Simply put, I hate it - I'd rather go back to the world of a few years ago where everything was a micro-transaction, at least I knew what I was getting.
It's an insidious practice that preys on minors with "gambling*-light*" and also to those prone to problem gambling.
I've read this book on how video poker/slot machines are designed to foster addiction - all/most lootbox systems in games use similar tactics - especially the "near miss" tactic where it shows you almost got an epic/legendary item (but didn't)
To add insult to injury, game publishers are forcing designers to build their games around micro-transaction economies, normal "free" progression in many games is screwed now - it end's up being a "reach deeper into your pocket for a chance at the full experience" situation.
It’s not about traditional video games, but you 100% need to read Addiction by Design: https://www.amazon.com/Addiction-Design-Machine-Gambling-Vegas/dp/0691160880/ref=nodl_
Goes into the psychology behind addiction, and now slot machines have been designed to exploit it. It’s both disgusting and weirdly inspirational as a game designer.
Read Addiction by Design, as much as people fearmonger about technology physical spaces often far more venues for exploitation and manipulation. Apps by contrasts are more limited in that sense.
Companies have it down to a science with regards to designing things to ensure people continue to gambel while complying with well meaning regulation.
https://www.amazon.com/Addiction-Design-Machine-Gambling-Vegas/dp/0691160880
Time > money > hearthstone gold.
To quote some concepts from Addiction by Design: Machine Gambling in Las Vegas
Not every prison has bars.
You're chasing sunk costs.
You're being conditioned by a skinner box.
You're entering "the machine zone".
It's a life vacuum.
You're playing until extinction.
All of the lessons the gambling industry learned have been transitioned into the FTP gaming industry wholesale. As games like poker and horse racing became a rounding error compared to the profits of more and more addicting slot machines, the industry techniques spills over into things like hearthstone.
https://www.amazon.com/Addiction-Design-Machine-Gambling-Vegas/dp/0691160880
Here's a good primer. The game industry has taken the "lessons" on how to create addictive behavior from casinos and slot machines and implemented it into these kinds of reward systems. It's not neutral. It's manipulative and abusive.
There are books written about the bells and whistles casinos employ in slot machines to get people addicted. It’s quite interesting
https://www.amazon.com/Addiction-Design-Machine-Gambling-Vegas/dp/0691160880
Book that is very important and ... probably horrifying. Or should be, at least.
https://www.amazon.com/Addiction-Design-Machine-Gambling-Vegas/dp/0691160880
This happens all the time at slot machines. Lots of coverage on this and other unsavory subjects in <em>Addiction by Design: Machine Gambling in Las Vegas</em>
I'd seriously recommend this book over that.
Less moral judgement, more of a peek into the history of how and why video games are addicting.
Addiction by Design: Machine Gambling in Las Vegas https://www.amazon.com/dp/0691160880/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_b6E6BbJGSAQV9
Relevant read to the article