Popular video games may not come to mind when thinking of gambling. Few people are aware of the new casino processes in these entertainments. Top games contain a mechanism that enables gambling in games; only you don’t earn real money but gain some form of advantage or cosmetic value that you may apply in-game.
Especially in the mobile gaming industry, where monetization requires more creativity from developers, casino mechanics are used increasingly in video games.
You may have stumbled on some of these mechanics at one point in your life. You may even be an avid user. Either way, we’ll take a look at them and discuss how they affect gameplay.
Loot Box System
Video games use software called loot boxes, which allow players to try their luck and collect virtual rewards. It’s a lot like gambling because players pay real money to get these boxes, and they have to rely on chance to earn the more valuable prizes.
Some of the items you may uncover in mystery loot boxes include new playable characters, premium character skins, weapons, items, and emotes. Most games will show the percentage chances of getting a specific item for each draw.
Similar to those used by online gaming services, these techniques are becoming more common. Some argue that they keep the gaming experience fresh and engaging.
If you’re a gambler, you may buy these boxes and open them to win some beautiful rewards. This works the same way as a slot machine, where you get random prizes without needing to satisfy any requirements. These gaming enterprises mirror the reward-awarding technique of internet gambling operations.
Pay-to-Win Mechanics
Another form of gaming mechanic is the “pay to win” system. The term “pay to win” refers to the ability to make in-game microtransactions to get an advantage over your competitors. Items like weapons, quicker skill training, and even guaranteed treasure boxes are available for purchase.
The pay-to-win model is influenced by gambling, as the more money you put in, the more money you win. While mobile games are most recognized for their pay-to-win mechanics, the trend has spread to consoles and PC. It is believed that the pay-to-win model will continue to flourish in the future since gamers are always looking to remain on top.
Battle Pass
Fortnite, which is now the most popular game globally, released its battle royale mode in July 2017. Season 1’s monetization strategy was simple: V-bucks was utilized to buy character skins. A new creative monetization strategy for Fortnite was devised by Epic Games: the Battle Pass. New monetization features were added to Season 2 in December 2017, and the game’s earnings skyrocketed. For maximum addictiveness and dread of missing out, the Fortnite Battle Pass is a brilliant “hybrid” system that combines both time AND growth for maximum addictiveness and dread of missing out.
Progress through the Battle Pass tiers is accomplished by completing various tasks for Battle Pass experience points. For achieving particular levels, players receive special rewards like character skins, emotes, etc. A fresh Battle Pass is created for each season, but that’s the catch. Since each pass has a limited time to collect all the rewards, it is an excellent engagement and retention catalyst.’
Hidden Gems
Many gamers can’t resist finding hidden gems, and the executives at Electronic Arts feel the same way. However, although some believe that game companies are attempting to get support from the entertainment software organization by promoting this new trend, others agree with them and see no harm in this new trend.
Most players don’t mind that real money is required to invest in a randomly generated hidden gem since they see this system as an intriguing addition to their games that boost the thrill. Despite the criticisms of individuals who want a more clean gaming experience, it is still a legal activity. In the end, the decision is entirely up to you and your personal preferences.
In-Game Currency
In-game economics has existed since the first console games were made. Back then, players earned in-game currency by being good at the game. Killing enemies, passing levels, scoring, winning, and more are some of the ways to earn these currencies (coins, diamonds, bucks, tokens, gems, etc.)
Today, you can skip all that and just buy some in-game currency from the virtual store. Of course, you’ll have to spend real money. For instance, a thousand dollars could be worth 200 coins in a game. That 200 coins could be used to buy a new premium character worth 170 coins, leaving you with 30 to purchase other items.
These mechanics are almost identical to those of casinos. Online casino games like roulette and crash may be played with real money or in-game currency to win free daily spins. In a physical casino, you pay real money to get chips. These chips can be used for wagers.
Source: pexels
The only difference between both in-game economics is that most video games will never allow you to exchange your in-game currency for real-life money.
Numerous video games incorporate casino mechanics, which is no longer unusual. It’s also a sign of things to come, as gambling mechanics will continue to play an important role in these games. There are many benefits of these gambling mechanics in video games. For one thing, it increases the thrill and gameplay of these games. Another benefit is that players have the opportunity to get valuable things, such as abilities or cosmetics, that may be used to improve their characters.
