Great write-up. I had no idea how predatory the latest Diablo game was/is. I agree we all need to be more outspoken against these trends if we wish to see the end of them, or to at least slow their pace. For my part, I tend to do more research on a game before pulling the trigger. If it seems to have an abundance of mtx (loot boxes or otherwise), I will typically pass on the game entirely, even if it's well reviewed. I've not regretted missing out on a game yet! I encourage others to adopt this strategy when shopping for games.
Thanks for this article! I've never played Animal Crossing before and have always wondered why it is so popular -- I have to say even as a non-gamer you made me want to get a Switch and play it! Lots of interesting food for thought here. I'm especially interested in the concept of real world time in the game -- I just recently read the book 4000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Olivier Burkeman and he touches on research about how important it is for us to feel like our experiences our happening in sync with others; when they don't, they feel less meaningful and less psychologically "good" (for lack of a better word!). What you wrote about this in Animal Crossing definitely makes me think about this phenomenon...
Wow, what an amazing edition. I've experienced the Loot Box phenomenon myself and this confirms my suspicions of how insidious it is.
Wonderful writing!
Great write-up. I had no idea how predatory the latest Diablo game was/is. I agree we all need to be more outspoken against these trends if we wish to see the end of them, or to at least slow their pace. For my part, I tend to do more research on a game before pulling the trigger. If it seems to have an abundance of mtx (loot boxes or otherwise), I will typically pass on the game entirely, even if it's well reviewed. I've not regretted missing out on a game yet! I encourage others to adopt this strategy when shopping for games.
Thanks for this article! I've never played Animal Crossing before and have always wondered why it is so popular -- I have to say even as a non-gamer you made me want to get a Switch and play it! Lots of interesting food for thought here. I'm especially interested in the concept of real world time in the game -- I just recently read the book 4000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Olivier Burkeman and he touches on research about how important it is for us to feel like our experiences our happening in sync with others; when they don't, they feel less meaningful and less psychologically "good" (for lack of a better word!). What you wrote about this in Animal Crossing definitely makes me think about this phenomenon...