The Weekly Raid: Are Lockboxes Gambling?
Lockboxes are for players who want something but like to spend money rolling dice to chance getting it. They entice transactions by coveting some brilliant reward you likely won't get on the first chance. And that's a great way for companies to raise profits. But is a lockbox any different than going to the casino and pulling the lever on a slot machine?
Most players despise lockboxes, as far as I can tell. They're a slimy tactic to build up credit card bills. "I really want that cinnamon red dye to turn my horse into a brilliant stallion. But aw shucks it's locked in the cash shop and I have to buy a box that may give me the color I want." At least I know the statistical odds of winning a hand in blackjack. But the RNG dictating a lockbox reward is as guarded as the Coca-Cola formula.
I personally see lockboxes as a clear sign of gambling. You risk an amount of money for something valuable, but have no clue what the odds are of getting that reward. Even lottery ticket holders know there chances are abysmal. But how lucky do I have to be to get a virtual top-hat?
But what do you think? Are lockboxes gambling? Let us know in the comments below!
Related:
From Mega Man II to Ape Escape, I've been playing games for as long as I can remember. I've spent months killing porings in Ragnarok Online and more recently lived a second life in Eve Online. I usually play as gUMBY, gUMBLEoni, or gUMBLes in-game.
