What Percentage of Games Have Loot Boxes?
Loot boxes have become a contentious issue in the gaming industry, with many critics arguing that they promote gambling-like behavior and exploit vulnerable players. But just how prevalent are loot boxes in modern games? A recent study by Zendle et al. (2020) set out to answer this question, and the results are surprising.
The Study
The study analyzed the top 100 mobile games on the Google Play and Apple App stores, as well as the top 50 desktop games on Steam and GOG. The researchers found that a staggering 58% of mobile games and 59% of iPhone games contained loot boxes. In contrast, only 36% of desktop games on Steam and GOG included loot boxes.
Breakdown by Platform
Here is a breakdown of the study’s findings by platform:
| Platform | Number of Games | Percentage with Loot Boxes |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile (Google Play) | 100 | 58% |
| Mobile (Apple App Store) | 100 | 59% |
| Desktop (Steam) | 50 | 36% |
| Desktop (GOG) | 50 | 36% |
Impact on Players
The study’s findings have significant implications for players. With so many games incorporating loot boxes, players are more likely to encounter them and potentially experience negative effects such as addiction, financial harm, and frustration.
Demographics of Loot Box Users
The study also analyzed the demographics of loot box users. The results showed that:
- Average age: 36.7 years
- Gender: 55.3% male, 44.7% female
- Problem gambling: 45.9% of loot box users met the criteria for problem gambling
Why Loot Boxes are Bad
So, why are loot boxes so problematic? Here are some reasons why:
- Gambling-like behavior: Loot boxes promote gambling-like behavior, with players experiencing feelings of excitement, anticipation, and disappointment.
- Financial harm: Loot boxes can lead to financial harm, as players spend more money than they intended to.
- Addiction: Loot boxes can be addictive, with players becoming hooked on the thrill of opening packs and the sense of accomplishment when they get a rare item.
- Exploitation: Loot boxes can be exploited by game developers, who may use them to make more money from players rather than creating a fair and balanced gaming experience.
Industry Response
In response to the controversy surrounding loot boxes, some game developers have taken steps to address the issue. For example:
- Blizzard: Removed loot boxes from Overwatch and replaced them with a more transparent loot system.
- EA: Introduced a system of random rewards in FIFA Ultimate Team, which some critics argue is still problematic.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study’s findings suggest that loot boxes are a pervasive feature in many modern games. With such a high percentage of games incorporating loot boxes, players are more likely to encounter them and potentially experience negative effects. Game developers must take steps to address these issues and create a more fair and balanced gaming experience for all players.