Source Entry 3 Video
RAB Question: What tactics do video games use to encourage gambling addiction among players?
Part 1 MLA Citation
ABC News. “What Are Video Game Loot Boxes and Do They Encourage Gambling? | ABC News.” Www.youtube.com, 11 Sept. 2020, www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh4UYz9apNk.
Part 2 Summary
ABC News delves into the contentious realm of video game loot boxes in their informative video, “What are video game loot boxes and do they encourage gambling? Loot boxes.” These virtual items, purchasable within video games, have stirred significant debate within the gaming community and beyond, particularly regarding their potential resemblance to gambling. Loot boxes are essentially digital mystery boxes that players can acquire as they progress through a game or purchase using either in-game currency or real money. Their contents, which can range from in-game weapons to cosmetic enhancements for characters, remain concealed until they are opened. The allure of loot boxes is heightened by their chance-based mechanics, coupled with captivating sound and visual effects designed to evoke excitement. The controversy surrounding loot boxes has intensified as their popularity has soared, with global expenditures surpassing $40 billion in 2018 alone. Alarmingly, a substantial portion of this spending came from children aged 11 to 16, raising concerns about potential gambling-like behavior. While the video game industry maintains that loot boxes do not equate to gambling, mounting criticism has spurred action. Some developers are phasing out loot boxes or implementing measures to increase transparency. Belgium has already taken a firm stance by banning loot boxes, setting a precedent that other countries may consider following suit.
Part3 Rhetorical Analysis
The genre is a video. The primary audience is gamers, and the secondary audience would be parents. The video expresses logos through research and recorded data. ABC News, a reliable source uploads the video because it offers a comprehensive view of current events through a diverse range of topics such as national and international news, politics, business, entertainment, and health. Additionally, ABC News has won numerous Emmy Awards for its coverage of breaking news, investigative reporting, feature stories, and documentary programs.
Part 4 Notable Quotables
Like poker machines, loot boxes use sounds and visual effects to create a buzz of excitement and anticipation (1:20 – 1:30)
It’s much faster to use actual money to exchange for more loot boxes (2:29 – 2:31)
One report estimated that in 2018 players around the spent more than 40 billion dollars on loot boxes (2:32 – 2:38)
