We talked extensively about a correlation between gambling and gaming, about their similarities and differences. It is widely recognized that today these two activities resemble each other to the point where everyone starts wondering is there any difference between them. The issue that sparked this controversy was extensive usage of the lootbox system in a videogame industry that brought some elements of chance into the virtual gameplay. This was one gradual process and non of this happened overnight, but it was rather one strategic move made by game developers that gradually evolved when it became obvious that it was a very profitable one. There is another issue going on in this world of gaming which is an extension of lootboxing, and it has to do with crowdfunding, donations, and contributions in the world of gaming.
Crowdfunding
It all started with crowdfunding winch was and still is some great way for raising the money needed for developing quality videogames. Some of the best titles in this industry came to life by donations which were generously given by loyal supporters. This is a perfectly legal way for fundraising and it was great to witness such a level of trust between developers and gamers. Future players donate their money with a promise for future early access plus other cool features available exclusively to them as a reward for their support and patience. It seems like some win-win situation but just like customized content gave birth to lootboxing, crowdfunding gradually evolved into something more than just some crafty way of getting some investment cash.
All over the USA, young gamers were super excited about investing some money in future fun plus premium access with all-inclusive features. They saw this move as an investment decision in a future gain, but there is one catch because their gain is not precisely defined. There is an element of risk and randomness which just to be reserved only for online casinos. Paying for future content does not necessarily mean that this content will be delivered as promised which some players had the misfortune to witness first-hand. Developers sometimes botch the deal or do not deliver what they promised so investing is some sort of gambling when you think about it.
The industry strikes back
The gaming industry does not need any more controversy at this point after all that lootboxing thing, so they are trying to turn things around and rebrand themselves as a socially responsible industry. It is the same thing as with safe online casino campaigns where the best online casinos are rebranding themselves as safe and reliable institutions. If it works for a casino it should work for a videogame company too. Receiving one good review is getting harder these days and making people aware that their money or at least one part of it is being reinvested into some kind of charitable event might do the trick.
What is actually happening here is the rebranding of the word- donation itself, because this industry wants players to associate some new meaning to it that does not have a bit of notoriety attached to it. Donation is to be seen as one charitable contribution that helps their community in some way and not as some random activity that resembles real gambling and has some elements of chance in it. There is some sense of noble cause attached to it and this idea looks promising but it still does not change the fact that donations related to crowdfunding remain risky business. Donating some cash for joining gaming tournaments may evoke some sense of gratification for contributing to a beneficial cause and make playing videogame much more fun.
The word spreads
Making money while playing videogames is every kid’s dream and to see it become a reality with the emergence of e-sports is simply amazing. If you told your parents that you will be a professional Dota 2 player when you grow up, you might even think of that as a good joke one decade ago. Today, your mum would be proud of you as someone who lives his dream while enjoying his daily grinding in front of your computer screen. It sure beats the Government job everyone was so eager to get just a few years ago, as virtual reality started creating jobs at one point. For you who contemplated a carer as a professional casino player, making money will be a little more difficult unless you possess some particular set of skills.
These two worlds collide at one point that gives rise to lootbox mania, game donations, crowdfunding, and erasing that line between playing videogames and enjoying casino sessions. Remaining just a neutral player who just wants to enjoy gaming or gambling with no controversy or taking his stance is virtually impossible at this point. We can debate infinitely about the repercussions of involving the element of risk and randomness into gaming, but the ultimate choice is up to you and so is forming your opinion. If you think that today’s practices resemble gambling too much, you have every right to question this issue.
The online community and the developers are starting to listen to each other and are forming an open discussion about these issues. Having an open debate might be the first healthy step toward finding some solutions that will satisfy both parties. It is highly unlikely that these practices that spark certain controversies will just evaporate if they are making money for everyone involved. They might get modified in a certain way that will make us feel good about donating money to a gaming cause.
