In the digital age, platform-type online mobile games have grown massively. With the advancement of technology, the designs of these games have become more complex. One of the most notable innovations is gamification. This includes the use of traditional gambling elements, such as “loot boxes.” Although players do not always wager real money, these mechanics can lead to gambling-like behaviors. This has raised concerns about their long-term effects on young people. In this article, we will discuss how gamification and reward mechanics can influence adolescents’ gambling habits and attitudes.
1. Variable Reward
Loot boxes are one of the most popular mechanics in mobile games. They consist of opening a container that gives random rewards. These containers can be purchased with virtual money or, in some cases, real money. This unpredictable reward system is very similar to traditional gambling. What attracts players is the uncertainty: not knowing what you will get creates excitement and anticipation. For teenagers, that mix of emotions can be very addictive. The possibility of getting something “exclusive” or “rare” reinforces the desire to keep playing and spending, even if the odds of getting something valuable are very low.
This cycle of unpredictable rewards can affect young people’s behavior in the long term. As they become accustomed to excitement and uncertainty, they are more likely to seek out similar experiences outside of video games. This could lead them to try more traditional forms of gambling, such as real-money gambling, when they come of age.
2. The connection between mobile gaming and cognitive development
For teenagers, it is a key stage in their emotional and cognitive development. These reward systems can alter the way they value achievements. Loot boxes and gambling-like mechanics are not based on effort or skill, but on luck. This can distort their idea of effort and gratification, causing them to expect immediate rewards with no direct relation to what they do.
Constantly seeking quick gratification can affect the ability to face challenges in other areas of life. This can interfere with the development of crucial skills, such as problem solving and perseverance, essential for academic and professional success. In addition, this dynamic can reduce their tolerance for frustration, as they become accustomed to obtaining immediate results in games, generating discomfort or anxiety when they do not achieve the same in the real world.
3. Psychology of gambling
One of the most worrying effects of gamification on adolescents is how it can normalize gambling behaviors. Although they do not always play with real money, the mechanics that mimic gambling can be a “gateway” to problematic gambling in the future. Studies have found a connection between adolescents who use loot boxes and a greater tendency to gamble with real money in adulthood.
The normalization of these dynamics in an accepted environment such as video games can cause young people to underestimate the risks of gambling. In addition, constant exposure to these mechanics increases the risk of developing addictive behaviors.
Gaming games for older people
The gamification of mobile games creates habits based on chance and instant gratification, normalizing behaviors that can lead to gambling problems. The long-term effects can be harmful. Therefore, it is crucial that developers, parents and educators are aware of these risks. They must work together to protect new generations from the negative effects that these mechanics can have on their emotional and cognitive development.
