Better Internet for Kids

We asked Dimitris from Cyprus to describe loot boxes in his own words

What is loot box?

Loot boxes are mystery boxes in games that you can open to get random items like weapons, skins, or characters. You usually need game currency to open them, which can often be bought with real money. While they might seem harmless, loot boxes are designed in ways that can make you spend more than you realise.

Examples

• Random rewards: You don’t know what you’ll get, so you might feel tempted to keep buying more to get the item you want.
• Rare items: Some rewards are really rare, which makes players spend extra to try to collect them.
• Time limits: Some loot boxes are only available for a short time, which can make you feel pressured to buy them quickly.
• Hidden costs: You often need premium game currency to open them, and buying this currency is usually set up to encourage spending more than necessary.

Loot boxes rely on randomness and pressure to keep players engaged, often leading to unplanned spending.