Loot Boxes, Gambling-Like Mechanics in Video Games

Cite as: Xiao L.Y., Henderson L.L., Nielsen R.K.L., Grabarczyk P., & Newall P.W.S. (2021). Loot Boxes, Gambling-Like Mechanics in Video Games. In N. Lee (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Computer Graphics and Games. Springer. Loot boxes are mechanics often found in video games that provide the player with randomised virtual rewards. Some loot boxes can be paid for with real-world money and therefore share structural and psychological similarities with gambling.