Gambling Vs Video Games: Why Video Games Are Copying Gambling Industry Tricks

The gambling industry has long been known for its various tricks and strategies to keep customers engaged. Now, the video game industry seems to be taking a page out of their book.

From in-game microtransactions to loot boxes, more and more video games are incorporating gambling elements. Why are video games turning to gambling-like mechanics? And what does this mean for gamers? Let’s take a closer look at the growing trend of “gamblification” in video games.

Both Require Investment: Time & Money

Gambling and video games are two of the most popular pastimes, but they both carry consequences in terms of investment made. Both require a great deal of time before any rewards can be seen – whether that’s high-stakes profit from an online poker game or enough experience points for a new weapon in your video game.

Money is, of course, also a factor – you may need to pay for entry into a tournament or subscription fees to access new levels. Whichever pastime you choose, it’s important to remember that there are risks involved, not all of which can be predicted nor avoided, no matter the amount of time and money invested.

Regulations

Gambling regulation has long been an essential part of maintaining public safety. Still, in the digital age, there is now an area running rampant with potential harm: video games. While government agencies regulate gambling and other activities that involve people risking money or resources, video game companies receive little to no oversight whatsoever.

This means that there is little accountability regarding the types of media shown to young people, who are especially vulnerable to the psychologically manipulative techniques that game designers can employ to boost profits.

Increasing Time Spent On Games – But How?

Video game companies are getting increasingly creative in their attempts to keep players hooked on their products. By employing gambling techniques, they create a cycle of excitement that rewards customers with real-life rewards and keeps them returning for more.

The problem is that this choice often is engineered to make someone’s gaming experience more difficult or costly due to its nature – the creators understand human behaviour and craft these systems accordingly.

These Techniques

Nowadays, game developers utilise various techniques to boost game sales and gain a massive following. These techniques include loot boxes, microtransactions and social media integration for maximum effect.

Loot boxes are essentially digital packages of rewards that players can purchase and potentially use during the game; such rewards may range from skins to rare items.

Microtransactions involve spending real money to unlock in-game content or receive extra in-game currency, ultimately allowing players to progress further within the game.

Lastly, social media integration allows users to log in with their social media account while they’re playing a game, providing easier access between different platforms used by the company and allowing them to keep track of both the customer’s progress on the overall leaderboard as well as data analytics gained through this method.

What Should You Do?

The first step in the jigsaw of navigating the world of gamblification is to stay informed. By reading this article, you’re already on your way to knowing the tricks of the biz and being one step ahead of the game designers.

Second, be aware of any in-game mechanics manipulating you into spending more money than you intended. If a game offers frequent loot boxes or microtransactions, be sure to research it first and read the reviews before committing to a purchase.

Overall, always remember to keep your gaming habits in check and find a balance between your gaming activities and other important aspects of life. If you plan to play these types of games, you can find here a list of new betting sites in the UK, but make sure to be aware of the potential pitfalls.