ACCEPTANCE OF AGE RESTRICTIONS FOR DIGITAL GAMES WITH LOOT BOXES

Abstract

The digital gaming business has changed in the last years. Digital games are no longer just products. They developed into services. People play games not only on a stationary device, but on mobile devices, too. According to Mangan, today Freemium is the dominant monetization method in digital gaming. Digital games often cross the line between skill-based games and gambling. This is done by using loot boxes. Regulations of loot boxes are often discussed. This paper discusses the public acceptance of loot box regulations. Age restrictions for games with loot boxes are highly welcomed in general, but not by people under age. The wish for more transparency and determinants concerning a long-term game influence the wish for age restrictions in digital games with loot boxes.