more likely to be high intensity gamers (e.g., people who play 30+ hours per week) who score higher on measures of Internet Gaming Disorder ( Gibson, Griffiths, Calado, & Harris, 2022 ; Zendle & Cairns, 2018 ; Zendle, Meyer, & Over, 2019 ; Zendle et al., 2020 ). Purchasers of loot boxes also tend to score higher on measures of problem gambling ( Brooks & Clark, 2019 ; Li, Mills, & Nower, 2019 ) which suggests that those who engage in other forms of monetary risk-taking may be more attracted to these features.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding the mechanics and consumer risks associated with play-to-earn (P2E) gaming

Delfabbro

Delic

King

2022

JBA

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Background and aims Play-to-earn (P2E) gaming is a newly emerging form of gaming increasingly based on blockchain technology. In this paper, we examine the mechanics and business model of these games and their potential benefits and risks for players. Methods The paper draws upon and critically synthesises the developing published literature on predatory monetization in gaming as well as objective market data drawn from credible online sources. Results P2E gaming blurs the boundaries between gaming and trading and may not yield many of the benefits promoted to consumers or otherwise conveyed through marketing and social media messaging. Particular risks include the deflationary nature of reward currencies and the asymmetric reward structures that heavily favour early investors and exploit late adopters. Discussion and conclusions This paper highlights the need for greater consumer awareness of the mechanics and risks of these new gaming models. It will be important for business models to be more transparent and designed so as to encourage more equitable game outcomes, sustainable returns, a balance between intrinsic and extrinsic rewards, and protection for potentially vulnerable players.

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Understanding the Risks and Individual Difference Factors Associated with Engagement in Monetised (Play-to-Earn) Gaming

Delic

Delfabbro

King

2023

Int J Ment Health Addiction

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Play-to-earn (P2E) is a new form of monetised gaming based on blockchain and crypto-currency technology. Such games offer opportunities to combine gaming with speculative investment through the purchase of tradable in-game currencies and assets (non-fungible tokens). In this paper, we investigate the profile of people most likely to be attracted to this emerging form of gaming. A sample of 560 participants aged between 18-65 (M = 28.3, SD = 8.3) were recruited via Prolific to complete an online survey that included measures of gaming (Petry’s Internet Gaming Disorder Scale) and gaming risk (Problem Gambling Severity Index), measures of gaming motivation and impulsivity. Other existing engagement in gaming monetization as well as digital asset ownership was also assessed. P2E interest was associated with higher gambling risk scores, but not with internet gaming disorder. P2E gamers also scored higher on extrinsic motivation and monetised gaming was generally associated with higher impulsivity. The results suggest that P2E may be attractive to those with a pre-existing interest in financially risky activities. Policy implications include the increasing need to monitor the growth of digital asset technology and the increasing convergence of gambling, financial speculation and gaming and the potential for increasing financial harm in gaming populations.

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The relationship between videogame micro-transactions and problem gaming and gambling: A systematic review

Cited by 35 publications

References 49 publications

Loot boxes use, video gaming, and gambling in adolescents: Results from a path analysis before and during COVID-19-pandemic-related lockdown in Italy

Loot boxes use, video gaming, and gambling in adolescents: Results from a path analysis before and during COVID-19-pandemic-related lockdown in Italy

Understanding the mechanics and consumer risks associated with play-to-earn (P2E) gaming

Understanding the Risks and Individual Difference Factors Associated with Engagement in Monetised (Play-to-Earn) Gaming

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