A Dundee computer expert has called for an investigation into the links between computer games and problem gambling. In particular he wants further study into the impact of ‘loot boxes’ within games.
Professor Gregor White said video games impact users in many different ways, both positive and negative.
As well as child protection and ethical games designs he said ‘loot boxes’ also need to be explored.
The feature appears in many games and allows users to buy upgrades to kit and equipment leading to concerns that they should be classed as a form of gambling.
Professor White, Dean of Abertay University’s School of Design and Informatics said: “The results of this evidence assessment may serve as a wake-up call to some and underline an urgent need for better research and evidence gathering across the board.
"Video games impact their users in an increasingly wide range of both positive and negative ways and while the continued growth of this hugely important UK industry is absolutely to be welcomed, we now need significant investment in research and development if we are to take our responsibilities to players and users seriously."
And he added: “Loot boxes are undoubtedly a worthy area of focus, but there’s a multitude of themes around monetisation approaches, child protection, analysis of harm risks, ethical games design, the promotion and sharing of good practice, and many other areas that require proper and fulsome investigation.
“Abertay and InGAME are already involved in initial conversations with the DCMS on creating a Video Games Research Framework to help address this challenge and we look forward to working closely with industry leaders and third sector partners as we continue the shared and collective drive to improve standards.”
The recent InGAME study was commissioned by the UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), and looked at the impact of ‘loot boxes’.
Abertay University academic Dr Darshana Jayemanne who led on the evidence assessment for InGAME said: “We are at the beginning of learning about potential harms and how they relate to particular implementations of loot boxes and although it is clear there are some correlations with problem gambling, more work is required to better understand these links.
“At this stage it is important to take a cautious approach to regulation of loot boxes, however it also does not mean that nothing can or should be done.”
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