They’re a staple of many online games like Fortnite and some have equated them to gambling for children. But what exactly are they?
A loot box is described as “an in-game purchase consisting of a virtual container that awards players with items and modifications based on chance”.
For example, in Candy Crush, players are able to purchase a gumball using in-game currency which is gained either through passing levels or using real money to purchase it.
When you open the gumball, you are rewarded with extra items that will assist you in passing harder levels.
In gaming, loot boxes are considered “microtransactions” which are very small online transactions.
Using Candy Crush as the example again, players can purchase in-game currency for as little as €1. This would be considered a microtransaction and has proven very profitable for gaming companies.