Loot boxes in video games are a cause for concern, but they also offer a chance to educate
Who does not like a surprise? We often feel excited to unbox gifts, hoping that what is inside is something that we have been longing for.
Even when the revealed item is disappointing, we may still enjoy the thrill of opening it.
Little
wonder then that video game loot boxes — virtual goodie bags which mobile gamers can pay for to get random, coveted rewards — have become very popular among players, prompting the Ministry of Education to include the danger of
loot boxes as part of its cyber wellness education resources for students.
Those who are less familiar with loot boxes may wonder: Why are they popular, and why should we be concerned?
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Jeremy Sng
is a PhD candidate at the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, Nanyang Technological University. Dr Jung Younbo is an associate professor and associate chair (academic) at the same school.
