The potential relationship between loot box spending, problem gambling, and obsessive-compulsive gamers.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Behavioral Economics
• Digital Media Studies

Background:

• Loot boxes in video games offer randomized rewards.
• Problem gambling is linked to higher loot box spending.
• Obsessive-compulsive and hoarding symptoms are explored as potential factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between obsessive-compulsive and hoarding symptoms and loot box spending.
• To identify additional psychopathological factors influencing spending on in-game purchases.
• To inform consumer choices and policy discussions regarding potential harms.

Main Methods:

• A large-scale, cross-sectional, cross-national online survey.
• 1,049 participants from New Zealand, Australia, and the United States.
• Self-reported data on loot box spending, psychopathology, and consumer regret.

Main Results:

• A moderate positive correlation was found between loot box spending and obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
• Hoarding symptoms also showed a positive association with increased loot box expenditure.
• Higher loot box purchasing correlated with greater levels of consumer regret.

Conclusions:

• Individuals with obsessive-compulsive and hoarding symptoms may be disproportionately represented among high-spending loot box users.
• Findings contribute to identifying vulnerable player populations.
• Results can inform harm reduction strategies, consumer awareness, and policy development.