Gibson, E. ORCID: 0000-0002-1068-1036, Griffiths, M.D.
ORCID: 0000-0001-8880-6524, Calado, F.
ORCID: 0000-0003-2906-7279 and Harris, A.
ORCID: 0000-0001-9627-4900,
2022.
The relationship between videogame micro-transactions and problem gaming and gambling: a systematic review.
Computers in Human Behavior, 131: 107219.
ISSN 0747-5632
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1516291_Griffiths.pdf - Post-print Full-text access embargoed until 2 February 2023. Download (1MB) |
Abstract
Background: Micro-transactions are an increasingly popular form of monetisation for videogame companies. The similarities between specific micro-transaction types and forms of gambling have been identified in literature. However, the relationship between all forms of micro-transaction and both problem gaming and gambling is currently unclear.
Purpose: The present review assessed the outcomes of studies investigating the relationship between videogame micro-transactions, problem gaming, and problem gambling.
Method: A systematic review was conducted searching for relevant literature since 2010. Four databases were searched. These were PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, and Pubmed.
Results: A total of 19 cross-sectional studies met the inclusion criteria and were categorised into three groups, (i) loot boxes, problem gaming and gambling, (ii) pay-to-win micro-transactions, problem gaming and gambling, and (iii) multiple micro-transaction types, problem gaming and gambling. Links between loot boxes and problem gambling were identified. The reviewed studies also indicated demographic differences in micro-transaction preference. Frequency of payment for micro-transactions was suggested as a key factor in the relationship between micro-transactions, problem gaming and problem gambling.
Conclusion: Further research is necessary to provide further evidence for and to understand the causality of these relationships. It is recommended that purchasing loot boxes is classified as a form of gambling and that frequency of micro-transaction purchase is regulated in videogames.
Item Type: | Journal article | ||||||
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Publication Title: | Computers in Human Behavior | ||||||
Creators: | Gibson, E., Griffiths, M.D., Calado, F. and Harris, A. | ||||||
Publisher: | Elsevier BV | ||||||
Date: | June 2022 | ||||||
Volume: | 131 | ||||||
ISSN: | 0747-5632 | ||||||
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Divisions: | Schools > School of Social Sciences | ||||||
Record created by: | Laura Ward | ||||||
Date Added: | 07 Feb 2022 11:09 | ||||||
Last Modified: | 07 Feb 2022 11:09 | ||||||
URI: | http://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/45526 |
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